Difference between revisions of "Sandcaster"

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[[Sandcaster]]s are defensive weapons; they dispense small particles which counteract the strength of [[laser]]s and protect the [[ship]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=17|version=Classic Traveller}}
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[[File: Wiki Navy.png|right]]
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* They are not an effective defense against [[missile]]s.
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[[Sandcaster]]s are a [[Turret]] mounted [[starship]] defensive weapon; they dispense small particles which counteract the strength of [[laser]]s and protect the [[ship]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=17|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S17}}
 +
* Sandcasters project a granular agent which obstructs light; when they are fired, the agent interferes with incoming [[laser]] or [[energy weapon]] fire. {{Page cite|name=Referee's Manual|page= 59 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
* Ablative sand works against [[plasma gun]]s, [[fusion gun]]s, [[particle accelerator]]s, as well as [[laser]]s. They also interfere with [[missile]]s. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
* Sandcasters may also be used as a sort of giant shotgun. They attack all targets within their danger space. {{Page cite|name=Striker|page= TBD }}
 +
* Sand can be extremely dangerous at extremely close ranges, and the launchers can be used with grapeshot-like projectiles. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Tom Chlebus]]}}
 +
* A sandcaster is a [[KEW]] classed defensive [[weapon]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
 +
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 +
Defensive starship weapon that dispenses small particles of a granular agent which obstructs light; when fired it interferes with incoming laser or energy weapon fire and protects the ship. The specific particles used by sandcasters are similar to [[Ablat Armor|ablat personal armor]]. {{Page cite|citeName=S17}}
 +
* Sandcasters are the only active defense usable against lasers. Launching a sand canister effectively targets an area where it will affect incoming laser fire.
 +
* Sandcaster Batteries fire canisters which burst or spray out ablative sand to form a cloud which degrades any missile, laser, or energy weapon beam which passes through it (...the cloud's protective capability is also degraded at the same time). The cloud has the same vector as the ship which launched it, and so will drift away if the ship changes its vector. Sandcasters differ from other defenses in that they protect an area of space rather than a specific ship.
 +
* Sandcasters fire canisters which activate a given distance from the launching ship and disperse a cloud of particles (nicknamed 'sand') which absorbs and disperses beam weapon energy, thus reducing its accuracy and effective damage. The sand cloud may also interfere with sensor signals, reducing their targeting accuracy.
 +
* It should be noted that the sand itself is a physical cloud when activated that disperses, its effectiveness against missiles is dependent upon the kinetic energy of the closing velocity of the missile and the sand cloud which is also effected by the amount of dispersal the cloud has experienced. It can be imagined as a shield which travels in a straight line away from the ship that loses its effectiveness over a very short time. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Jeff Hopper]] }}
  
−
== Description (Specifications) ==
+
=== Library Data Short Articles ===
−
Defensive starship weapon that dispenses small particles of a granular agent which obstructs light; when fired it interferes with incoming laser or energy weapon fire and protects the ship.
+
''[[Sandcaster]]s:'' Sandcasters fire canisters of ablative crystals, commonly known as "sand." Each sandcaster contains a generator of fields that manipulates the collective location and shape of the crystals. At early [[tech level]]s, these fields are electromagnetic in nature, and require the use of magnetic sand. More advanced systems are able to supplement or supplant the magnetic manipulation with gravitic manipulation, allowing the use of more effective non-magnetic crystals. These clouds of crystals are placed in the path of incoming beam weapons, causing them to expend energy burning through the cloud. The sandcaster operator uses laser warning sensors installed in the sandcaster to detect fire control locks and anticipate incoming beam fire. Sandcasters may be used against laser, missiles, and particle accelerator hits. {{Page cite|name= Marc Miller's Traveller|page= 90 }}
−
* The specific particles used by sandcasters are similar to [[Ablat Armor|ablat personal armor]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=17|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
  
