BQ3 Specter-class stealth bomber
From the Halo Fan Fiction Wikia, writing 12,596 fan fiction articles
|
This article, BQ3 Specter-class stealth bomber, was written by RelentlessRecusant. Please do not edit this fiction without the writer's permission. |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [Source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BQ3 Specter-class stealth bomber, commonly known as the "B3 Specter", is an advanced and unmanned atmosphere-capable and space-capable stealth bomber design operated by the UNSC Special Operations Command, the UNSC Navy, and the UNSC Office of Naval Intelligence. Its predominant advanced technological capability is the usage of a homogeneous subwavelength-defined metamaterial composite[1][2] to provide a reflectionless electromagnetic (EM) cloak across all electromagnetic spectra as well as a shielded, high-throughput paralleled Josephson effect to allow for high-function quantum computing and the operation of a fully-sustainable and autonomous hyperintelligent autonomous intelligence onboard each vessel.
Contents |
[edit] Design specifications
[edit] Metamaterial effect
The utilization of metamaterials in the B3 Specter is believed to be next paradigm in stealth technology; while modern stealth technologies from the 21st century have relied on mathematical edge calculations to uniquely angle surfaces to present a minimal EM return. However, metamaterial design allows for the precise and exacting control of the vectors of EM radiation that are within the space of the metamaterial, and utilizing metamaterial-unique properties such as a negative refractive index, it has been shown that it is possible to effectively render an object "invisible" by internal deflection and reflection of EM waves within the cloak's volume, to provide a reflectionless interface for the metamateral cloak effect, and to the outside observer, it appears through the electromagnetic spectra being deflected that there is no object within the metamaterial's volume.[1][2] The original applications for metamaterials in invisibility, the "metamaterial cloak", were suggested by two publications in Science in 2005 and 2006 published by authors at Duke University in North Carolina, United States of America.[1][2]
The B3 Specter is enshrouded in a sub-wavelength-defined metamaterial shell that allows for the electromagnetic metamaterial cloak effect from the radio to the gamma spectrums, allowing for effective invisibility throughout the electromagnetic continuum. It is stressed that the metamaterial effect is mathematically impossible to defeat; that no matter how "powerful" or "accurate" the sensor system, the fact that no electromagnetic radiation can be refracted off of the metamaterial surface means that it is impossible to detect the B3 Specter with any mechanical or biological instrument that utilizes EM detection. The only other possible detection capability is gravitational; however, it is believed that such graviton detection instruments are highly rare in both UNSC and Covenant arsenals.
Thus, through metamaterial camouflage, the B3 Specter is invisible across all electromagnetic spectrums, evolving the paradigm of "active camouflage" and "stealth technology" to the next generation; a literally undetectable vessel. It represents a conceptual paradigm shift of stealth tecnology as minimizing electromagnetic return to a material cloak that instead absorbs all incident radiation and controls the vectors of such electromagnetic vectors.
[edit] Josephson effect
It has been suggested that the entire complexity of the human brain can be compressed into one exabyte of information[3], and thus, such an information scale may be storable and operable on quantum-based computing paradigms, especially those operated on Josephson effects. The B3 Specter, while technically "unmanned" by an organic being, is operated by perhaps a far better alternative; since the 20th century, there have been extensive architectonics studies on the brain; these include nanometer-resolution automated electron microscopy (EM) studies, functional studies based on live Ca+2 dyes (such as Fura-2-AM), and genetic architectonics.[4] 20th-21st century studies have indicated that the cytoarchitectonics of the brain can be compressed in the terabyte scale per cubic centimeter (cc3).
For the hosting of an autonomous human intelligence upon a quantum computing platform, a post mortem and recently-deceased adult human brain undergoes live intracellular Ca+2 staining and then subsequent high-throughput dissection into cc3-scale sections through automated microtome processing, which is visualized by positron emission tomography (PET) and automated three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to describe the cytoarchitectonics, nuclei, and connectivity of neurons and glial cells on the sub-nanometer scale, generating a physical architectonics and functional map of the human brain on the sub-nanometer scale, allowing for exacting reconstruction of the physical and functional connectivity of the human mind in a simulated reconstruction event. Sub-millisecond line reading of each cc3 sample allows for accurate determination of activity mapping in each cell because of the timescale of intracellular calcium events. This is coupled with human in situ hybridization probe sets to generate a highly expansive, vast, and extraordinarily sub-nanometer detailed physical, expression, and functional architectonic map of the human brain, and this information is scalable to the exabyte range.
