Difference between revisions of "WarShip"

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In the [[BattleTech]] universe, the term '''WarShip''' refers to starships that combine the capability of faster-than-light (FTL) travel with powerful inter-system thrust engines and heavy weapons and armor. Because of the former capability, they technically fall into the [[JumpShip]] category, but unlike these non-combatants, ''WarShips'' are geared for space combat. They outclass every common JumpShip and virtually any [[DropShip]] by an order of magnitude in size and power.
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[[Image:Color-warship.png|''[[Aegis]]''-class WarShip ([[Clan]] refit) cut-away|thumb|right|250px]]
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In the [[BattleTech]] universe, the term '''WarShip''' refers to starships that mount a [[Compact Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] instead of a regular (civilian) [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] for faster-than-light (FTL) travel.
  
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Because of their jump capability, WarShips technically fall into the [[JumpShip]] category, but unlike these non-combatants, WarShips are typically geared for space combat. They outclass most JumpShips and virtually any [[DropShip]] by an order of magnitude in size and power.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
Considered the pinnacle of starship engineering, the defining aspect of a ''WarShip'' is the use of a [[Compact Kearny-Fuchida Drive]], an expensive component that has only half the mass of a similarly powerful regular [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] yet a better integrity, parameters useful for combat but next to useless for regular JumpShips.
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''WarShips'' could be described as super-large combat JumpShips. However, they do not suffer from the lack of mobility normally associated with JumpShips. Powerful [[Interplanetary Drive - Combat Jumpships|transit drives]] enable WarShips to move through space like DropShips - including combat maneuvering with acceleration exceeding 1g (often multiple g's).
  
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However, unlike DropShips, WarShips are incapable of atmospheric operations and cannot safely land.
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The WarShips only can be built and maintained in the most modern [[Shipyards]].
  
==Construction==
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==Design==
''WarShips'' could be described as super-large [[DropShip]]s with jump capability; they do not suffer from the lack of mobility normally associated with JumpShips. Instead, they mount powerful transit drives and can move through space like DropShips, including combat maneuvering. However, unlike DropShips, WarShips are incapable of atmospheric operations.
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Considered the pinnacle of starship engineering, the defining aspect of a ''WarShip'' is its Compact K-F Drive, an expensive component that has only half the mass of a similarly powerful regular K-F Drive but greater structural integrity, parameters useful for combat but next to useless for regular JumpShips. All ships mounting a compact K-F drive core are therefore considered WarShips by default, even if they technically serve in a support role.<br />By contrast, JumpShips with a regular (civilian) K-F Drive core are never considered WarShips. Many are entirely unarmed and even the ones carrying weapons are considered non-combatants. Even the few carrying military-grade armament are referred to as [[JumpShip|Jolly Roger]]s, not as WarShips.
  
Many, but not all, WarShips have [[Docking collar|Hardpoints]] that allow them to carry DropShips with them, further increasing their cargo capacity and combat capabilities.
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Many, but not all, WarShips have [[Hardpoint]]s that allow them to carry DropShips with them when jumping, further increasing their cargo capacity and combat capabilities. However, they cannot use their transit drives for anything beyond station keeping at jump points like regular JumpShips while DropShips are attached to the hardpoints; maneuvering with DropShips attached would wreck the docking collars which are not designed to withstand such stress.<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 67</ref>
  
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The upper size limit for WarShips is 2.5 million tons, which is the largest mass for which a compact K-F drive can be constructed. The 1,930,000 ton ''[[McKenna (WarShip class)|McKenna]]''-class introduced by the [[Star League]] in [[2652]] used to be the largest combat WarShip class and the 2.3 million ton ''[[Newgrange]]''-class yardships launched in [[2600]] was the largest support WarShip class until they were both eclipsed by the 2.4 million ton ''[[Leviathan (Battleship)|Leviathan]]'' class that was built in the [[3050]]s.<br />The ''[[Potemkin]]''-class troop cruiser, introduced in [[2611]], features the largest number of hardpoints ever mounted on any starship class, an unmatched 25.<br />The smallest ship class ever to be called a WarShip is the 6,100-ton ''[[Bug-Eye]]''-class of surveillance vessels, though their drive is a special "sub-compact" K-F Drive which, together with their role, makes the classification somewhat arguable. Otherwise, the smallest known WarShip is the 100,000 ton ''[[Nightwing]]'' class corvette, also primarily a surveillance vessel.
  
