NationStates Jolt Archive

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Overview: The Commonwealth military was originally comprised of a variety of heavy and light units, mostly favored towards the contemporary design of the Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carriers.

Following the loss of contact with Her Majesty's Government in 3429, very little is known about the state of the military. There has been no contact with any Commonwealth vessels or personnel from the homeworld or colonies since a single emergency broadcast was sent to the International Trade Hub.

In the pre-loss-of-contact forces of Her Majesty's Navy, the divisions between the respective ranks were as follows:

First-rates were rumored to be fleet carriers. Considered to be a massive statement and a strong showing of national will, this proported but never confirmed, design was supposed to be capable of combat operations with little or no support from any friendly units.

Second-rates were known as battlecruisers. From here, they were separated into two categories: battlecruiser heavy and a variant called the battlecruiser heavy (command). The former were more prevalent in the present era Commonwealth military, and could be seen operating in any squadron. Battlecruiser heavy (command) vessels could be found leading squadron- and fleet-sized formations both on domestic patrols and long-range missions.

Third-rates were identified in popular lingo as cruiser/carriers, and as of 3429 constituted a relatively newer element in the Commonwealth's shifting reliance to automated technology. Each one was capable of carrying several wings of both automated and piloted fighters and bombers, and could maintain fleet speeds in order to supplement and engage enemies of the second-rates at a longer distance. Commonwealth marines referred to these ships as "attack transports" because of their carrying several divisions and all necessary equipment on board.

* Spirit of Fire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12124434&postcount=4) class
* Spirit of Fire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12138102&postcount=5) class refit

Fourth-rates (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12140008&postcount=6) were better known as light cruisers. Traditionally the eyes and ears of the fleet, in the early 3400s that mission was been taken over by automated and unmanned reconnaissance drones that were entering into service. As of 3429 they served as a workhorse capable of engaging in missions that include scouting, raiding enemy commerce, escorting convoys, surveillance and covert intelligence missions, and carrying important dispatches between facilities.

Fifth-rates were anything not included in the previous categories, including the all-mighty logistical vessels. Unsung and unpraised workhorses of the fleet, they were a common sight within many squadron- and fleet-sized formations, but due to their tremendous value they were never seen alone or unescorted.

* Adamant (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12181215&postcount=7) class logistical vessel
* Type 200 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12181237&postcount=8) class light frigate
* Crusader (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12212855&postcount=9) class heavy fighter

Generally, all Commonwealth vessels shared a number of common features. These included the following:

Two flight pods mounted on each side of the center hull. They were purposefully situated not only to provide a clear launching axis to port and starboard, but also to absorb incoming fire that had breached the shields. Both the fighter and drone squadrons were housed within these massive assemblages, which were usually a third the length of the vessel itself and had two decks of launch catapults.

Large and very powerful shields that operated on the well-proven one-frequency-window system in combat situations. They were capable of absorbing tremendous punishment from hostile fire, and could be used to protect the crew and ship against lethal levels of radiation and other stellar phenomena in combination with armor.

Thick plates of armor, which in all ships constructed post-3400 were incorporated into both the inner and outer hulls. It was not unknown for Commonwealth vessels to lose shields in a combat situation but still be able to outgun and outperform enemy vessels due to hostile ordinance being unable to penetrate the plates.

Numerous primary and secondary Conventional Magnetic Cannons. Secondaries were more rapid-firing, but there were more of them as per Admiralty doctrine: first-, second-, and third-rate warships were well known for a ratio of 4 secondary weapons for every primary.

Entire vertical/horizontal launch systems or self-contained firing pods of Rapier missiles, which were considered the standard missile system for all Commonwealth ships in service. These nimble and highly capable weapons could be used against incoming missiles and torpedoes, fighters, and enemy capital ships, although the damage they inflicted varied between each type.

Broadsword class nuclear missile vertical launch systems, which formed an integral part of Commonwealth nuclear deterrent since first being integrated into a unit of the long-since-decommissioned Carlisle class light cruisers.

