The RS-10 is the most commonly used system to launch surveillance satellites into orbit efficiently. 12 meters in length, and a launch weight of 2,000 kilograms (without a satellite), it carries a Saeder-Krupp Aerospace DR-5 mini-satellite, as well as the DR-7 FOBS. The RS-10 consists of a two stage assembly. The first stage consists of a ramjet with a rocket motor. When launched, the rocket motor propels the RS-10 to Mach 1. Once this achieves speed, the ramjet engine initiates and the system noses up and propels it to escape the atmosphere. It is launched from it's parent aircraft at 15,000 ft (6803m), and the ramjet lifts the RS-10 to 30,000 ft (9,144m). After that, the second stage drops away, and the first stage ignites, propelling the system up to low-earth orbit (LEO). Since the air from the mesosphere to the exosphere is thinner, and the improved compounds used, it propels the satellite into orbit. Once accomplished, the nose cone, with the aid of small explosive charges, as well as the two shells, release and allow the satellite to achieve it's position. The concept allows that if used during wartime, it serves as "chaff" and as decoys to prevent the DR-5 from being killed quickly.
The RS-10 is normally launched from Russia, which uses the Tyuratam facility as it's base of operations. However, the system can be deployed from anywhere in the world if needed. Current use are Su-61's, with two assigned, one is the primary launch aircraft, while the other defends the launch vehicle. It should be noted that the launch vehicle itself can defend itself, making these two aircraft highly used. They are on a "on call" basis, and also provide aerial protection if needed. The RS-10 is attached to the belly of the aircraft, which flies to it's designated point, and launches the RS-10.
DR-5 Surveillance Satellite
The DR-5 satellite weighs 1,000 kilograms, and is a typical surveillance satellite. It is a circular satellite, only 4m long. The primary package is a telescope, which can provide a 1 meter resolution capability. It is powered by an ion engine, which gives the satellite a 20 month "life". This allows the satellite to make as many corrections as needed. After the satellite "dies", either space based Saeder-Krupp units retrieve the satellite, or if used during wartime, an explosive charge designed to scuttle the satellite is used. Two deployable solar panels are used to provide energy, with the ability to store energy for the telescope for 4 hours. This is considered sufficient for standard field use. Unjammable (Rating 20) encryption secures the datalink, which can download real-time imaging or simple pictures. Most often, during wartime, this capability would be used to the fullest. Allocation of the DR-5 is one per Battalion.
DR-7 OLSB System
The DR-7 is the "attack" equivalent of the DR-5. Instead of carrying sensors, it carries five OLSB (Orbital Launched Smart Bomb), a 200 kg bomb that uses kinetic energy to attack surface targets, along with a high explosive warhead as well. Each OLSB is carried in a launch canister that accelerates the bomb towards earth. It also provides a shield to allow the bomb to enter the atmosphere. At 40,000ft (12,192m), the shield breaks up, and the bomb is released, then automatically deploys a small braking parachute, which slows the bomb down to allow some adjustment during re-entry. This is to serve two purposes: The first is to prevent any premature destruction of the bomb itself, and also provides a 'camouflage' to mask the true nature of the insertion. While not totally perfect, it does allow a small bomb to be introduced into the atmosphere without trouble. Additionally deployed are four deployable petals that assist the parachute, and can serve as maneuvering devices if needed. Once the bomb is in the proper area, the parachute releases and the bomb drops on the target. For most attacks, the bomb is GPS guided, to allow the bomb attack targets unaided, therefore allowing deep attacks without risk to any personnel. It uses any GPS satellite to guide it in. Once it reaches the target area, it is estimated the bomb has a 5m CEP (Circular Error of Probability), and the high explosive warhead ensures that it still hits the target. Included in the nose is a hardened cone, with a SHTF (Smart Hard Target Fuze) sensor, that can determine up to five floors when detonated. Most often, it's set on automatic, or if the intelligence is good, can be preset as well before launch. Launch is automatic from the DR-7, with the timing allocated to prevent any errors or misses. Unlike the DR-5, it weighs a total of 2,000 kilograms.
Total launch time has been projected to a mere 5 minutes from launch to the round hitting the target. Most often, the data can be acquired in two ways. Estimation through GPS plotting, or more secure, having a spotter on the ground designate the target (current field use is the AN/PVS-23D) and send the coordinates. Currently, there are only a few people qualified to actually call in an orbital strike, as the satellite is only designed to be used during wartime. Most often, the observer simply gets the coordinates, and then sends them to higher for processing. On paper, it is supposed to take only 10 minutes to process a mission. However, it is dependant on where the satellite actually is to ensure quick engagement of the target.
DR-8 Communications Satellite
The DR-8 is a LEO based satellite transmission satellite used for covert transmissions of data. Deployed in support of major operations, this serves as a relay to the GEO based network that Saeder-Krupp already maintains. This can relay data from anywhere in the world, as the satellite is not geosynchronous. This does present some problems of course, as the engine on the DR-8 is smaller and consequently, has half the life of a typical DR- series satellite. Retrieval of this satellite is handled by the orbital orbiting the earth, and the parts recycled or sent back down to Earth. Typically, the operative will have a 2 hour window to transmit/recieve data while on an operation. This can of course be increased if the operative is in a higher elevation, increasing an hour to the window. Upon reaching it's orbit, it deploys it's solar panels, and as well the necessary antennas for communication. It is also the lighter of the DR- series, weighing a mere 700 kilograms.
RS-10 Launch Vehicle
CF
Weight
10
2,000
DR-5 Surveillance Satellite
Weight
1,000
DR-7 OLSB
Weight
2,000
OLSB Round
Type
Intelligence
Damage
Weight
OLSB
6
30D* (-1/meter)
200
*Armor piercing, read the text above.
DR-7 OLSB
Weight
2,000
This uses these rules. The TN for acquiring the satellite is 6 with no modifiers.
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Comments?
Me.
2000, Fresh Productions.
With thanks to James Meiers for helping me out on this design.
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