MUSTMUSE

***MUSTMUSE***, short for *MUltiple STage, MUltiple SEnsors*, is a classified GCK 1st generation semi-autonomous guidance system project associated with the development of the XSAM-1. The system is expected to be expanded into the broader spectrum of *greck* missile development.

### Introduction

With the acquisition of the Aerah derived XSSM-1 in 19AF, it was quickly determined that inertial guidance systems were not suitable for the stand-off uses envisioned by the GCK; existent inertial targeting was only substantially efficient against town sized target areas, which the *Politikahaus* and thus accordingly the *Allkommand* had substantial doctrinal objections to. Accordingly, efforts commenced at developing more accurate guidance systems. While radio guided systems were considered, jamming was seen as an inevitable response and accordingly inadequate, and fly-by-wire technology was grossly insufficient for the range desired. Early GCK efforts at guided weapons resulted in the moderately effective *Ekko* signal homing system first tested in 20AF (1942) by the army and navy, and the *Marxsman* beam riding system tested by the airfleet beginning in 23AF (1945). However, these early targeting systems were very much products of their time and had noteworthy shortcomings. The *Ekko* system relied on its target not turning off its radar or other signal emitter during the attack, which classified internal reports found could substantially curtail its efficiency against prepared targets (which was seen as acceptable by the *Allkommand* given the tactical benefits of depriving the enemy of the utilization of radar if discovered), and the *Marxsman* system's effective range rendered it only really relevant in either air-to-air situations or otherwise at short ranges against other targets.

Neither of these systems were appropriate for the performance expectations of the XSAM-1 project when it commenced in 24AF (1946) which was intended for use against very high-altitude targets, namely strategic bombers. While other guidance technologies were considered, their strength vs. weakness tradeoffs were such that the no single system was found technically capable and reliable enough to be suitable for this technologically ambitious project.

### Early Development

Researchers at Nordburg then proposed that optimal guidance would need to be accomplished via playing to each system's respective strengths, with alternate guidance mechanisms being activated when more accuracy was required. This multiple stage, multiple sensor arrangement, soon after dubbed as *MUSTMUSE*, would offer optimal guidance capabilities. Each *MUSTMUSE* guidance unit could be broken down into three primary components, not including the detonation fusing system, namely a long range guidance system, a short range guidance system, and a long range/short range toggle fuse. Predominantly, these systems relied on some degree of manual guidance for the long range guidance system, with some form of localized autonomous guidance activating for the attack profile.

Development of the MUSTMUSE systems began in earnest in 25AF with specific focus on surface to air guidance systems: by mid year, the concept's potential was such that R&D was expanded to include surface to surface targeting (MUSTMUSE II), air to surface targeting (MUSTMUSE III) and air to air targeting (MUSTMUSE IV).