MLSS-21 Advanced Multipurpose Missile Series

[Vault 10]

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MLSS-21

"The MLSS-21 missile - another kickass product from the mad geniuses at ALC. Buy it it now - I did."
~~ Kevin Nivensky, CEO, Allanean Arms

The Aerospace Logistics has finally made the decision to offer for sale its latest line of versatile missiles, MLSS-21.

This product has been in use for some time, but until now was only sold to select allies and partners, such as Allanea, Lyras, Kampfers, and others. In its years of service, this missile family has accumulated an excellent service record. Its performance has proven to be so good, actually, that three nations have adopted it as their standard missile, replacing multiple different missile types with MLSS-21.

The reason its sale was restricted is the unique resistance of MLSS-21 missiles to interception in general and CIWS in particular. Its new kind of airframe construction and an extremely insensitive explosives allow the missile to withstand direct autocannon hits. Combined with its stealth capabilities, and a unique targeting system, countermeasures are rendered much less effective, making this missile a dangerous product to sell without proper oversight, as even one of them can be a threat despite CIWS protection.

However, the recent financial difficulties have forced ALC to expand its customer base. The missiles will still not be sold to nations failing to meet certain standards, however, such as ones known to engage in slave trade, genocidal actions, terrorism against civilians, and other crimes against humanity.


A complete description of the technology will follow below. Here is a brief overview of the highlights and the models offered.

MLSS-21 is a family of missiles, consisting of 20 models in total, each of which can be configured against different targets by installing different guidance heads. It can be retrofitted to older designs, or incorporated into new ones.
All missiles can be launched from aircraft, land vehicles, static installations, or naval vessels, using cold launch, hot launch, or direct launch.

The key advantages of MLSS-21 over the majority of missiles offered on the market are:

* Damage resistance. All MLSS-21 missiles, built as mostly solid cylinders of a load-bearing explosive that is stronger than concrete, are highly durable and can withstand severe damage, be it from CIWS attempting to stop them or just rough handling. With the simplicity of their mechanics, they need less maintenance, and have a longer service life.
* Safety. The concrete-like explosive used in MLSS-21 doesn't detonate from bullet hits, incendiary charges, or even nearby explosions. A highly safe fuel is used that doesn't ignite in the air, only in the specialized rocket engine. This means that the stockpiles with MLSS-21 can never explode from a shell hit or a fire. On naval vessels, these missiles can even serve as additional armor, if placed peripherally.
* Versatility. The same missiles can be used on different platforms, and quickly configured against any target by changing the guidance system. This greatly simplifies logistics and maintenance. Repairs become quicker, availability higher, delivery more reliable.

Apart from these unique advantages, the MLSS-21 missiles also have all the capabilities expected from a modern missile. They incorporate stealth features, have countermeasures-resistant guidance, can work in coordinated packs, prioritizing targets and maximizing the damage.

Here are some of the most popular models:

Model	Primary.Application	Diameter	Length	Launch mass	Range	Armor Penetration	Price (regular)	Price (allies)
MLSS-21-125KSM	Precision submunition	125 mm	800 mm	15 kg	12 km	110 mm	$55,000	$50,000
MLSS-21-125	Long-range precision strike	125 mm	1,600 mm	28 kg	200 km	170 mm	$80,000	$70,000
MLSS-21-125ATK	Anti-tank kinetic	125 mm	1,200 mm	26 kg	25 km	550 mm	$80,000	$71,000
MLSS-21-125ATS	Anti-tank shaped charge	125 mm	1,200 mm	28 kg	30 km	1,200 mm	$100,000	$90,000
MLSS-21-160ATK	Anti-tank kinetic	160 mm	1,800 mm	58 kg	32 km	750 mm	$140,000	$125,000
MLSS-21-160ATS	Anti-tank tandem shaped charge	160 mm	1,800 mm	56 kg	40 km	1,750 mm	$180,000	$160,000
MLSS-21-160	CIWS suppression	160 mm	2,000 mm	50 kg	220 km	215 mm	$125,000	$110,000
MLSS-21-200	Light anti-ship	200 mm	2,500 mm	95 kg	250 km	400 mm	$250,000	$220,000
MLSS-21-250	Light anti-ship	250 mm	3,150 mm	198 kg	280 km	540 mm	$450,000	$400,000)
MLSS-21-315	Medium anti-ship	315 mm	4,000 mm	400 kg	300 km	700 mm	$710,000	$630,000
MLSS-21-400L	Land attack	400 mm	5,000 mm	820 kg	400 km	N/A	$1,100,000 ($800,000 special)*	$1,000,000 ($710,000 special)*
MLSS-21-400	Medium anti-ship	400 mm	5,000 mm	820 kg	350 km	950 mm	$1,400,000 ($1,250,000 special)	$1,250,000 ($1,100,000 special)
MLSS-21-500L	Medium/heavy land attack	500 mm	6,300 mm	1,750 kg	500 km	N/A	$1,600,000 ($1,250,000 special)*	$1,400,000 ($1,100,000 special)*
MLSS-21-500	Medium/heavy anti-ship	500 mm	6,300 mm	1,700 kg	400 km	1,200 mm	$2,500,000 ($2,200,000 special)	$2,200,000 ($2,000,000 special)

As of October 2009, we have also developed three turbofan-powered variants, including a special export-only version, designed as direct Tomahawk missile replacement. For promotion, we offer them at a reduced price for the time being.