A quantum computing system based on "qubits" (quantum bits) is an ideal system for the storage and operation of exabyte-scale digital information. The B3 Specter hosts an extensive onboard quantum computation facility comprised of synchronously linked and insulated superconducting magnets that represent a high-throughput Josephson effect. Qubits represent a fundamental paradigm shift offering exponential and non-linear improvements over modern semiconductor-based computational systems because of their fundamental nature; while semiconductor systems store data as bits (0s and 1s), instead, quantum computers operate on qubits; a pair of quantum "entangled" particles. Quantum entanglement of particles means that both inextricably can't be described without the other, and although spatially removed, the state of one qubit is fundamentally and non-classically related to the state of the other, and the state of one qubit can be described as 0, 1, or a quantum superposition between the two; thus, a qubit's basis state can exist anywhere in the Bloch sphere between 0 and 1, and with the imaginary probabilities for either contingency, may exist anywhere between 0.0 and 1.0, thus giving any qubit ultra-dense information storage capacity ("superdense coding").
The fundamental paradigm for solid-state quantum computing is the Josephson junction, comprised of two superconducting magnets insulated by an epitaxial high-functioning insulator across which is a quantum wavefunction and whose state is controlled by the constant voltage difference across the capacitor[5] or microwave radiation[6]; the entangled particles are comprised of ~109 entangled electrons in the junction whose phase state is quantum mechanical-dependent upon the voltage difference and can be measurable by spectroscopy [7] or superconducting magnetometers (superconducting quantum interference devices, "SQUIDs").[6] The ability to control qubit state is necessary for the manipulation of qubit registers and calculations; this is achievable through current-controlled coupling that polarizes the coupling energy.[8] The exploration of the vast data that can be encoded in the quantum superposition of states between two qubits is controllable by current and microwave radiation that allows for manipulation of the qubit to achieve any x, y, and z axis on the Bloch sphere, realizing superdense encoding.[9]
The miniaturized quantum computing facilities installed upon each B3 Specter are shielded in a Faraday cage to prevent the penetration of external radiations that would perturb processing by introducing quantum decoherence. The core itself consists of Josephson junctions, for the hosting of hyperintelligent computational functions exponentially more complex than traditional optical-based or semiconductor-based computers. The quantum computing paradigm of the Specter's internal superconducting core allows for the B3 Specter to host a hyperintelligent artificial intelligence (AI); a deceased human mind post mortem is compressed into several exabytes of information, which are further compressed by quantum bits ("qubits") for a form suitable for manipulation in a quantum computing system, which is then uploaded to the Josephson core of a B3 Specter bomber. This allows for the control of each individual bomber by a dedicated and autonomous human mind with access to a semi-infinite and vast repertoire of computing functions unlocked by quantum computing.
[edit] Technical Capabilities
The B3 Specter, for all its extensive metamaterial cloaking and quantum-based sentient intelligence, is not a practical vessel in many aspects for multirole combat situations. Each metamaterial cloak, constructed at sub-wavelength scale, is extraordinarily unique and costly; the slightest perturbation of its microscopic scale leads to irreversible compromise of its stealth capability. Thus, each B3 fire mission is handled with extraordinary care towards the mission details; because of its requirement to preserve the physical characteristics of the metamaterial sheath, each B3 Specter is limited in its maximum velocity and manueverability; sudden changes in vector or a high traveling velocity through atmosphere lead to the fatal shearing of the metamaterial, leading to a fully visible and highly slow and vulnerable lumbering bomber. Thus, in atmosphere, each B3 is limited to maximum speed of 0.25 Mach, and its flight path is highly controlled. Fortunately, even a linear path of approach is tolerable, because the location of ground-based planetary anti-fighter defenses doesn't matter to the B3 Specter.
