Author Topic: Pointing out flaws in popular fictional spacecraft (Read 28638 times)

Yuu · « **on:** May 28, 2011, 05:49:29 pm »

It's glaringly obvious that 99% of spacecraft in fiction suffer from bad design.

Basically, the objective of the game is to take a ship from any popular work and point out the flaws in them.

The one rule is to follow the format below:

Criticize the ship posted by the previous person.
Post another ship to be criticized by the person after you.

For example:

Poster 1:

Poster 2:

Giant exposed bridge.

Battle 25 from Macross Frontier.

So, to start it all off...

The Death Star from the first Star Wars Trilogy.

Eagle · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2011, 02:26:35 pm »

Hey now, the first iteration or the second?

Well in both: Painful chute leading directly to the core.

Luminar · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2011, 05:59:05 pm »

The links between the saucer and hull, and the warp nacelles and hull are very weak points - if the shields were to fail, concentrated fire on these points would, on the forward separator cut off crew movement from the saucer to the rest of the ship, and given the main crew concentration is in the saucer this would render the vast majority of the ships crew sitting ducks. Compounding this issue is the fact that this is an earlier Galaxy class ship which may not have the voluntary saucer separation function demonstrated by the Enterprise iteration NCC-1701D.
The back separators are even more of an issue since severing a warp nacelle from the ship would cripple its maneuverability by effectively remove its engines, and also greatly increase the risk of a warp core breach which would likely destroy the rest of the ship in the resulting matter-antimatter blast.

For your analytical pleasure, I present the Umgah Drone:

Rysworld · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2011, 06:27:46 pm »

Um, I don't know if I'm reading this right, but it seems that the antimatter vent being in the front, as well as having a grate, will have serious annihilation-related problems.

Also, if it's intended to run in atmosphere, (as any sort of "intake" would suggest) it is not aerodynamic at all, which is a problem.

Anyways, I present to you... this thing, that I found by searching "spaceship" on Google.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2011, 07:17:03 pm »

I'm starting to like this thread already. I'm no expert at starship engineering, but I'll do my best.

Anyway, the bottom protrusion is curved so that any weapons fire there will likely ricochet back at the ship's hull. Same goes for the structure on the top of the ship.

Those two side protrusions don't seem to have any use whatsoever aside from having more lights.

Heres a Earthforce Omega-class destroyer from searching "Babylon 5 ships" on Google.

Person21 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2011, 08:58:28 pm »

Not carrying enough nukes, the only reliable way to take out a Minbari ship.

Quote from: Luminar on May 29, 2011, 05:59:05 pm

Compounding this issue is the fact that this is an earlier Galaxy class ship which may not have the voluntary saucer separation function

I'll nitpick, it's a Constitution Class not Galaxy. (and it doesn't have Saucer separation)

EDIT: Bonus points for not saying "Exposed Bridge"

GroxGlitch · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2011, 09:27:09 pm »

The only two issues I can think of about a ISD, apart from the highly exposed you-know-what, are the highly exposed shield generators, and the lack of suficient anti-fighter/bomber guns.

omegatripod · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2011, 10:02:55 pm »

GG forgot to post a spacecraft, so I'll comment on the Star Destroyer.

The design indicates thinking in two dimensions. The bottom is lacking in firepower, and the bridge has no view of the underside. It looks more like a stylized ironclad than a proper spaceship.

And now, a picture by a friend of mine depicting the Martian cylinder from The War of the Worlds.

It's 30 yards across at the the base, and is shaped like a bullet. It travels at incredible speeds, but has a somewhat minimal propulsion system, relying mainly on the force of its launch from the large-scale hydrogen accelerator (it was shot out of a giant space gun on Mars). It lands by crashing into the earth, and unscrews at one end to let its occupants out. Keep in mind that the function of this spacecraft is a one-way trip from Point A to Point B as fast as possible.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2011, 12:27:38 am »

Doesn't seem like much of a spacecraft to me. I suspect it doesn't have much in the way of armor, just enough to survive atmospheric entry. A high-powered laser cannon on any ship with a sufficient targeting system could likely shoot it down in space.

I don't think it has any maneuvering thrusters either. So if the Martian space cannon's aim is off, those within the transport cylinder would be screwed unless the Martians have spaceships.

A Columbia-class Battlestar, otherwise known as the Battlestar Galactica.

Slinky · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2011, 02:09:49 pm »

What about the Heart of Gold? The main flaw is that it's to damn awesome.

Actually, if you passed through every point in the universe you would never slow down. There are an infinite number of points and if you multiply that by the size of the universe, infinity times infinity, your brain would melt. Also you would never stop. Plus, you would probably turn into a lump of provolone cheese, no matter how improbable that is. Excuse while I untie my brain.

Person21 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2011, 04:36:40 pm »

Ignoring the post above me, The Galactica looks ugly from underneath,

The Foreshadow!

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:58:57 pm »

It looks ridiculous. >_> No visible means of propulsion, no visible storage for fuel, no visible structure for crew or control of any kind. It's from the "lets hand wave everything" school of scifi, and is therefore lame compared to most of the other ships thus far posted.

