These are a handful of specially designed pods intended to add capabilities to combat aircraft, beyond the capabilities that were originally installed. This increases combat effectiveness, adds to the number of missions that can be performed by an aircraft. However, an aircraft cannot ALWAYS be a jack of all trades. Due to the monitor installations these systems require, only one pod at a time may be activated - but can be switched around with the use of only one combat action. If this is done mid transmission for the Skywave Radio it will cause the radio message that is being forwarded to be cut out. If it is done while the Command/Control pod is serving coordinate information to other aircraft or artillery sites, the information will be incomplete.
1. Sonar Pod: This is a specialized pod that comes with a program package for the onboard combat computer of any aircraft, that provides aircraft with underwater eyes; sonar. The typical aircraft type outfitted with this equipment is the Assassin-B, but all of S-Mart's aircraft could theoretically utilize this equipment. How it operates is that it can drop six small disposable bouys equipped with a short range sonar unit, and a five hour battery each that will monitor the waters below the aircraft, and then transmit this data up to the aircraft circling overhead. This system can allow an aircraft, 5 miles off of the water, to "see" 3 miles under water, or hear what is out there at a maximum range depending entirely upon how loud the noise is in the water. It also can be used to map the ocean bottom, assist in salvage, and various other undersea type operations.
Weight: 80 Lb. pylon + 300 Lb. Pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: The sonar bouys are designed to be dropped from a maximum altitude of 12,000'. Once in the water, they can use active sonar to "ping" the ocean bottom, in an active search of hostile vessels or large sea creatures up to 3 miles down, but it can also go passive and listen for what may be underneath the waves. In that instance, sounds like explosions can be heard hundreds of miles away - while sounds as slight as a muffled cough on board a submerged enemy sea vessel up to a maximum of 1 mile away! The sonar bouys can transmit the data up to 25 miles, to the aircraft which deployed them.
Payload: Each pod carries six sonar bouys which are usually spread out to blanket as much area as possible during an aerial search.
Reload Costs: The Sonar pod itself costs 240,000 credits, but each sonar buoy costs 2,500 credits!
Installation Requirements: Software & Display monitor. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 2,200 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Computer Programming and Electrical Engineer; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Display Monitor could short out the entire console (01-25%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated.
2. Reconnaisance Pod: This is another specialized pod that is intended to give additional capabilities to a combat aircraft. This one, however, is intended to photograph an area directly under the aircraft, and 45 degrees to the right or left side of the aircraft. Each sensor pod contains three different variations of cameras, two of which will always be in operations at the least. One is the standard optical frequency with a range of 25 miles looking down and to one side, the next is an Ambient Light, Nightvision camera that can photograph anything in the night in shades of black and white up to 25 miles away, and the last camera is an infrared camera that displays the target area in the amounts of heat that are given off up to 20 miles away. It carries enough film up to 8 hours of operations, and can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch.
Weight: 80 Lb. pylon + 210 Lb. pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: 25 miles to the right or left of the aircraft for Nightvision or standard optical filming, or 20 miles with Infrared.
Payload: Each pod can film for up to 8 hours of operations, stored on 4 2 inch disks not only in the pod, but in a recorder inside of the cockpit.
Reload Costs: The Recon pod itself costs 186,000 credits, price includes software and cockpit recorder - but not installation. The 2" disks are available almost anywhere.
Installation Requirements: Software & Cockpit Recorder. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 2,200 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Computer Programming, Electrical Engineer, & Surveillance Systems; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Display Monitor could short out the entire console (01-25%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated.
3. Infrared Search & Track System(IRST): A infrared sensor that faces straight forward off of a pylon, that can literally "See" the heat emanating off of an enemy aircraft by it's exhaust or even the friction caused by wind rushing over it's wings and tail surfaces. This system is key in locating enemy aircraft without them realizing they've been seen, and can be used at night as well as in the day. This system can also be linked, if present, to an inertial nav computer to estimate distances and coordinates to a target, which makes it ideal for deploying long range munitions against targets beyond normal sensor ranges.