Model	Primary.Application	Diameter	Length	Launch mass	Range	Armor Penetration	Price (regular)	Price (allies)
MLSS-21-500F	Long-range anti-shipping missile	500 mm	6,300 mm	1,550 kg	1,250 km	900mm	$2,800,000 ($2,500,000 special)	$2,500,000 ($2,200,000 special)
MLSS-21-500F	Long-range land attack	500 mm	6,300 mm	1,620 kg	1,800 km	N/A	$1,800,000 ($1,600,000 special)	$1,600,000 ($1,400,000 special)
MLSS-21-520FE	All-purpose sea/land attack missile	520 mm	6,250 mm	1,580 kg	2,500 km	N/A	$2,000,000 ($1,800,000 special)	$1,800,000 ($1,600,000 special)

The H-series units below are outside the standard range, and incorporate additional improvements in propulsion, guidance and penetration systems. They do not match the exact schematic detail. All are sea-launched, for anti-ship use. Land attack versions offered on request. Missiles can be built to a larger size, or an intermediate size, or with specific proportions.

Model	Primary.Application	Diameter	Length	Launch mass	Range	Armor Penetration	Price (regular)	Price (allies)
MLSS-21-630H	Heavy anti-ship	630 mm	8,000 mm	3,500 kg	650 km	1,400 mm	$5,500,000	$5,000,000
MLSS-21-800H	Heavy anti-ship	800 mm	10,000 mm	7,200 kg	950 km	1,700 mm	$9,000,000	$8,000,000
MLSS-21-800HTS	Anti-battleship tandem charge	800 mm	12,500 mm	9,950 kg	1,100 km	2,700 mm	$11,000,000	$10,000,000
MLSS-21-800N	Anti-bunker nuclear	800 mm	12,500 mm	9,800 kg	2,500 km	8.5 MT TNT	$33,000,000	$30,000,000
MLSS-21-1000L	Land Attack	1000 mm	12,500 mm	14,000 kg	1,800 km	N/A	$7,100,000	$6,300,000

Custom models can be offered as requested, with certain minimum purchase size.

Nations purchasing more than 100,000 units, or more than 20,000 H-series units, are offered a bulk purchase discount, receiving equipment for the same price as allies. For allies purchasing in bulk, a further discount will be decided on individually.

Domestic production rights and necessary technology may be purchased for:
- Any single model: N$100 billion each
- All existing models, except for H-series: N$300 billion
- Full package, including H-series, all future models, and design of custom models with any size and purpose, immediately or whenever requested: N$450 billion
- Reselling rights: Discussed individually.
Nations requesting production rights may be subject to additional internal and external policy inquiries.
Allies and partners may obtain production rights for significantly lower prices. Please inquire individually to discuss the conditions.

Customers that do not need unlimited domestic production rights, but do not wish to be limited by the quantity ordered, may sign a contract for unlimited supply. Under such contract, no less than 100,000 units (combined) should be purchased immediately, and for all future needs, our sales department will be working with individual divisions of your armed forces. Equipment will be shipped as they require and billed automatically, without a need for negotiating additional purchases. Ultimate quantity is not limited, and the model selection is not restricted to those purchased initially.

[Vault 10]

Additional information can be found here: http://z3.invisionfree.invalid.com/HighTech/index.php?showtopic=57

Detailed description

The new approach

Constantly stiffening competition has prompted growing costs of armament. Aerospace Logistics has long followed this trend, which reached its pinnacle in 2005-2006 with the introduction of a $25,000 assault rifle and a $17,500,000 artillery shell. But a stronger threat came from below: highest performance on the market and even justified cost were no longer sufficient to overcome the cost barriers set by most customers. During the equipment replacement after the Iragian War expenses, this fact was given more attention, shaking all personnel positions and prompting a doctrine change.

While the light missile development was nearing the end, and was expected to finish with the old doctrine, another event has forced a major redesign. In March 2007, using the war disturbance which made ALC draw the fleet away from supposedly safe local waters, a large pack of GNAVT torpedo and missile speedboats raided a small convoy from the Free Republic of Hotdogs. In a massive attack, two Aerospace Logistics escort destroyers sustained heavy damage; while their high-quality hulls and trained crews indeed proved to be make the ships virtually unsinkable, they lost all sensors and failed the mission. Through the smoke of battle, GNAVT boats approached and captured two fast transports carrying the equipment for a new carbon nanomaterials factory and forty thousand tons of already produced high-quality materials. In a day, Aerospace Logistics became in short supply of advanced carbon fiber and lost tens of billions spent in the attempts to establish local production. This shortage forced the company to slow down even aircraft production, completely ruling out the use of advanced carbon fiber for the new missile.

In the climate of war expenses and the light of this defeat from the far less advanced GNAVT fleet, April 2006 has brought major changes to the Light Missile Division. The financial director Yoshii Hayataka and head engineer Johann Takaname were replaced by Farid Hasan Imad, a dissident economist rescued in Iragia, and a former civil engineer Alexis Trouchelle. As a result of these factors, the development of MLSS (or, more precisely, MLSS-21, for “Missile, Lightweight, Surface-Surface, launch platform class 2, generation 1”), designed to be carried by relatively inexpensive vessels, rapidly changed the direction towards improving the performance without cost and complexity increases over previous designs.

Active Airframe

Lower cost, higher durability

As the first change, the traditional approach to airframe construction, based on lightweight, high-precision aluminium-lithium alloy structures, was renounced. The alternate approach, used in MLSS (nicknamed “Melissa” within the team), utilizes the physical properties of the SLX 5.4 Structurally Loaded Explosive compound, originally developed for the VSM-3X anti-shipping missile and LRS-3 HAND cannon shell.

SLX 5.4 is a polymer-cement-based composite material, combining particles of varying size and hardness, held together by friction forces and the bonding agent, self-polymerizing in a few days after the mixture is poured. While the explosive properties of the compound leave much to be desired compared to top-end explosives, it has controllable viscosity, and is not prone to detonation unless heated above the glass transition temperature of the bonding agent and subjected to sufficient pressure to compress the active particles, making it easy to work with and significantly reducing the personnel requirements.
In popular military usage, the SLX compounds are referred to as "Explosive concrete", which captures the essence of their properties.