−
=== Typical Sandcaster Projector Costing ===
+
'''Type S Weapon:''' Sandcasters project clouds of sand (small crystalline particles) which obstruct incoming [[beam weapon]]s. A sandcaster is not technically a weapon; it is a defense (defensive [[device]]).
 +
* It fires in AB Mode (Anti-Beam Mode) defending against beams.
 +
* It may also fire in AM Mode (Anti-Missile Mode) defending against [[missile]]s or projectiles. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 392, 410}}
 +
* It may also fire in an AP Mode (Anti-Personnel Mode) against soft targets including [[soldier]]s and [[softskin]]s, typically while grounded. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
 
 +
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 +
By the [[TL:7-9]] epoch, [[laser]]s and other energy weapons ([[DEW]]) have become an important part of the battlefield, with [[laser]]s widespread and effective by [[TL:10-12]]. Early reflective and ablative armors reduced the effectiveness of energy weapons to a degree, but not nearly as much as reflective aerosols and ablative particulate clouds, which led to the rise of sandcasters. They are still one of the most potent defenses against [[DEW|energy weapons]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
 
 +
=== Typical Sandcaster Projector Cost ===
 
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
 
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
|+ Ship Weapons {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=23|version=Classic Traveller}}   
+
!colspan="3"| Ship Weapons {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=23|version=Classic Traveller}}   
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Equipment Type
 
! Equipment Type
Line 16: Line 35:
 
| [[Sandcaster]]  
 
| [[Sandcaster]]  
 
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
 
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
−
| 1 ton
+
| 1.0 [[ton]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
''NOTE:'' Other [[ship]] weapon types and mountings exist, including some very exotic [[weaponry]].
 
  
−
=== Typical Sandcaster Ammunition Costing ===
+
=== Typical Sandcaster Turret ===
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Replacement canisters of this special sand weigh about 50 kg and cost Cr400. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=17|version=Classic Traveller}}
+
Each [[Ship's Turret|turret]] has a volume of 13.5 [[kiloliter]]s. Each [[turret]] can have 1, 2, or 3 [[weapon]]s (sandcasters). The price shown is for one weapon. {{Page cite|name=Referee's Manual|page= 74 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
* Sandcasters can fire up to six times a minute (ROF or ''Rate of Fire''). {{Page cite|name=Referee's Manual|page= 74 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
* Sandcasters can be operated from a standard ship turret station, from more powerful bridge computers, or a defensive coordination station on larger ships. Additionally some [[ship’s computer]]s can run [[Computer Software|computer software or programs]] capable of firing sandcasters. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
  
−
== History & Background (Dossier) ==
+
:{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
By the [[TL:7-9]] epoch, [[laser]]s and other energy weapons ([[DEW]]) have become an important part of the battlefield, with [[laser]]s widespread and effective by [[TL:10-12]]. Early reflective and ablative armors reduced the effectiveness of energy weapons to a degree, but not nearly as much as reflective aerosols and ablative particulate clouds, which led to the rise of [[sandcaster]]s. They are still one of the most potent defenses against [[DEW|energy weapons]].
+
!colspan="5"| Sandcaster Turrets {{Page cite|name=Referee's Manual|page= 74 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
|-
 +
! [[TL]]
 +
! Type
 +
! Power
 +
! Weight
 +
! Price
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL-7]]
 +
| Sand Turret-7
 +
| 1 [[EP]]
 +
| 4.0 [[ton]]s
 +
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL-8]]
 +
| Sand Turret-8
 +
| 1 [[EP]]
 +
| 3.0 [[ton]]s
 +
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL-10]]
 +
| Sand Turret-10
 +
| 1 [[EP]]
 +
| 2.0 [[ton]]s
 +
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL-16]]
 +
| Sand Turret-16
 +
| 1 [[EP]]
 +
| 1.0 [[ton]]
 +
| [[Cr|Cr250,000]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Typical Sandcaster Ammunition Cost ===
 +
Replacement canisters of this special sand weigh about 50.0 [[kg]] and cost [[Cr]]400. {{Page cite|citeName=S17}}
 +
* Specialist canisters with non-sand payloads are also available. There are a great variety of alternate loads available from specialized countermeasures, to decoys, to guided munitions, and more. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
  
 
=== Reloading Sandcasters ===
 
=== Reloading Sandcasters ===
−
'''Reloading:''' Each launcher (sand or [[missile]]) has an inherent capacity for three [[missile]]s or canisters. This means that a triple turret with three missile launchers has a total of nine missiles in ready position.
+
'''Reloading:''' Each launcher (sand canister or [[missile]]) has an inherent capacity for three canisters. This means that a triple turret with three missile launchers has a total of nine missiles (...or nine sand canisters) in ready position.
  