More technical information on all of these systems can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12212855&postcount=9).

II. Technical Information

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III. Naval Forces

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First-rates: 0 in service; 0 building; 0 authorized; 0 projected
Second-rates: 63 in service; 0 building; 0 authorized; 0 projected
Third-rates: 77 in service; 0 building; 2 authorized; 6 projected
Fourth-rates: 64 in service; 8 building; 10 authorized; 0 projected
Fifth-rates: 26 in service; 0 building; 4 authorized; 5 projected
TOTAL: 230 in service; 8 building; 6 authorized; 11 projected

IV. Government Facilities

CLYDEBANK NAVAL YDS. (Bautizar VIII high orbit)

A high orbital construction facility originally owned by Republic StarDrive, the Clydebank Naval Yards were acquired in late 3379 by the Dominion of Bautizar. Later turned over to Commonwealth authorities as part of the Second Treaty of the Dominion in 3391, as of 3429 they had become an integral part of the military modernization and buildup.

HIGH WALKER TRAINING ACADEMY. (Clydebank Naval Yards, Bautizar VIII high orbit)

The primary training facility for the Commonwealth Navy, the High Walker Training Academy housed both the enlisted and officer candidate programs, and was located adjacent to the Clydebank Naval Yards for ease of access. (Surface facilities also existed for training purposes on the homeworld's surface.) It was extensively modernized throughout the 3390s, and as of 3429 contained large and modern classroom facilities in the fields of gunnery, engineering, navigation, medicine, security, and command.

V. Contractors << Not to be RP'd except with permission of Bautizar. >>

COMMONWEALTH ENGINEERING YARDS, INC. (Canterbury Station, Bautizar IX high orbit)
• Fourth-rate: Marathon class light cruiser refit

Famous for fast, heavily armed, and easily modified starships, Commonwealth Engineering Yards, Inc. (CEY) was one of the two largest starship manufacturers in the Commonwealth. (The other was Commonwealth Fleet Systems.) CEY, however, had the distinction of owing its success to civilian sales, unlike CFS, which relied on military contracts.

It had also been a major components manufacturer known for its excellent engine, weapon, shield, and sensor designs. As of 3429 it boasted of having equipment in one-quarter of all starships in production in the Commonwealth. Parts sales constituted nearly 90 percent of the company’s profits.

COMMONWEALTH FLEET SYSTEMS (Thames Outpost, Bautizar VIII low orbit)
• Fourth rate: Marathon class light cruiser
• Fifth rate: Stinger-1 class medium fighter
• Fifth rate: Stinger-2 class medium fighter
• Fifth rate: Crusader class heavy fighter
• Fifth rate: Cavalier class bomber

Commonwealth Fleet Systems played a major role in starship design for over six generations. The company was first founded to design starships for the Dominion Navy. In time it expanded its operations to design exploration, transport, and passenger vessels. It later embraced the space age in the Commonwealth, becoming a key supplier for military parts and equipment.

ROYAL ENGINEERING CONSORTIUM (Sheffield Station, Bautizar VIII high orbit)
• Second rate: Unity class heavy battlecruiser
• Third rate: Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carrier

Known under previous well-respected names, including Republic StarDrive and Deep Space Engineering Corporation, Royal Engineering Consortium was established after a buyout by a group of former company employees and investors. The Unity-class heavy battlecruiser was the company’s first major military starship contract to be won in over two decades, with the Spirit of Fire-class cruiser/carrier designed by special request of the Admiralty in 3402.

ST. DAUNAUTE SHIPWRIGHTS (St. Daunaute, Solstheim)

St. Daunaute Shipwrights was a small, family-owned ship construction business based in the frontier town by similar name. The company produces oceanic and space luxury cruisers that were custom built to exacting specifications. St. Daunaute Shipwrights vessels featured a level of craftsmanship rarely found in mass-produced vessels and the company produced less than a dozen craft per standard year.

