The War Factory

Poll 2 results in: Rolling Thunder actually popular?

2009-11-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

>Rolling thunder
>Steamroller wins
Hmm.... /:p

Anyway, the results of poll 2 are in and I'm finally off my ass and reporting on the matter! Better yet, I see this poll actually got some attention... I didn't know anyone else was here...

Apparently, the majority of you voted yourselves as ardent steamrollers! Ah, conquerers after my own heart. However, how many of you actually find yourself in two or more categories, or a mix of all of them?

Personally, I am both a Steamroller and a WMD Spammer. I tend to habitually build ultra-fortified bases and rain down waves of super-weapons on my opponents before i fast-attack afterwards with massive columns of heavy aircraft or tanks. Although, you people that destroy, melee, flip, drown, abduct, crush, siphon, inflate, obliterate from time, or just accidentally my miners officially PISS ME OFF.

Stay away from mah cash flow, or reap THUNDEROUS FURY! (Basically ore miners with sharks on their heads that subsequently have laser beams attached to their heads.) Seriously, i made a mod once with just that, and generated massive lulz from said mod.

All my cataclysmic rambling aside, the poll results:

1 Person voted: Guerillia
1 Person voted: Rusher
2 People voted: Turtler
5 People voted: Steamroller
2 People voted: WMD Spammer

Much better involvement than last time, but let's aim for even more next time. Your thoughts, give me them.

THE STOCK MARKET, OH GOD...

2009-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

Now that I have your attention, have another tune. This one's badass, so crank it up nao! If you've got a 5.1, 7.1 or higher; now's the time to use it.

Oops, I accidentally Youtube...

2009-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

ALL OF YOUTUBE.
Anyway, damn it's quiet around here...

While you're reading Rolling Thunder and whatever else lying around this place, have a listen to three of my favorite tunes, they're pretty good.

[EDIT]: Oops, I accidentally my HTML. ALL OF IT.


[EDIT]:Disregard that, all is well.  Nothing to see here, aside from the videos...

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-11-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Part 8 - Repairs and more repairs: Maintenance and your tank

Another all encompassing idea, which revolves around every single component attached to your tank; how are you going to maintain or allow the tank to be maintained?

Facts are facts; human junk breaks, that's all there is to it. Whatever we make or build, it's bound to break or fall apart eventually, but eventually becomes quickly when the object in question is under stressful circumstances, such as being shot and dinged with bullets and tank shell casings. Bottom line is, your tank is going to need to be repaired multiple times throughout its lifespan, as do all useful combat vehicles (emphasis on useful). Odds are, if your tank doesn't need to be repaired, it isn't in combat, and therefore of no use to anyone, really...

Beyond this, due to the overall chemical properties of human materials (i.e. materials found on earth), just about anything we make succumbs to decomposition over time, even when we or other living creatures are not interacting with it; which is already impossible due to the ridiculously vast amounts of bacteria that scour every surface on earth that isn't dangerously volatile or irradiated... But even past that, earthly processes such as oxidation and forming of composites can debilitate if not destroy most human vehicles, especially over time as they are complicated machines that require a massive amount of pieces to come together in unity for operation.

If even one of these pieces fails, there is the risk of breakdown in this system.

As previously stated, there will be the necessity of battlefield repairs; as most of this 'piece failure' will in fact occur right in the middle of battle, and the capacity of your tank to be an easier repair than other tanks means that the soldiers piloting it will be out and back in sooner, which will almost always save lives; making your tank a more viable option for moderate to heavy combat; which inherently means that your tank will be queued up in more massive numbers as an end result.

Simply, easier repair = suitable for heavier combat = inherent need of heavy combat for more overall units = more monies for you.

And everybody likes the monies; you are not excluded, and don't even bother trying to persuade anyone otherwise. (Especially when it's freshly printed, that stuff smells good.)

Anyway, tangent aside; make your tank easier to repair and it will inevitably benefit you and every life involved with your creation. But just how do you go about doing this? You have two options; design the tank and its parts for better durability and interchangeability for speedier repairs(vague I know, but I can't predict what your tank will be!) OR, implement an auto-repair system!

But just what is an auto-repair system? Well, for me, that means nanites! Allow me to explain... Nanites, if i haven't mentioned them earlier, are microscopic robots that can be issued commands much like processes or programs, as they could essentially be considered such in lighter terms due to their size. If you can guess, their most popular functions are to 'build' and the ever infamous 'un-build'. Nanites can replicate themselves, this I am plainly aware of. By making copies of themselves, they are essentially reproducing asexually (emphasis on the asexual part), and can do this infinitely I believe; beliefs involved due to the complication behind their basest nature and operation. However, as I have portrayed many times, they can also be used to consume other objects by disassembling them on a molecular level. The type of mass destruction that can come from uncontrolled 'un-building' is very charismatically demonstrated by the young Akine Matsura, who is one of my many character creations; and is in fact, composed of these creatures limited to a 3d geometrical form. Best of all, this is actually possible.