The missile is produced in multiple size variants, the most common being MLSS-21-315, with a maximum diameter of 315mm, which is described below.
Radially, the missile is separated into two general parts, fuel chamber and outer shell, by a 224mm diameter steel tube. This structure goes for most of the missile, apart from engine and head components.
Longitudinally, there are three main parts – the engine part, the body and the head. Both the engine and the body are an integrated block, composed of monolithic thick-shell structure, but separated by mostly hollow double curved cone forming the air intake. The head is manufactured separately and installed seamlessly using male thread, after the fuel bladders are set in place. It contains almost all of the serviceable components, including the fuel control system and the frontal control surfaces.

Structurally, within the monolithic thick shell part, the tube serves as the key support for the missile, and is covered with spikes welded to it in a staggered pattern, forming the radial pillars of the reinforcement structure. All ducting is installed at this stage, and, after it's complete, glass fiber is woven around the spikes in a random pattern, forming a volumetric web. The final reinforcement is a pre-made mesh of rebars welded to the ends of the spikes, forming a triangular structure. Glass fiber is woven again in a loose spiral pattern around the rebars, and another longitudinal weave completes the mesh. All of these processes are simple and can be either automated on a pipeline, or performed manually by workers with no special qualifications. As the workers manually finish welding the aft section, the structure is complete.

After it's done, the reinforcement structure is put into a polygonal tube, the ends are sealed, and SLX 5.4 is poured in between, the seals compressing it and providing vibration for faster hardening. This new compound, developed for the MLSS-21, differs from SLX 5.3 in higher plasticity and lower hardness, designed to absorb damage better, and lower metal content, focused towards greater detonation speed over heat effect.
Since the insensitive load-bearing explosive doesn't require a separate airframe, the missile can absorb significant damage, such as 30-40mm rounds, without detonating or cracking due to aerodynamic forces. If the guidance head is destroyed, the missile loses active guidance and has to rely on previously acquired data. The missile can detonate upon hitting its target as long as either the head or engine section is functioning.

A downside of using insensitive explosive is range limitation. At short range, the missile isn't heated enough to be able to detonate, and has to make a circle to heat up the explosive, if such a short-ranged attack is necessary.
Also, the SLX 5.4 explosive is not as powerful as dedicated HMX-based PBX mixtures, however, in MLSS-21 this is more than compensated for by the increased explosive mass, as it forms the airframe.

Lower RCS

A major decision was to make the airframe not circular or spline-shaped, but and irregular decagon instead, eliminating the need for precise machining of the rings or complex weaving of fibers. Above this structure, a flat panel of carbon fiber reinforced plastic is applied, with non-woven fiber outermost layers, as the controlled radar wave reflector. Up to 20 layers of radar absorbent material coated aramide film are rolled above it, finally covered with flat panels of syntactic foam with carbonyl iron coated microspheres, strengthened with glass fibers and forming the missile's outside. Due to flatness of the surfaces, ensured by stiff underlying structure rather than free support as in classic construction, minor inaccuracies are unimportant at this stage. High-temperature polymer bonding agents are applied to keep the structure stiff.

This faceted airframe, while simpler to build, offers almost as efficient RCS reduction as the most complex weighed b-spline designs, though compromising the aerodynamics and structural properties compared to them. Multiple layers of low-cost radar absorbent materials have proven to perform better than single high-quality coating, and better in thickness-efficiency as structures appropriate for a missile. The missile's aftmost section with an extending tail covers its engine and hot exhaust, leaving very little for the radar to pick.

The result is a munition with detection range about 6-8 times lower than conventional missiles, extending the stealth envelope and reducing interception chance.

Fuel system

While the initial design assumed turbopump-driven liquid fuel system, this was ruled out quickly due to cost concerns. Rising costs of solid fuels, their insufficient performance and high environmental impact, however, weren't acceptable in the design either.
Among the first options considered was hybrid fuel, which was close to being implemented, but increased complexity over the classic solid fuel solution. Unimaterial construction was also rejected due to fire safety concerns, increased damage in case of interception, and uncontrollability of combustion. The solution came from a rocketry club in Gecko City, which had long used self-pressurized liquid bipropellant rocket engines for amateur satellite launches.

The construction of a self-pressurized liquid fuel engine is based on volatile fuel or oxidizer, evaporating in an airtight environment, pressing upon the bladders containing the propellants. Unlike the simplest variant with single bladder, the Aerospace Logistics EMBAS-FS contains both propellants in their bladders, thus not depending on tank integrity. Changes were introduced into the pressurization system, which instead evaporates each propellant in its respective bladder, thus controlling its combustion rate.

Bladder construction has also changed from the civilian designs, replacing shell bladders with reinforced foam containers, for which a low-cost process has been developed. Such container's skeleton is formed from aluminium shavings, typical waste of aluminium machining in the form of long, helical, very thin and narrow stripe of metal. These helical shavings are bent and deformed until a structure is formed with the grid forming multiple volumetric cells. The structure is put into a tank lined with polyethylene mesh, fuel or oxidizer with ionized polymer particles suspended inside is poured inside, while the tank and the shavings are connected as the cathode and the anode. Low voltage is applied between them, forcing the polymer particles to form into layers around these shavings. After the power is turned off, the opposite ions are released from solid state by heating, gradually connect to the negative polymer ions, with the polymerization and fluid surface tension completing cell walls.

