Project HERMES

Project HERMES entails the creation of a intelligence agency and supporting assets.

History:

First proposed by FHQ intelligence officer Chiwie, the idea is largely unachievable.

Current progress:

The project is currently on hiatus due to technological limitations and the critical lack of intelligence officers.

Proposed goals:

1. Establishment of United Nations Agency of Intelligence (UNAI) 2. Expansion and organisation of espionage teams under the newly created UNAI. 3. Creation of a SOSUS style sensor net around strategic locations. 4. Capability to deploy a smaller tactical SOSUS net when needed. 5. Creation or modification of a off the shelf design to create ship for UNAI use.

Tentative Project Hermes Sensor Net (HSN) requirements:

General intention:

Forms the core of tracking network that will provide vital intelligence on shipping and colonies in strategic locations. Creation of this network provides the UN with a far better intelligence picture than we currently have at a low on going cost. It also provides advanced warning of attacks should war break out. An aggressor will have to disable the Hermes Sensor Net or risk the UN gaining a huge advantage during the potential conflict.

During wartime, the HSN can be deployed along convoy routes or used to provide intelligence at key locations if stealthy deployed by Rapid Intelligence Ship. They can also form the heart of minefields.

Inspiration: SOSUS network

== Requirements in descending order of need. ==

Able to be transported by a large amount of ships.

Powerful sensors, most likely leaning towards passive sensors for stealth reasons.

Automation and low maintenance needs.

small explosive to prevent tampering by outside sources.

Project Hermes Rapid Intelligence Ship (RIS) requirements:

General intention:

Provide UNAI with a swiss army knife ship to fit it's requirements. Ship has to be able to deploy and maintain the HSN, UNAI teams and take on off the book missions as required. The ship also has to be able to successfully tail ships of interest in order to gather vital intelligence.

During war the vessel will also function as a commerce raider. Mining key supply routes and conducting hit and fades.

Inspiration: Virginia Class Submarine w/ Advanced SEAL Delivery System

== Requirements in descending order of need. ==

Capability to deploy and recover Hermes Sensor Net elements. Mine laying capability

Able to aid the deployment UNAI or other SF style operational teams in sensitive areas.

Powerful sensors and comms, most likely leaning towards passive sensors for stealth reasons.

Speed and endurance in order for the UNAI to be able to react to developing situations. The ship would need to be able to rapidly redeploy and then remain on station as required.

Capability for thermal signature reduction or other stealth improvements at a later date via refits.

Weaponry is more or less not needed. At most a small number of MBDA SSM-6A Hornets or a small, low powered mason canon for point defense/light harassment. Ship's primary defense will be redeploying away from threats and detecting them before they become a problem.

If MBDA SSM-6A Hornets are to be carried a version with fire and forget to facilitate hit and run attacks would add raiding and wet work operation capability.