Atlantean Shipbuilding Techniques
Atlantean shipbuilding is very similar to that used by the Vong, in that Atlantean ships are "grown."
700,000 years ago, Atlantean shipbuilding techniques were just like those of any other empire: ships were assembled in dockyards, often in prefabricated sections.
Only in the last 200,000 years, have the Atlanteans developed their current shipbuilding technique, Semi-Organic Crystal Fusion.
The process begins when a semi-organic, crystalline alloy is created in a laboratory. At the same time, a computer model of the vessel to be "grown" is transmitted to the dockyards in orbit. Dockyard workers then configure the construction systems to build different components. Scientists then use the sample of alloy as a template for creating other sections of hull. The small sections of alloy are then taken to the respective dockyards and grow at a highly accelerated rate, until their growth is arrested by a high-frequency burst. The completed section is then grafted to another to form the ship's hull. These grafts have seams at first, and appear to be weak points, but the crystals are programmed to fuse with one-another, thus connecting the sections. The deck plates, guns, motors, engines, and other systems are then installed. Total construction time ranges from a matter of days for fighters and small transports, to years for ships like the Glorious Ascendant-class Heavy Cruiser, and even centuries, like the Unyielding Victory-class Fleet Destroyers, which took over 150 years to complete.
Armor plating for military vessels is created using a slightly different process, which remains classified. The method used does involve the alignment of the crystalline matrices. Armor strength and thickness generally varies depending of ship class. The Unyielding Victory-class have 36 meters of semi-organic, crystalline Titanium-A battleplate, while the Grand Imperium-class frigates only have 23 centimeters of armor plating.
It is worth noting that some ships are still built in the ancient Atlantean tradition: by hand. These ships are highly sought-after throughout the galaxy, for their beautiful, sweeping lines, timeless elegance, and renowned durability. Many of these ships are handed down through generations.
More details to come, once I get some feedback. That way I can work out all the kinks.
700,000 years ago, Atlantean shipbuilding techniques were just like those of any other empire: ships were assembled in dockyards, often in prefabricated sections.
Only in the last 200,000 years, have the Atlanteans developed their current shipbuilding technique, Semi-Organic Crystal Fusion.
The process begins when a semi-organic, crystalline alloy is created in a laboratory. At the same time, a computer model of the vessel to be "grown" is transmitted to the dockyards in orbit. Dockyard workers then configure the construction systems to build different components. Scientists then use the sample of alloy as a template for creating other sections of hull. The small sections of alloy are then taken to the respective dockyards and grow at a highly accelerated rate, until their growth is arrested by a high-frequency burst. The completed section is then grafted to another to form the ship's hull. These grafts have seams at first, and appear to be weak points, but the crystals are programmed to fuse with one-another, thus connecting the sections. The deck plates, guns, motors, engines, and other systems are then installed. Total construction time ranges from a matter of days for fighters and small transports, to years for ships like the Glorious Ascendant-class Heavy Cruiser, and even centuries, like the Unyielding Victory-class Fleet Destroyers, which took over 150 years to complete.
Armor plating for military vessels is created using a slightly different process, which remains classified. The method used does involve the alignment of the crystalline matrices. Armor strength and thickness generally varies depending of ship class. The Unyielding Victory-class have 36 meters of semi-organic, crystalline Titanium-A battleplate, while the Grand Imperium-class frigates only have 23 centimeters of armor plating.
It is worth noting that some ships are still built in the ancient Atlantean tradition: by hand. These ships are highly sought-after throughout the galaxy, for their beautiful, sweeping lines, timeless elegance, and renowned durability. Many of these ships are handed down through generations.
More details to come, once I get some feedback. That way I can work out all the kinks.