Mark16 torpedo
The Mark16 is the primary torpedo of the Planetary Union Fleet.
The targeting computer of a Mark16 is biological, the modified brain of Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat). The brain is imprinted with a target ship's gravitational signature (grav-sig), which the brain interprets as prey. When the torpedo is fired, a darsat dome within the warhead seeks out that specific signature. Once detected, the "bat brain" seeks out that target. An analog interface converts the brain's impulses into directional thrust.
Defenses
Mark16s contain two STCCM decoys and a point-defense system designed to shoot down incoming missiles.
Excerpts
From SHAKEDOWN:
When a warship acquired a target’s specific grav-signature, that profile was transferred to the modified bat brain in a torpedo’s cone. The bat brain’s darsat-modified echolocation ability did what it had done for millions of years—targeted prey in a 360-degree environment. The tiny, non-sentient, analog biocomputer reacted to darsat pulses, or pings, constantly reorienting the torp toward the programmed grav-signature.
Sigler, Scott. The Crypt: Shakedown: (A Military Sci-Fi Novel) (p. 267). Aethon Books. Kindle Edition.
With an internal curvine drive, a Mark16 torp was a starship unto itself. It had its own small darsat dome, along with two STCCM decoys and a point-defense system to protect against missiles aimed its way.
Sigler, Scott. The Crypt: Shakedown: (A Military Sci-Fi Novel) (p. 267). Aethon Books. Kindle Edition.