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Unity-class heavy battlecruiser (C-BCH)

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The first class of military starships to fall under the designation of "second rates," the Unity class heavy battlecruisers dated from the mid-3390s. At one time only fielded on the most important of missions, as of 3429 they had become synonymous with Commonwealth military authority, and were a common sight in many systems.

At 1,052 meters in length, when constructed these vessels were twice the size of any naval unit that had been previously fielded by the Commonwealth. Their armament included 96 primary and over 300 secondary CMCs, plus 200 Rapier missile pods, giving them unprecedented firepower with conventional armament alone. Unity class vessels also set the standards for both armor and shields in subsequent military units: tests against the first unit of the class showed that they could withstand concentrated fire from up to three heavy defense stations (or equivalent ships) before sustaining critical damage.

Two squadrons of 24 fighters (divided into two squadrons of twelve ships each) were standard complement aboard each vessel, with captains known to swap out these ships based on their missions. 24 dropships were also present aboard each vessel to support ongoing marine operations. It was in fact the need for more dropships that led to development of the Spirit of Fire class third rate cruiser/carriers (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12124434&postcount=4).

The specialized battlecruiser heavy command refits of the Unity class appeared in 3404, the ships being in drydock for an average of 4-5 years before returning to service. By Commonwealth standards they had exceptionally well-designed flag and command facilities, along with more powerful communication and sensor systems, heavier shields, and an increased complement of secondary CMC phalanx turrets.

Displacement: 32,400,000 tons standard and about 41,000,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 1052.00m
beam: 433.16m
draught: 464.10m

Machinery:
sublight: 4 primary drive shafts and 4 secondary
faster-than-light: 2 coil drives
power core(s): 2 Admiralty nuclear fusion reactors
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 21,000 tons
consumption: full speed, 17.5 tons per hour; cruising speed 12 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.25c (74,948,114.5 m/s)
faster-than-light: 70 light-year range

Armor:
hull 330-390mm (13-15 in)
decks 104-150mm (4-6 in)
turrets 390-430mm (15-17 in)

Shields:
primary: 12,500MW sustainable load
secondary: 7,200MW sustainable load
battlecruiser heavy (command) refit primary: 13,100 MW sustainable load
battlecruiser heavy (command) refit secondary: 7,500 MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 96 410mm (16 in) mk IV conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 384 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
battlecruiser heavy (command) refit secondary: 410 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 200 rapier missile pods (40 missiles each), 36-cell broadsword VLS array

Missile Inventory:
primary: 8,000 antimatter (rapiers)
secondary: 36 nuclear (broadswords)

Fighters: 2 squadrons bombers: N/A

Sensors:
2 Type 1003 and 1005 navigation arrays
3 Type 1024 and 1025 general search arrays
5 Type 355 fire control arrays
Type 2056 passive sensor array
2 Type 2014 and 2017 electronic warfare suites

Complement: 3020/3510 (refit: 3170/3290)
Marines: 2304/2880
Decks: 85

General Notes – Cost, nearly ₤12,970,000,000 per ship. Unity, Commonwealth, Roughneck, Space of Thunder, Standing Ready, St. Daunaute were taken in hand for refit to the battlecruiser heavy (command) variant from 3399-3404.

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Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carrier (C-CVGA)

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The Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carriers first appeared in military service in 3407. They were designed by the Royal Engineering Consortium in response to an Admiralty request for a "light escort carrier" with cruiser armament, capable not only of supporting fleet operations through fighter and bomber deployments, but also of direct marine deployments to both ground-level and space positions.

Based from the prototype of the Unity class second rate (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12116181&postcount=3) heavy battlecruisers, as of 3429 Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carriers were a hundred meters longer and fifteen meters wider than the more powerful vessels. Their complement of CMCs had been decreased in response to their needing only to possess a cruiser's armament, but there had been increases in armor, shields and missile pods, giving them both tremendous offensive and defensive capabilities.