 
==Dissemination==
 
==Dissemination==
The first ''WarShips'' were deployed by the [[Star League]]. At the height of the Star League, fleets of thousands of these behemoths roamed the stars, enforcing the League's will. The decline into [[Lostech]] during the [[Succession Wars]] left none operative and up until the [[Clan Invasion]] that begun in [[3049]], they were essentially extinct in the [[Inner Sphere]], having fallen prey to combat losses, attrition and maintenance shortfalls.  
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The first designated WarShips in the sense of jump-capable combat vessels, the ''[[Dreadnought (WarShip)|Dreadnought]]''-class, were deployed by the [[Terran Alliance]], with the eponymous [[Dreadnought (Dreadnought)|TAS ''Dreadnought'']] launched in [[2300]]. Many WarShip classes of ever increasing size would follow.
  
When [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] departed the [[Inner Sphere]] with his forces, they took with them 1,349 JumpShips, escorted by 402 WarShips. Only 260 WarShips are known to have survived the [[Exodus Civil War]]. It is estimated that since then, the [[Clan]]s between them have built anywhere from 50 to 300 more. While each Clan fields 18 WarShips on average in the Inner Sphere, the actual numbers differ wildly from Clan to Clan. During the invasion, [[Clan Jade Falcon]] deployed the largest number of 28 WarShips, most of them ''Aegis'' class. [[Clan Wolf]] deployed the smallest number (2 ships).
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By [[2750]], at the height of the Star League, fleets of thousands of these behemoths roamed the stars, enforcing the League's will.
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===Clan WarShip fleet===
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When [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] departed the Inner Sphere with his forces they took 1,349 JumpShips with them, escorted by 402 WarShips.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057 (Revised)'', p. 128''</ref> Only 260 WarShips are known to have survived the [[Exodus Civil War]]; it is estimated that by the mid-3050s, the [[Clan]]s between them had built anywhere from 50 to 300 more. While each invading Clan fielded 18 WarShips on average in the Inner Sphere during the initial [[Clan Invasion]], the actual numbers differ wildly from Clan to Clan. [[Clan Jade Falcon]] deployed the single largest number of WarShips, fielding 28 in total in the invasion of which most were ''[[Aegis]]''-class. [[Clan Wolf]] deployed the smallest number (2 ships).<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057 (Revised)'', p. 128''</ref> During the Clan invasion, the Clan's WarShips gave them an almost unprecedented advantage over their Inner Sphere foes; for they lacked WarShips of their own due in part to either losses suffered during the costly Succession Wars, or the loss of maintenance and/or production facilities dedicated to keeping them operational.
  
Back in the Inner Sphere, over 90% of the [[Successor State]]'s WarShip fleets were lost in the maelstrom of the [[First Succession War]]. The last operative WarShips in the Inner Sphere were believed destroyed during the [[Second Succession War]], save a number of non-salvageable derelicts and a small fleet secretly maintained and hidden by [[ComStar]].
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===Inner Sphere WarShip fleet===
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The [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] and subsequent decline into [[Lostech]] left no WarShips operative in the [[Inner Sphere]]. The last WarShips in the Inner Sphere were believed to be destroyed during the [[Second Succession War]], namely during the Eighth Battle for [[Hesperus II]] in [[2853]], all others having fallen prey to combat losses, attrition and maintenance shortfalls save for a number of non-salvageable derelicts. Up until the beginning of the [[Clan Invasion]] in [[3049]], WarShips were thought to be essentially extinct. Only [[ComStar]] secretly maintained a small hidden fleet.
  
Following the Clan invasion and the rediscovery of lost technologies, WarShip construction restarted in the Inner Sphere. In October [[3056]], ComStar's [[First Circuit]] decided to allow the sale of [[Interplanetary Drive - Combat Jumpships|transit drives]] for WarShips (which only the ComStar-controlled [[Rolls-Royce]] factories on Terra could produce at the time) to the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Federated Commonwealth]], while aid from the fanatical ComStar splinter group [[Word of Blake]] located drives from derelict ships that the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Capellan Confederation]] could recondition to function. Further recovery of lost technology has since enabled most greater powers in the Inner Sphere to field operational WarShips, but only the most industrious of Successor States can construct more than one at a time because of their extreme costs.
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Following the Clan invasion and the rediscovery of lost technologies, WarShip construction restarted in the Inner Sphere. In October [[3056]], ComStar's [[First Circuit]] decided to allow the sale of transit drives for WarShips (which only the ComStar-controlled [[Rolls-Royce]] factories on [[Terra]] could produce at the time) to both the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. The fanatical ComStar splinter group [[Word of Blake]] located drives from derelict ships that the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Capellan Confederation]] could recondition and return to a functioning status. Further recovery of lost technology has since enabled most greater powers in the Inner Sphere to field operational WarShips, but only the most industrious of Successor States can construct more than one at a time because of their extreme costs.
  