Weight: 80 Lb. pylon + 115 Lb. pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: 125 miles straight ahead, with a cone that extends approximately 10 degrees from each side of the IR sensor.
Payload: Not applicable.
Reload Costs: The IRST pod itself costs an incredible 550,000 credits, price includes software and display monitor - but not installation.
Installation Requirements: Software & Display monitor. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 6,200 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Computer Programming, Electrical Engineer, & Optic Systems; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Display Monitor could short out the entire console (01-25%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated.
4. Forward Focused Enhanced Telescopic Optics (F.F.E.T.O.): A telescopic camera that faces straight ahead that can see an incredible distance in great detail. It's wide angle lense which takes in 120 degrees of the sky, must be focused through the use of a ball control in the cockpit to extend or shorten the distance it is looking. Unlike the IRST it cannot be used during the night, only during the day. Like the IRST however, it can be linked to the nav computer to estimate distances and coordinates to a target, which makes it ideal for deploying long range munitions against targets beyond normal sensor ranges.
Weight: 80 Lb. Pylon + 150 Lb. pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: 75 miles straight ahead, with a wide angle lense that angles approximately 20 degrees to each side.
Payload: Not applicable.
Reload Costs: The FFETO pod itself costs a 224,000 credits, price includes software, display monitor, & ball-type range controller - but not installation.
Installation Requirements: Software, Display monitor, & ball-type range designation controller. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 5,200 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Computer Programming, Electrical Engineer, & Optic Systems; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Display Monitor could short out the entire console (01-25%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated.
5. Electronic Counter Measures Pod (E.C.M.): This pod allows an aircraft so equipped to jam radar and radio frequencies at their leisure, while leaving certain frequencies open for their own personal use. Once it is linked with the aircraft's radar detector, the aircraft so equipped with this pod is made aware of the danger of radar detection, by an indicator light that flashes with the intensity of the beam. If you get closer to the beam's source it flashes faster, if it flashes slower you're moving away from it, etc. Once the indicator light comes online, one of two things may be done - one, the aircraft could turn towards the source of the radar beam, and deploy Anti-Radiation Sensor Employing Ordinance (ARSEO) to destroy the source of the radar, OR the pilot can reach over, flip a switch and begin jamming the radar. This system can also be used to blank out radio and radar signals over a specific area up to the maximum radius the system allows.
Weight: 80 Lb. Pylon + 200 Lb. pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effects: 01-65% chance of jamming any radar/radio frequency. However, any equipment specifically hardened against such jamming attacks may only be jammed on a roll of 01-20%.
Effective Range: 25 mile radius.
Payload: Not applicable.
Reload Costs: S-Mart does NOT openly sell ECM technology to anyone but the NOMADs and the ANF, thus ECM Pod costs are really a moot point, however for the ANF it is 750,000 credits. Installation is relatively painless, with a small indicator light that flashes with the intensity of the beam detected, and switch box for activation of the ECM Pod. Radiation sensitive sensors may be purchased at a cost of 2,400 credits each and can be installed on everything from a Medium Range Missile on up, simply by removing the radar guidance portion of the sensor system on the nose of the missile, and replacing it with this sensor. This may be done by any competent military engineer, with any failures being considered a dud, flying off on it's own - blind when deployed.
Installation Requirements: Indicator Light & ECM Key Plate. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 2,200 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Electrical Engineer & Radio Scramblers; A failed self installation of the indicator light & ECM switch causes it not to function at all. which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the Key Plate and/or Indicator Light just doesn't work when activated.