Two wings of 144 fighters (divided into twelve squadrons of twelve ships each) and a wing of bombers were standard aboard each ship, yet unlike Unity class vessels the Admiralty maintained strict guidelines over what captains could or could not transfer on or off their ships in the ways of craft. 36 dropships were maintained aboard the vessels in a ventrally-housed landing bay. This same facility also housed prefabricated structures that could be deployed from orbit, although Spirit of Fire class vessels were capable of atmospheric flight at extremely low velocities.

This class was also the most manpower-intensive one fielded to date by the Commonwealth, as each vessel can house two marine armored divisions (including all support facilities). It is also important to note that as of 3429 doctrine at the Admiralty emphasized more of these vessels entering into service as front-line combat units capable of solo, squadron-, or fleet-sized patrols in any theater of action.

Displacement: 35,400,000 tons standard and about 42,500,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 1152.00m
beam: 474.32m
draught: 508.20m

Machinery:
sublight: 4 primary drive shafts and 4 secondary
faster-than-light: 4 coil drives
power core(s): 4 Admiralty fusion reactors
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 22,500 tons
consumption: full speed, 18 tons per hour; cruising speed 10 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.31c (92,935,661.98 m/s)
faster-than-light: 95 light-year range

Armor:
exterior hull: 330-390mm (13-15 in)
inner hull: 205-250 (8-10 in)
decks: 76-104mm (3-4 in)
turrets: 390-460mm (15-18 in)

Shields:
primary: 14,700MW sustainable load
secondary: 10,100MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 76 410mm (16 in) mk IV conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 410 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 215 rapier missile pods (40 missiles each), 36-cell broadsword VLS array

Missile Inventory:
primary: 8,600 antimatter (rapiers)
secondary: 36 nuclear

Fighters: 6 squadrons bombers: 4 squadrons

Sensors:
1 Type 1005 navigation array
3 Type 1025 and 1026 general search arrays
4 Type 355 fire control arrays
1 Type 2056 passive sensor array
1 Type 2017 electronic warfare suite

Complement: 3670/3990
Marines: 4608/4896
Decks: 80

General Notes – Cost about ₤14,500,000,000 per ship. Limited onboard mining, refining, and production facilities located in the engineering section were capable of munitions production.

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Spirit of Fire class cruiser/carrier refit (C-CVGA+)

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This refits of the Spirit of Fire class had already begun to appear by early 3424, but work on refitting all ships in service to this standard accelerated in the aftermath of the Battle of Tau-21 in 3426. Plans for the modernization for service had been drawn up before the aforementioned engagement by the Royal Engineering Consortium with input from both the Admiralty. A single wide-scale overhaul, it was intended to upgrade all Spirit of Fire class vessels to the same level at one time, unlike the patchwork refits and modernizations applied by other navies. Although more expensive per vessel, it was believed that the culmination of 19 years of combat experience and hard-won lessons would allow these unique vessels to serve with distinction until the early or mid 3500s.

Numerous upgrades and planned modifications were combined into this class. Among the results were:

* Hull lengthened by 50m.
* Removal of the vulnerable bridge facility, and replacement with one more flush against the upper hull, topped by a communication/sensor array.
* Additional armor and heavier shields.
* Increase in Rapier missile pods.
* All fighters and bombers replaced by unmanned drone combat craft, with additional space allocated in hangar facilities for a greatly-increased complement.
* More powerful sensor arrays (located in the bulbous section at the bow).
* Onboard machinery production and mineral refining facilities moved to dedicated area in engineering section.
* Replacement of the vulnerable original Excellency class engineering section with a Brunel class engineering module.
* Living space for crew increased by 30m/person.
* Crew decreased by a third due to introduction of large-scale automation.

