Difference between revisions of "Ship Sensor Suite"

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A [[Ship sensor Suite|Ship’s Sensor Suite]] is the detection package equipped in most ships.  
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[[File: Wiki Navy.png|right]]
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* It is comprised of abnumber of different sensors including densometers, radar, LIDAR, and more.  
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A [[Ship Sensor Suite]] is the detection package equipped in most, but not all [[ship]]s.  
 +
* It is comprised of a number of different sensors including [[Densitometer]]s, [[RADAR]], [[LIDAR]], and more.
 +
* It is an item of [[Ship Equipment]].
 +
* Sensors utilize [[metric]]s to quantify their readings and data.
 +
* Please also see [[AAB]] article: [[Sensor]].
  
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== Description (Specifications) ==
+
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
−
TBD
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Ship sensor suites are available in three different qualities:
 +
# [[Civilian Ship|Civilian Quality Sensor Suite]]: sometimes referred to as a "basic sensor array".
 +
# [[Paramilitary Ship|Paramilitary Quality Sensor Suite]]: sometimes referred to as a "standard sensor array".
 +
# [[Military Ship|Military Quality Sensor Suite]]: sometimes referred to as an "advanced sensor array".
  
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=== Sensor Detection ===
+
''Notes:'' The actual quantity and quality of sensors within the suite may vary from model to model, and between ship class, manufacturer's lot, or block. There may be other subtle distinguishments such as characteristic faults or "blind spots" in coverage.
 +
* Onboard and internal sensor devices may be tied in to the [[ship]]'s [[Anti-hijack Program]].
 +
 
 +
=== Computer Control Standards ===
 +
''[[Computer Control]]s:'' In almost all cases where the [[ship's computer]] can control a given ship function ([[gravity]], doors, etc.), orders from the central [[bridge]] [[Ship Computer|computer]] take precedence over those fed in at local [[Control Console|control]]s - this precedent is inherent in [[Spacecraft|shipboard]] sensor systems. Some [[ship]]s have been known to be built with a different system set-up, but this arrangement is commonplace on most [[vessel]]s within [[Charted Space]].{{Unpublished cite|author= Maksim-Smelchak }}
 +
* The [[Ship Computer|computer]] will always retain central control of a vessels sensor systems. Any attempt to operate a [[sensor]] [[device]] independently will be overridden unless the [[Ship Computer|computer]] is inoperative or the [[sensor]] [[device]] is physically separated from the ship's internal [[Ship Computer|computer]] network.{{Page cite|name= Adventure Class Ships Volume 1 |page= 6 |article= Book 2 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 +
 
 +
=== Sensor Types ===
 +
==== Ancillary Equipment ====
 +
* Antenna, dishes and aerials (transmitters and receivers). A concentration of such equipment may be referred to as an "antenna farm".
 +
 
 +
==== Acoustic Equipment ====
 +
* Audio Pinger (does not function in a [[vacuum]]: it relies on a gas, a fluid or a solid to carry sound) (Active Sensor)
 +
* Audio Sensor (microphone, listening device) (does not function in a [[vacuum]]: it relies on a gas, a fluid or a solid to carry sound) (Passive Sensor)
 +
 
 +
==== [[Electromagnetic]] Sensors ====
 +
: ''<small>Electromagnetism / Electricity / Electric/Magnetic Fields / Electromagnetic Radiation</small>'' <br>
 +
 
 +
: '''''[[Field Sensors]]'''''
 +
:* [[Field Sensor]] (Passive Sensor)
 +
:* [[Magnetic Sensor]] (''"[[Magnetometer]]"'') (Passive Sensor)
 +
 
