NationStates Jolt Archive

Background: Many countries throughout the world have looked for superdreadnaughts to compete with the famous Doujin-class command battleships, and the Portland Iron Works is no exception. The PIW has traditionally looked to solve the lack of a Doujin by finding niche-filling warships rather than looking to match or exceed the Doujin. However, for the first time, PIW has begun to develop its own superdreadnaught designed to serve as a rival warship to the Doujin.

Armament: The PIW has stepped away from its usual doctrine of fewer main guns and larger and more powerful misisle armaments, and has also returned to the 30 inch gun main armament that it was beginning to phase out with the construction of Hamptonshire's new Primogenitor-class ship and the RSIN-built Europa-class. The outlay of five quadruple turrets also is a departure from standard PIW practice, as the Portland Iron Works usually does not use quadruple turrets, nor does it normally employ more than four turrets.

Even more noticeable than the enormous 30 inch main guns, the Vigilant carries a varied and devastating secondary armament. Six eight inch railguns give the Vigilant a powerful shore bombardment platform, and a dozen 6.1" secondary guns allow the ship to handle close-in threats. The Mk. 136 VLS launchers permit the Vigilant to launch Sarzonian Scourge or Scorcher missiles, plus more standard missiles such as Mk. 48 compatible missiles. In addition, eight 660 mm torpedo tubes allow for devastating anti-submarine or anti-shipping attacks from below.

Protection: The Vigilant is very well-protected from aerial threats with a full 16 'Hornet' SAM launchers and 20 'Rattlesnake' CIWS suites that combine the 35 mm Millennium Gun with the 'Yellow Jacket' mini-SAM. A double-bottomed, reinforced keel with void spaces filled with KERI foam provides some protection against both submerged threats and kinetic energy attacks, along with composite rods and kinetic-reducing ceramic plates. A honeycomb frame also provides structural protection for the ship.

Propulsion: The ship is powered with 12 Pebblebed nuclear reactors with eight internalised waterjets. Compulsators provide power from the main nuclear reactors to the railguns. The Vigilant also has six diesel turbines to provide emergency propulsion in the event of nuclear reactor shutdowns. The top speed for the ship is 31.2 knots at a short range burst or under emergency retreat. The normal cruise maximum is 28.4 knots.

Aircraft: The Vigilant can also launch up to 72 STOL aircraft from its two full-length flight decks along its outriggers. It also carries 12 medium helicopters for ASW warfare.

Vigilant-class command battleship
Length: 962 m (wl); 984 m (oa); Beam: 237 m; Draught: 26.7 m
Displacement: 2.85 million tonnes full load
Armament: 5 x 4 762 mm ETC guns (A, B, C, X, Y positions);
6 x 1 203 mm naval railguns guns port and starboard;
6 x 2 153 mm ETC guns port and starboard;
4 x 96 cell Mk 136 VLS launchers;
8 x 660 mm TT;
16 x 'Hornet' SAM launchers;
20 x 'Rattlesnake' CIWS
Protection: 1,200 mm - 1,600 mm advanced armour composite (titanium, vadium, aluminum, amorphous steel; enhanced ERA; ballistic ceramics; depleted uranium) on trimaran hull construction. Double-bottomed, reinforced keel with void spaces including KERI foam; support provided by honeycomb frame. Composite rods and ceramic kinetic reducing plates provide additional protection against KE attacks.
Propulsion: 12 x Pebblebed nuclear reactors with 14 propulsors and eight internalised waterjets. Compulsators provide power to railguns from primary power system. Each reactor surrounded by thermal insulation to reduce noise emission and infared signature. Six diesel turbines provide emergency propulsion. 31.2 knots maximum. 28.4 knots maximum cruise.
Aircraft: Capable of carrying and launching 60-72 STOL aircraft from two full runways near the outriggers. Also carries 12 medium helicopters for ASW patrols.
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.
Complement: 10,600 + 190 aircrew
Price: $355 billion
Running Cost: $40 billion.

*bump*

So this is a double deck carrier, basically. Fused with a battleship? I must say, this is impressive. And the addition of raillguns is a nice touch. Mine only have regular cannons, 18". :( Now, at least I know I'm not the only one who thinks double-decks are a good idea. :)

It's essentially a battle carrier with a much larger emphasis on the *battleship* part of it as opposed to the carrier aspect. But it's really more of a command battleship that has a couple of runways attached to it. The Doujin has a huge complement of aircraft on it.