Displacement: 37,000,000 tons standard and about 44,500,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:

length: 1182.00m
beam: 644.76m
draught: 294.56

Machinery:
sublight: 4 primary drive shafts and 4 secondary
faster-than-light: 6 coil drives
power cores: 2 Admiralty fusion reactors
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 22,500 tons
consumption: full speed, 18 tons per hour; cruising speed 10 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.31c (92,935,661.98 m/s)
faster-than-light: 95 light-year range

Armor:
exterior hull:250-300mm (10-12 in)
inner hull: 330-390mm (13-15 in)
decks: 76-104mm (3-4 in)
turrets: 390-460mm (15-18 in)

Shields:
primary: 14,700MW sustainable load
secondary: 10,500MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 76 308mm (12 in) mk IV conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 400 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 240 rapier missile pods (40 missiles each), 36-cell broadsword VLS system

Missile Inventory:
primary: 9,600 antimatter (rapiers)
secondary: 36 nuclear

Fighter drones: 12 squadrons bomber drones: 6 squadrons

Sensors:
1 Type 1005C navigation array
4 Type 1025B and 1027I general search arrays
4 Type 355 fire control arrays
1 Type 2056C passive sensor array
2 Type 2017 and 2017B electronic warfare suites

Complement: 1470/1500
Marines: 2304
Medical capacity: 750 patients
Decks: 58

General Notes – Average cost for refit per vessel ₤920,000,000. Extensive and entirely automated mining, refining, and production facilities located in the engineering section were capable of producing any part, component, munition, or small craft in current Commonwealth service. All interior modifications were completed by individual ships after departing drydock.

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Marathon-class light cruiser refit (C-CL+)

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The fourth rates of the Marathon class began to enter into service in the late 3390s, owing to performance flaws that had been found in their six predecessors of the Carlisle class (which were decommissioned and scrapped by 3401). Originally they were built to exacting Admiralty specifications for work as scouts and forward reconnaissance vessels, yet in more recent years they have become eclipsed in this task by better (and cheaper) unmanned reconnaissance drones.

Starting from the fourth unit of the class to enter into service, all of these ships were upgraded and completely remodeled to become general workhorses of the fleet. True to the standard of ships of their classification, they could be found engaged in a variety of missions ranging from scouting to convoy escort missions, from courier tasks to surveillance and other covert intelligence missions. With more of the Unity class heavy battlecruisers (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12116181&postcount=3) entering into service, these ships could also be found increasingly engaged in tasks which took them beyond the borders and into deep space, far from support and friendly units.

Two squadrons of fighters and four of unmanned reconnaissance drones could be found aboard these vessels, although the Admiralty did not tend to enforce these requirements, unlike the cruiser/carriers of the Spirit of Fire class. With an armament that included 40 primary and 320 secondary CMC guns, supported by numerous Rapier missile pods, these vessels could be found operating in squadron- and fleet-sized formations, but they were usually held out of the line of battle and in reserve. Their outstanding maneuverability and fast engines more often placed them far from the traditional battle zones, as they were capable of escaping from heavier or comparable hostile units.

Displacement: 18,800,000 tons standard and about 24,000,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 500.00m
beam: 184.10m
draught: 91.74m

Machinery:
sublight: 4 primary drive shafts and 2 secondary
faster-than-light: 4 coil drives
power core(s): 2 Admiralty fusion reactors
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 17,500 tons
consumption: full speed, 15 tons per hour; cruising speed 7.7 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.47c (140,902,455.26 m/s)
faster-than-light: 110 light-year range

Armor:
outer hull: 100mm (4 in)
decks: 50mm (2 in)
turrets: 25-60mm (1-2.5 in)

Shields:
primary: 6,100MW sustainable load
secondary: 3,400MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 40 308mm (12 in) mk III conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 320 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 100 rapier missile pods (40 missiles each); 12-cell broadsword VLS array

Missile Inventory:
primary: 4,000 antimatter (rapiers)
secondary: 12 nuclear

Fighter drones: 2 squadrons reconnaissance drones: 4 squadrons

Sensors:
2 Type 1004 and 1005 navigation arrays
2 Type 1021 and 1025 general search arrays
2 Type 352 fire control arrays
2 Type 2055 and 2056 passive sensor arrays
3 Type 2012, 2014 and 2017 electronic warfare suites

Complement: 1205/1520
Marines: 432/576
Decks: 25

General Notes – Average cost ₤2,120,000,000.