Fuel and oxidizer, placed in such foam containers, are delivered to the engine by evaporation of the contents – when the engine consumes fuel, pressure in the fuel tank drops, and more fuel or oxidizer expands. For more precise control, the missile has valved frontal air intakes in the head section, providing additional pressure on the tank when needed. The cells are opened simply by melting from the contact with the wall heated by the engine. The fuel normally takes 70-95% by weight, depending on the flight profile optimization, as, once the cruising speed is reached, most of the oxidizer is provided from the air intakes. Oxidizer injection is used for ignition, lower or higher speeds, and fuel consumption rate control.

Engine

MLSS-21 newly developed engine, designated EMBAS (Engine, Missile, Bipropellant, Airbreathing, Self-pressurized), is a simple combustion chamber with integral de Laval nozzle, optimized for efficiency at low altitudes. The chamber itself is manufactured by pressing from a tri-layer sheet, with two nickel superalloy layers sandwiching magnesium sheet for stiffness and liquid cooling for high-temperature areas. To prevent buckling under melting, the sheet is punctured with rivet-spikes which are welded to the airframe rebars and keep a strong adhesion to the explosive. The simplicity of manufacturing technology keeps cost of this engine only slightly higher than for a normal conical nozzle for light military solid rockets.

EMBAS has no full thrust vectoring, being secured inside the cast airframe. To control thrust direction, a shockwave-based vectoring system is in place, with six magnetically controlled beryllium spikes entering the nozzle, breaking normal airflow. It can only be used shortly and doesn't allow for precise control, only abrupt and discrete redirection of thrust in one of the twelve directions. All more precise control functions are contained in the warhead, in order to minimize the amount of internal wiring needed – this particular control is provided by outermost layer reinforcement wires, while the core tube is used as the common ground.

Internal control circuit of the engine is based on discrete semiconductor and passive elements, which easily tolerate temperatures of 400-450K, found in the engine section. It has a 110-transistor main circuit at 200 kHz and 64 bytes of capacitor memory for up to 20 commands. Each command is primed with 3 bits to switch between “vector”, “power”, “detonate” and “delay types”. For every type, the next 20 bits can hold:
011, Vector: 6 bits, one for each thrust vectoring pin, 5 bits for 32 possible wing operations, 9 bits for 1-512 millisecond delay;
110, Power: 5 bits for 32 fuel valve states, 4 for 16 oxidizer valve states, 2 for 4 air intake states, 9 bits for 1-512ms delay;
101, Detonate: 6 bits, one for each detonator activation [partial activation can direct the explosion], 9 bits for 0-2.56 millisecond precise detonation timing, in 0.005 millisecond increments, providing 50mm precision, 3 confirmation bits (101 means detonation without hit, 010 after hit, anything else hit), 2 internal XOR bits;
000, Delay: 20 bits in 0.005-millisecond increments, for 0.005 to 5240 millisecond delay.
The last bit is the XOR redundancy bit.

On the average, this circuit can provide the missile with instructions for 8-12 maneuvering changes and precise detonation, which is sufficient to bring it to the target even if the guidance head is destroyed. Blindness and aerodynamic changes (while the head breaks clean, other sections can't), however, drop the precision. While functional, the head constantly updates the memory with new instructions.


Engine specifications:
EMBAS-01
Engine, Missile, Bipropellant, Airbreathing, Self-pressurized, model 1

Performance:
** Weight (full): 20kg max.
** Maximum thrust: 220kg min.
** Cruise thrust: 80kg

Fuel system: EMBAS-FS-1
** Fuel: 1,2-butadiene
** Oxidizers: Atmospheric oxygen, hydrogen peroxide
** Specific impulse, chemical: 387s theoretical
** Specific impulse, full mass: 102s theoretical
** Specific impulse, fuel: 1006s theoretical
** Specific impulse, effective, max speed: 740s min.
** Specific impulse, effective, cruise: 1510s min.
** Specific impulse, penetration mode average: 1100s

Thrust control:
** Control points: 6
** Possible states: 4096
** Effective states: 120
** Circular precision: 0.26 radian (15 degrees)
** Radial deflection: 0.0-0.52 radian (0-30 degrees)
** Radial precision: 0.10 radian (6 degrees)

Guidance

To save on costs, it was decided that each missile will only carry one type of sensor/guidance head, or a special head which serves as a hub for information exchange.
All heads utilize low-cost hardware, Arroyo-Klamath Consortium manufactured 32-bit RISC integrated circuits with 500 to 8,000 MFLOPS main IC and one to four 16-megabyte memory IC, depending on the model. Normal heads only have three redundant chip+memory PCB, while command heads are equipped with 12 boards, 8 of them working in SMP with the rest 4 redundant; extra PCB switching to the redundant team as active ones are lost.

The possible guidance types and system masses are listed below. Cost for all systems, where not stated, is included in the appropriate missile cost. Otherwise it adds to missile basic cost, being based on different hardware.

Weights of the systems are stated to help understand the limitations of smaller versions. The 315mm missile, offering 40kg for guidance, can carry any of these systems. Other missiles have a reduced guidance system mass:
125mm missile - 2 kg
160mm missile - 5 kg
200mm missile - 10 kg
250mm missile - 20 kg
Heavier versions, like the 400mm with 80kg load, are designed to carry multiple guidance systems.