In fact, using these creatures as a repair tool can actually make them readily available for use as a weapon aboard your vehicle! (With the proper command and control upgrades of course.)

Regardless of whether you declare your allegiance to SCIENCE or just whip out the old wrench in your toolbox, just remember; "Make it easy, so you can take it easy."

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-11-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

Part 7 - Super powered or super powered^2? : Your tank and raw engine power

Every component we've gone over and every topic we've covered all rely on this one simply explained yet very complexly demonstrated component. All tanks and all vehicles across the entire spectrum for that matter; use and consume energy and therefore must be given a steady, uninterrupted supply of energy for their functions to carry on in a controlled, closed operation. Having the right engine and/or power source is a big part of making your vehicle worth its own weight.

While hovering vehicles only need a power source when it comes to just power and engine push, treaded or wheeled vehicles need both; the power generator to supply energy to the vehicle's drive train and internal systems, and the engine to transform electrical or raw power into mechanical power with which to drive the tread systems or axle mechanisms.

If your tank has resulted in a relatively large form, no worries. You can place your engine wherever, (although I would advise placing it under heavy armor protection) and what's more, you can usually have more than one engine, if not many more! Imagine each tread system having its own engine; speed would most likely be higher, but power consumption would be too.

Whereas, if your tank is relatively small, be careful and vigilant where your engine winds up. Make sure it is protected, and submerged within the tank's form sufficiently (we don't want enemy soldiers being able to tell where it is too easily...). Usually, quantity is a limiting factor when it comes to smaller vehicles.

Overall, make sure your tank has plenty of power to keep it going in the toughest of situations, whether it be a firefight or a maintenance test routine; proper power supply and distribution is key!

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-Next time - Repairs and more Repairs?! : Your tank and maintenance
Oh and disregard any logical speech errors, i've been up for about 50 hours straight and have consumed copious amounts of soda...

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-10-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

Part 6 - Standard or Mechanized? : Mecha and your average tank

So, your precious invention is already mobile and bottled up inside its protective hide; and you've got a number of important gadgets on it already, so what's next? Well, some say off to the fight; but don't ring the bell just yet, there's still a few more important points to consider. For one, do you want your tank to be just a simple rough-and-tough fighting machine, or perhaps you'd like some additional functionality? -If so, mechanizing your fierce fighter is probably the way to go, which can offer a series of issues to deal with, but more importantly, an array of powerful advantages, including the possible capacity to switch between multiple forms designed to take on different types of enemies. For all you /m/echanoids out there, this post is for you, and if you're not in that crowd, just listen and soak up as much as possible.

Some, if not all of you, have seen multiple incarnations of what we all refer to as a 'tank', but still more have seen larger-than-life variations on this principle of armored vehicular war machines, usually taking the form of robotic machines, ranging from small mechanical drones armed with machine guns, all the way to giant robots capable of pounding enemies into submission even without drawing their weapons, which can vary even more from anticipated standards. The sheer imagination placed in the development of the original concepts for these machines is vast, and such originals have spawned countless variations on these 'Mecha', a term used in general reference to mechanized vehicles.

But for those of you new to this concept, what does mechanized mean? -In essence, it is used to describe a vehicle or machine that can use mechanical processes to modify the way it works in the field or off it. Simplifying that a bit, it means the object can not only change its weapon systems but more importantly; it's very form and the way it works and moves. No doubt many of you have seen plenty of giant robots; they're everywhere in shows and games nowadays... However, the capacity of these machines is in no way limited to a certain 'base' form. Your tank can be given this gift of versatility as well, with a few minor adjustments to its hull and component locations. Let's go over a few of these particular requirements for the transition from a simple tank, to a powerful bruiser, but keep in mind that mechanized vehicles need not get physical with their targets...

For one, the hull of your tank will require some modifications that can either be relatively simple to obscenely complex to perform, with this primarily depending on the shape, size, and material that your hull is composed of. Just as well, the mechanization of your vehicle need not be a core change, and can actually come from an attachment or upgrade to the hull or other systems. It doesn't have to be physically grafted in any way, but such combination usually makes for more fluid operation (movement, target acquisition, HUD operation, command-to-user feedback, etc.)
These hull modifications, whether grafted or attached; usually require a mechanism to deploy or activate them, hence the "mecha" part of this entire upgrade. Usually this involves a series of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure pistons, gaskets, nuts, bolts, screws, rods, and various yet copious amounts of all the above combined in a sense stylistic of many popular "rube goldberg" experiments, yet in the portrayed sense of standardized operation; they all hold together and usually without much assistance. Regardless, such parts would indeed need assistance unless they were made of top-quality metals and/or much more dense metals. Using aluminum bolts to hold walker legs together is a no go. Using reinforced titanium and/or tungsten bolts is a better option in any sense, but remember that in this sense (a bipedal walker in this case), these parts will start to slow the vehicle down as more and more are added. In addition, they must be replaced periodically to keep the vehicle from collapsing in on itself. When all these parts come together as one, it can not only generate massive mechanical need, but also intense confusion when it comes time to apply that need.