These restrictions are, however, removed in space, where the lack of atmospheric resistance allows for the unimpaired travel of the B3 Specter without fear of metamaterial damage. Regardless, even at maximum speed, the B3 Specter is a relatively low and unmanueverable bomber; this was conceptualized for two reasons. Firstly, the fact that it is impossible to detect the Specter by almost any physical means means that the velocity of the B3 Specter doesn't matter; because it can defeat all possible anti-aircraft and anti-starcraft countermeasures, as long as it can reach its target within a timely manner (hours), the speed on which the strike is delivered is only secondary, because the destruction of the target is assured because of the B3's defeat of all possible enemy countermeasures.
Thus, because excessive speed or manueverability is unnecessary, the B3 Specter is fitted with relatively weak engines and maneuvering drives; this is also because excessive EM radiation from the drives may also deform the metamaterial cloak and induce quantum decoherence in the hyperintelligent Josephson effect. An extradimensional faster-than-light (FTL) Slipspace drive is not installed, because obviously, extradimensional transition would obviously instantaneously destroy the metamaterial cloak.
[edit] Operational Capacity
The BQ3 Specter-class stealth bomber is the premier aerial bombardment platform of the UNSC Navy, performing fire missions such as strategic bombing, aerial interdiction, and close air support. Its extensive interior weapons bays are compatible with both cruise missiles and bombs, typically with laser guidance, electromagnetic guidance, or satellite telemetry guidance. The unique capability of the Specter is that it can operate in an unrestricted fashion even when local UNSC air superiority has not been established, and furthermore, it can penetrate essentially all enemy high-density anti-air or anti-orbit defenses because of the nature of its metamaterial cloak. This gives it an unparalleled capability in bombing campaigns, where the BQ3 Specter was employed deep in enemy territory to destroy hostile targets with impunity, regardless of enemy fighters or anti-aircraft defenses. An exemplary example of this was the Battle of Sanghelios, where Specters operated in Sanghelios's atmosphere with unrestrained liberty, even while Covenant orbital defenses were being suppressed. During the early hours of the battle, BQ3 fire missions decimated Covenant command centers, communications centers, airfields, defensive installations, and population centers on the surface, weakening resistance for other UNSC fighters to begin safely entering atmosphere.
The clandestine nature of the BQ3 Specter has also made it highly desirable for special operations, where UNSC involvement must be covert. UNSC Special Forces typically act as joint terminal attack controllers for Specter elements, where the overhead bombers provide close air support in support of UNSCSOCOM objectives.
[edit] Known Models
The extensive and futuristic technologies incorporated into the B3 Specter are not amenable to mass production with current UNSC engineering technologies. While estimates of the number of B3 models produced vary significantly from just one to nearly a hundred, highly-placed Office of Naval Intelligence officials have suggested that only sixteen B3 Specter models have been produced, and that these sixteen highly-advanced stealth bombers are grouped into the 720th Special Weapons Squadron ("Black Stallions"). The 720th would be segregated into four spatially-separate units, the 1st Strategic Missile Group ("Patriots"), 2nd Strategic Missile Group ("Specters"), 3th Strategic Missile Group ("Spirits"), and the 7th Strategic Missile Group ("Intruders").
However, the intense counterinsurgency actions on Dashan in the Dashan Insurrection by 2904 would raise calls for increased numbers of the literally-invulnerable Specter bombers to support UNSC special warfare surface operations. An unknown number of Specter bombers would be commissioned in response to UNSC Special Operations Command's request, leading to the activation of the 725th Special Weapons Squadron ("Dark Knights").
