R&D/Tech Action Submission Rules
Research and Development (R&D) actions allow players to design, improve, or conceptualize new military or civilian systems. These actions are subject to moderator review and should adhere to the template and guidelines outlined below.
R&D submissions must be grounded in the technological limits of the time (starting in 1961). Players may pursue speculative or fictional designs, provided they are plausible within the constraints of the era.
R&D Project Submission Template
Project Name / New System or Unit Name
Summary
Provide a clear, concise overview (2 sentences to 1 paragraph) detailing what is being developed. Include a brief description of any necessary technological developments or breakthroughs required. Outline broad capabilities, potential roles, or strategic implications.
Timeline
Provide a general timeline of when you expect for example the first prototype completed, when initial operating capacity (IOC) to be achieved, and full operating capacity (FOC) to be achieved. If the system is subject to mass production low rate initial production (LRIP) and full rate production (FRP) timelines are advised as well.
Costs and/or Resource Dedication
Provide a estimate of the R&D costs or if for example using existing R&D staff and resources, the level of resource allocation dedicated to this program.
Specifications
For specific systems or units, provide detailed technical specifications. Use the following format as a guide (adjust to suit your project):
- Crew: 2 pilots, 1 flight engineer, plus additional specialists as required
- Capacity: Define payload capacity or internal volume (e.g. 90,000 lbs cargo or 108,000 liters fuel)
- Length: [Length in ft/m]
- Wingspan/Width: [Wingspan or width]
- Height: [Height]
- Wing Area/Surface Area: [sq ft or sq m]
- Empty Weight: [Weight]
- Max Takeoff/Operational Weight: [Weight]
- Powerplant: Describe type, number, and power output (e.g. 4 × Rolls-Royce Tyne 515/50 turboprops, 5,730 shp each)
- Propellers or Propulsion Method: [As applicable]
Performance
Define the system’s operational characteristics and limitations:
- Maximum Speed: [mph / km/h / knots]
- Cruise Speed: [mph / km/h / knots]
- Range: [Operational radius or range]
- Service Ceiling: [Maximum operational altitude or depth]
- Other Performance Metrics: Maneuverability, takeoff run, endurance, etc.
Armament
Clearly list any weapons or offensive/defensive systems the unit carries:
- Primary Armament: [e.g. missiles, guns, torpedoes]
- Secondary Armament: [e.g. rear gun, auxiliary systems]
- Defensive Systems: [Countermeasures, flares, armor, etc.]
Sensors & Electronics
Detail onboard electronic and detection systems:
- Radar: Type, range, and capabilities
- Fire Control Systems: Targeting, ballistic computers, launch systems
- Electronic Warfare: ECM, ECCM, jammers, spoofing systems
- Detection Equipment: IR sensors, sonar, MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection), LIDAR, etc.
Submission Guidelines
- Plausibility: Submissions must reflect the real-world technological boundaries of the year (starting in 1961).
- Innovation Allowed: Fictional or non-historical systems are permitted if they logically extend from existing tech and development paths.
- Clarity: Submissions should be detailed and formatted for easy moderator evaluation.
- Moderator Review: Moderators may request clarification, revisions, or reject submissions that are implausible.
- Development Progress: Simply because an R&D action is approved does not guarentee it’s full success or adhereance to the initial timeline. As in reality delays, cost overruns, development setbacks, and other issues may occur.