 +
: '''''[[Electromagnetic Spectrum]] (Radiation) Sensors'''''
 +
:* [[IR Sensor|Active IR]] (infrared radiation, thermal imaging) (Active Sensor)
 +
:* [[Laser Sensor|Laser / Light Sensor]]s (Passive Sensor)
 +
:* [[LIDAR]] (Light Detection and Ranging) – also called LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) (Active Sensor)
 +
::* Prismatic (anti-laser) aerosol (countermeasure)
 +
:* [[IR Sensor|Passive IR]] (infrared radiation, thermal imaging) (Passive Sensor)
 +
:* [[RADAR]] (Radio Detection and Ranging) (Active Sensor)
 +
::* [[RADAR#All-weather RADAR|All-weather RADAR]] (improved function in a variety of environmental conditions) (Active Sensor)
 +
::* [[RADAR#RADAR Direction Finder|RADAR Direction Finder]] (Passive Sensor)
 +
::* [[Jamming Equipment#RADAR Jammers|RADAR Jammer]] (Active [[ECM]])
 +
:* [[Radio Communicator|Radio Detector]] ([[Communications Equipment]]) (Passive Sensor)
 +
::* [[Radio Communicator#Radio Direction Finder|Radio Direction Finder]] (Passive Sensor)
 +
::* [[Jamming Equipment#Radio_Jammers|Radio Jammer]] (Active [[ECM]])
 +
:* [[UV Detector]] (ultraviolet radiation) (Passive Sensor)
 +
<br>
 +
:: '''''EMS Sensor Packages'''''
 +
::» An EMS ([[Electromagnetic Spectrum]]) Sensor Package is a comprehensive and optimized collection of sensors and electronic systems assembled as a single compact unit.
 +
::»» EMS Packages are available "off the shelf" in a wide variety of "[[Civilian Ship|basic]]", "[[Paramilitary Ship|standard]]" and "[[Military Ship|advanced]]" types.
 +
 
 +
::* EMS Active Array (Broad [[Electromagnetic Spectrum]]) ("AESA") (Active Sensors)
 +
:::* Includes [[RADAR]], [[RADAR|all-weather RADAR]], [[LADAR]], [[Jamming Equipment|RADAR jammer]], [[Jamming Equipment|radio jammer]], [[IR Sensor|active IR imaging]], and image enhancement.
 +
::* [[Passive Electromagnetic Spectrum Sensor|EMS Passive Array]] (Broad [[Electromagnetic Spectrum]])  ("PESA") (Passive Sensors)
 +
:::* Includes [[Laser Sensor]]s, [[RADAR#RADAR Direction Finder|RADAR Direction Finder]], [[Radio Communicator#Radio Direction Finder|Radio Direction Finder]], [[Radiation Counter|Radiation Sensor]], [[IR Sensor|Passive IR]], optical instruments and cameras, light amplification, and image enhancement.
 +
 
 +
:: '''''Electronic Countermeasures Package'''''
 +
::* [[Jamming Equipment|EMS Jammer]] (Broad [[Electromagnetic Spectrum]]) (Active [[ECM]])
 +
 
 +
==== Optical Instruments ====
 +
* [[Camera]]s and [[Telescope]]s sensitive to energy across the visible spectrum. (Passive Sensors)
 +
:* Image Enhancement - a process to digitally manipulate a stored image using [[computer]] [[Computer Software|software]]. (Data Improvement)
 +
* Light Amplification. (Data Improvement)
 +
* Lights (visible wavelengths of light: a [[torch]] or a spotlight). (Data Improvement). (Active Sensor)
 +
* SIID (Starship Image Identification) (may also be referred to as SOIID – Space Object Image Identification). (Passive Sensor)
 +
:* SIID Enhancer (SIIDX) (data improvement)
 +
 
 +
: '''''Standard Packages''': ''
 +
:» ''[[Scope]]''
 +
:» ''[[Visor]]''
 +
:» ''[[Holovisor]]''
 +
 
 +
==== Gravitic Equipment ====
 +
: ''<small>Gravity / Pseudogravity / Gravitomagnetism / Gravitomagnetic Radiation</small>'' <br>
 +
* [[Mass Detector|Mass Sensor]] ''<small>([[Mass Detector]])</small>'' (gravitic sensor) (Passive Sensor)
 +
* [[Densitometer]] (gravitic sensor) (Passive Sensor)
 +
* [[Grav Sensor|Gravitometer]] (gravitic sensor) (Passive Sensor)
 +
 
 +
==== Navigational Aids ====
 +
* [[Inertial Locator]] (navigational aid, data improvement)
 +
 