However, with the right application of this "mecha-effect" you can create something that a tank could never be, even granting your vehicle with the capacity to jump over certain obstacles, dodge incoming fire, and even punch enemy armor columns with its bare hands. (In the event you do make a giant robot destroyer... thing.) This effect can be applied to create such a massive range of vehicles at your disposal that can be anything from a small robotic spy drone all the way to walking battleships and even something similar to my Warbringer. (A giant alien planetary mechanized assault vehicle spanning a cubic mile)

One thing to remember when designing these kind of weapons is something you've probably already heard from me multiple times... Remember both the options and constraints that this change will give you, and pair them up with what the vehicle has to do. The perfect weaponized combat vehicle is one that can adapt and respond to any situation with tactical superiority, despite outside conditions; but this is rarely the case. However, with the proper application of this principle of need and usage, you can tone your vehicle to tactical perfection much more so than you would be able to without it.

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Next time - Super power or Super power squared: Your tank and raw engine power

Fall Break - A well needed rest; read this!

2009-10-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

YES, READ THE FOLLOWING!

-Yeah, fall break, blah blah blah, now this is important! For those of you that hate viruses and are always in fear of attacks on your computer (And as long as you run a 32-bit windows platform), go to the following link immediately!

SandBoxie Home page - Trust no Program

This program can run other programs on your computer in a 'virtual drive' environment where those programs cannot read or write to your system drive without explicit preset permissions, and prevents them from receiving or sending any uncontrolled communications; i.e, stops malware and spyware from winding up on your system! -Best of all, if you do get infected, then you're doing it right for once! -Just give Sandboxie a call, and it'll nuke the stuffing out of the virtual 'drive' and send it right back into oblivion, while your system idles on; completely unaware. For example, run your internet browser in the sandbox, and carry on completely carefree as you download things and visit links you normally wouldn't! -Finally, getting infected can actually be funny, as you are essentially invincible!

But you're better off going there personally and seeing what they have to say about it, as it's his/her/their program after all...

In Other Unexplained News...

2009-09-29T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hey, who ordered the pizza?
(Disregard that, Z3r0 is a n00b.)

Now for something completely different

2009-09-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

For all those of you that find animated characters to be amusing, cute, or downright hilarious, check this out.

VPVP (Vocaloid Promotion Video Project) Homepage
(Page is confirmed Work-safe)

On that page, you'll find the increasingly popular MMD (Miku Miku Dance) Program that allows you to load PMD (Polygon model files) of various characters such as all the vocaloids and run them thorough various dance routines, and the multi-model edition comes with multiple ones right away. Note: you should be patient and relaxed if you're a first timer, as setting up these routines requires IK bone editing, or moving the skeleton of the model one position at a time via frame editing. However, with the proper patience, you can make some very cool videos with which to show your video savvy!

PROTIP: Profile link for various extra model content will come soon, and I'll append it to this post.

Poll 1 Results in! -Scientific stuff most interesting

2009-09-29T10:52:00.001-07:00

The Results of the first poll are in! -Well actually, they've been in for a few days but I've either been too lazy or too busy to really build up anything to say about it. Apparently there were four votes total, which isn't too bad considering the discovery rate of new blogs isn't all that grand.

The Question was: What (if any) aspect of futuristic advancement do you find most interesting?
And the most popular choice was: Scientific Improvements

So what about that; -Scientific improvements? -I'm somewhat in the dark here, as I've already realized that I made that choice somewhat gray... However, it is not beyond reach. For instance, I'm sure several of you are both aware and/or interested in the European hadron collider (Particle collider) and what it's operators are trying to accomplish, or more specifically, discover. (Although in many cases as well, people are repenting their sins in fear of black holes...)
PROTIP: Black holes are not as likely in particle collisions as you'd think, at least ones that could actually destroy you. In other considerations, we've seen the mapping of the entire human genome within the decade before this and who knows where that will wind up taking us... -Perhaps we will unlock the secret to eliminating cancer and other peculiarly stubborn diseases.
Perhaps there is a secret 'code' to annihilating all diseases that we can contract (Although the halt of human death by disease will cause insane population booms and cause a "supply-apocalypse".)

With that said, that brings me to a very important point. Science, in all its infinite power, has to be juggled with other concerns, such as morals and common beliefs. I'm sure many of you have heard this a kajillion times, but that's because it's important! While science could bring an end to human death, should it? -As painful as the loss of a loved one or friend is, what happens if we all start living forever or for a much longer time? If we could spread out to more planets than this isn't a problem, but that's not the case, unless we feel like living in fragile space domes.