Sensors+controllers, Arroyo EM-4000 series:
** LPI RADAR – 40 kg, N$200,000
** X-band Imaging RADAR – 20, 40 kg
** C-band RADAR – 40 kg
** Synthetic aperture RADAR – 40 kg
** Wideband RADAR – 40 kg
** V-band RADAR – 10, 20 kg, 40kg for imaging
** Passive RADAR – 2, 5, 10 kg variants
** RF emissions homing – 1kg
** RF emissions scanner – 5kg
** Infrared, monochromatic – 1kg
** Infrared, trichromatic – 2kg
** Visual, bichromatic – 2kg
** Visual+IR, pentachromatic (deep IR, shallow IR, yellow, blue, UV) – 10kg
** Laser receiver (requires laser highlighting) – 1kg
** Laser detection and ranging – 5, 10 kg
** Visual or IR pattern recognition, monochromatic – 5kg
** Visual pattern recognition, pentachromatic – 10kg
** Visual pattern recognition, pentachromatic, laser-illuminating – 20kg
** Visual pattern recognition, pentachromatic, multiband laser illuminating – 40kg
** Sonic scanner – 20kg
** CIWS attack warhead (muzzle flash detector, emission scanner) – 2kg
** Electronic countermeasures – 5..40 kg
** Simple countermeasures (chaff, flares) – 2..40kg
** Additional systems easily installed into warheads if needed.

Command systems (w/o sensors):
** Arroyo EM-5101...EM-5105 control hub – 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 kg
** Symmetriad Oriens I advanced control system – 20kg, N$250,000
** Symmetriad Oriens II advanced control system – 40kg, N$500,000

Link nodes (provide communication and data distribution):
** Arroyo EM-5121...5123 link node – 2kg, 5kg, 10kg
** Arroyo EM-1001...1015 GPS+LightCom receiver – 1 (one type only), 2, 5 kg
** Arroyo EM-1102, 1103, 1104 full-duplex LightCom link – 5, 10, 20 kg
** Arroyo EM-1203, 1204 wideband radio communication – 10, 20 kg

Additional electronics can be installed for the leading missile in the group, at the expense of a reduced explosive load:
** NCR Heavy Industries MDA-6, versatile 2.5D radar+visual target recognition processor, can integrate a pack of missiles into a formation. Weighs 40kg, installed on the 315mm missile. Cost N$200,000.
** Symmetriad Occidens, binocular trichromatic visual 2.5D analyzer, with a 120 GFLOPS, 32-bit, 4-processor array. Weighs 40kg. Can be installed on 315mm and above versions. Cost N$1,250,000.
** Symmetriad Occidens II, triocular pentachromatic visual 3D analyzer, 500 GFLOPS, 64-bit, 8-processor redundant array. Weighs 120kg. Can be installed on 400mm and above versions only. Cost N$2,500,000.

The Occidens system employs a quasi-AI routine, using an array of RISC processors. It takes input from multiple RADAR bands, weather data, emission scans, laser returns, infrared and visual light, and forms what is an equivalent of a color three-dimensional image. Data is taken from multiple missiles, to provide a stereoscopic effect. Matching all sensor data, it can unmistakably identify the targets from decoys, find their critical points, and locate interception measures. The information is then transferred to other missiles.
Occidens is only needed on one missile in a pack, except for redundancy purposes. It replaces the sensors, so the equipped missile must rely on others for radar and other data.


One missile can normally carry one sensor system of its nominal head weight class, two systems one class lower, or three systems two weight classes lower each.

While the capabilities of every head are extremely limited compared to all other Aerospace Logistics missiles, automated flying laboratories, their strength forms when linked together. Scanning every possible trace of the target and its detail, a pack of 20 or more missiles, including at least one analyzer, possesses binocular vision, a capability not matched by any other missile known to ALC intelligence*.
Large packs, if equipped with Symmetriad control system and analyzers, are capable of perceiving full three-dimensional environment, with wavelengths from low radar frequencies, through microwaves, to visual and UV light spectrum. For each frequency data are gathered from multiple sources for three-dimensional vision, combining both passive and active scan, thus forming image with data well beyond human perception, including multiple properties, such as diffusion, reflectivity, roughness and luminance in each wave band, for each surface. Using such thorough target model, the leader analyzes the optimal way to deal the requested effect, and guides the missiles to strike at particular areas of the target, such as radar domes, CIWS systems, weapons, based aircraft, command center, and other preferable hit zones.

Terminal behavior

Carrying no separate warhead, the MLSS utilizes its airframe as the active mass. Since SLX 5.4 is normally inert, 5 sets of six charges of TATB secondary explosive are used to start the main mass detonation. The detonation order of these charges determines the missile's explosion properties.

** In the normal mode, all detonator charges are detonated simultaneously, producing a high-brisance explosion. This mode is most efficient when attacking volumetric targets or ships with successfully pierced armor. As the only fragments come from rebars and remains of internal components, it behaves similarly to a bomb or Penguin missile, relying on the shock wave to deal damage.
** Airframe's separation into pre-intake and post-intake parts, together with insensitivity of the explosive, allow for a special detonation mode, named staggered detonation. The engine section detonates first, propelling the rest of the missile forward at an increased speed. A few milliseconds afterwards, after the penetration, the main section detonates. While this loses 30-35% of explosive to the acceleration, additional heating and deformation slightly improve main explosive efficiency.
** If, on the contrary, the armor is already penetrated, and damage should be dealt in the plane normal to the flight direction, bipolar detonation is possible. All main body detonators are disabled, and only the warhead and the rear engine detonator are used. When the detonation waves meet, a disk-shaped shockwave forms, keeping 80% of energy in its plane.
** In case when no method helps, in naval use the missile can be programmed to dive and explode underneath the target, like a torpedo. Structural resilience permits water entrance at up to 300m/s speed without previous damage, or 50-150m/s with significant damage.

Effect of MLSS-400 hitting a destroyer

Specifications

MLSS-21, 315mm
Missile, Light**, Surface-Surface, launch platform requirement 2 (light vehicles), model 1

Main dimensions:
** Mass: 400kg max.
** Diameter: 315mm max.
** Length: 4000mm max.