This is the most realistically designed spacecraft thus far presented in fiction. It's from Avatar.

Green Arrow denotes its direction with powered thrust; Matter-Antimatter thrust is denoted by pink arrows.
ISV Venture Star

(click to see bigger version without text)

Yuu · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:27:24 pm »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the part connecting the propulsion system and the habitation units seem like it's pretty liable to snapping if the vessel to ever turn around.

Other than that, it seems pretty spot on.

^{Click to expand...}

The DuQuesne class superdreadnought from the Honorverse.

Inkling · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:44:49 pm »

Going with the assumption that these ships are made for this "wall of battle" configuration, there's the problem of thinking of thinking in two dimensions again. What happens if the Wall is attacked from the side or above/below?

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:47:35 pm »

Those wings reduce visibility from the sides. It has no shields whatsoever. It only has two laser cannons and is carrier dependent. No life support so the pilot is screwed if his suit is breached. A really sucky fighter.

I now present THE space battleship. The Earth interstellar battleship Yamato.

Person21 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:57:23 pm »

Exposed Bridge, even more exposed Captains Quarters, no guns on it's underside, is actually a ship in the traditional sense and was never designed for space...

Also, it looks ugly in CGI

Moya from Farscape.

Kratok · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2011, 11:07:12 pm »

Going to ignore the dimensional thing since it's the third time, I'd say that in space an object doesn't need aerodynamics, so making it so long is just making it more vulnerable to tension, and that first row of guns looks like it's shooting into that fragile bit already. Most of the little bits look fragile really, and I imagine you could accidentally shoot them off with your own radars or whatever.
Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post.
Bah!

Your Moya has no visible Anything at all, so I guess 'handwavium' bull. It's got your usual flimsy spindly bits and if those wires are at all useful it's very badly protected, and if they aren't it's rather ugly and wasteful

Ork Space Hulk - Warhammer 40k

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2011, 11:45:10 pm »

The trouble with that one (besides not nearly having enough Dakka) and many other ones here is that it assumes a very naval orientation for its passengers. That is, it looks like the passengers are meant to be perpendicular to the direction of acceleration. It's kind of hard to explain, so I made a helpful diagram.

Basically, more like a skyscraper with a rocket under it than a Navy battleship in space.

The Ship I post now is from a video game, X3: Terran Conflict. It suffers the same problems, but looks so sexy anyways I can forgive it.

M6 Centaur

Yuu · « **Reply #18 on:** May 31, 2011, 12:01:17 am »

Windows where there should just be cameras/periscopes.

The Flagship-class Paradimensional Fortress from United Superweapons. It's the one at the very bottom.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #19 on:** May 31, 2011, 12:05:35 am »

Ridiculous and unnecessary. Who would need assault vessels the size of universes?

Normandy SR-1. Go.

Yuu · « **Reply #20 on:** May 31, 2011, 01:50:06 am »

Quote from: Galactic-Warrior on May 31, 2011, 12:05:35 am

Ridiculous and unnecessary. Who would need assault vessels the size of universes?

People who want to go up against OBS!

More seriously, the Downstreamers.

Slinky · « **Reply #21 on:** May 31, 2011, 05:14:22 pm »

Quote from: Person21 on May 30, 2011, 04:36:40 pm

Ignoring the post above me

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go off topic.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #22 on:** June 03, 2011, 01:44:18 pm »

Oi, this thread is NOT going to go down the drain yet!

SimplyNecro · « **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2011, 01:54:31 pm »

Covenant Assault Carrier. GO! Two points for not mentioning the most obvious.

Clayface · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2011, 02:45:28 am »

Quote from: Yuu on May 31, 2011, 12:01:17 am

This logo appears throughout Final Fantasy 10, does anyone know if this symbol really stands for anything? and if so what? If not maybe the guy that made this image really likes FFX ?

Yuu · « **Reply #25 on:** June 04, 2011, 06:57:18 am »

I've also seen that video in YGO, if I recall correctly.

Quote from: SimplyNecro on June 03, 2011, 01:54:31 pm

Covenant Assault Carrier. GO! Two points for not mentioning the most obvious.

It's shape is wildly inefficient, space-wise. Especially considering the fact that it's a carrier.

The Ragnarok from Final Fantasy VIII.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #26 on:** June 04, 2011, 07:20:16 am »

I don't see any use from all those pointy bits.

NX-01 Enterprise. Go.

Person21 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 04, 2011, 07:59:12 am »

Lol, slightly modified Akira Class

And a hard one.

Gnoll · « **Reply #28 on:** June 04, 2011, 09:16:52 am »

Its disguise feature has been on the fritz for 60 years, leaving it modelocked, it could easily be found by some kid looking for a policeman to stop some creepy guy while the Doctor is away, the Daleks could blast open the front door, allowing them access to it, etc. There's all sorts of problems with this.

This thing.

Ultimatum · « **Reply #29 on:** June 04, 2011, 09:19:42 am »

Its ugly.