Then there's the option that we STOP making more of ourselves, but you've just turned me off completely and will now proceed to down vote all my future polls and spam my page, so I'm going to abandon that option before I even finish it. :|

In essence, we need science and so do all our future generations, but remember to keep it chained out of areas it shouldn't be in, and all of you individually know what I'm talking about. For one example, the age old battle of Science versus Religion has everyone taking sides, but perhaps its just a big waste of time. Not only is it riling up families over beliefs, but it's keeping science away from things that, perhaps, it should be messing with. Regardless of the validity of any one side's arguments, it is indeed a big waste of time. Science and Religion are not compatible with each other; you can't throw them both on the same scale and weigh them against one another, it just doesn't work that way.

But science has more enemies than just religion; even the all encompassing ideas of Ethics and Culture can be found facing off against science at times, but the true trick is deciding when such a blockade is helpful to humanity or hurtful, but remember, if we keep blocking science on every argument, it's going to fall behind us and be lost in the race for survival.

So that's all good about science, but what about scientific improvements? -Well, unless we stop or at least slow the rebuff of scientific activities, we won't see much of these. However, if we allow them to come, we could see anything from self-repairing structures made of microscopic computers commonly referred to as nanites, all the way to flying cities that would mock Laputa from the classic tale of Gulliver's travels. With science, all this is possible! -Even in the near future. But once again, if someone is going to, say; strap a proton collider to the underside of said flying city, it might not be a grand idea to allow that through the system...

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Next poll date and Material to be determined, and I'll come up with a few ideas sometime soon.

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-09-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Part 5 - Drone or Destructor? : Size Always Matters

Giving your arguments impact is always important, especially on the battlefield, and few would argue that size is anything else than the most important immediate contributor to this impact, especially at a range for those larger vehicles, where their monstrous size can put other objects into perspective. In addition, it's one of the first things you notice about another object around you or under your visual scrutiny, and usually the first thing you'll recall about that object for the times to come. This is the exact same with vehicles of war, if not even more so due to their immense capacity to leave lasting mental impressions on those that confront them.

However, do not be deceived. This is not a light task by any means, as taking in all the variables that have to work together in harmony for larger vehicles to succeed can sometimes be overwhelming just as the variables included with earlier tasks can be, but note that many of them correlate to each other. The one variable that lasts through and through is weight, and transforming your vehicle in a scalar sense (Increasing its geometric state (x,y,z) in a linear or abstract way) can greatly add to the weight of your vehicle, but unlike other variables, increased size allows for more of everything else, including engine power; so it can be worth it. However, there are still several things that need to be considered, which I will discuss now.

Weight; an ever limiting factor of everything caught in the gravitational pull of any celestial body, referencing Earth in our case; can be a tremendous problem to overcome, and increasing the size of your vehicle can make that problem even more ferocious to handle. However, while increased weight in its own right can demolish your vehicle's mobility, let's take a few more variables into consideration... For one, as your vehicle gets bigger, its system of movement can also get bigger comparatively, which can provide more surface area for your tires or treads to grab the surface and allow your vehicle to propel itself. In addition and as previously mentioned, additional space also allows for additional engine power, or just more engines! In fact, for very large vehicles, allotting each tread belt system its own engine can prove very effective at getting your vehicle up and about, and also remember that quintessential goal of conserving ammunition and taking problems out as conservatively as possible; great pick-up speed means easy crushing almost every time, as taking ground soldiers by surprise is much easier than you might think, as the pressures pushing them to weariness are many. A little underhanded, but hey, it's war. Lastly, keep in mind the imposing presence you can deliver to enemies with great size. Notice how frightful giant creatures are in science fiction films, and how many people regard small puppies as very cute, the emphasis falling on the small size.

Size, like any physical characteristic, is controllable and scalable. You have to decide how big or small to make your vehicle in order to meet your goals on the battlefield in the best possible manner. For the size aspect of your vehicle, it's usually pertinent to imagine where the vehicle is going to be and where it will go from there, terrain-wise. If it needs to master rough terrain, large treads that can't grab very well aren't a very grand idea, and thus the over-sized vehicles they are attached to usually are too. However, a general rule of thumb I tend to go by is this, "If it clears the zone without a sweat, make it bigger." In essence, size is a potent force to be utilized whenever appropriate.

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Next time, Standard or Mechanized? : Mecha and your average tank

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-09-20T19:05:00.001-07:00

Part 4 - Armoar or Armless? : How much is too much?

Okay, turrets' good. Transportation is a go, and we've got our ADS of choice; so what's next? Well, unless you want to ride around in a metal frame and be pelted with bullets and fragmentation artifacts, you might consider a hull!