 
When a launcher's [[missile]]s or canisters are exhausted, it can be quickly reloaded by the turret's gunner. Reloading three launchers takes slightly longer. A gunner engaged in reloading is unable to fire other weaponry in the [[Ship’s Turret|turret]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
When a launcher's [[missile]]s or canisters are exhausted, it can be quickly reloaded by the turret's gunner. Reloading three launchers takes slightly longer. A gunner engaged in reloading is unable to fire other weaponry in the [[Ship’s Turret|turret]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
  
−
== References & Contributors (Sources) ==
+
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name=Starships|page=5|version=Classic Traveller}}
+
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships|page=5,17 |version=Classic Traveller}}
−
|S2= {{CT}} [[High Guard (book)|High Guard]] (Book 5)
+
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard|page= TBD |version=Classic Traveller}}
−
|S3= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
+
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Striker|page= TBD }}
 +
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Manual|page= 59, 74, 80 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
|S5= {{Ludography cite|name= Marc Miller's Traveller |page= 90, 110, 120 }}
 +
|S6= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships|version=Marc Miller's Traveller|page=72,100}}
 +
|S7= {{Ludography cite|name= Naval Architect's Manual |page= 21 }}
 +
|S8= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 392, 410}}
 +
|S9= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 +
|S10= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
   
 
   
−
 
+
{{LE|Defense|Device|Weapon}}
−
{{LE|Defense|Technology}}
 

Latest revision as of 01:04, 15 May 2019

Wiki Navy.png

Sandcasters are a Turret mounted starship defensive weapon; they dispense small particles which counteract the strength of lasers and protect the ship. [1]

  • Sandcasters project a granular agent which obstructs light; when they are fired, the agent interferes with incoming laser or energy weapon fire. [2]
  • Ablative sand works against plasma guns, fusion guns, particle accelerators, as well as lasers. They also interfere with missiles. [3]
  • Sandcasters may also be used as a sort of giant shotgun. They attack all targets within their danger space. [4]
  • Sand can be extremely dangerous at extremely close ranges, and the launchers can be used with grapeshot-like projectiles. [5]
  • A sandcaster is a KEW classed defensive weapon. [6]

Description (Specifications)[edit]

Defensive starship weapon that dispenses small particles of a granular agent which obstructs light; when fired it interferes with incoming laser or energy weapon fire and protects the ship. The specific particles used by sandcasters are similar to ablat personal armor. [1]

  • Sandcasters are the only active defense usable against lasers. Launching a sand canister effectively targets an area where it will affect incoming laser fire.
  • Sandcaster Batteries fire canisters which burst or spray out ablative sand to form a cloud which degrades any missile, laser, or energy weapon beam which passes through it (...the cloud's protective capability is also degraded at the same time). The cloud has the same vector as the ship which launched it, and so will drift away if the ship changes its vector. Sandcasters differ from other defenses in that they protect an area of space rather than a specific ship.
  • Sandcasters fire canisters which activate a given distance from the launching ship and disperse a cloud of particles (nicknamed 'sand') which absorbs and disperses beam weapon energy, thus reducing its accuracy and effective damage. The sand cloud may also interfere with sensor signals, reducing their targeting accuracy.
  • It should be noted that the sand itself is a physical cloud when activated that disperses, its effectiveness against missiles is dependent upon the kinetic energy of the closing velocity of the missile and the sand cloud which is also effected by the amount of dispersal the cloud has experienced. It can be imagined as a shield which travels in a straight line away from the ship that loses its effectiveness over a very short time. [7]

