NationStates Jolt Archive

Background Over the lengthy time that the Freedom-class superdreadnaught has been in service with the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy and the Imperial Praetonian Navy, the class has served with great distinction as the standard bearer for both national maritime forces. The Freedom's mix of heavy 30 inch guns, large missile battery, and outstanding command facilities made it the ideal flagship for fleets of both countries. It has also stood as a living monument to the spirit of cooperation that exists between Sarzonia and Praetonia as countries with similar mindsets and as a bilateral kinship that rivals any in the world.

However, with a new generation of superdreadnaughts comes a need for the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy to adapt to changing realities on the world scene. As outstanding as the Freedom-class pocket superdreadnaught has been in the employ of both navies, her service life is nearing its practicable end. Engineers have determined that the ship will have to undergo a major overhaul to retain the effectiveness it had upon its initial entry into service. As a result, engineers at the Portland Iron Works have taken the best of several of its previous designs and have constructed the new Independence-class pocket superdreadnaught.

The Independence-class retains its predecessor's outstanding strengths when compared to other ships in the world's navies and adds several modern touches that further its development as a true alternative to the massively large superdreadnaughts of the world today. The advanced armour composite, sturdy Trimaran construction, and double-bottomed, reinforced keel including void spaces make the Independence one of the most survivable ships in the Portland Iron Works arsenal. In addition, hardened crossbeams installed across bulkheads and composite rods further strengthen the ship against nearly every conceivable threat.

Rear Admiral Barbara Tucker said that the Independence-class could be entered into service within a matter of three NS years [3 RL days] following its shakedown cruise. The first ship to enter the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy, the ISS Praetonia will be commanded by Admiral Stephen Marcus as it stages a ceremonial rendevous with the previous ISS Praetonia, which will be commanded by retiring Fleet Admiral Marcus Patinkin. The two ships will conduct a "passing of the torch" ceremony where the pendant of the Flagship of the Navy shall be lowered from the old ship and raised on the new one. After the ceremony, Patinkin will sail the original Praetonia to the Naval Museum where it will rest in permanent commission under the watchful eye of Curator David Hancock Porter.

Export version (limited to allied nations)

Length: 726 m; Beam 172 m; Draft 17.8 m
Displacement: 1.25 million tonnes full
Complement: 3,890 Naval; 140 Flag; 700 marines
Armament: 6 x 635 mm ETC guns in two triple turrets (A & Y positions); 12 x 155 mm ETC guns in twin turrets port and starboard; 8 x 203 mm railguns along outriggers; 4 x 148 cell Mk 41 VLS; 4 x Scourge missile launchers; 16 x Yellow Jacket mini-SAM; 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes (capable of firing Silver ASW and ASuW torpedo or SarzTorp lightweight ASW torpedo); 20 x 35 mm Millennium Gun CIWS
Protection: Advanced armour scheme featuring steel, nickel, aluminum, and titanium. Double-bottomed, reinforced keel, with void spaces. Hardened crossbeams installed across bulkheads. 864 mm main belt; turrets 864 mm face and sides, 720 mm back; 864 mm main barbettes; 226 mm secondary barbettes; 508 mm main missile magazines; 508 mm hangar; 610 mm deck (key spaces); 884 mm conning tower, CIC; Bulkheads 203 mm.
Aircraft: Capable of deploying and recovering eight medium lift or ASW helicopters and five V/STOL aircraft.
Electronics: AN/SLY-2 (V) Advanced Integrated Electronics Warfare System; AN/SPY-4 MFR and AN/SPN-23 navigational radars; AN/SQR-6 (B ) passive towed array and AN/SQS-57 dual-mode mounted digital sonar array; A/P Mounted Sonar: AN/SQS-57 active/passive, preformed beam, digital sonar providing panoramic echo ranging and panoramic (DIMUS) passive surveillance.
Countermeasures: Decoy: AN/SLQ-25 Nixie.
Propulsion: 12 Pebblebed nuclear reactors; 8 internal waterjets. Extensive thermal insulation outside each reactor compartment reduces acoustic and infra-red signature. Four auxiliary diesel turbines provide emergency propulsion when needed.
Speed: 31 knots cruising; 39.2 knots maximum.
Price: $185 billion
Running Cost: $855 million per year

Domestic version (only for Sarzonian use)

Length: 746 m; Beam 172 m; Draft 18.8 m
Displacement: 1.55 million tonnes full
Complement: 4,020 Naval; 140 Flag; 740 marines
Armament: 9 x 635 mm ETC guns in three triple turrets (A, B & Y positions); 12 x 155 mm ETC guns in twin turrets port and starboard; 8 x 203 mm railguns along outriggers; 8 x 96 cell Mk 136 VLS (new VLS capable of launching Scourge missiles, up to .9 m diameter and 9.9 meters in length); 6 x GWS.57 Erne surface-to-air missile launchers; 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes (capable of firing Silver ASW and ASuW torpedo or SarzTorp lightweight ASW torpedo); 20 x 35 mm Millennium Gun CIWS
Protection: Advanced armour scheme featuring amorphous steel, aluminum, nickel, kevlar, titanium and ballistic ceramics. Double-bottomed, reinforced keel with void spaces. Hardened crossbeams installed across bulkeads for added bracing. Composite rods installed over armour to provide additional protection. 864-902 mm main belt; turrets 902 mm face and sides, 720 mm back; 902 mm main barbettes; 226 mm secondary barbettes; 508 mm main missile magazines; 508 mm hangar; 610 mm deck (key spaces); 944 mm conning tower, CIC; Bulkheads 203 mm.
Aircraft: Capable of deploying and recovering eight medium lift or ASW helicopters and five V/STOL aircraft.
Electronics: AN/SLY-2 (V) Advanced Integrated Electronics Warfare System; AN/SPY-4 MFR and AN/SPN-23 navigational radars; AN/SQR-6 (B ) passive towed array and AN/SQS-57 dual-mode mounted digital sonar array; A/P Mounted Sonar: AN/SQS-57 active/passive, preformed beam, digital sonar providing panoramic echo ranging and panoramic (DIMUS) passive surveillance.
Countermeasures: Decoy: AN/SLQ-25 Nixie.
Propulsion: 12 Pebblebed nuclear reactors; 8 internal waterjets. Extensive thermal insulation outside each reactor compartment reduces acoustic and infra-red signature. Four auxiliary diesel turbines provide emergency propulsion when needed.
Speed: 31 knots cruising; 39.2 knots maximum.
Price: $205 billion
Running Cost: $915 million per year.

bump

OOC: Interesting.....now if only you could make pictures of them. ;)

Very nice. On AMF's point, I could make you a line drawing if you'd be willing to wait a bit.

Sure, I'm more than willing to wait.

OoC: Nice, extremely nice and its a pocket dreadnought right? Since I thought you could have upped the length.

To: The Sovereign Nation of Sarzonia
From: The Desk of Grand Admiral Ishida, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs

Greetings,

The Republic of Ancient Terra is defined by her strong naval traditions. It is obvious that Sarzonia and Praetonia put similiar strength into their beliefs. On the behalf of the armed forces of Ancient Terra, and in particular the Ancient Terran Navy, I would like to congratulate you on the creation of such a superb vessel. Terra's Doujins have served her faithfully for many years now. I have no doubt that the Independence-class will have a similiarly successful career as her predecessors.

Congratulations,

~Grand Admiral Yamato Ishida, ATN Implacable~

[OOC: Thanks for the comments everyone!]

To: Grand Admiral Ishida
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Ancient and Holy Terra
From: Rear Admiral Barbara Tucker (ISN-Ret.)
Managing Director, Portland Iron Works
Subject: Independence-class

We thank you for your kind words about our new Independence-class ship and for our joint committment to ensuring maritime security with the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia. We have taken steps to ensure that the Freedom-class ship we are sending to the Naval Museum in Nicksia stands as a testament to Praeto-Sarzonian cooperation.

We wish you the best of success on the high seas and hope to live up to the expectations you have placed on the Independence.

OoC: Nice, extremely nice and its a pocket dreadnought right? Since I thought you could have upped the length.OOC: Well, it's classified as a pocket SD because it's a replacement for the Freedom-class which is classified the same way. By a strict classification, it could be considered simply a SD or a heavy dreadnaught because its displacement is 1.25 million tons for the export version and over 1.5 million tons for the domestic version. The only thing that really makes it a "pocket SD" instead of just a superdreadnaught is the fact that the next generation of SDs are approaching or exceeding 2 million tons.

For it to get a true classification of SD in my eyes, it would need to have the following: At least 900 m length (though I could be convinced to say 850 m), tonnage of 1.75 million or greater, and 15 or more big guns.

*bump*

PIW announces refit for Independence-class pocket SDs

With the emerging of the new IPS-built Glorious-class superdreadnaughts and an increasing number of new superdreadnaughts similar to it, the Portland Iron Works and the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy have given consideration to constructing an all new class of pocket superdreadnaught.

However, an evaluation of new Sarzonian weapons systems and new ship classes has led the ISN to determine that a refit of the Independence would be a more effective way to improve the ship's ability to remain competitive in a market that has exploded since its commissioning.

The Independence-class refit has been given one additional triple turret of 25 inch guns, placed in the 'B' position on the export version, while the domestic version will be retrofitted with an additional triple turret in X position. In addition, new weapons systems such as the 'Bayonet' ultra heavy torpedo and the Mark 136 vertical launch system capable of firing the very large Scourge and Scorcher missiles have been added to the export version. Both versions have also been fitted with the new 'Rattlesnake' CIWS suite that combines the 35 mm Millennium Gun and the Yellow Jacket mini-SAM launchers.

The most controversial decision, however, was to outfit both versions with two flight decks along the outriggers to allow the ship to carry up to 48 V/STOL aircraft. Some engineers opposed the addition of air wings, arguing that the powerful guns were an effective enough weapon and the Independence should be focused on serving as a warship instead of a command vessel. However, with other ships in its class carrying an aircraft armament, the decision was made ultimately to go with the aircraft wings.

"Competition from ships such as the Imperial Praetonian Shipyards designs like the Glorious-class and Imperial-class and Isselmere-Nieland's Jimnam-class dreadnaughts forces us to great something that we believe should be an equal to any ship of similar type afloat today," said Rear Admiral Barbara Tucker (ISN-Ret.), the managing director of the company. "We believe this refit and the construction of new ships to the refit specifications will be a boon for the ship."

Independence-class Trimaran pocket superdreadnaught (refit)
Length: 758 m; Beam 175 m; Draft 19.2 m
Displacement: 1.65 million tonnes full
Complement: 4,020 Naval; 140 Flag; 740 Naval Infantry; 110 Air Crew
Armament: 4 x 3 635 mm ETC guns (in A, B, X & Y positions); 12 x 155 mm ETC guns in twin turrets port and starboard; 8 x 203 mm railguns along outriggers; 4 x 84 cell Mk 136 VLS (new VLS capable of launching Scourge missiles, up to .9 m diameter and 9.9 meters in length); 6 x GWS.57 Erne surface-to-air missile launchers; 4 x 650 mm torpedo tubes (capable of firing Bayonet ultra-heavy torpedo); 20 x 'Rattlesnake' CIWS suite
Protection: Advanced armour scheme featuring amorphous steel, aluminum, nickel, kevlar, titanium and ballistic ceramics. Double-bottomed, reinforced keel with void spaces. Hardened crossbeams installed across bulkeads for added bracing. Composite rods installed over armour to provide additional protection. 864-902 mm main belt; turrets 902 mm face and sides, 720 mm back; 902 mm main barbettes; 226 mm secondary barbettes; 508 mm main missile magazines; 508 mm hangar; 610 mm deck (key spaces); 944 mm conning tower, CIC; Bulkheads 203 mm.
Aircraft: Capable of deploying and recovering 36-48 V/STOL aircraft.
Electronics: AN/SLY-2 (V) Advanced Integrated Electronics Warfare System; AN/SPY-4 MFR and AN/SPN-23 navigational radars; AN/SQR-6 (B) passive towed array and AN/SQS-57 dual-mode mounted digital sonar array; A/P Mounted Sonar: AN/SQS-57 active/passive, preformed beam, digital sonar providing panoramic echo ranging and panoramic (DIMUS) passive surveillance.
Countermeasures: Decoy: AN/SLQ-25 Nixie.
Propulsion: 12 Pebblebed nuclear reactors; 8 internal waterjets. Extensive thermal insulation outside each reactor compartment reduces acoustic and infra-red signature. Four auxiliary diesel turbines provide emergency propulsion when needed.
Speed: 31 knots cruising; 37.5 knots maximum.
Price: $210 billion
Running Cost: $915 million per year.

*bump*

Nice :) If Praetonia and me didn't have a SD already, I would buy this for sure.

Thanks. :)

Nice :) If Praetonia and me didn't have a SD already, I would buy this for sure.
Same here, but the export version is sorta lacking compared to the other SDs out there.

Point taken The Silver Sky... I finally added the refit but I put in the domestic version instead of the export version, so the end result is the ship will be more expensive, but it will have more firepower.

Point taken The Silver Sky... I finally added the refit but I put in the domestic version instead of the export version, so the end result is the ship will be more expensive, but it will have more firepower.
Ok.... Kinda lost you there man, could you re-word that?

Ok.... Kinda lost you there man, could you re-word that?OOC: Sorry about that. What I meant was, I realised your point about the export version being lacking compared to similar SDs so I decided to put the refit domestic version on the PIW storefront instead.

Sorry I was confusing you there. lol

Ok, can I buy one. i'm to lazy to post in the store front so here.

Secret message to Sarzonia:

The Silver Sky is interested in buying one (2) Independence-class Trimaran pocket superdreadnaughts (refit) for $420 billion USD, the money will be wired upon order confirmation.

Thank you,
[Signed]
The Silver Sky

[OOC: I understand about being lazy. I get bitten with the lazy bug every now and then.]

To: The Silver Sky
From: Rear Admiral Barbara Tucker (ISN-Ret.)
Managing Director, Portland Iron Works
Subject: Confirmation of order

The Portland Iron Works is delighted to confirm this latest order from our friends in The Silver Sky. We are pleased to announce that the purchase of two Independence-class refit pocket superdreadnaughts will come with a 2.5 percent discount for frequent purchasers, thus making the order total $409.5 billion U.S. Work will begin immediately and we expect to have your ships delivered to you within nine NS years [9 RL days].

We thank you for once again choosing the Portland Iron Works for your naval needs and we hope to hear from you again in the future!

*Money wired*

OOC: When do you think you'll be home from work? I got baseball practice from 5-7pm (6-8pm your time), so I won't be on then.

OOC: I'm thinking perhaps at 10 p.m. my time (9 p.m. your time).