Technology

Gates

Phase Difference Space Gates, or 'Gates' as they are more commonly known, use the science of Spatial Alternation Dynamics to move objects from one A Phase Difference Gate in action jump point to another in a fraction of the time it would take by sub-light speed travel. The theory which propelled the creation of these Gates states that the universe in which we exist disappears every 1/48th of a second, in which it is momentarily replaced by another dimension. This other dimension, known as Phase Difference Space is calculated to be about 1/240th the size of our universe, allowing one to travel 240 times faster than they could normally. In order to successfully travel from one point to another, their ship must enter and exit Phase Difference Space with precise timing. The construction and maintenance of the Gates is taken care of by the Gate Public Corporation, who some believe are responsible for, and may have been able to prevent, the Gate Incident of 2022.

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GATE INCIDENT

The Broken Moon A hyperspace gate between the Earth and its moon exploded, causing a chuck of the moon to scatter into countless meteors. These meteors constantly strike the planet everyday, causing much panic and disaster.
The gate incident changed the lives of many including Faye Valentine and Wen. All data on Faye's past before she was cryogenically frozen was destroyed. The energy from the gate explosion mutated Wen, causing him to stop aging.

M.O.N.O Computers

A MONO pod demostrating it's capabilities as an escape pod The MONO (Machine Operation Navigation of Outer space) system which controls most, if not all space-faring vehicles, includes the airframe controls mechanism, the navigation system, and auto-calculation software. In most single-pilot vessels, such as the Swordfish and Redtail, the MONO computer is contained within a "MONO Pod" a self-contained control center/escape pod in which all major functions of vehicular travel, (piloting, weapons control, etc.) take place. MONO Pods, though connected to the systems of a ship, are actually independent from the main body of the ship itself, and thus can be jettisoned and replaced with little difficulty. As stated previously MONO Pods have a secondary function as an escape device, and have rudimentary control and grappling mechanisms.

Communications

Communications in the Cowboy Bebop world could be seen as a logical step forward from the technology of the present day. Interpersonal and ship-to-ship communication is, similar to currently existing technology, performed using videophones, radios, television, and even walkie-talkies. The most obvious difference would be the strength of the signals, and the use of Phase Difference Space as a transmission medium for long-distance and planet-to-planet communication.

Solar System Web Another familiar element to communication is the 'Net', similar to today's internet, that forms as yet another transmission medium for information. Judging from the show, the Net seems to be even more exclusionary than today's internet, for many of the characters shown seem to have no working knowledge of the use of computers, even tough they were presumably surrounded by the technology throughout their lives. Judging from the glimpses of Net surfing given, with it's psychedelic colors and seemingly random imagery, the Net might simply be too difficult to grasp for anyone with mere casual interest.

Currency

The world uses a single currency known as Woolongs. Paper money is extremely uncommon due to the current recession in the economy (inflation is astronomical). Most people carry convenient money cards.

Medicine

Medical technology such as artificial organs and cryogenic freezing have been perfected. Images from the brain can be displayed on monitors with devices like the "Alfa Catch."

Entertainment

Entertainment technology has greatly advanced. Virtual reality video gaming has become a staple of the industry and videocassettes are a thing of the distant past.

The Bebop

The Bebop was originally an interplanetary trawler, designed to catch fish on Ganymede and transport them under refrigeration throughout the solar system. Later purchased by Jet, the large ship was retrofitted with a new high-powered communications system and larger engines to aid in bounty hunting. The Bebop is Spike and Jet's home base for all their operations, and also serves as a home for those who have nowhere else to go. Though the ship is large, the crew generally reside in the stern, as the rest of the ship mainly consists of cargo holds and refrigeration units. The Bebop demonstrating its marine capabilities

Bebop Stats

Length: 142 meters
Width: 69.2 meters
Height: 45.6 meters
Weight: 1567 tons

Weapons

Note. The Bebop started off as a civilian vessel, and it would most likely be incredibly expensive to outfit it as a warship.

The Swordfish II

Spike's baby for over a decade, the Swordfish II is a high speed MONO racer outfitted for combat by Spike's mechanic friend Doohan. In combat, Spike uses the Swordfish's incredible speed to compensate for its relative lack of weaponry, easily getting the drop on much more heavily-armed ships. Spike is quite adept at handling the Swordfish, which may come as a surprise to some, considering his rough treatment of his poor ship (Spike's motto for technology is: 'Usually things get better when I kick them'. Needless to say, he's not the most technological of the Bebop's crew.). The plasma cannon in action

Stats

Length: 13.8 meters
Width: 13.3 meters
Height: 4.8 meters
Weight: 8.4 tons (with guns)
Engines: A nuclear fusion aero spike with a booster nozzle modified to act as a short-range impulse drive.

Weapons

Four wing-mounted machine guns, and a high powered plasma cannon attached to the ship's undercarriage. Can also be outfitted with short to medium range missiles.

The Redtail

Faye's Redtail fighter, is highly versatile, highly maneuverable, and very heavily armed, giving Faye a definite edge in most ship to ship combat situations. Additionally, Faye has modified the Redtail to include a remote activation and piloting system, adding to the ship's already remarkable usefulness. Also, various equipment can be added in modular form, for ease of upgrading. A first person view of the Redtail's offensive capabilities A smooth zip craft with remote control functions, twin missile launchers and machine guns. Faye could have somehow managed to purchase it even with her debts. It is likelier that Faye stole the ship.

Stats

Length: 8.6 meters
Width: 7.2 meters
Height: 5.4 meters (including guns)
Weight: 7.2 tons
Engines: 2 triple geared engines for atmospheric travel and a fusion rocket motor for use in space.

Weapons

The Redtail is heavily armed for a ship of its size, featuring twin machine gun/ missile launcher configurations on either side of it's undercarriage. Combined with the ship's high maneuverability and Faye's piloting skills, the Redtail is quite a dangerous little ship.

The Hammerhead

Jet's personal MONO boat, the Hammerhead is a small trawler auxiliary vessel (a tug boat) outfitted with a heavy engine and an extra propellant tank by Jet to give it extra speed, power and range. Though Jet generally stays aboard the Bebop, or gets around on foot, he has shown himself to be a rather proficient pilot when he needs to be, as seen in Session 16: Black Dog Serenade. The Hammerhead display's surprising manueverability, thanks in part to Jet's piloting skills.

Stats

Length: 21.5 meters
Width: 12.3 meters
Height: 7.7 meters
Weight: 15.3 tons

Weapons

The Hammerhead is not outfitted with any conventional weapons, yet is still quite a powerful machine, thanks to its magnetic clamp, grappling claw, and anchor rod/winch. The anchor rod can be launched into nearby ships, or any object of sufficient mass, at which point the winch can be used to reel it in.