Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

SWR Productions Forum _ Theatre of War _ Behind the Bullet: Manticore Part 2: The Ghost in the Tank

Posted by: Serialkillerwhale 10 Jun 2013, 13:50

THe Manticore's AI, as we mentioned earlier, performs many functions, in essence being a extra crewmember, Today, on Behind the Bullet, we'll examine what it does, it's roots, and just why it's so important.

The AI is designed to operate the tank's Armor Repair function, act as a onboard source of information, Calculate various trajectories for it's weapons, and more. It does these roles simultaneously due to advances in computer AI, ECA AI technology is among the best in the world, if less capable of individual action than a US drone and larger. It contains the data to every vehicle in the ECA arsenal, so that it could repair them, and is thus meant to self-destruct whenever the vehicle is disabled.

It is partially based on aircraft AI, which has advanced dramatically, This results in it's iconic voice, which has been given a name by crewmen of both the tank and the aircraft before it. *Cut to multiple crewmen saying "B***ching Betty"*
Every single unexpected event, no matter how minor, is reported, due to this, many crewmembers are rather vitriolic about the tank, often heard shouting at it to be quiet. Due to the Experimental nature of the weapon, engineers have not fixed this overreacting nature. Nevertheless, the AI has saved the tank time and time again.

The Computer itself is mounted next to the pilot's compartment, surounded by two fuel tanks to further ensure it's destruction in case of the vehicle being destroyed. It is linked to the same cooling system as the engine. 60% of the device is a large series of 4 targetting computers, 1 for each missile bay, 1 for the cannons and 1 for the autocannon. While most Gunners would rather fire the cannon themselves, it's systems allow it to fire with only the command selecting targets.

Posted by: Panzer4life 10 Jun 2013, 22:10

Nice explanation of the AI. I agree, having an AI take over the work and order the crew gets annoying. Its like having a person back-seat drive the driver if that makes sense.

Posted by: MARS 11 Jun 2013, 5:46

^ Hence why the first German crew that got to drive a Manticore decided to refer to their AI as 'the Ex'. But Bitching Betty sounds pretty funny too, so we can assume that it was created by anglophone crews. Obviously, the Manticore would not be reserved solely to the Bundeswehr, especially in this scenario.

Posted by: Serialkillerwhale 11 Jun 2013, 6:21

Actually, Bitching Betty is the name airplane pilots gave to the voice that complains whenever the plane isn't doing so well.

Since EVA reminded me of that. Cue Bitching Betty.

Posted by: H3adSh00t 11 Jun 2013, 8:46

QUOTE (Serialkillerwhale @ 10 Jun 2013, 14:50)

Every single unexpected event, no matter how minor, is reported, due to this, many crewmembers are rather vitriolic about the tank, often heard shouting at it to be quiet.

Tank commander: Just heard that generals dotter is a b**ch.
Tank AI: Reporting...

Next day the soldier leaves the army

Posted by: ubermensche 12 Jun 2013, 18:04

QUOTE (Serialkillerwhale @ 10 Jun 2013, 8:50)

The Computer itself is mounted next to the pilot's compartment, surounded by two fuel tanks to further ensure it's destruction in case of the vehicle being destroyed.

Very interesting and very well thought.