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Adamant-class logistical vessel (C-AOR)

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The first logistical ships of the pre-Unification era were converted merchantmen, purchased or seized in times of war and converted hastily for military service. At the end of conflict they were often sold for scrap or to new owners, not only destabilizing the economies of the nation(s) they served, but leaving the military without a ready logistical force.

In 3392, in the immediate aftermath of Unification, the Admiralty set out to correct this flaw by establishing such an element within the military. The perceived need for vessels of the Adamant type was magnified by contact with the Dimensional Grand Republica of Gaian Ascendancy, which led many to believe that exploration beyond the Commonwealth's borders was sorely needed in order to understand its corner of the galaxy.

These vessels did not carry fighters or other auxiliary craft, although 12 dropships were maintained on board to act as transports and shuttlecraft. As compared to other front-line military units their armament was weak, and they were most often left behind when a Commonwealth task force or fleet entered into a combat zone. When they came under attack, standard policy was for the vessels to execute an immediate jump from the area, lest the valuable supplies and personnel on board be lost to hostile weapons fire.

In an unusual departure from past logistical vessels, the frame for the Adamant class was used as a prototype for the Unity class heavy battlecruisers (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12116181&postcount=3), and later bore a striking resemblance to (and heavy influence in) the construction of the Spirit of Fire cruiser/carrier class (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12124434&postcount=4). This allowed for an unprecedented rate of construction of all three classes, as they utilized many common parts and pieces of equipment.

It is also important to note that Adamant class vessels also had highly sophisticated mining and refinery facilities on board, so as to allow for mission-specific parts production and storage. A refit introduced in 3420 led to the installation of state-of-the-art medical facilities on board all ships.

Displacement: 35,400,000.00 tons standard and about 42,500,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 1052.00m
beam: 525.98m
draught: 433.16m

Machinery:
sublight: 4 primary drive shafts and 4 secondary
faster-than-light: 6 coil drives
power cores: 2 Admiralty fusion reactors
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 12,000 tons
consumption: full speed, 15 tons per hour; cruising speed 12.5 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.22c (65,954,340.76 m/s)
faster-than-light: 55 light-year range

Armor:
hull: 115mm (4.5 in)
decks: 50mm (2 in)
turrets: 25-65.5mm (1-2.5 in)

Shields:
primary: 5,100MW sustainable load
secondary: 2,100MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 4 308mm (12 in) mk IV conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 70 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 10 rapier missile pods (40 missiles each)

Missile Inventory: 400 antimatter, not including spares for resupplying vessels

Sensors:
2 Type 1000 and 1002 navigation arrays
1 Type 1021 general search array
2 Type 350 fire control arrays
1 Type 2050 passive sensor array
1 Type 2012 electronic warfare suite

Complement: 3250/4100
Medical capacity: 2750
Decks: 85

General Notes – Average cost ₤3,130,000,000.

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Commonwealth Type 200 (C-FF)

Although hard to believe, Type 200 class light frigates were once considered to be the pinnacle of Commonwealth frigate shipbuilding and design. The first units were constructed by the Royal Engineering Corporation as prototypes for the Dominion of Bautizar in the pre-Unification era, but the design was considered obsolete even before the first units entered into standard service. Despite their being out-maneuvered and -performed by the combat ships they opposed, Type 200s were generally popular with their crews for spacious living quarters, a sensible and well-laid-out design plan, easy accessibility to all key systems for both repairs and maintenance, and a tough framework that could absorb tremendous amounts of punishment for a vessel of its size.

As of 3429 all Types 200s had been relegated to service as customs enforcement vessels and anti-smuggling platforms. Periodically updated (as much as the five-decade-old design could allow for) and taken in hand for applicable refits, these ships had gained popularity within Her Majesty's Constabulary Authority. In 3398 five of these vessels were sold to the Kingdom of BrayBrack (http://www.nationstates.net/braybrack) (a fellow member of the Confederation of Nations), leading to possible rumors of further sales. As of 3429 there had been no further remarks to suggest this, however.