| Designation | Location | Block | Designation | |
| 1st Strategic Missile Group ("Patriots") | ||||
| XB-1 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 100 | Memory of Harvest | |
| XB-2 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 100 | Memory of Reach | |
| XB-3 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 100 | Memory of Madrigal | |
| XB-4 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 100 | Memory of Jericho | |
| XB-5 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 200 | Memory of Arcadia | |
| XB-6 | Asphodel Meadows (47 Ursae Majoris) | 200 | Memory of Tribute | |
| 2st Strategic Missile Group ("Specters") | ||||
| XB-7 | Thebes (Alpha Draconis) | 200 | Black Vampire | |
| XB-8 | Thebes (Alpha Draconis) | 200 | Black Panther | |
| XB-9 | Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris) | 200 | Black Banshee | |
| XB-10 | Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris) | 200 | Black Phantom | |
| 3rd Strategic Missile Group ("Spirits") | ||||
| XB-11 | Ross 154 (V1216 Sagittarii) | 300 | Spirit of Resolve | |
| XB-12 | Ross 154 (V1216 Sagittarii) | 300 | Spirit of Adamantine | |
| XB-13 | Cambridge, Earth | 300 | Spirit of Determination | |
| XB-14 | Nairobi, Earth | 300 | Spirit of Justice | |
| 7th Strategic Missile Group ("Intruders") | ||||
| XB-15 | UNSC Behind in Twilight | 300A | Alice in Wonderland | |
| XB-16 | UNSC Behind in Twilight | 300A | Black Stallion | |
| 8th Strategic Bombardment Group ("Ghosts") | ||||
| SWB-17 | UNSC Cydonia | 400X | Spirit of Artemis | |
| SWB-18 | UNSC Cydonia | 400X | Spirit of Athena | |
| SWB-19 | UNSC Cydonia | 400X | Spirit of Apollo | |
| SWB-20 | UNSC Cydonia | 400X | Spirit of Hermes | |
[edit] Behind the Scenes
- The B3 Specter's name is based on the real-world American B2 Spirit, a popularly-toted stealth bomber. The "B" designation is taken from the post-1962 American military aircraft designation system nomenclature.
- Metamaterials; materials with sub-wavelength and sub-micrometer definitions, are real-world materials, and the physical properties necessary for the generation of a metamaterial cloak have already been described by two seminal papers in Science in 2005 and 2006.[1][2] This article merely describes the design of such a metamaterial cloak and its military applications.
[edit] References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Pendry et. al (2006). Controlling Electromagnetic Fields. Science (312): 1780-1782.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Schuring et. al (2006). Metamaterial Electromagnetic Cloak at Microwave Frequencies. Science (314): 977-980.
- ↑ ed. Henry Gee (2007). Futures from Nature. Tor Books, ISBN: 0765318059.
- ↑ Ng et. al (2009). An anatomic gene expression atlas of the adult mouse brain. Nature Neuroscience (12): 356-362.
- ↑ Mooij (2005). The Road to Quantum Computing. Science (307): 1210-1211.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Mooij et. al (1999). Josephson Persistent-Current Qubit. Science (285): 1036-1039.
- ↑ Berkley et. al (2003). Entangled Macroscopic Quantum States in Two Superconducting Qubits. Science (300): 1548-1550.
- ↑ Hime et. al (2006). Solid-State Qubits with Current-Controlled Coupling. Science (314): 1427-1429.
- ↑ Steffen et. al (2006). Measurement of the Entanglement of Two Superconducting Qubits via State Tomography. Science (313): 1423-1425.
| UNSC Navy (Galactic Era) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carriers | Cydonia-class fleet carrier | |
| Cruisers | Atlantis-class dreadnought · Cyclops-class main battle cruiser | |
| Destroyers | Mjöllnir-class destroyer | |
| Frigates | Aegis-class frigate | |
| Corvettes | Hermes-class gunship · Oracle-class prowler | |
| Interceptors | EF449 Preying Mantis-class interceptor · F506 Piranha-class interceptor · F779 Predator-class interceptor | |
| Bombers | BQ3 Specter-class stealth bomber · B82 Tigershark-class bomber | |
| Individual Vessels | UNSC Cydonia · UNSC Heimdall · UNSC Heracles · UNSC Meridian Dream · UNSC Melpomène · UNSC Vishnu | |
| Commands | UNSC Fifth Fleet · Task Force Phoenix | |
| Source · Edit | ||