Launch method:
Vertical launch system:
** Cell size: 450x450x4500mm max.
** Cell mass: 160kg max.
** Type: Electromagnetic launch
Mudkip-mounted:
** Block size: 4 cells
** Dimensions: 990x960x4600mm max.
** Empty mass: 500kg max.
** Launch time, first missile: 0.8 second max.
** Launch time, fastest total: 15.8 seconds max.

Component mass:
** Engine and steering: 40kg max.
** Sensors, communication: 24kg (up to 50 on demand)
*** 20kg head weight class
** Active airframe: 200kg min.
** Fuel: 75-90kg
** Oxidizer: 5-20kg

Performance:
Speed:
** Nominal: 300m/s class
** Stall: 110m/s (Mach 0.3) max.
** Minimal cruise: 210m/s (Mach 0.6) max.
** Maximum cruise: 520m/s (Mach 1.5) min.
** Most efficient cruise: 290-305m/s (Mach 0.9).
** Terminal, at engine burnout: 650m/s (Mach 1. min.
** Terminal, with staggered detonation: 980m/s (Mach 2.9) min.
** With vertical fall: 750m/s (Mach 2.3) min.
Range:
** Nominal: 300km class
** Minimum (detonation failure risk otherwise): 50km max.
** Effective (cruise+acceleration): 320km
** Air-launched maximum: 430km min.
** Ship-launched maximum: 360km min.
** At maximum cruise speed (520m/s): 240km min.
** All-profile: 305km min.

Damage effect:
Explosive: SLX 5.4 – Stabilized Load-bearing compound, stability class 5, type 4
** Detonation energy, specific: 4.4MJ/kg at 300K, min.
** TNT explosive efficiency, cold (250K): 0.70 min.
** TNT explosive efficiency, normal (300K): 0.85 min.
** TNT explosive efficiency, heated (400K-600K): 0.90 min, 1.15 max.
** Sensitivity: Negligible
Active components: 220-350kg
** Explosive energy, SLX 5.4 load: 880MJ min.
** TNT equivalent, SLX 5.4 load: 160kg min.
** Explosive energy, normal or bipolar detonation: 850MJ min., 900MJ max.
** TNT equivalent, normal or bipolar detonation: 170kg min., 190kg max.
** Explosive energy, staggered detonation : 550MJ min., 650MJ max.
** TNT equivalent, staggered detonation: 110kg min., 150kg max.

Armor perforation:
With normal head:
** Normal, hit at engine burnout: 90mm of RHA
** Staggered detonation: 120mm of RHA
With a 40kg tungsten penetration cap:
** Normal, hit at engine burnout: 550mm of RHA
** Staggered detonation: 700mm of RHA

Other:
** VLS requirements, electric: 4MW or more vessel power
** VLS requirements, water: 5 liter/day, 50 liter/launch

Price: See the table above for regular prices.
Due to the high number of MLSS-21-315 already produced, and our preference for keeping the assembly lines running, as a special promotional offer, the existing stockpiles will be sold at a reduced price.
** Special offer, small quantities: N$550,000
** Special offer, allies and large orders (100,000+): N$500,000

P.S. Launch system not included in the package. Add $80,000 per missile if needed.

Alternate sizes (diameter):
** 125mm, 24kg
** 160mm, 50kg
** 200mm, 95kg
** 250mm, 198kg
** 400mm, 820kg
** 500mm, 1700kg
** H-series up to 800mm
See table above for specifications and pricing.


Notes.
*1. To our best knowledge.

**2. “Light” might be misleading for those unfamiliar with Aerospace Logistics products, especially since MLSS-21 is the heaviest missile with its dimensions, and even the 315mm model is comparable to Harpoon and Tomahawk.
Put simply, “Light” is applied to more simple and versatile equipment, built to lightened specifications, while “Heavy” only denotes the most powerful and specialized products. The misleading is partially intentional.
For instance, in a combined light+heavy missile attack against an armored fleet, MLSS-21 would destroy light ships and take out battleships' CIWS and sensors, leaving the heavy VSM-3X to sink the heaviest ships themselves.

However, since by now (in no small part thanks to the Vaultian and Rosdivani efforts) most supercapital ships are now at best serving as museums, and at worst have been smelted, the expensive and complicated VSM-3X is no longer being produced. In its place, the MLSS-21 series has been extended with heavy penetration systems to perform anti-battleship duties.

[Fatahland]

For the purpose of protecting the Conquests of the Glorious People's Revolution, the People's Republic of Fatahland requires 1,000,000 of these missiles. 500 billion dollars will be wired once your corporation accepts the order.

[Ravenstskia]

The Ravenstskian Socialist Union would like to purchase 1,500,000 of these missiles for 750 billion dollars, among other things for protection of our Union against the Fatahlandi Stalinists.

[Vault 10]

Hub Limited Exports
To: The People's Republic of Fatahland

Your order is accepted. As we have a large quantity of MLSS-21-315 units in stock, shipments will begin immediately.

Looking forward to future relations,
ALC Sales Department Director,
Anthony Stevens.

[Vault 10]

Hub Limited Exports
To: Ravenstskian Socialist Union

We presume you want the MLSS-21-315 model? Our company also offers heavier and lighter variants, for a wider range of platforms and targets.
We can transport the items in the short timeframe. Our immediate shipping capacity is in use, but within a few days, we'll free up enough transports for the purpose.

Looking forward to future relations,
ALC Sales Department Director,
Anthony Stevens.

[Yazmarea]

The Maoist Republic of Yazmarea also needs MLSS-21 CIWS-penetrating missiles. Specifically, we require 4 million of them. Would you allow a payment plan?