 +
==== Particle [[Radiation]] Sensors ====
 +
* [[Neutrino Sensor]] (Passive Sensor)
 +
* [[Radiation Counter|Radiation Sensor]] (Passive Sensor)
 +
 
 +
==== Security Sensors ====
 +
* Motion Detector (Passive Sensor).
 +
* Pressure Sensor (Passive Sensor).
 +
* [[Proximeter]] (Passive Sensor).
 +
 
 +
==== Survey Equipment / Environmental Sensors ====
 +
* Anemometer (wind speed meter) (Passive Sensor).
 +
* Planetary Surface Elevation Scanner (surveying equipment) (Active Sensor)
 +
* Seismometer (earthquake measurement device) (Passive Sensor).
 +
 
 +
==== Virus Detectors ====
 +
Specialized systems developed following the [[Collapse]] and the release of [[Virus/New Era|Virus]], at the end of the [[Rebellion|Second Civil War]].
 +
* [[Active Exploratory Canary]].
 +
* [[Passive Exploratory Canary]].
 +
 
 +
==== Volatiles Testers / Biosensors ====
 +
* [[Atmosphere Tester]] (sample analysis) (Passive Sensor)
 +
* [[Bioscanner]] (sample analysis) (Passive Sensor)
 +
* [[Neural Activity Sensor]] (passive Sensor)
 +
 
 +
=== Accessories ===
 +
* [[Astronics]] ([[Electronics]] used for [[astrogation]]al purposes).
 +
* [[Avionics]] ([[Electronics|Electronic]] systems that coordinate and manage navigation within a planetary environment).
 +
* Self-Diagnostic Trouble Shooter
 +
 
 +
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 +
Except for a few gifted [[sophont]] species, most [[NIL]]s lack the bodily ability to sense more than a very limited part of the [[Electromagnetic Spectrum|electromagnetic spectrum]]. As [[technology]] develops, particularly to the construction of [[electronics]] in the [[TL:7-9]] [[technological epoch]], [[sophont]]s create sophisticated [[device]]s to sense that which their bodies cannot and translate that data into information that they can. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
 
 +
=== Generalized Overview of Sensor Capabilities ===
 
''Sensor Detection:''
 
''Sensor Detection:''
−
* [[Civilian ship|Ordinary or commercial starships]] can detect other [[ship]]s out to a range of about one-half light-second; about 1,500 kilometers. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}  
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* [[Civilian Ship|Ordinary or commercial starships]] (typically equipped with "basic" grade sensors) can detect other [[ship]]s out to a range of about one-half light-second; about 150,000 [[kilometer]]s. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}  
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* [[Military Ship|Military]] and [[Paramilitary Ship|scout starships]] have detection ranges out to two light-seconds; 6,000 kilometers. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
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* [[Paramilitary Ship|Scout or mercenary starships]] (utilizing "standard" grade sensors) and [[Military Ship|Military vessels]] (mounting "advanced" grade sensors) have detection ranges out to two light-seconds; 600,000 [[kilometer]]s. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
** Advanced grade sensors give better resolution and more precise data.
 +
 
 +
''Active Sensors''
 +
* [[Ship]]s using active sensors or broadcasting using [[Communications Equipment]] are significantly more easy to detect: they are advertising their presence.
 +
 
 +
''Silent Running:''
 +
* [[Ship]]s which are maintaining complete silence (relying on passive sensor systems) cannot be detected at distances of greater than half detection range; ships in orbit around a [[world]] and also maintaining complete silence cannot be detected at distances greater than one-eighth detection range. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Ship]]s may power down onboard systems, such as the [[power plant]], to reduce their emitted signature.
 +
* [[Ship]]s may attempt to use planetary masses and [[star]]s for concealment. A ship hidden "behind" such an object will almost always be completely concealed from detection. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
  
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=== Vessel Tracking ===
 
 
''Vessel Tracking:''  
 
''Vessel Tracking:''  
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* Once a [[vessel]] has been detected, it can be tracked by anyone up to three light-seconds (about 9,000 kilometers). {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
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* Once a [[vessel]] has been detected, it can be tracked by anyone up to three [[light-second]]s (about 900,000 [[kilometer]]s). {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
  