A hull, or the armor of your tank, is what keeps you both inside your vehicle and intact, both in very literal senses. Never underestimate the importance of a thick hide on your vehicle, as it can prevent the most dangerous projectiles from coming close enough to snuff you out. Even those of you that are fervently interested in the Force Field ADS should always prepare for the worse with a strong metal hide. However, this brings up a few questions. For one, how thick should this stuff be? -And what to make it of? Aluminum, Iron, Steel? (Hint: the first isn't a very good choice, and the second is disastrously heavy.) Note that the density and defensive capacity of your armor is usually directly correlated, but can and usually does put the heaviest strain on your engine. There have been several tanks built under various countries that failed to even move during prototype tests due to the unpredicted weight of the armor!

Here's some easily handled hard points you should consider when building your tank's protective hide:

-Material: Like I mentioned earlier, which material to choose? -Well, let's narrow it to metals for starters, because that's about the only thing we have on this pretty little Earth that can stand up to the potent anti-tank missiles we've brewed up. So, Steel? -Titanium? -Or perhaps you've considered creating a custom metal alloy? -Creating metal alloys has proved to be very effective in the past, as Steel itself is merely an alloy which is created by refining Iron and a few other metals; yet observe its strength over its predecessor! However, if you plan on creating an alloy, be prepared to back up its state with some form of scientific evidence, which includes its physical and chemical properties. For example, Iron rusts away when exposed to water and oxygen over time, yet Steel does not. (Steel is created in a very controlled environment in many cases where oxygen can be prevented from entering the molten liquid during the smelting process.)

-Density: Essentially an extension of your material, density is a primary factor in resulting weight. The difference between a ton of feathers and a ton of gold is density. (Gold armor would be impractical but would be great for a pimp tank... ಠ_ಠ) The higher the density of your armor's material, the heavier it will be and the slower your tank will go, however, the more damage it will take before it is breached and therefore compromised.

-Crushing: Yes, that's right; crushing. While tanks being crushed isn't exactly applicable to our current world, it is easily possible if your tank is up against something much larger than itself. (Like my Siege walkers.) The thicker and more dense your armor is, the more resistant your vehicle is to being crushed! -In addition, if your armor is sealed tightly, you can create a pressurized environment that would not only help your vehicle resist further, but possible make it immune to such attacks, except by absolutely monstrous opponents or objects. A pressurized environment is more likely to hold the outer armor together in the case of colliding trajectories between objects, such as the treads or foot of a giant behemoth against your tank's face. However, as we'll discuss in a later piece; disregard this section if you're the one doing the crushing!

-Engine Strain: Yes, sadly, it is a hard-core proven fact. The more armor you add, the heavier your tank gets and the less mobile and maneuverable it becomes. I cannot stress this enough, so always keep it in mind! In essence, this entire section is about a scale, such as a balance. On one end, you have performance and mobility. On the other, protection and damage resistance. You have to decide where to land your vehicle on this scale; which is more important to your vehicle's success on the job, and more so, its very life? -Speed and performance, or thickness and durability? -Wherever your tank winds up on that scale, armor is the primary factor in determining this.

With those points in mind, always realize that armor, like anything else, is a burden upon your tank. Most everything that we'll discuss is going to be a component to burden your tank down with, but for obvious reasons! -This burden is what stops most designers in their tracks, and keeping a constant balance between all the factors and components included is your key to minimizing this burden and ensuing a successful design!

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Next time, Drone or Destructor? : Size Always Matters

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-09-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Part 3 - ADS and Countermeasures: the importance of active defense systems

So you've created your vehicle's basic shape and structure, added in a primary weapon system, and even taken the time to select a method of transportation. Technically, the first two steps are really the only things you have to take into consideration to make your new toy mobile. With that in consideration, what's the problem?

Consider this; you go and painstakingly construct a twenty million dollar tank with all the right features and send it out on the battlefield knowing that no one would dare to fight it, and low and behold, it just pops under pressure from a dissident soldier with a homemade rocket launcher. Normally, that's just war. However, I'd like to enlighten you on a new concept that several of you have probably already heard about, which amounts to countermeasures, or in my case, ADS (Active Defense Countermeasures). Active Defense Countermeasures are devices that can be installed on many vehicles, ranging from small tanks to battle ships. For your tank however, you should turn your attention towards the ADS specifically designed to protect their slow, bulky hides. For comprehension on this new subject, let's go over two popular tank-oriented ADS, the "Missile auto-destroyer", and the "Force field generator".

The "Missile auto-destroyer" is merely a broad ranged title for any ADS that performs a task relating (either directly or indirectly) to the destruction of missile or rocket-like projectiles fired at or towards the tank or vehicle. In essence, it is a robotic or automated device or attachment that uses various sensory equipment to track and update moving objects around the vehicle. When an object is traveling towards the device and therefore towards the tank it is attached to, the device can lock onto the target, and after certain speed and velocity requirements are met, destroy the projectile before it can impact successfully. Usually, these devices use infrared radiated beams, or lasers to precisely target the object or objects and dismantle them instantaneously. The benefits of this system are both accuracy and rapid response time, even under pressure. However, their fine-tuned components will require some maintenance, and the devices may and probably will fail to target smaller projectiles, such as bullets and small anti-tank shells.