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation

ALC Sales Department
To: The Maoist Republic of Yazmarea

Greetings.

Yes, of course, there is no requirement for a lump sum payment. We can delay the payment for a year at no cost, or spread it over 10 years for no additional costs other than currency interest rate adjustment. If that is not satisfactory, we can suggest other options.


We also recommend, considering the scale, that you diversify the inventory. As seen in the table near the top, there are 15 standard configurations, specifically 4 anti-ship models (200, 250, 315 and 400). The 315 variant is the most popular because it is fully compatible with all launch systems designed to fire the Harpoon Missile and most other anti-ship missiles.
However, Mk.41 VLS, designed for Tomahawk, can also use MLSS-21-400, a heavier variant, delivering a greater explosive payload and armor penetration.

Lighter launch systems or multi-stacking configurations can use the 250 version, suitable against light vessels, although this requires a closer look at the launch platforms. We also can always produce custom versions matched to the exact platform limitations, thanks to the design's scalability.

If you'd like, we could take a look at your Navy inventory and recommend a specific distribution of missile variants.

Sincerely,
ALC Sales Department Director,
Anthony Stevens.

[Ravenstskia]

Dear Mr. Stevens!

Yes, indeed, the Socialist Union has the desire to utilize the MLSS-21-315 model of missile. We will be grateful to you, should you choose to ship them in a timely manner to the port of Bukharingrad, or, failing that, to the airport of Plekhanovsk.

Thank you.

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation
To: Ravenstskian Socialist Union

The order is confirmed. We'll start the shipment tomorrow, and it should be completed within two weeks. The missiles will be sent to Bukharingrad.

With best regards,
Anthony Stevens.

[Kraveska]

My government requires 50 MLSS-21-160 CIWS suppression missiles.

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation

Hub Limited Exports
To: Kraveska

Thank you for your purchase. 50 MLSS-21-160 missiles will cost $6,150,000, all inclusive. We'll provide airlift to the airport of your choice.

These missiles, designed to eliminate enemy close-in weapon systems, come in with emissions guidance, and should be configured to cooperate with the main attack munitions. Our expert will be on the flight and cooperate with you to program the missiles accordingly.

Respectfully,
Dennis Vermont,
Hub Limited Exports.

[Hardern steal]

The Grand Duchy State of Hardern Steal are interested in buying
1,500 of these MLSS-21-160ATK Anti-tank kinetic, = $240,000,000
200 of MLSS-21-125 Long-range precision strike, = $16,000,000
1,000 of MLSS-21-125KSM Precision submunition = $55,000,000
totoal cost $311,000,000
all for defencive purpose.

we'll transfer payment when agreement is done and signed

thanks

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation

Hub Limited Exports
To: The Grand Duchy State of Hardern Steal

Greetings.

Your order has been approved. The total shipment of 1,500 MLSS-21-160ATK, 200 MLSS-21-125, and 1,000 MLSS-21-125KSM will be delivered by airlift in the next few days.

Pleasure doing business with you,
Dennis Vermont,
Hub Limited Exports.

[North Wiedna]

North Wiedna hereby purchases 5 of the MLSS-21-315 model. We will test the product and, if it suits our liking, will return to purchase more.

[Vault 10]

Hub Limited Exports
To: North Wiedna

We'll ship the missiles the next flight. The bill at $2,750,000 has been sent to you.

WBR,
Dennis Vermont,
Hub Limited Exports.

[Cheztope]

What's the most devastating missle you have? I mean the strongest and most powerful.

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics
To: Cheztope

The most powerful missile of this type offered is MLSS-21-800HTS, which is able to travel over 500 miles, penetrate 3 yards of armor steel, and deliver an explosion sufficient to disable a supercapital vessel or a fortress. Complete specifications are in the table near the top.

The H-series missiles can also be fitted with nuclear warheads at special request.

With best regards,
Anthony Stevens.

[Cheztope]

I order will 50 of the finest missles you trade equipped with your most powerful warheads. I will await your decision regarding the cost.

[Cheztope]

I would like 25 to be submarine-based and to target land targets, and another 25 to be Air Force based mainly targeting Land targets.

[Democratic Colonies]

Official Government Communique
From the Desk of Defense Secretary Bruce Davison, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
To Aerospace Logistics Corporation, ALC Sales Department

Greetings. After careful consideration, I and my associates haves selected your line of products for purchase. Although we examined a number of competing products, we found that your MLSS-21 offered the best combination of performance, value, and versatility available. As such, we would like to purchase domestic production rights to the following members of the MLSS-21 missile series for a total of 200 billion dollars:

- MLSS-21-400 Medium anti-ship
- MLSS-21-400L Land attack

In addition, we were hoping to better understand exactly what type of CIWS fire the MLSS-21 missile can withstand. Sales materials indicate that the MLSS-21 "withstands CIWS hits up to 40mm APDS." We are currently interpreting this to mean that the MLSS-21 missile can withstand CIWS fire of calibers smaller than 40mm, but that 40mm fire from CIWS systems such as DARDO, which we mount on Democratic Colonies Navy vessels as standard equipment, is capable of neutralizing a MLSS-21 should the missile be successfully detected and a hit be able to be landed.

Thank you for your time,
Bruce Davison, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

[Vault 10]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation

Hub Limited Exports (official dealer)
To: Cheztope

The most powerful conventional land attack missile of this type offered is MLSS-21-1000L. It has the same dimensions as the HTS, a range of 1,800km, and a mostly unmatched, but still tactical explosive power. 50 missiles, 25 of them equipped for subsurface launch, will cost $377.5 million.