 
==Manufacturing==
 
==Manufacturing==
WarShips are the largest class of starship ever built. As such, they are built at orbital docks. They do not differ significantly from other spaceships (DropShips and JumpShips) in operation.
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[[Image:TRO3057.jpg|Shipyard, with one of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]'s ''[[Leviathan (Heavy Transport)|Leviathan]]''-class WarShips under construction<br />(Cover of the aerospace-centric ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'')|thumb|right|350px]]
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WarShips are the largest starships ever constructed, and are incapable of landing or taking off from a planet. As such, they are built at orbital docks. They do not differ significantly from other spaceships (DropShips and JumpShips) in operation.
  
Generally, all later WarShips are equipped with a [[Lithium-Fusion Battery]] system. Those that did not include one in their initial design have since been upgraded to carry one.
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Generally, all later WarShips are equipped with a [[Lithium-Fusion Battery]] system. Those that did not include one in their initial design have often been upgraded to carry one.
  
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==Notes==
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* The [[apocrypha]]l [[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech video game]] features WarShip bombardment in certain missions despite being set around the year [[3025]]. Since this seems impossible to reconcile with established canon at face value, it could be assumed that the reference to a "WarShip" referred to an armed [[DropShip]] that performed some kind of ground attack.
  
== WarShip Categories ==
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==See also==
Like [[DropShips]], WarShips are divided into categories based on their role. Most of these terms have survived since the days of sailing ships, and were updated to reflect the realities of space combat.<ref>''[[AeroTech 2]]'', pp 71-72</ref>
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* [[WarShip classifications]]
 
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* [[Canon Warship Overview]]
 
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* [[:Category:WarShip classes]]
* '''Corvettes''' - The smallest WarShip category, these craft rarely mass more than 500,000 tons. They're lightly armed and armored but extremely swift and equipped for extended tours of duty, making them ideal for commerce protection and raiding.
 
* '''Destroyers''' - More heavily armed than corvettes, these ships perform the same raiding and escort duties, but also serve as guardians of orbital installations. They typically mass between 500,000 and 700,000 tons.
 
* '''Frigates''' - Rarely smaller than 700,000 tons, these ships serve as escorts and picket ships. Usually they are equipped with excellent sensors and are deployed at the edge of a fleet to act as a sentry. Frigates also operate as transports, allowing DropShips to dock at their various hardpoints.
 
* '''Cruisers''' - The most diverse ship category in any fleet, vessels in this class are typically further subdivided into light cruisers, heavy cruisers, and battlecruisers. As their speed is comparable to destroyers and frigates, they serve as escorts, raiders, and picket ships, but mount more firepower and armor than the other two ship types. Most cruisers pack enough equipment and supplies to operate away from technical support bases, making them ideal raiders. As a whole, cruisers typically mass between 700,000 and 1,200,000 tons, but there are rumors that the Terran Hegemony built some ships in this class that massed 1,500,000 tons.
 
** '''Heavy Cruisers''' - Typically these ships trade away some of the light cruiser's speed for additional firepower. Clan toumans typically use these as command vessels.
 
** '''Battlecruisers''' - These ships are loaded with heavy weapons and armor, but their over-sized engines allow them to remain very nimble and quick in a confrontation. Usually these ships are the "heavy hitters" of a fleet, providing most of its firepower.
 
* '''Battleships''' - The single largest ship class in history, battleships are easily able to keep pace with frigates and outrun heavy cruisers. Their massive weapon payloads and armor protection insure that they serve as a fleet flagship, while hitting the most dangerous and determined opposition to break through and create opportunities for their smaller compatriots to exploit. The pride of the SLDF Navy, the ''McKenna'' class battleship, weighed two million tons, a record that was not broken until [[Clan Ghost Bear]] launched the 2.4 million ton ''Leviathan'' class ship.
 
* '''Carriers''' - These are WarShip-sized [[Aerospace Fighter]] transports. Principally, there have been few ships dedicated to the carrier role; during the Star League era many navies used hybrid designs that combined the carrier role with another ship type. As a result, carrier tonnages have varied from Frigate to Battlecruiser size. These dual-role ships were not produced by most of the factions in 31st century during the brief resumption of WarShip production. The one exception was [[Clan Snow Raven]], who produced the ''Conqueror'' class Battlecruiser-Carriers in limited numbers.
 
 
 
==Known WarShip Classes==
 
:''(See also: [[:Category:WarShips]])''
 
 
 
*[[Aegis]] - 745,000 ton Heavy Cruiser, introduced [[2372]] by [[Terran Hegemony]], making it the oldest WarShip class still in service. Ferro-carbide armor, 4 Hardpoints, 6 fighters (20 after Clan upgrade) + 4 small craft (10 after Clan upgrade). Original class was mothballed in 2531, but reactivated in 2582 after all ships underwent a substantial upgrade program.  A surprisingly capable and durable design, considering its age.
 
 
 
*[[Agamemnon]] - 815,000 ton Heavy Cruiser, introduced by [[3058]] by [[Free Worlds League]]. 4 hardpoints, 18 fighters, sits between ''Black Lion'' and ''Sovetskii Soyuz'' with regards speed and firepower.
 
 
 
*[[Atreus (WarShip)|Atreus]] - Battleship built by House [[Marik]], contemporary of the ''Monsoon'' class to which it compared favourably regarding firepower and maintenance requirements. No further details known.
 
 
 
*[[Avalon]] - 770,00 ton Cruiser produced by [[Federated Suns]]. 6 hardpoints, 12 fighters, so-called Missile Cruiser for large number of [[AR-10]] capital missile launchers it mounts.
 
 
 
*[[Avatar (WarShip)|Avatar]] - 830,000 ton Heavy cruiser, introduced in [[2531]] by Terran Hegemony. 6 Hardpoints, 24 fighters. Replaced ''Aegis'' class and was in turn replaced by ''Luxor'' class. Known for unresolved problem with shipboard electricity short-outs which led to the demise of the class.
 
 
 
*[[Black Lion]] - 802,000 ton Battlecruiser, introduced [[2691]] by Star League. 4 Hardpoints, 18 fighters (20 after Clan upgrade) + 10 small craft. Clan upgrade features Lamellor ferro-carbide armor.
 
 
 
*[[Bug-Eye]] - 6,100 ton Surveillance Vessel, introduced [[2620]] by Star League. No hardpoints, fighters or small craft. Lightly armed reconnaissance vessel small enough to blend in with DropShip traffic. All remaining ships joined the Exodus, but were mothballed by the Clans who regard such tactics as dishonorable.
 
 
 
*[[Cameron (WarShip)|Cameron]] - 859,000 ton Battlecruiser, introduced [[2668]] by Star League. Ferro-carbide armor, 2 Hardpoints, 16 fighters  (20 after Clan upgrade) + 2 small craft. Failed to live up to expectations.
 
 
 
*[[Carrack]] - 300,000 ton Transport, re-introduced [[2950]] by [[Clans]] following a minor redesign/upgrading of an old Star League ship class of the same name. Composite armor, 2 Hardpoints, 4 small craft. No Lithium-Fusion Battery.
 
 
 
*[[Carson]] - Star League ship, no details known besides described as slow and "unimpressive". Replaced by ''Essex'' class in 2711.
 
 
 
 
 
*[[Conqueror]] - 780,000 ton Battlecruiser/Carrier, introduced by [[Clan Snow Raven]] in [[3052]]. 2 hardpoints, 100 fighters, Clan refit of ''Kimagure''-class, originally intended as carrier-escort ships for the massive ''Leviathan'' dreadnought.
 
 
 
*[[Dante (WarShip)|Dante]] - Capital ship class in production by [[ComStar]] up until [[2949]]; no details known.
 
 
 
*[[Dart (WarShip)|Dart]] - Light Cruiser class, first launched [[2305]] by [[Terran Hegemony]]. The ship carries six DropShip, and was a used for early exploration.  The design was later sold to Periphery powers, was already considered "ancient" by 2722.
 
 
 
*[[Farragut]] - Battleship class noted for its strong and stress-resistant hull, used as base to construct the ''McKenna'' class from.
 
 
 
*[[Faslane]] - 550,000 ton Yard ship, introduced [[2882]] by [[ComStar]]. Ferro-aluminum armor, 2 Hardpoints, 2 small craft. Heavily armed mobile unpressurized shipyard/repair bay for vessels of up to 2,000,000 tons. No Litium-Fusion Battery. Based on older ''Newgrange'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Feng Huang]] - 970,000 ton Cruiser, first launched [[3058]] by [[Capellan Confederation]]. 6 hardpoints, 26 fighters, intended to hold its own against ''Thera'', heavily armored at the expense of weaponry.
 