For a more 'almost perfect' deflection of incoming projectiles, turn your attention to the "Force field generator" class of ADS. These devices can range in size from very small to quite large, but all offer an indisputable grant of protection, and in some cases, complete enemy retreat. These devices of great technological advancement usually operate by creating a magnetic field around your vehicle, which isn't actually an invincible shield, but instead; a barrier of magnetic energy
that forces itself upon any fast moving projectile that comes into contact with the field. Imagine an episode of the Looney Toons, in which the coyote sets up a giant rubber band to catch the roadrunner. On a random alteration, the roadrunner leaps over the rubber band and the coyote foolishly forgets his trap and rams straight into it. The band stretches back wildly, and then recoils; sending the coyote flying in the opposite direction. In essence, this is what this magnetic energy field does, only it is usually strong enough to stop the projectile after only a few inches of travel into the field before it is reflected back towards its source effortlessly. The benefits of this system are rapid target assessment and complete protection from almost all projectiles, as long as they are metallic. However, should someone have the innovation to create a plastic-cased missile, you're done for. Hence the 'almost perfect' characteristics of this system.

Regardless of the system that you choose, remember one very important thing. A tank without active protection is much like a soldier of our earlier wars and battlefields without cover of any kind, which could range from trees the native Indians used to defend against the land-hungry colonists; or with the American colonists in mind; the same trees that some of them used in guerrilla style warfare against the British troops slightly later in history. Regardless of when your vehicle is fighting (hopefully not back then, or else you might want a wheeled cannon instead), it needs active protection, I.e "cover", that the crew simply cannot provide with the other tasks before them. By adapting your vehicle with this protection, you are providing it a way to repel a good portion of the overall damage it would otherwise receive; usually in a vehicle-totaling manner. ADS are what truly separates the vehicles of tomorrow from the vehicles of today, as those vehicles of war separate us from our past.

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Next time - Armoar or Armless : How much is too much?

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-09-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Part 2 - Treads, Tires, or Neither? : Methods of Transportation

Okay, so you've got a block of steel with a large, fancy, shiny gun on it. Ready for battle it may seem, but wait. How is it going to move?

Indeed, another of the most important tasks that you will be faced with in the creation of your vehicle will be its method of movement and/or transportation. Even in the case of disposable vehicles, such as artillery pieces that deploy only once to erect artillery towers; they have to be able to move to their required destination. Regardless of how or where your land vehicle is going, it needs a form of active movement, and the more versatile and maneuverable this system makes it, the better it's going to be. To this extent, I will now discuss the pros and cons of both tires and treads; two popular transportation methods, and perhaps enlighten a few more methods.

Shiny, cushioned, and usually dark black; tires have been propelling vehicles for a long time, right back to when the first cars were invented. Somehow, someone got this great idea to propel heavy vehicles using the simple physics of air pressure in a closed system. While tires are usually a cheap option, and easily replaced; repairing them is almost never an option, so replacements must be present at all times. In addition, tires can easily be dismantled by very common and easily manufactured bullet types, even something as small as a 10mm bullet, so they are prime targets by enemies that wish to immobilize a vehicle to open it up to counter attack, and remember, no matter what vehicle you design; soldiers on foot are always more versatile and agile than you. However, to this extent, tires allow a vehicle to travel faster on average than treads, and can also respond to rough conditions, such as mud, loose soil, and rocky terrain better than treads, which become bogged down. In essence, tires are fast, cheap, and usually easy to replace at the cost of durability and the capacity to handle extreme wear. But in addition, they handle certain types of terrain better than treads.

Treads, usually known from movies as those elongated belts of interlocking metal clips, have always been regarded as more dangerous and imposing than tires and other forms of transport for combat-based vehicles. The eerie clanking sound they make as they crush the ground under them and leave tread marks in the soil has a very potent memory imprinting capacity for those that see them. While they usually slow down the vehicle they carry, treads have the capacity to take incredible beatings before they break down, such as direct hits from rocket launchers of many kinds, which can send normally courageous enemies running, especially if your treads of choice are modded for even more armor. However, this extreme durability and wear-resistance comes at a cost to not only speed, but also maneuverability and terrain handling, as treaded tanks can become entrenched in mud and very soft ground, and many treads have to be adapted to certain types of weather, such as snow or heavy rain. In addition, they also take lengthy periods of time to detach and repair or replace completely, and the loss of a tread usually ensures the loss of a tank, unless the fight moves elsewhere in a hurry. In essence, treads are usually more costly, but they can take a much greater beating than tires, and wear out much slower. In addition, their psychological effects can be very influential, but they can look foolhardy if your vehicle gets caught on an outcropping of rock.