GroxGlitch · « **Reply #30 on:** June 04, 2011, 10:26:55 am »

Woah, that's a touch under the belt there, Ultimatum, ugly isn't really a flaw.
And Dr. Octagonapus, What part of POPULAR fictional spacecraft did you miss

By the way, it's a missile, not a spacecraft.
I thought things from the Spore Creation Corner were a no-go.

Now, sence Ultimatum failed to post a spacecraft, I'll post this:

Imperium Emperor-class Battleship.

Gnoll · « **Reply #31 on:** June 04, 2011, 10:29:42 am »

Quote from: GroxGlitch on June 04, 2011, 10:26:55 am

By the way, it's a missile, not a spacecraft.

That's not what the search terms said.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #32 on:** June 04, 2011, 10:33:24 am »

Cathedral and Gothic bits are not required, unless they're gonna use that battering ram on the front, thats unneeded too. Also, I read some books, they need sensor probes so they won't be so blind in their stern.

U.S.G. Ishimura, bonus points if you don't mention the Necro infestation. Ignore the other craft.

GroxGlitch · « **Reply #33 on:** June 04, 2011, 10:34:23 am »

@Dr.Octagonapus It's a Demolisher-D Anti-LAC Torpedo/Missile thing. Go look it up in the Photos thread and read the post.
Rest of you, ignore this post.

Gnoll · « **Reply #34 on:** June 04, 2011, 10:35:22 am »

Quote from: GroxGlitch on June 04, 2011, 10:34:23 am

@Dr.Octagonapus It's a Demolisher-D Anti-LAC Torpedo/Missile thing. Go look it up in the Photos thread and read the post.
Rest of you, ignore this post.

Rest of you, ignore this post.

*looks at thread*

fuuuuuuuu.gif

dndfreak · « **Reply #35 on:** June 04, 2011, 12:33:17 pm »

Okay boys, learn how to use PMs.

Quote from: Galactic-Warrior on June 04, 2011, 10:33:24 am

Cathedral and Gothic bits are not required, unless they're gonna use that battering ram on the front, thats unneeded too. Also, I read some books, they need sensor probes so they won't be so blind in their stern.

U.S.G. Ishimura, bonus points if you don't mention the Necro infestation. Ignore the other craft.

Well as a whole, I'd say the thing looks horribly unprotected. The ship has armor plating split into strips that have gaps easily large enough to shoot through, not to mention being completely open from the top and suspended ABOVE the chassis that its actually trying to protect. Plus, you know, necr- okay, I won't do it.

For your viewing pleasure, some Robotech Macross.

Yuu · « **Reply #36 on:** June 04, 2011, 03:15:57 pm »

It considers punching enemy flagships as a viable strategy.

Quote from: Galactic-Warrior on June 04, 2011, 10:33:24 am

Cathedral and Gothic bits are not required,

Actually, that's used to protect them from the Warp.

Next up...

Scrin Drone Ship.

Galactic-Warrior · « **Reply #37 on:** June 04, 2011, 03:20:16 pm »

Quote from: Yuu on June 04, 2011, 03:15:57 pm

Quote from: Galactic-Warrior on June 04, 2011, 10:33:24 am
Cathedral and Gothic bits are not required,

Actually, that's used to protect them from the Warp.

I thought Gellar shields did that.

Yuu · « **Reply #38 on:** June 04, 2011, 05:51:02 pm »

I think I read it somewhere, though I really can't remember where.

It was brought up in a debate in Spacebattles.com, I think...

UFO King · « **Reply #39 on:** June 07, 2011, 05:10:35 pm »

Those flowery things don't look like they have very good protection. Then again, they are drone ships, implying mass production.

Hey, can anyone here design a spacecraft with no flaws? That would be interesting.

Oh, and here's my obligatory pic, fresh from Wikipedia:

Inkling · « **Reply #40 on:** June 07, 2011, 09:00:40 pm »

They should have sent a poet!!

I have no idea what this ship is, and you didn't include a link. The adress says something about "realistic" wormhole travel. (Is this hotlinked? Bad UFO.) I guess that ring is the propulsion system. It's a very simple design, which is probably good. But what is it supposed to do when it gets to the other side of Rainbow Road? I don't see any kind of sensors or communication tools. Hell, there isn't even a window. Everything might be hidden behind those panels, but I have no way of knowing. For all we can tell the thing is an empty tube, or an engine that broke loose.

Crazen · « **Reply #41 on:** June 07, 2011, 11:37:02 pm »

Guns only on the top. also, considered unlikely to hit a target two meters wide. which is just pathetic.

really pathetic. I mean come on this is supposed to be future tech and stuff and dont fuching say its long long ago cause thats not the point why the fuch do their weapons have horrendiously terrible aim compared to things we have had for decades seriously the f***.

Zerg leviathan

Yuu · « **Reply #42 on:** June 08, 2011, 03:33:06 am »

It's made of meat.

"Magic biotech stronger than guns and steel" meat, but meat nonetheless.

A Culture General Systems Vehicle.