Users: Her Majesty's Commonwealth Constabulary Authority, Kingdom of BrayBrack

Displacement: 18,500,000.00 tons standard and about 23,500,000 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 410.00m
beam: 184.10m
draught: 91.74m

Machinery:
sublight: 2 primary drive shafts and 1 secondary
faster-than-light: 2 jump coils
power cores: 1 Admiralty fusion reactor
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 17,500 tons
consumption: full speed, 15 tons per hour; cruising speed 7.7 tons per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.31c (92,935,661.98 m/s)
faster-than-light: 20 lightyear range

Armor:
hull: 25mm (1 in)
decks: 50mm (2 in)
turrets: 25-60mm (1-2.5 in)

Shields:
primary: 5,200MW sustainable load
secondary: 3,100MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 20 308mm (12 in) mk III conventional magnetic cannons
secondary: 132 76mm (3 in) mk II conventional magnetic cannon phalanx turrets
missiles: 7 Rapier VLS tubes

Missile Inventory: primary: 400 antimatter

Sensors:
2 Type 1000E and 1002E navigation arrays
1 Type 1021E general search array
2 Type 350E fire control arrays
1 Type 2050E passive sensor array

Complement: 650/710
Decks: 22

General Notes - Cost about ₤2,100,000,000 per ship.

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Crusader class heavy fighter (C-HF)

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Fast and agile for a craft of its size and bulk, the Crusader class interceptor was patterned from the Stinger-1 and -2's that were used in the wars that led to the Unification era. Easily mass-produced, as of 3429 it formed the cornerstone of the military and civil authorities' efforts to enforce the will of the crown, and was designed at its core to deliver as significant a beating as it could withstand. A popular choice with civilian pilots for its mounting four pulse laser cannons (the only craft in Commonwealth service to do so) and an externally-housed Rapier missile pod, an adaptation of the class introduced in 3410 saw the chassis adapted for use as an automated drone fighter.

The variant of this class was the Cavalier class bomber, another unmanned combat craft which could carry mk II Rapiers in the missile pods.

Displacement: 110 tons standard and about 135 tons deep load

Dimensions:
length: 15.00m
beam: 14.10m
draught: 9.87m

Machinery:
sublight: 1 primary drive shaft and 16 maneuvering thrusters
faster-than-light: 1 coil drive
power core(s): 1 Admiralty nuclear fusion reactor
deuterium fuel (impulse speed): 2,500 pounds
consumption: full speed, 110 tons per hour; cruising speed 90 pounds per hour

Speed:
sublight: 0.51c (152,894,153.58 m/s)
faster-than-light: 70 light-year range

Armor: hull: 50-75mm (2-3 in)

Shield: 2,100MW sustainable load

Armament:
primary: 4 mk III pulse laser cannons
missiles: 2 rapier missile pods (20 missiles)

Missile Inventory: primary: 40 antimatter (rapiers)

Sensors:
1 Type 1001 navigation array
1 Type 1021 general search array
1 Type 355 fire control array
1 Type 2012 electronic warfare suite

General Notes – Cost about ₤112,000 per ship. Although originally designed by a Commonwealth corporation, the design was purchased by the Admiralty in the late 3410s. It could be easily mass-produced by any major or minor military station and ship with appropriate facilities, and was deployed to every installation and ship in service.

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X. Naval Ordinance: Conventional Magnetic Cannons

Conventional Magnetic Cannons (or CMC guns) were the standard and secondary main weapons aboard all Commonwealth battlecruisers, cruisers, and logistical vessels, and larger versions could be found aboard orbital defense platforms, civilian stations, and at ground-based installations. Enhanced Mark VII CMC guns were the largest and most powerful non-nuclear weapon in Commonwealth service.