One more thing, what about mines?! With only a few words, if your tank drives over a mine by accident, tires will almost always explode due to the concussive force, but some treads can resist the damage and keep going, and the tougher ones wont even break a sweat, but make sure your hull matches up!

So what is there besides treads and tires? -Much more, in fact. What about amphibious vehicles? I.E, vehicles that can travel over land and water? They, almost across the board; use cushioned underbellies in addition to ultra-powerful hover-jets to maintain themselves a few feet above the surface. While this makes a very mobile vehicle, these systems are nigh impossible to keep quiet, and can draw a lot of attention. In addition, they are usually easy to dismantle due to their fragile components. However, there is yet another option...

Magnetic levitation. While not incredibly practical for our time period, the implication for this method of movement are fascinating, and can allow even the heaviest vehicles to traverse both the terrain and the oceans at exceptional speeds and with far more exceptional maneuverability. Magnetic levitation is usually depicted as being powered by extremely powerful magnetic or ion-based reactors or power cells, both of which fall under the category of batteries that are used to generate electric current, and therefore; a magnetic field. By generating a field of such massive power, which in turn requires a massively potent cell or battery, these vehicles can use magnetic fields to levitate themselves. Have you ever placed two magnets in a vertical alignment with opposite ends against each other in a contained vertical 'chamber'? Notice how the top one actually remains in flight, as it refuses to land on the other, as their end-respective fields are not equivalent. In essence, magnetic levitation does the same, however, a tank weighs much more than a magnet; this is where the true challenge of this method comes into play. However, should you go with this method and scientifically achieve it, it can offer the advantage of only moderate amounts of required maintenance and full terrain coverage, right alongside extreme speed and maneuverability.

In the end, what method of movement you choose should take as many variables into consideration as possible, and always be mindful of who and where your vehicle will be fighting for. If it's in the desert, it'll probably need sand-friendly treads or you could just do magnetic levitation. If it's in the Himalayas, you might want to make levitation your top pick. Terrain is a very important aspect of this choice, so never leave it out of the decision making process!

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Next time, "ADS and Countermeasures: the importance of active defense systems"

Rolling Thunder - Mini guide

2009-09-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - Cannons or Guns? A basic weapon introduction

The first thing that comes to mind when you're trying to conceptualize a weapon is just that, what makes it a weapon? -What makes it so dangerous to life or property? When and where tanks are concerned, such a property usually falls upon its primary weapon, which is usually divvied up into two header categories: Anti-armor cannons, and anti-infantry guns. The most troublesome part of this decision is just which to choose, but the choice itself is actually remarkably simple; keep in mind what your new toy is going up against. Picking the right weapon for the job is crucial, and most standardized vehicles have at most, one primary weapon; two in some cases. A quick but misguided solution to this picky problem usually involves trying to make a jack of all trades vehicle with tons of primary weapons scattered all over in a "turtle" fashion, or all strapped together in a large "apocalypse array" designed for massive sieges of firepower. This fanciful phenomenon of creating "turtle tanks" and "apocalypse arrays" can be both harmful in operation and damaging to a vehicles' appeal to its intended investor audience.
In the interest of your primary production choice, I will expand on these two classes. Keep in mind however, that the effectiveness of either all depends on the resources available to produce and maintain them.

Turtle tanks are by far safer than the apocalypse array type vehicles, but much more cumbersome on a average basis, and are usually hard-pressed to support and maintain their scattered weapons. The weapons are usually scattered in such a way that they create a defensive perimeter around the vehicle, i.e. a "turtle" effect. While this is all good when it comes to combat, these usually bring poor ratings on design and operation, and can sacrifice a great deal of mobility in the presence of their weapons. In addition, they are constantly presented with a great deal of problems when terrain comes into play. To combat these problems, many designers will chuckle jovially whilst installing anything ranging from a personal nuclear reactor to a something resembling a V-20 engine, which I have yet to hear of. Bottom line; this design, in our day and age, goes beyond being impractical to being nigh impossible. But if it belongs in the future, than perhaps it might have a better chance.

In contrast, you have the usually large Apocalypse arrays with their grand and imposing profiles, although some carry a more compact form. Regardless of shape or size, these errors in philosophy are usually wired for "shock and awe" tactics by means of a massive discharge of all their weapons on a grand scale. These type of weapons have been popularized in everything ranging from animated Mechanized robots, to small spy drones. The main drawbacks with these weapons are both the maintenance involved with keeping them running and the ammo required to keep them dangerous. Without even bringing in the concern of weapon jamming or reverse discharge, these types of vehicles are exceedingly dangerous to both operate and work on. In addition, they serve as prime targets for an enemy's attempt to detonate their weapon systems. About the only thing that brings positive reviews of this class of vehicle is its capacity to strike very hard, usually without or with little warning. Once again, if this vehicle had better stability enhancements that it would most likely receive in the years to come, it might be a valid operations choice.