 
 
 
 
*[[Kimagure]] - Pursuit Cruiser with superior speed and maneuverability; no details known. Upgraded to ''Conqueror'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Kirishima]] - 790,000 ton Cruiser, introduced [[3061]] by House [[Kurita]]. Ferro-carbide armor, 3 hardpoints, 12 fighters + 2 small craft.
 
 
 
*[[Leviathan]] - 2,400,000 ton Heavy Transport/Heavy Battleship, introduced mid-[[3050]]s by [[Clan Ghost Bear]]. 8 hardpoints, 50 fighters, originally intended as largest Clan WarShip built, completed as transport ship to move entire Clan to Inner Sphere before being refitted to battlecruiser.
 
 
 
*[[Liberator (WarShip)|Liberator]] - 830,000 ton Cruiser, Clan name for their upgraded version of the ''Avatar'' class. Ferro-carbide armor, 6 hardpoints, 30 fighters. Notable for small emergence signature.
 
 
 
 
 
*[[Luxor]] - Replaced the aging ''Avatar'' class in the early 28th century, no details known.
 
 
 
*[[McKenna (WarShip)|McKenna]] - 1,930,000 ton Battleship, introduced [[2652]] by Star League. Ferro-carbide armor, 6 hardpoints, 50 fighters, 16 small craft. Largest jump-capable craft built during Star League era, arguable best-known WarShip class. Excellent reputation.
 
 
 
*[[Mjolnir]] - 1,350,000 ton Battlecruiser, introduced in [[3062]] by [[Lyran Alliance]]. 4 hardpoints, 36 fighters, originally light cruiser transformed into largest post-Succession War WarShip to compare to ''Avalon''.
 
 
 
*[[Monsoon]] - Battleship designed in the mid-24th century and replaced by ''Texas'' class in [[2618]]. No details known.
 
 
 
*[[Newgrange]] - 2,300,000 ton Yardship, it is the Star League predecessor to the ''Faslane'' class. Largest known ship created by League.
 
 
 
*[[Nightlord]] - 1,200,000 ton Battleship, introduced [[2932]] by Clan [[Snow Raven]]. Lamellor ferro-carbide armor, 4 hardpoints, 20 fighters. Carries 100 'Mechs and and Elemental points each; regarded as the ultimate in Clan-produced weaponry.
 
 
 
*[[Nightwing]] - 100,000 ton Surveillance Vessel, introduced [[2447]] by Terran Hegemony. No hardpoints, 4 small craft. Designed to resemble a civilian JumpShip, mounts advanced surveillance gear. Phased out in favor of the more modern ''Bug-Eye'' when its integral electronics suite became outdated and could not be reworked.
 
 
 
*[[Potemkin]] - 1,508,000 ton Troop Cruiser, introduced [[2611]] by Star League. Ferro-carbide armor, 25 hardpoints, 10 small craft. Capable of moving an entire division of troops.
 
 
 
*[[Robinson (WarShip)|Robinson]] - 400,000 Transport introduced by [[Federated Suns]] in [[2560]]. The ship was designed for Planetary Assault, supporting & transporting ground troops, and providing aerospace cover. The two examples of the design were captured by [[Kurita]], became the basis of the Kyushu Class Frigate in 31st Century.
 
 
 
*[[Samarkand]] - 350,000 ton Aerospace Carrier introduced by Draconis Combine in [[2579]]. It carries 72 fighters & the ship was designed primarily as Aerospace support ship. The ship could not handle large Warships and required escorts.
 
 
 
*[[Sovetskii Soyuz]] - 823,000 ton Heavy Cruiser, introduced [[2742]] by Star League. Current version (after Clan refit) has been upgraded to ferro-aluminum armor, 20 fighters + 8 small craft.
 
 
 
*[[Texas]] - 1,560,000 ton Battleship, introduced [[2618]] by Star League. Lamellor ferro-carbide armor, 6 hardpoints, 40 fighters + 16 small craft. Advanced ship commissioned to supplant the aging ''Monsoon'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Thera]] - 960,000 ton Super-Carrier, introduced 3060 by Free Worlds League. 4 hardpoints, 216 fighters, 8 small craft. Able to carry four full aerospace regiments, largest fighter capacity than any Star League or Clan vessels.
 
 
 
*[[Tracker]] - Surveillance Vessel, older companion of the ''Nightwing'' class. No details known.
 
 
 
*[[Volga]] - 775,000 ton Transport, introduced [[2709]] by Star League. Ferro-aluminum armor, 4 hardpoints, 20 fighters. Based off the hull of a mothballed ''Quixote'' class frigate.
 
 
 
*[[Du Shi Wang]] - 900,000 ton Battleship, introduced by [[Duchy of Liao]] in [[2380]]. An early design pre-dating the formation of the Capellan Confederation. The majority of the ship main weaponry were mounted on the bow. The class was primarily designed for fleet engagements & it remained in service until the early Succession Wars, where most of the class were destroyed
 
 
 
* '''Corvettes'''
 
 
 
*[[Zechetinu]] - 180,000 ton Corvette, introduced [[3057]] by Free Worlds League. 1 hardpoint, 6 fighters, fast convoy escort/raider.
 
 
 
*[[Bonaventure]] - ca. 200,000 ton Corvette. Small patrol vessel noted for excellent surveillance capabilities but weak armament. Often deployed in pairs together with two ''Vigilant''-class Corvettes for protection. Replaced by ''Vincent'' class in 2432. No fúrther details known.
 
 
 
*[[Vigilant]] - ca. 200,000 ton Corvette; small patrol vessel, replaced by the ''Vincent'' class in 2432. Noted for being relatively well-armed but with limited detection capabilities, therefore often paired with ''Bonaventure''-class Corvettes in groups of two each. No further details known.
 
 
 
*[[Vincent]] - 412,000 ton Corvette, introduced [[2432]] by Terran Hegemony. Ferro-carbide armor, no hardpoints, 6 fighters (10 after Clan upgrade) + 4 small craft. Standard version was Mark XXXIX; upgraded Clan version is known as ''Vincent MK 42''.
 
 
 
*[[Inazuma]] - 200,000 ton Corvette, introduced [[3058]] by [[Draconis Combine]]. 3 hardpoints, 6 fighters, designed for high-speed attack runs and combat insertions.
 
 
 
*[[Fox (WarShip)|Fox]] - 235,000 ton Corvette, introduced in [[3057]] by House [[Davion]]. Ferro-aluminum armor, 5 Hardpoints, 12 fighters + 2 small craft. Originally designated ''RX-78'' class; renamed in honor of the late prince [[Hanse Davion]], "the Fox".
 
 
 
*[[Fredasa]] - 175,000 ton Corvette/Raider, introduced [[2962]] by Clans. Lamellor ferro-carbide armor, 1 Hardpoint, 20 fighters + 2 small craft. Notable for small emergence signature.
 
 
 
 
 
* '''Frigates'''
 
 
 
*[[Wagon Wheel]] - 660,000 ton Frigate, introduced [[2570]] by [[Taurian Concordat]]. 2 hardpoints, 12 fighters, 4 small craft. Only "a handful" was built.
 
 
 
*[[Riga]] - ca. 750,000 ton Frigate. Produced in [[2440]], balanced armed & armored Warship of its time. It served as a escort vessel during its time in service with [[SLDF]]. The ship after centuries of service was replaced by ''Sovetskii Soyuz'' Class in 2735. Few years later, a new Destroyer/Carrier type Warship was given same Class name. The had 2 Hardpoints, carry 2 squadrons of Aerospace fighters.
 
 
 
*[[Quixote]] - ca. 775,000 ton Missile Frigate. Heavily armed and armored. Drive system considered too small. Replaced by ''Congress'' class in 2542. Chassis used as basis for the ''Volga'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Kyushu]] - 625,000 ton Frigate, introduced [[3057]] by House [[Kurita]]. Ferro-aluminum armor, 4 hardpoints, 18 fighters (or 12 small craft). Bays for 108 'Mechs which can be dropped from orbit.
 
 
 
*[[Eagle (WarShip)|Eagle]] - 630,000 ton Frigate, introduced by House Marik in [[3060]]. 4 hardpoints, 6 fighters, intended as escort vessel for [[FWLM]]'s ''Thera'' super-carrier.
 
 
 
*[[Congress]] - 760,000 ton Frigate, introduced [[2542]] by Terran Hegemony. Ferro-carbide armor, 2 Hardpoints, 6 fighters (10 after Clan upgrade) + 4 small craft (5 after Clan upgrade).
 
