Wagon Wheel
Sarna News
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| Wagon Wheel | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Taurian Concordat |
| Introduced | 2570 |
| Use | Frigate |
| Tech Base | Star League |
| Cost | 3,693,394,000 Cbills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 650,000 tons |
| Length | 700 meters |
| Sail Diameter | 1003 meters |
| Fuel | 8,000 tons (20,000) |
| Burn Rate | 39.52 |
| Safe Thrust | 2 g |
| Top Thrust | 3 g |
| Sail Integrity | 4 |
| KF Drive Integrity | 14 |
| LF Battery | No |
| Armament | 3 x NL45 4 x NL35 2 x Medium NPPCs 3 x LRM-15s 12 x White Sharks 6 x SRM-6s 8 x NAC/35s 2 x NAC/10 12 x AC/5s 6 x AC/10s |
| Armor | 609 tons standard |
| DropShip Capacity | 2 |
| Crew | 279 |
| Grav Decks | 3 x two 300 meter diameter, one 200 meter diameter |
| Escape Pods/Life Boats | 24/35 |
| Heat Sinks | 2,000 |
| Structural Integrity | 47 |
| BV (1.0) | 102,313[1] |
| BV (2.0) | 77,174 |
Description
Named for the wagon wheels of ancient Terra because of the spokes attaching the trio of Grav Decks to the WarShip's hull, the Wagon Wheel-class frigate was intended to bolster the Taurian Concordat's navy, as well as the navy of other Periphery realms, entering service just prior to the formation of the Star League.[1]
Initially planed as a heavy troop transport with a very long operating range, the Wagon Wheel's original design included over a dozen Docking collars and three large, exterior-mounted grav decks to maintain morale on long patrols. But political wrangles, cost overruns and technical issues led to the removal of the majority of the docking collars and a large increase in engine thrust and armament, transforming the Wagon Wheel into a heavily armed, fast attack ship. However, legal obligations with subcontractors forced the designers to retain the oversized grav decks, despite their crippling effect on the vessel's maneuverability.[1]
The Concordat produced only a handful of Wagon Wheels, but they played a notable part in the history of that Periphery nation. The destruction of two of the class by Davion WarShips in 2573 during the so-called Malagrotta Affair cemented the enmity between the Concordat and the Federated Suns and helped trigger the Reunification War. During that conflict, a re-prioritization of military spending ended production of the design.[1]
Armament
The Wagon Wheel's forward firing weaponry features three NL45s, two Medium NPPCs and three LRM-15s mounted in its nose bays, with three White Shark tubes and SRM-6 launchers supported by a NL35 on each fore quater. The vessel's broadside consists entirely of autocannons, with two twin NAC/35 mounts supported by six AC/5s and three AC/10s on each side capable of unleashing a literal rain of lead. The aft armament consisted of three White Shark tubes on each quarter, with two NL35 and a pair NAC/10s mounted directly aft.[1]
Cargo
Beyond its two remaining DropShip collars, the Wagon Wheel has a 92,790 ton cargo bay, the non-transport focus better reflected in the addition of twelve AeroSpace Fighter and four Small Craft bays.[1]
Named Vessels
- TCS Anaheim - destroyed in 2573 during the Malagrotta Affair by Davion WarShips.[2]
- TCS Cyrton - destroyed also during the Malagrotta Affair.[2]