Originally developed in the wake of the failed Beldenor Experiment (during which an entire research station was destroyed by an overheating antiship laser system), CMCs utilized a series of superconducting coils that generated a series of magnetic fields. As ordinance was discharged from a weapon system the fields continuously added velocity to the projectile until the point at which it exited the barrel of the weapon, carrying a substantial amount of energy with it. The coils were powered by a complex network of primary and secondary capacitors that stored the energy necessary to accelerate a projectile to tremendous velocities. Common shipboard CMC guns were capable of accelerating a 600-ton ferric projectile with a depleted uranium core to 57% the speed of light, or roughly 170,881 kps (170,881,701 mps).

The main drawback to larger versions of CMC guns was the recharge rate necessary for the primary and secondary capacitors to reach full power: Commonwealth units compensated for this through dual sets of capacitors and developing smaller weapons for point-defense tasks.

XI. Naval Ordinance: Broadsword missiles

Broadsword-class missiles were heavy ordinance missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. They were incapable of being mounted with conventional warheads, except under grave emergencies. Their range was dependent on payload, and all were armed with independent guidance computers.

XII. Naval Ordinance: Rapier missile pods

Rapier missile pods were used to fire Rapier and Rapier mark 2 missiles from Commonwealth capital ships. Capital ships such as the Unity class and larger defensive installations used pods from which the missiles were fired; all reloading mechanisms were contained within the inner shell of the pod itself. Smaller vessels, such as the Type 200 class frigate, fired their missiles from vertically- or horizontally-oriented missile arrays, with complex and intricate automated reloading systems located in close proximity.

XIII. Naval Systems: Shields

The first operational shields to be used on Commonwealth military vessels were developed by the pre-Unification Dominion of Bautizar. At the time they were considered incredibly wasteful of power, inefficient, and good only for radiation protection on deep-space missions. As of 3429 shield grids were the standard main defensive system aboard all Commonwealth vessels, and larger versions could be found aboard orbital defense platforms, stations, and at ground-based installations. Enhanced shields were the largest and most powerful defensive system in Commonwealth service, and could be found only at ground stations, although rumors suggested that the Admiralty was working on a scaled-down version for naval ships as of 3429.

Commonwealth shields were projected via a grid embedded directly into the hull of the vessel. A secondary emergency grid could be projected in emergencies by drawing power directly from the main capacitor, although this procedure was not recommended as a viable long-term option in prolonged engagements.

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Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
Office of the Admiralty
Order of Battle

Home Fleet:

Command Element:
1 Unity class heavy battlecruiser (command)
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
3 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
4 Marathon class light cruisers
2 Adamant class logistical vessels

1st Division:
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers (command)
20 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
14 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
5 Adamant class logistical vessels

2nd Division:
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers (command)
20 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
14 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
5 Adamant class logistical vessels

82nd Reconnaissance Group (Force C); Omega Command:
1 Unity class heavy battlecruiser (command)
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
12 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
4 Adamant class logistical vessels

112th Reconnaissance Group (Force H); Tau Command:
1 Unity class heavy battlecruiser (command)
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
12 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
4 Adamant class logistical vessels

314th Reconnaissance Group (Force X); Far East Reaches Command:
1 Unity class heavy battlecruiser (command)
10 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
2 Adamant class logistical vessel

312th Reconnaissance Group (Force Z); Northern Reaches Command:
1 Unity class heavy battlecruiser (command)
3 Unity class heavy battlecruisers
12 Spirit of Fire refit cruiser/carriers
10 Marathon class light cruisers
4 Adamant class logistical vessel

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[ ********** ]

[ Authorization granted. Opening file. Text only. ]

There will be few who hear this story
Through rock and sand and test of time
This story is one without glory
It may prove to be quite the rhyme

They are gone, I am alone
Their dust settles in the streets
There are no faded bones
The cloth of clothes ripples and cheats

We are few yet proud
For we bear a legacy
We remain unbowed
We shall not forget this tragedy

But if thou art traveling
And encounters the citizens who once held this ring
Will thou send them o'er this way
For I fear that they will not return today

[ End text ]

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