 
 
 
 
* '''Destroyers'''
 
 
 
*[[York (WarShip)|York]] - 595,000 ton Destroyer/Carrier, introduced [[2947]]. Lamellor ferro-carbide armor, 2 hardpoints, 50 fighters + 5 small craft. Clan refit of the older ''Riga'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Suffren]] - 540,000 ton Destroyer, introduced [[3062]] by [[ComStar]]. Ferro-aluminum armor, 4 hardpoints, 8 small craft.
 
 
 
*[[Tatsumaki]] - 520,000 ton Destroyer, introduced [[3059]] by Draconis Combine. 2 hardpoints, 18 fighters, 15 Small Craft, heavily armed JumpShip escort, heavily flawed and beset by technical problems. Because of these problems, only two ships were ever built.
 
 
 
*[[York (WarShip)|Riga]] - ca. 595,000 ton Destroyer/Carrier, introduced [[2747]] by Star League. 2 hardpoints, no further details known. Extensively upgraded with Clan technology to re-designated as the ''York'' class.
 
 
 
*[[Naga (WarShip)|Naga]] - Destroyer, introduced in [[2645]] by the Star League. Replaced the Terran Hegemony ''Essex'' class. Described as "unimpressive". No details known besides being over twice the mass of the ''Bonaventure'' class, and slower. Supplanted by modern ''Essex'' class in [[2711]].
 
 
 
*[[Lola III]] - 678,000 ton Destroyer, introduced [[2662]] by Star League. Ferro-carbide armor, no hardpoints, 6 fighters + 4 small craft (or 10 fighters).
 
 
 
*[[Impavido]] - 485,000 ton Destroyer, jointly introduced [[3058]] by Houses [[Marik]] and [[Liao]], and [[Word of Blake]]. Ferro-aluminum armor, 2 hardpoints, 18 fighters.
 
 
 
*[[Baron]] - 480,000 ton Destroyer, introduced [[2520]] by Terran Hegemony. No Hardpoints, 6 fighters, 6 small craft. Described as slow and "unimpressive". Replaced by ''Essex'' class in 2711.
 
 
 
*[[Davion (WarShip)|Davion]] - ca. 520,000 ton Destroyer, introduced before [[2606]]. Composite armor, no Hardpoints, no fighter complement. Upgraded to ''Whirlwind'' class.
 
 
 
 
 
*[[Essex]] - 612,000 ton Destroyer, introduced [[2711]] by Star League. Ferro-aluminum armor, no Hardpoints, 6 fighters + 4 small craft (10 fighters + 10 small craft after Clan upgrade). A previous ''Essex''-class destroyer served in the Terran Hegemony in the 25th and 26th centuries.
 
 
 
  
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==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
 
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==Bibliography==
== Bibliography ==
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* ''[[AeroTech 2]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
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* ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
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* ''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]''
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* ''[[Historical: Reunification War]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3067]]''
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* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
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* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
*''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
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* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3076]]''
*''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3076]]''
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* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
 
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3067]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
[[Category:Technology]]
 
[[Category:Technology]]
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[[Category:Spacecraft classes]]

Revision as of 05:46, 4 March 2021

In the BattleTech universe, the term WarShip refers to starships that mount a Compact Kearny-Fuchida Drive instead of a regular (civilian) Kearny-Fuchida Drive for faster-than-light (FTL) travel.

Because of their jump capability, WarShips technically fall into the JumpShip category, but unlike these non-combatants, WarShips are typically geared for space combat. They outclass most JumpShips and virtually any DropShip by an order of magnitude in size and power.

Description

WarShips could be described as super-large combat JumpShips. However, they do not suffer from the lack of mobility normally associated with JumpShips. Powerful transit drives enable WarShips to move through space like DropShips - including combat maneuvering with acceleration exceeding 1g (often multiple g's).

However, unlike DropShips, WarShips are incapable of atmospheric operations and cannot safely land. The WarShips only can be built and maintained in the most modern Shipyards.

Design

Considered the pinnacle of starship engineering, the defining aspect of a WarShip is its Compact K-F Drive, an expensive component that has only half the mass of a similarly powerful regular K-F Drive but greater structural integrity, parameters useful for combat but next to useless for regular JumpShips. All ships mounting a compact K-F drive core are therefore considered WarShips by default, even if they technically serve in a support role.
By contrast, JumpShips with a regular (civilian) K-F Drive core are never considered WarShips. Many are entirely unarmed and even the ones carrying weapons are considered non-combatants. Even the few carrying military-grade armament are referred to as Jolly Rogers, not as WarShips.

Many, but not all, WarShips have Hardpoints that allow them to carry DropShips with them when jumping, further increasing their cargo capacity and combat capabilities. However, they cannot use their transit drives for anything beyond station keeping at jump points like regular JumpShips while DropShips are attached to the hardpoints; maneuvering with DropShips attached would wreck the docking collars which are not designed to withstand such stress.[1]

The upper size limit for WarShips is 2.5 million tons, which is the largest mass for which a compact K-F drive can be constructed. The 1,930,000 ton McKenna-class introduced by the Star League in 2652 used to be the largest combat WarShip class and the 2.3 million ton Newgrange-class yardships launched in 2600 was the largest support WarShip class until they were both eclipsed by the 2.4 million ton Leviathan class that was built in the 3050s.
The Potemkin-class troop cruiser, introduced in 2611, features the largest number of hardpoints ever mounted on any starship class, an unmatched 25.
The smallest ship class ever to be called a WarShip is the 6,100-ton Bug-Eye-class of surveillance vessels, though their drive is a special "sub-compact" K-F Drive which, together with their role, makes the classification somewhat arguable. Otherwise, the smallest known WarShip is the 100,000 ton Nightwing class corvette, also primarily a surveillance vessel.

Dissemination

The first designated WarShips in the sense of jump-capable combat vessels, the Dreadnought-class, were deployed by the Terran Alliance, with the eponymous TAS Dreadnought launched in 2300. Many WarShip classes of ever increasing size would follow.

By 2750, at the height of the Star League, fleets of thousands of these behemoths roamed the stars, enforcing the League's will.

Clan WarShip fleet

When Aleksandr Kerensky departed the Inner Sphere with his forces they took 1,349 JumpShips with them, escorted by 402 WarShips.[2] Only 260 WarShips are known to have survived the Exodus Civil War; it is estimated that by the mid-3050s, the Clans between them had built anywhere from 50 to 300 more. While each invading Clan fielded 18 WarShips on average in the Inner Sphere during the initial Clan Invasion, the actual numbers differ wildly from Clan to Clan. Clan Jade Falcon deployed the single largest number of WarShips, fielding 28 in total in the invasion of which most were Aegis-class. Clan Wolf deployed the smallest number (2 ships).[3] During the Clan invasion, the Clan's WarShips gave them an almost unprecedented advantage over their Inner Sphere foes; for they lacked WarShips of their own due in part to either losses suffered during the costly Succession Wars, or the loss of maintenance and/or production facilities dedicated to keeping them operational.

Inner Sphere WarShip fleet

The Succession Wars and subsequent decline into Lostech left no WarShips operative in the Inner Sphere. The last WarShips in the Inner Sphere were believed to be destroyed during the Second Succession War, namely during the Eighth Battle for Hesperus II in 2853, all others having fallen prey to combat losses, attrition and maintenance shortfalls save for a number of non-salvageable derelicts. Up until the beginning of the Clan Invasion in 3049, WarShips were thought to be essentially extinct. Only ComStar secretly maintained a small hidden fleet.

Following the Clan invasion and the rediscovery of lost technologies, WarShip construction restarted in the Inner Sphere. In October 3056, ComStar's First Circuit decided to allow the sale of transit drives for WarShips (which only the ComStar-controlled Rolls-Royce factories on Terra could produce at the time) to both the Draconis Combine and the Federated Commonwealth. The fanatical ComStar splinter group Word of Blake located drives from derelict ships that the Free Worlds League and Capellan Confederation could recondition and return to a functioning status. Further recovery of lost technology has since enabled most greater powers in the Inner Sphere to field operational WarShips, but only the most industrious of Successor States can construct more than one at a time because of their extreme costs.

Manufacturing

Shipyard, with one of Clan Ghost Bear's Leviathan-class WarShips under construction
(Cover of the aerospace-centric Technical Readout: 3057)

WarShips are the largest starships ever constructed, and are incapable of landing or taking off from a planet. As such, they are built at orbital docks. They do not differ significantly from other spaceships (DropShips and JumpShips) in operation.

Generally, all later WarShips are equipped with a Lithium-Fusion Battery system. Those that did not include one in their initial design have often been upgraded to carry one.

Notes

  • The apocryphal BattleTech video game features WarShip bombardment in certain missions despite being set around the year 3025. Since this seems impossible to reconcile with established canon at face value, it could be assumed that the reference to a "WarShip" referred to an armed DropShip that performed some kind of ground attack.

See also

References

  1. Strategic Operations, p. 67
  2. Technical Readout: 3057 (Revised), p. 128
  3. Technical Readout: 3057 (Revised), p. 128

Bibliography