Library Data Short Articles[edit]

Sandcasters: Sandcasters fire canisters of ablative crystals, commonly known as "sand." Each sandcaster contains a generator of fields that manipulates the collective location and shape of the crystals. At early tech levels, these fields are electromagnetic in nature, and require the use of magnetic sand. More advanced systems are able to supplement or supplant the magnetic manipulation with gravitic manipulation, allowing the use of more effective non-magnetic crystals. These clouds of crystals are placed in the path of incoming beam weapons, causing them to expend energy burning through the cloud. The sandcaster operator uses laser warning sensors installed in the sandcaster to detect fire control locks and anticipate incoming beam fire. Sandcasters may be used against laser, missiles, and particle accelerator hits. [8]

Type S Weapon: Sandcasters project clouds of sand (small crystalline particles) which obstruct incoming beam weapons. A sandcaster is not technically a weapon; it is a defense (defensive device).

  • It fires in AB Mode (Anti-Beam Mode) defending against beams.
  • It may also fire in AM Mode (Anti-Missile Mode) defending against missiles or projectiles. [9]
  • It may also fire in an AP Mode (Anti-Personnel Mode) against soft targets including soldiers and softskins, typically while grounded. [10]

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

By the TL:7-9 epoch, lasers and other energy weapons (DEW) have become an important part of the battlefield, with lasers widespread and effective by TL:10-12. Early reflective and ablative armors reduced the effectiveness of energy weapons to a degree, but not nearly as much as reflective aerosols and ablative particulate clouds, which led to the rise of sandcasters. They are still one of the most potent defenses against energy weapons. [11]

Typical Sandcaster Projector Cost[edit]

Ship Weapons [12]
Equipment Type Typical Cost (Cr) Weight
Sandcaster Cr250,000 1.0 ton

Typical Sandcaster Turret[edit]

Each turret has a volume of 13.5 kiloliters. Each turret can have 1, 2, or 3 weapons (sandcasters). The price shown is for one weapon. [13]

  • Sandcasters can fire up to six times a minute (ROF or Rate of Fire). [14]
  • Sandcasters can be operated from a standard ship turret station, from more powerful bridge computers, or a defensive coordination station on larger ships. Additionally some ship’s computers can run computer software or programs capable of firing sandcasters. [15]
Sandcaster Turrets [16]
TL Type Power Weight Price
TL-7 Sand Turret-7 1 EP 4.0 tons Cr250,000
TL-8 Sand Turret-8 1 EP 3.0 tons Cr250,000
TL-10 Sand Turret-10 1 EP 2.0 tons Cr250,000
TL-16 Sand Turret-16 1 EP 1.0 ton Cr250,000

Typical Sandcaster Ammunition Cost[edit]

Replacement canisters of this special sand weigh about 50.0 kg and cost Cr400. [1]

  • Specialist canisters with non-sand payloads are also available. There are a great variety of alternate loads available from specialized countermeasures, to decoys, to guided munitions, and more. [17]

Reloading Sandcasters[edit]

Reloading: Each launcher (sand canister or missile) has an inherent capacity for three canisters. This means that a triple turret with three missile launchers has a total of nine missiles (...or nine sand canisters) in ready position.

When a launcher's missiles or canisters are exhausted, it can be quickly reloaded by the turret's gunner. Reloading three launchers takes slightly longer. A gunner engaged in reloading is unable to fire other weaponry in the turret. [18]

References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 17.
  2. ↑ Marc Miller. Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 59.
  3. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  4. ↑ Frank Chadwick. Striker (Game Designers Workshop, 1981), TBD.
  5. ↑ Information provided to the library by Tom Chlebus
  6. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  7. ↑ Information provided to the library by Jeff Hopper
  8. ↑ Marc Miller. Marc Miller's Traveller (Imperium Games, 1996), 90.
  9. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 392, 410.
  10. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  11. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  12. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 23.
  13. ↑ Marc Miller. Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 74.
  14. ↑ Marc Miller. Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 74.
  15. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  16. ↑ Marc Miller. Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 74.
  17. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  18. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
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