Scanning, Triangulation and the Target Lock On

In the most recent FRN news video we saw the enemy starship employ a scanning device against the probe that it ultimately destroyed. With our Star System being threatened by outside forces, we are paying more and more attention to the news. Whenever the Commorium Fighters appear on screen or pilots are interviewed, we remain rooted to our chairs, listening with rapt attention as they talk about the latest successful or unsuccessful mission. Terms like scanning, triangulation and target lock on are often used in these interviews. For most of us, these terms make little sense. We have never been aboard a Commorium starship to see these essential technologies in use. Three tactics that are vital for any successful pilot include scanning, triangulation and target lock on. Let’s look at these three facets of starship combat.

Scanning

While in space, the appearance of an enemy ship can come as a surprise if you do not pay enough attention to your scanning device. Space is very large and offers major hiding areas so it is a key to stay alert to this read out on your onboard computer. Asteroids can serve as successful barriers between the enemy and the pilots. Waste and the hulls of long destroyed ships can also hide the presence of an enemy.

In order to protect themselves Commorium starships are equipped with high quality scanners. These scanners serve two purposes. First, a probing system will seek the presence of other ships in the vicinity of the Commorium Fighter. Once found, a second system, the actual scanning system will kick in. Using the computer on the spaceship, the scanning system can be aimed at the enemy vessel and focused on finding any weaknesses that could be exploited. Information such as low density points in their shields, weaknesses in the propulsion systems or failing weapons systems will pop up on the ship’s command screen, highlighted in red. From there the pilot can decide which part of the enemy ship he will target.

Triangulation

We might not realize how important mathematics is when designing the computer systems of a spaceship. For its internal software, factors such as calculus and algorithms are vital to ensure the proper functioning of the spaceship. These mathematical equations become clear during combat when the triangulation system is utilized. Through the use of sophisticated algorithms, the computer aids the pilot to improve their attacks on an enemy starship by focusing on specific points on the target or attempting to predict maneuvers. Moreover, the same maneuver can be used in the defense of the starship by aiding the pilot to avoid the incoming fire from an opponent.

                                                Target Lock On

Perhaps this term is a bit clearer than the rest. After all, target lock describes this function perfectly. Using onboard radar, the spaceship will first track and then target an enemy ship regardless of the other vessel’s movements through space. Any target lock on has two steps: search and track. First the presence of the enemy ship is sought on the radar. Once found, the tracking system kicks in.

The tracking system is signaled through a series of pulsating red circles whose frequency of appearance increases as the target gets closer and closer to the lock on moment. When the target finally becomes locked on, it is imperative that the pilot launch missiles or otherwise fire his weapons in order to destroy the enemy.

Now when you are watching those interviews on FRNN Channel 113 you will be more knowledgeable about the terms used by the military personal as these new hostilities develop.