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== History & Background (Dossier) ==
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=== Ship Sensor Suite Development Sequence ===
−
''Silent Running:''
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* [[Bodily Sensor]] → [[Navigation Aid]] → [[Optical Instrument]] → [[Electromagnetic Spectrum Sensor]] → [[Biosensor]] → [[Gravitic Sensor]] → [[Psychotronic Sensor]]
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* [[Ship]]s which are maintaining complete silence cannot be detected at distances of greater than half detection range; ships in orbit around a [[world]] and also maintaining complete silence cannot be detected at distances greater than one-eighth detection range. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
+
 
−
* Planetary masses and [[star]]s will completely conceal a ship from detection. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=32|version=Classic Traveller}}
+
=== Technological Overview of Ship Sensor Suite Evolution ===
 +
==== [[Ur Period]] ====
 +
'''[[TL:1-3]]:''' <br>
 +
[[Optical Telescope]]
 +
 
 +
'''[[TL:4-6]]:''' <br>
 +
[[Binoculars]], [[IR Sensor]]s, [[Radio Communicator|Radio Communications]] (giving rise to [[RADAR]]).
 +
 
 +
'''[[TL:7-9]]:''' <br>
 +
[[LIDAR]].
 +
 
 +
==== [[Stell-Tech|Interstellar Period]] ====
 +
'''[[TL:10-12]]:''' <br>
 +
[[Neutrino Sensor]]
 +
 
 +
'''[[TL:13-15]]:''' <br>
 +
[[Densitometer]], [[Neural Activity Sensor]].
 +
 
 +
'''[[TL:16-18]]:''' <br>
 +
Beyond current norms.
  
−
== References & contributors (Sources) ==
+
== References & contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
−
{{Intermediate}}
+
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name=Starships|page=TBD|version=Classic Traveller}}
+
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page= 32 |version= Classic Traveller}}
−
|S2= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
+
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Manual |page= 68 |version= MegaTraveller}}
 +
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Security Leak 02 |page= TBD |article= In Storage: Starship Sensor Equipment |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 352|version= }}
 +
|S5= [[Chuck Kallenbach]]. [[SORAG_(book)|SORAG]] ([[Paranoia Press]], 1981), 23, 24
 +
|S6= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 +
|S7= Author & Contributor:  Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus [[Adie Alegoric Stewart]] of the [[IISS]]
 +
|S8= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
−
{{LE|Ship}}
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[[Category: Sensor Equipment]]
 +
{{LE|Ship Equipment}}

Latest revision as of 16:30, 31 March 2025

Wiki Navy.png

A Ship Sensor Suite is the detection package equipped in most, but not all ships.

Description (Specifications)[edit]

Ship sensor suites are available in three different qualities:

  1. Civilian Quality Sensor Suite: sometimes referred to as a "basic sensor array".
  2. Paramilitary Quality Sensor Suite: sometimes referred to as a "standard sensor array".
  3. Military Quality Sensor Suite: sometimes referred to as an "advanced sensor array".

Notes: The actual quantity and quality of sensors within the suite may vary from model to model, and between ship class, manufacturer's lot, or block. There may be other subtle distinguishments such as characteristic faults or "blind spots" in coverage.

Computer Control Standards[edit]

Computer Controls: In almost all cases where the ship's computer can control a given ship function (gravity, doors, etc.), orders from the central bridge computer take precedence over those fed in at local controls - this precedent is inherent in shipboard sensor systems. Some ships have been known to be built with a different system set-up, but this arrangement is commonplace on most vessels within Charted Space.[1]

  • The computer will always retain central control of a vessels sensor systems. Any attempt to operate a sensor device independently will be overridden unless the computer is inoperative or the sensor device is physically separated from the ship's internal computer network.[2]

Sensor Types[edit]

Ancillary Equipment[edit]

  • Antenna, dishes and aerials (transmitters and receivers). A concentration of such equipment may be referred to as an "antenna farm".

