Autonomous Tactical Analysis Computer
Sarna News
Description
First developed by the Star League in 2705,[1][2] the Autonomous Tactical Analysis Computer (or better known by acronym ATAC) was designed to heart of the Space Defense System, where it's systems applied human experience of Star League Admiralty into computer system enabled to turn predictable drone spacecraft into deadly opponents strategically and tactically. The system was designed to coordinate size able number of drone Warship, Fighter, DropShip, and Small Craft.[1]
The system became extinct after the liberation of Terra in 2780.[1] However, in 3072 the Word of Blake would devised a successor system which allow for manual control, the Direct Tactical Analysis Control became the spiritual successor to the automated system.[2]
Rules
Game Rules
- Rules Level: Experimental
- Tech Base (Rating): Inner Sphere (F-X-F), Clans (X-X-X)
- Availability: ATAC is only available to be fitted on Dropships, WarShips, and Space Stations.[2]
- Designating Command Unit: A designated Control Unit needs to be designated. Once chosen, this unit must be kept from the opposing player during game play.[1]
- Networks: Units connected to the ATAC Unit only to periodically receive commands from the Control Unit to change their how they act in combat. Only units starting the scenario units which are assigned
to an ATAC network receive commands from the Control unit. Additionally, only one ATAC at any given time can be connected to a allied & friendly unit or drone fighter squadron.
- Control Unit Requirements: Weight of the ATAC determines on how many units (SDS Caspar drones and SRCS-based fighter squadrons) can be combined unit on it's control. A individual Robotic Fighter cannot be control by ATAC, only as squadron formation. A squadron is treated as a single Unit.
- ATAC Initiative, Piloting and Gunnery Modifiers: The system improves the piloting, gunnery and the initial rolls of a SDS Robotic controlled unit, but further the distance away from the Control Unit, the bonuses will degrade.[2]
- Relaying ATAC Commands: Commands to the individual units a ATAC controls are relayed during their Weapon Attack phase. Friendly Units must be within line of sight to receive these commands.
A may even be located off the map, have the have maximum range of 9,000,000 kilometers (500,000 space hexes). However, a ATAC Control Units must be on the map and within 100 hexes of their drones to provide the bonus modifiers. Only 1 command to a given friendly robotic unit at a time, and a robotic unit may only receive 1 command per turn from a designated ATAC Control Unit.
The relay of commands will not reduce the number of firing arcs the Control Unit may use while sending commands to its drones.
- Legal Commands: The Control Unit has eight commands it can issue to its Robotic Drones;Activate, Shut Down, Navigate to Position, Prepare for Boarding, Leave Network, Join Network, Share Target Data, and Destruct.
- ATAC Fighter Squadrons: While under the control of a ATAC equipped Control unit, the robotic fighter squadron is treated as a fully intelligent game unit, and does not follow the Robotic Unit Independent Command Rules. This remains in effect until the Control Unit is destroyed.
- Drone Fire-Control Network: The ATAC provide the same abilities as a Naval C3 to all of its drones that also possess an SDS Caspar control system. Maximum of six Casper Drones maybe control at anyone time. These units can share targeting information. They may be issues special commands while under the ATAC control. However, if a unit enters ECM generated area by another large spacecraft, they are cut from the network.[2]
- Electronic Warfare: When rules of ECM are in effect from Strategic Operations rule book, drones controlled by ATAC are effects will interfere with a robotic unit’s drone’s ability to communicate with its ATAC-equipped.
Control Unit. Depending on the type of unit it is, the effects differ; effects will interfere with a robotic unit’s drone’s ability to communicate with its ATAC equipped Control Unit, SDS Casper Drone may roll ECCM to counter the effects. Only after leaving the effective area, does the drone return normal provided they remain in line of sight of the Command Unit.[2]
Note
- Rule Difference: These rules were originally published in Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1, which notes Unit Restrictions: WarShips and Space Stations. This has been expanded with newer, which include Dropships as to be fitted with ATACs.