How does this compare to the Doujin Class or the Freedom Class Super Dreadnaughts? If it exceeds them I might buy some of these. But overall it looks very good.

President Harsimran Mann
Technocratic Republic of Space Union

[OOC: Very nice job Sarz =)

Space Union: Whilst I didn't play any role in designing this vessel or the Doujin, I did design the Freedom Class along with Sarzonia and so I'll have a go at answering your question: This vessel is superior to the Freedom Class, in the sense that it has more guns and an aircraft complement. On the other hand, this is designed to compete with the Doujin whereas the Freedom was a "pocket-superdreadnaught", designed to provide a ship more powerful than anything else out there whilst not challenging the Doujin directly. It was also designed at a time when the 99% of SDs that were reputed to challenge the Doujin were 'n00b-naughts' which had little basis in reality and probably wouldnt even float, not least challenge the Doujin.

As to whether or not this is better than the Doujin... that's a harder question. The Vigilant has the same calibre guns as the Doujin, and the same number. The Vigilant sports 384 VLS cells plus 16 SAM launchers to the Doujin's 2304 including SAM launchers. The Doujin also carries "super-heavy" anti-ship missiles and ICBMs whereas the Vigilant doesn't. Finally, the Doujin can carry a maximum of 220 planes to the Vigilant's 84. On paper, therefore, the Doujin is better, but in all honesty there isn't a huge amount in it.]

[OOC: Very nice job Sarz =)

Space Union: Whilst I didn't play any role in designing this vessel or the Doujin, I did design the Freedom Class along with Sarzonia and so I'll have a go at answering your question: This vessel is superior to the Freedom Class, in the sense that it has more guns and an aircraft complement. On the other hand, this is designed to compete with the Doujin whereas the Freedom was a "pocket-superdreadnaught", designed to provide a ship more powerful than anything else out there whilst not challenging the Doujin directly. It was also designed at a time when the 99% of SDs that were reputed to challenge the Doujin were 'n00b-naughts' which had little basis in reality and probably wouldnt even float, not least challenge the Doujin.

As to whether or not this is better than the Doujin... that's a harder question. The Vigilant has the same calibre guns as the Doujin, and the same number. The Vigilant sports 384 VLS cells plus 16 SAM launchers to the Doujin's 2304 including SAM launchers. The Doujin also carries "super-heavy" anti-ship missiles and ICBMs whereas the Vigilant doesn't. Finally, the Doujin can carry a maximum of 220 planes to the Vigilant's 84. On paper, therefore, the Doujin is better, but in all honesty there isn't a huge amount in it.]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to look into the Doujin SD.

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to look into the Doujin SD.
[OOC: http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=51

That's where all the stats are kept. However, Freethinkers no longer sells it. Doujin sold quite a few before he left NS, so there are some in circulation you could get hold of if you can find a kind benefactor who managed to snap one up.

That you can buy, the Vigilant is probably the most powerful SD on NS.]

[OOC: http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=51

That's where all the stats are kept. However, Freethinkers no longer sells it. Doujin sold quite a few before he left NS, so there are some in circulation you could get hold of if you can find a kind benefactor who managed to snap one up.

That you can buy, the Vigilant is probably the most powerful SD on NS.]

Thanks! Also could you check your Imperial Shipyard Storefront. I put an order there.

Thanks Prae! :)

*Now added to the Portland Iron Works*

The Democratic Colonies would like to purchase four of these titanic vessels. We feel that the Vigilant Class is the premiere super-dreadnaught design of today, and is likely to contiue to be seen as such well into the future.

As soon as our order is confirmed, our payment of 1.42 trillion US dollars will be transferred to you.

- Secretary Stephanie March, Colonial Department of Foreign Affairs (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/March01.jpg)

To: Stephanie March
Secretary, Foreign Affairs
From: Rear Admiral Barbara Tucker (ISN-Ret.)
Managing Director, Portland Iron Works
Subject: Confirmation

The Portland Iron Works is estatic to confirm this first order for the Vigilant-class superdreadnaught. Work will begin immediately on the vessels and we expect to have all units complete within 20 years because of the massive size of the ships.

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

*bump*

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My new battleship will be finished soon. I can't wait to see these two compare.

(I'm looking up ship armour, I have no real idea on how to make up my own that's why my ship is late on being released. Me and ship armour knowledge is a big no no. I can't my head round it.)

Transmission to Portland Iron Works:

Greetings from the Sharina Technocracy.

We would be quite interested in purchasing several Vigilant-class superdreadnaughts for use and defense of the Sharina homeland. We are currently in the middle of a major effort to upgrade our navy from World War II relics to modernized warships. Our 60 year old battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers are in dire need of replacement.

The Vigilant-class superdreadnaught appears to be a possible solution for Sharina's extreme lack of a workable modern navy. We still have the six Freedom-class Pocket Superdreadnaughts that your fine corporation has sold us a while ago. However, six Freedom's are not sufficient to replace an entire 1940's navy.

To bolster its Freedom-class complement and in an attempt to further modernize its navy, Sharina would like to place an order for eight Vigilant-class superdreadnaughts for the price of 2.84 trillion, along with a generous $160 billion tip. The total price will be exactly $3 trillion.

Please inform us if such an order is possible, and whether it shall be approved or not.

Live well and prosper.
~President Mina Veristek

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OOC:

Hopefully this isn't too extreme or crazy order.

OOC: Eight is a high number for ships of that size. I've seen fairly enormous orders; though. I'll get back to you on it by the end of the day (EDT).

OOC: Eight is a high number for ships of that size. I've seen fairly enormous orders; though. I'll get back to you on it by the end of the day (EDT).

No problem. I'm perfectly willing to cut it down to 4 or 5 ships. Would that be better for us both? :)

[OOC: Thanks for the reduction... I'll confirm your order since my background check turned up fine.]

To: President Mina Veristek
Sharina Technocracy
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 order for four of our Vigilant-class superdreadnaughts. Work will begin immediately, though since we are in the middle of constructing five already, we expect that it will take us approximately 30 NS years (30 RL days), following the completion of sea trials. We will endeavour to reduce this time as much as possible while retaining the top-notch quality our customers have come to expect from us. We hope these ships serve you well and that you return to the Portland Iron Works as you continue to modernise your fleet.

We thank you for contacting us for your naval needs. We wish you and the Technocracy the best of luck in the years ahead!

What I don't like about SD's is that if a small fleet with advanced tactics are able to catch some luck, a few missiles could cripple (or with a well placed one) send the most expensive part of your navy to the bottom.

That's just me.

My navy ends up fighting alot near ports, so we can't use HUGE ships.

OOC: The problem with your statement is the fact that a well-designed SD is going to be very hard to take down with missiles. It will take many, many missiles to sink a trimaran hulled vessel.

The issue with using SDs or not using them has to do with 1) doctrine and 2) expected roles. Even if you spent the money it would cost to buy one SD on an entire fleet, none of the ships in your fleet can perform the same roles that a SD can perform.

You would need at least one ship to serve as a command centre, one ship or more to serve as aircraft carriers, and one or more ships to serve as gun platforms. For the VLS tubes on a SD, you're either going to need one or two arsenal ships or a LOT of smaller vessels.

I would appreciate keeping any comments about SDs and their practicality or lack thereof out of this thread. If you want to debate the topic, you're more than welcome to create a separate thread where you make your arguments. Just don't make them here.

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OOC:

Sarzonia, are the only people to order your Vigilant class SD's me, Democratic Colonies, and Space Union? Just wondering, as this thing should be attracting more attention. :p

OOC: The Voltarum just ordered one. But yeah, this ship should be getting a lot more attention. :p

*bump*

The Silver Sky is impressed by the size and effectiveness of your Vigilant-Class
SD, we would like to order One (1) of these fine ships for $355 Billion USD, we will pay $100 million USD now and the rest of the payment should arrive before the ship is completed.

Thanks you,
[Signed]
President Jason Garner

OOC: Do you mind if I use this on a off-site forum. With credit to you of course.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay! And, yes it's fine if you use it in the off-site forum as long as you credit it to me.)

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

The Portland Iron Works is pleased to confirm this order from our returning friends from The Silver Sky. Work will begin immediately on the construction of one Vigilant-class superdreadnaught and we expect to have it completed within 20 NS years [20 RL days].

We accept your proposed payment plan and we hope this ship serves your navy well. Thank you once again for contacting the Portland Iron Works for your naval needs!

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

We thanks Portland Iron Works for providing us with such an excellent ship, the first payment has been wired, expect the rest in the next 3 1/2 NS years.

If its secret why do we know about it? :D

OOC: It was "secret" originally to get feedback from people when they weren't RPing as their countries. Now that I've posted it to the storefront, it's known about.