Difference between revisions of "Destroyer"

The Constellation class is a radical departure in starship design. Starfleet's newest phase in medium-sized vessels is the Heavy Destroyer, to answer a call for more advanced ships that are capable of launching fast attacks. Such a deployment does see a slight sacrifice in armaments improvements, in favour of speed and longevity for long-range tactical missions. The Constellations boast the new and experimental quaternary-shift warp configuration, which grants extended speed and range, as well as enhanced fuel efficiency. Coupled with formidable weapons, shields, and durable armour, the Constellation is a high performer in all areas.

After many years of field trials, and many attempts to rearm and refit the perennial Miranda class, Starfleet finally sees the introduction of this new breed of Frigate. The knowledge gained from the research and development projects of the last decade have yielded technologies that have been put to use in a starship to supplement its venerable predecessor. The Steamrunner uses a newly refined propulsion system that gives her unprecedented manoeuvrability both at warp and impulse speeds. Her defensive shields are difficult to overwhelm, even when the ship suffers close range bombardment. Additionally, the Steamrunner can unleash surprising firepower against her targets, making her the new vessel of choice for rapid-response defence of Federation interests.

Built to combat an overwhelming threat that never fully materialized, the Defiant class was nearly forgotten in a Starfleet that was eager to re-commence more peaceful expansion. The appearance of new threats, however, has prompted the program to be completed. Despite initial problems with the prototype regarding the Defiant's immense power generation capabilities and astonishing manoeuvrability, the Defiant project now provides Starfleet with a fast attack vessel that has a lethal combination of sheer firepower, speed, manoeuvrability, and durability. Even heavy warships are likely to reconsider their aggression with the presence of a Defiant class starship in the area.

The D'Lokra class Destroyer is designed to flank capital Cruisers in combat and provide a supplementary tactical option. But this is not the limit of its potential, as many strategists point out. As a stealthy hunter-killer the Destroyer can excel in safeguarding sensitive areas of local space. Also it is ideally suited as a support ship in covert raids against enemy incursions. Romulan commanders will not find the D'Lokra to be a formidable warship on par with a Cruiser, however it is fast and it is tenacious, and in the hands of an experienced, wily crew its strength in prowess will prove most effective against even a superior foe.

The D'Raniden class is the majestic and fearsome successor to the old favourite, D'Lokra class. The D'Lokra proved time and again what a valuable component it is in the Imperial fleet. But times change, and technology moves forward, and there is no time for sentiment. The advanced D'Raniden takes its place, and heralds a new era in warship vision, design, and implementation. On the front line the D'Raniden should immediately supersede all previous D'Lokra intercept, raid and patrolling deployments, and in so doing produce devastating results, casting aside all doubts that she is here to stay.

The D'Raniden was an ideal replacement for the legend that was D'Lokra. But its time also has come. The D'Rutura class advanced Destroyer is a step higher in every conceivable way. Its numerous augmentations are concentrated in tactical defence. In tandem with extended targeting range the D'Rutura can shoulder a heavier responsibility on the battlefield, even so far as to outmuscle contemporary Cruisers.

If there is any doubt that the D'Rutura was not quite all it was measured up to be, it's the introduction of the D'Xokra class Heavy Destroyer, designed to undertake those roles its lesser brethren dare not attempt. There is no other ship comparable in the entire fleet. The Heavy Destroyer combines the agility and subtlety of a Destroyer with the raw power of a Cruiser. They are in effect the sentinels of the Star Empire. As part of a combined fast response taskforce, a Heavy Destroyer unit would be unrivalled in its ability to detect and intercept an incursion threat.

Raptor class

Scorpion class

Fek'lhr class

Fireblade class

A breakthrough in weapons technology has granted the Union the opportunity to at last introduce a light attack vessel. Power consumption for weapons discharge, whilst maintaining a stable shield grid, was the greatest concern in this vessel’s development. But a new design in advanced integrity field grids has allowed the Trager class to finally be launched. Due to its low mass, manoeuvrability is a significant advantage to the design, and the Trager's sensor capacity is certainly sufficient for its intended deployments, as is its range and speed.

The Hideki class Destroyer is a slick and admirable performer as a fast-attack ship. But this advantage in weaponry is offset somewhat by a design limitation - a sacrifice that was technically unavoidable, and that is reduced armour, and only standard shielding. The Union starship design specialists have purposefully aimed for an all out fast-assault ship - this is its primary function. But Central Command envisage numerous other roles for the Hideki in the future, notably as a border patrol ship, and in intercepting enemy Scouts, Transports and Colony Ships, but also in protecting vulnerable worlds and trade lanes from enemy raiders. It is also well-suited to conducting raids of its own against poorly-defended systems.

There was a minority among the hierarchy of Central Command that deemed that the strength and ability of our light combatants were insufficient. But even the minority can gain a loud enough voice to make the majority see reason. And thus the proposal for the creation of a 'Heavy Destroyer' came about; a ship with the manoeuvrability of a Destroyer, but with the firepower of a Cruiser, and the added ability to more effectively intercept enemy shipping, a deficiency that was at the time causing significant concern. The Konar class was the result, legacy of Gul Konar himself - and a largely experimental ship for the time being, but if successful great things are promised.

The Konar class was a great success in its speculative and experimental fleet role. But as technology advances, it demands that all military options move concurrently with it. Thus, the enhanced Jurdek class Heavy Destroyer, which was an astounding performer in all areas - and even the might of enemy capital ships would have a difficult time facing it in combat. Not only does it possess formidable weaponry, deadly in such close quarter attacks as the Destroyer is best designed to perform, but it outclasses all other vessels of similar mass in both speed and fuel efficiency - thus allowing it to strike deeper into enemy territory than any other Destroyer has gone before.

Chameleon class

Oberon class

Vulture class

Darkwing class

Ide'xa class

Destroyer, Ruan class

Yonal class

Redstar class

Ngort class

Tokoron class