Both classes, in this day and age, are impractical. In essence, try to stick with only one primary weapon; it'll save you time, maintenance, ammo, and promote the safety of the crew. In addition, its more compact profile will allow it to remain more discreet on the battlefield or off it. But the most important concept to keep in mind is this; Weapons and the vehicles they rely upon are not by any means linear in nature, if not completely to the contrary. Many variables must be taken into account, such as operation period (past, present, future), type of power source (electricity, solid ammunition, plasma, etc.), and even who will most likely be driving your vehicle on a daily basis. Who indeed? -A disciplined soldier, or a reckless rebel? The driver will usually operate certain weapons on a different scale, and some drivers shouldn't be exposed to certain weapons, as the combination can be dangerous. With a few final words, always be willing to search for even more variables than I have listed. There is no way I can contain the entire science compelled from this guide as it is vast, so do your part! -Let your imagination flow as much as possible, and even more ways of narrowing down exactly what you're looking for will make themselves apparent.

With great attention to close detail, you'll find something surprising... -This is actually much more easy than it's made out to be. Trust me.

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Part two coming soon - Treads, Tires, or Neither? : Methods of Transportation

New mini-guide coming - "Rolling Thunder"

2009-09-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've started working on a small mini-guide, "Rolling thunder"; an excerpt into the hows and whys of mastering the creation of armed-and-dangerous land vehicles, which I moderately define as "involving the possession of weapons and combat enhancements, such as armor plating, turrets, or weapons with which to fight another unit or entity". With this definition in mind, this category could contain anything from a fighter jet to an underwater mini sub to a cannon-toting space station, but I'm limiting the selection to vehicles that move around on the ground. Rolling Thunder will feature ten talking points on major issues involved with the creation process, and how to make sure it doesn't fall short on the battlefield. Those of you interested in such a guide, please read as much as possible, and feel free to discuss the points with me and add your input. A collection of minds is almost always better than a single mind, so I'd be more than happy to hear your ideas about all the sections involved. The more input I receive, the more refinements I can administer to Rolling Thunder, and the better it will help everyone that decides to read it. Also, if you feel that you could have worded something better, don't be afraid to tell me! -Once again, I'm sure several of you know what I'm talking about better than I do.

In other news, there is a new poll available to all those who decided to stop by, and it features a question that I have pondered on for some time now. However, your input is what I am most interested in; the thoughts of my readers are the data that I need. Just glide on over to the poll section and vote!

In addition and with regards to post moderation, odds are I will disable login authentication for the entire blog, so any and all anonymous users will have the capacity to post, but don't abuse your privilege, whether you consider it one or not. -Absolutely no spam posting! If you post a relevant link to another site, that's fine. Mess up, and it's back to the standard way of things. I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, so prove me right.

The direction of Technology

2009-08-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

One way or another, many of us are being forced into the age of technology further and further, and this is not a new phenomenon by any means. Throughout time, we have stumbled upon "Technological bursts", which have accelerated us towards supremacy over our own lives, but have destabilized such supremacy at the same time. In our most recent "burst", the age of computers; we have found ways to stay connected with our friends and family all across the world, all while performing tasks with the utmost speed and productivity, and immersing ourselves in unending digital worlds created for us. However, due to the complexity and detail present in these environments, it has made our security a thing of the past, spare the few of us that know how to actively protect it.

As this age furthers, the security present in our digital lives only weakens further; day by day, as ever more methods are discovered to exploit us and our information. Although, there is good to this advance. Regardless of whether you are dealing with metal-hearted computers, or the warmth of nature, you find equilibrium is always present and cannot be defeated. However, this directly ties in with technology, as while the dangers of everyday digital life increase, so does one's capacity to defend themselves on the internet and off it and everywhere in between. The result is a slightly tipsy-yet-balanced scale that keeps us pushing forward; past the computer age and on to our next burst of technological advancement, but what does this next stage have in store for us?

That is exactly what I find so fascinating. -The infinite possibility for our race in the near and far future, and the technology that we will wield in these coming times.

Welcome to The War Factory!

2009-08-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Whether you're here by mistake or by any other means, welcome! For those of you interested in subjects pertaining to any kind of futuristic devices (such as vehicles, power sources, methods of travel, weapons, warfare, and anything else having pertinence) please pop back in whenever you wish! Most of my postings will center around futuristic weapons and the like, but occasionally I'll purposively derail myself into other subjects, and perhaps some of you can set me straight when I screw up some logical assumption of the like. I find that while I am interested in such matters, my science on the subject sometimes falls short. On average, I'll come around every week or so, unless I'm hit with a sudden splurge of great ideas that I'd like to share, and then I might pop up several times a week. So again, for those of you interested; I might be able to entertain you surprisingly well.

As always, please note that most of what I'll discuss is in fact; completely fictional. However, it is my hope that some of these things will seem less fictional after I've given a rundown on them! -Possibly even barring them from being futuristic, and making them much more possible in today's world!