If you want nuclear-tipped missiles, MLSS-21-800N is an armored cruise missile with a 2,500km range, carrying a fusion warhead with a yield equivalent to 8.9 megatons of TNT. 50 such missiles, 25 equipped for subsurface launch, will cost $1.7 billion.
We hope you are aware of the implications of the use of nuclear weapons.

Respectfully,
Dennis Vermont,
Hub Limited Exports.

[Vault 10]

Message #1

Aerospace Logistics Corporation
From: Alexis Trouchelle
To: Bruce Davison,
Defense Secretary,
Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

Greetings. I've been requested to clarify the CIWS penetration capabilities of the missile. I hope this information will be helpful.

The mention of "up to 40mm APDS" indicates that the 315mm and 400mm missiles have shown good resilience to hits with any ammunition below 40mm, and to hits with some 40mm ammunition, specifically airburst HE and APDS, including APFSDS. This is the ammunition used by DARDO, so the MLSS missile has a good resilience against the DARDO system as it is normally used.

However, if loaded with ammunition specifically intended against MLSS-21, such as armor-piercing with delayed fuse, 40mm cannons could be made effective against the missile. It would, however, gravely degrade their performance against any other missiles. The use of 40mm cannons is in itself a compromise, with the achievable combined fire rate reduced 15-fold compared to 20-mm systems.

Resilience is not provided by armor, but rather by minimizing the damage possible at all levels. APDS flechettes for 40mm guns have an actual diameter of under 10mm, and are designed to detonate the typical explosives like RDX used in the majority of missiles. The MLSS-21 utilizes a highly insensitive, load-bearing explosive in a concrete-like form, which is nearly impossible to detonate except by special two-stage detonators in specific locations. Due to this, APDS rounds do not achieve their goal.

High explosive rounds work by showering the target with fragments. This is reasonably effective against most airframes, thin aluminium shells with hollow interior, particularly at longer ranges, where small cuts lead to further destruction by wind. MLSS-21 was designed specifically to avoid this problem, and has a solid construction, not vulnerable to shell fragments. HE rounds can still destroy the guidance system, but the engine has a separate control unit that allows the missile to stay on course, albeit with a loss of accuracy and evasion capability.

There's no absolute cutoff point for maximum tolerable caliber, but rather different kill probabilities if hit. For instance, 20mm rounds only pose a minor risk to MLSS-21-315 and above, under 1%, so may be considered a non-issue. The typical kill probability (if hit) of 30mm rounds against regular missiles is about 20%...40%, but within 1%...8% against MLSS-21-315, or 1%...5% against MLSS-21-400. This is enough to consider it sufficiently resilient to make such CIWS inefficient.
40mm rounds achieve about a 30%...50% kill probability against regular missiles, and 3%...15% against MLSS-21-315, at which point specialized 40mm rounds can be considered reasonably effective. MLSS-21-400 and above are more resilient.

Even with more powerful or specialized CIWS systems, if deployed, the kill probability against MLSS-21 still remains lower than against regular missiles, and adapting the CIWS against MLSS-21 compromises their effectiveness against other threats, which is a result in itself.

Of course, even if the missile is not defeated entirely (disintegrated or made to miss the target), CIWS hits still reduce its damage potential. Lower accuracy, reduced armor penetration, and even loss of the ability to explode (significant damage is still done by kinetic energy) are possible. Concentrated fire from multiple systems, even small-caliber, can gradually erode the missile, but this ties them up from attacking other targets.
CIWS are not rendered obsolete by MLSS-21, but merely have a greater chance of failure and take much fewer missiles to defeat. It's just the next move in the everlasting competition between offense and defense.

Please feel free to contact me if any further information is required.

ALC Engineering Department, Light Missile Division,
Alexis Trouchelle,
MLSS-21 Lead Designer.

Message #2

From: Anthony Stevens
To: Bruce Davison

Our department has reviewed the order. If there are no changes, we'll be sending the specifications and installing the appropriate equipment at short notice.

With best regards,
Anthony Stevens.

[Cheztope]

Aerospace Logistics Corporation

Hub Limited Exports (official dealer)
To: Cheztope

The most powerful conventional land attack missile of this type offered is MLSS-21-1000L. It has the same dimensions as the HTS, a range of 1,800km, and a mostly unmatched, but still tactical explosive power. 50 missiles, 25 of them equipped for subsurface launch, will cost $377.5 million.

If you want nuclear-tipped missiles, MLSS-21-800N is an armored cruise missile with a 2,500km range, carrying a fusion warhead with a yield equivalent to 8.9 megatons of TNT. 50 such missiles, 25 equipped for subsurface launch, will cost $1.7 billion.
We hope you are aware of the implications of the use of nuclear weapons.

Respectfully,
Dennis Vermont,
Hub Limited Exports.

I will accept 50 of each type of missle. The total cost has been calculated as $2,077,500,000. This includes 50 MLSS-21-800N nuclear tipped missles and 50 MLSS-21-1000L missles, in which 25 of both types of missles are equipped for subsurface launch.

$2.0775 billion dollars will be transferred to your country as soon as we have confirmation of this order and the shipping is enroute.

[Democratic Colonies]

Official Government Communique
From the Desk of Defense Secretary Bruce Davison, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
To Anthony Stevens, ALC Sales Department, Aerospace Logistics Corporation
To Alexis Trouchelle, ALC Engineering Department, Aerospace Logistics Corporation

We would first like to thank you for your responses. The information provided was most helpful, and all of our questions concerning the MLSS-21 family of missiles have been answered.

The Democratic Colonies would like to proceed with the previously outlined transaction immediately. Two hundred billion dollars have been transferred, and we eagerly await the arrival of the production specifications and other relevant materials.

Thank you for your time and your most knowledgeable assistance,
Bruce Davison, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies