Post by aimway921 on Jun 20, 2023 15:32:45 GMT -5
Following the reports of the devastation the Kumo have unleashed on Franerri fortifications during the Battle of Elenerre, Ashinaran engineers were tasked with evaluating and developing new methods of fortification. It was clear that the stone fortresses of old, with their high walls and large citadels, were now less of a protective shield for the troops within and more of a massive artillery target. And a very easily destroyed one at that, with the rubble trapping many of the soldiers inside. In short, it was deemed that when faced with an artillery barrage, soldiers stranded in an open field have a higher chance of survival than soldiers cut off inside a star fort.
For several months the engineers have tinkered with different materials and build configurations, until they potentially cracked the formula: steel-reinforced concrete bunkers built partially underground - with only small firing positions and the exits exposed to the world, while the rest of the infrastructure is concealed under the ground - which would also act as an additional shield against artillery.
A number of plans have been drafted up, ranging from small gun emplacements meant for no more than 5 people to extensive underground complexes complete with living quarters, mess halls and even recreational facilities.
But first the theory had to be tested. Several of the smaller designs would be built at a testing facility on one of the smaller islands. Construction thickness ranging from 4 meters to 0.3 meters - based on the depth of construction and which part is likely to be taking the brunt of artillery - most ceilings were the thickest while the floors were the thinnest, for example. Wooden dummies, meant to represent soldiers, would be placed inside the bunkers.
Once the bunkers were constructed, they would be subjected to a merciless bombardment from Ashinara's most powerful guns outside of naval guns - 60 pounder field guns and 6 inch howitzers purchased from UKUG through Lend-Lease during the Tafatu War. Upon the completion of the barrage, the engineers would approach the bunkers to assess damage.
For several months the engineers have tinkered with different materials and build configurations, until they potentially cracked the formula: steel-reinforced concrete bunkers built partially underground - with only small firing positions and the exits exposed to the world, while the rest of the infrastructure is concealed under the ground - which would also act as an additional shield against artillery.
A number of plans have been drafted up, ranging from small gun emplacements meant for no more than 5 people to extensive underground complexes complete with living quarters, mess halls and even recreational facilities.
But first the theory had to be tested. Several of the smaller designs would be built at a testing facility on one of the smaller islands. Construction thickness ranging from 4 meters to 0.3 meters - based on the depth of construction and which part is likely to be taking the brunt of artillery - most ceilings were the thickest while the floors were the thinnest, for example. Wooden dummies, meant to represent soldiers, would be placed inside the bunkers.
Once the bunkers were constructed, they would be subjected to a merciless bombardment from Ashinara's most powerful guns outside of naval guns - 60 pounder field guns and 6 inch howitzers purchased from UKUG through Lend-Lease during the Tafatu War. Upon the completion of the barrage, the engineers would approach the bunkers to assess damage.