6. Skywave Communications Pod: This specialized communications pod allows for communications over long distances, by utilizing an antennae that can angle the beam it projects, to bounce off of the ionosphere, there by reaching it's intended recipient. Through the use of this system, a fighter so equipped could be flying over Wa-Daisho, which is old Vancouver Island, and contact Desert Star, which is where old Salt Lake City was once located. In the alternative this aircraft could be used as a low altitude satellite, by collecting radio waves, and forwarding it on like a flying repeater station. For instance a vessel 650 miles down the Californian coast radios a may-day to anyone who will listen, is received by an aircraft flying over Desert Star with this equipment, which could then in turn repeat the signal back towards Wa-Daisho for them to send help! This can also make regular communications between Kingdoms spread out over long distances, much easier.
Weight: 80 Lb. Pylon + 250 Lb. pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: 1,450 miles.
Payload: Not applicable.
Reload Costs: Each Skywave Communications Pod costs 125,000 credits, price includes radio operations computer monitor and it's operations control box - but not installation.
Installation Requirements: Radio Equipment Monitor, and Operations Control Box. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 4,600 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Electrical Engineer, Computer Repair, & Radio Scramblers; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Radio Equipment Monitor, and Operations Control Box could short out the entire console (01-45%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated.
7. Forward Air/Artillery Control Pod: A specialized device used in conjuction with artillery and missile batteries located sometimes hundreds of miles away from the target. This pod provides the recon aircraft with a number of specialized systems to assist it in active forward air control. On the front of the pod is a specialized distancing laser, that is combined with the aircraft's Inertial Navigation Computer, what this does is draw up the EXACT coordinates of the target the distancing laser is focused upon. The laser can swivel slightly (about 10 degrees) in any direction to allow the aircraft to point at a target without turning the nose right at it. The second system is a painting laser mounted in the side of the pod. What it does is "paint" the target with a laser beam that laser guided munitions and/or ordinance can follow in to the target. To use it, the aircraft carrying the Forward Air/Artillery Control Pod, must set the aircraft at a precise speed and rate of turn, which is pre-set into the auto-pilot function, by the programming necessary to use this system. While doing this, the aircraft will conduct a slow orbit of the target, usually out of the range of weapons located at the target. This function is rarely used unless the aircraft carrying it is quiet enough, or at high enough altitude to where it will not be detected. The final system to top everything off is a specialized Command & Control Computer that makes ALL sensory equipment data, and Forward Air/Artillery Control Pod information available to friendly aircraft and ground based artillery sites. This allows precise, accurate targeting, and up to the minute intelligence regarding targets.
Weight: 80 Lb. Pylon + 225 Lb. Pod.
Drag/Weight Penalties: Decreases speed by 1.5% per pod.
Pod Spaces Consumed: 1.
Effective Range: The Distancing Laser; 5 miles, or line of sight, The Painting Laser is approximately 3 miles or line of sight, and the command & control computer operates at the maximum range of the radio equipment carried by the aircraft it is outfitted on. If it's radio is knocked out, then the command & control computer has no means of communicating.
Reload Costs: Each Forward Air/Artillery Control Pod costs 375,000 credits, price includes a computer programming update package, two command & control packages one that must be installed in the radio compartment, the other in the avionics bay, and a monitor must be installed in the cockpit. Thus the system is not easy to install.
Installation Requirements: Two command & control packages, one to be installed in the radio compartment, and the other that must be installed in the avionics bay - plus a monitor that must be installed in the main console. Cost for S-Mart installation of the system is 10,500 credits.
Skills Required for Self Installation: Electrical Engineer, Computer Repair, & Radio Scramblers; A failed self installation of the programming, must be repaired in the factory by wiping the computer and reinstalling all combat programming at a cost of 5,500 credits, plus the cost of any sensor/system pod capability programming. A failed self installation of the Monitor for this system could short out the entire console (01-45%), which would then require it's replacement which for most combat aircraft, is approximately 75,000-210,000 credits. Otherwise, the display monitor just doesn't work when activated. If the installation of either the Radio package or avionics package fails, they will not only fail to operate, but it will also knock out the radio or radar, respectively - until they are rewired.