Acoustic Equipment[edit]

  • Audio Pinger (does not function in a vacuum: it relies on a gas, a fluid or a solid to carry sound) (Active Sensor)
  • Audio Sensor (microphone, listening device) (does not function in a vacuum: it relies on a gas, a fluid or a solid to carry sound) (Passive Sensor)

Electromagnetic Sensors[edit]

Electromagnetism / Electricity / Electric/Magnetic Fields / Electromagnetic Radiation
Field Sensors
Electromagnetic Spectrum (Radiation) Sensors
  • Active IR (infrared radiation, thermal imaging) (Active Sensor)
  • Laser / Light Sensors (Passive Sensor)
  • LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) – also called LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) (Active Sensor)
  • Prismatic (anti-laser) aerosol (countermeasure)
  • Passive IR (infrared radiation, thermal imaging) (Passive Sensor)
  • RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) (Active Sensor)


EMS Sensor Packages
» An EMS (Electromagnetic Spectrum) Sensor Package is a comprehensive and optimized collection of sensors and electronic systems assembled as a single compact unit.
»» EMS Packages are available "off the shelf" in a wide variety of "basic", "standard" and "advanced" types.
Electronic Countermeasures Package

Optical Instruments[edit]

  • Cameras and Telescopes sensitive to energy across the visible spectrum. (Passive Sensors)
  • Image Enhancement - a process to digitally manipulate a stored image using computer software. (Data Improvement)
  • Light Amplification. (Data Improvement)
  • Lights (visible wavelengths of light: a torch or a spotlight). (Data Improvement). (Active Sensor)
  • SIID (Starship Image Identification) (may also be referred to as SOIID – Space Object Image Identification). (Passive Sensor)
  • SIID Enhancer (SIIDX) (data improvement)
Standard Packages:
» Scope
» Visor
» Holovisor

Gravitic Equipment[edit]

Gravity / Pseudogravity / Gravitomagnetism / Gravitomagnetic Radiation

Navigational Aids[edit]

Particle Radiation Sensors[edit]

Security Sensors[edit]

  • Motion Detector (Passive Sensor).
  • Pressure Sensor (Passive Sensor).
  • Proximeter (Passive Sensor).

Survey Equipment / Environmental Sensors[edit]

  • Anemometer (wind speed meter) (Passive Sensor).
  • Planetary Surface Elevation Scanner (surveying equipment) (Active Sensor)
  • Seismometer (earthquake measurement device) (Passive Sensor).

Virus Detectors[edit]

Specialized systems developed following the Collapse and the release of Virus, at the end of the Second Civil War.

Volatiles Testers / Biosensors[edit]

Accessories[edit]

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

Except for a few gifted sophont species, most NILs lack the bodily ability to sense more than a very limited part of the electromagnetic spectrum. As technology develops, particularly to the construction of electronics in the TL:7-9 technological epoch, sophonts create sophisticated devices to sense that which their bodies cannot and translate that data into information that they can. [3]

Generalized Overview of Sensor Capabilities[edit]

Sensor Detection:

Active Sensors

  • Ships using active sensors or broadcasting using Communications Equipment are significantly more easy to detect: they are advertising their presence.

Silent Running:

  • Ships which are maintaining complete silence (relying on passive sensor systems) cannot be detected at distances of greater than half detection range; ships in orbit around a world and also maintaining complete silence cannot be detected at distances greater than one-eighth detection range. [6]
  • Ships may power down onboard systems, such as the power plant, to reduce their emitted signature.
  • Ships may attempt to use planetary masses and stars for concealment. A ship hidden "behind" such an object will almost always be completely concealed from detection. [7]

Vessel Tracking:

Ship Sensor Suite Development Sequence[edit]

Technological Overview of Ship Sensor Suite Evolution[edit]

Ur Period[edit]

TL:1-3:
Optical Telescope

TL:4-6:
Binoculars, IR Sensors, Radio Communications (giving rise to RADAR).

TL:7-9:
LIDAR.

Interstellar Period[edit]

TL:10-12:
Neutrino Sensor

TL:13-15:
Densitometer, Neural Activity Sensor.

TL:16-18:
Beyond current norms.

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 Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
  1. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  2. ↑ Jordan Weisman. "Book 2." Adventure Class Ships Volume 1 (1982): 6.
  3. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  4. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
  5. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
  6. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
  7. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
  8. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 32.
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