SCARY SHIPS: PART 2

    The history of the Star Fleet Universe includes many things that are terrifying, horrifying, or just plain scary. Not among the least of these are a number of ships found in the files of Star Fleet Intelligence and the Galactic Intelligence Agency. Indeed, we found so many scary ships in the file that it was impossible to pick between them, and we were forced to use two issues (SFT40 and SFT41) to cover them all.

(R2.J5) FEDERATION CLOSE ASSAULT CRUISER (CAC): The USS Carronade was an actual design proposal that floated around Star Fleet Command for years after the phaser-G was deployed. The idea was that the ship, based on an NCL hull, would be able to close with an opponent to point-blank range and then wreck it. It was believed that even an Orion enforcer with all its power in reinforcement would not be able to resist such an attack.

To aid in closing on the target, the design had a specially strengthened forward shield. Shuttle capacity was reduced in exchange for both a larger APR deck and battery system. The APRs were needed to enable the ship to recharge its weapons quickly while maintaining maximum possible speed. The battery system was designed to allow the ship to instantly reverse its EW status when it fired. The ship retained the type-G drone rack of the basic NCL design to allow it to launch ECM drones in self-defense, and for additional drone defense to save the phaser-Gs for an offensive killing strike.

The basic attack doctrine was that the ship, with phaser capacitors fully charged, would pursue a target while using maximum ECM and erratic maneuvers, dropping erratic maneuvers and reversing its EW status at the point of firing. If possible, the ship was to be supported by a scout for additional ECM and ECCM (and possible O-ECM to the target ship).

Studies indicated that the ship, once identified by an enemy fleet, rapidly became the centerpiece of enemy fire-control solutions and was not viable. It did, however, make the rounds of the Academy’s simulation systems and provided more than one prospective captain and cadet with an exceedingly unpleasant surprise when they neglected to engage their science stations.

Other Data: No spare shuttle, Year in Service Y174, Docking Points 6, Explosion Strength 20, Command Rating 6, Notes CJ.
Based on a somewhat different proposal by Chuck Strong.

Fed and Emp Data: 10-7/2-4 if Battle Intensity Rating is six or higher otherwise attack factor is Zero. Feds can build one ship per year beginning Fall Y174 at the cost of a CW (5 EP), but no carrier escorts can be built as new construction or conversion on a turn during which this ship is built, including as replacements (308.132). Other data (repair cost, etc.) same as NCL.

(R4.J4) ROMULAN FLAMBE HAWK (FHZ): The Romulans experimented with the concept of mounting type-R torpedoes before finally creating the J-modules with their type-S torpedoes. The concept was championed by one of the Romulan Great Houses. Experiments revealed that mounting such heavy weapons on modules, even if they were hard-welded to the hull of the ship, created too much instability when they were launched at full strength. The available records appear to indicate that one SPZ and one FHZ were actually constructed, but the SPZ was lost in a "training accident" associated with the modules (details are sketchy, but it appears the ship imploded). The FHZ was briefly considered for use in an assault on a Federation Starbase, but ultimately the Empire decided the risks were just too great and it was converted into a standard FireHawk. No more were built, and the only existing modules were destroyed.

The ship is subject to shock each time it fires a plasma-R launcher as a plasma-R in the same manner as the KH. Add one to the shock total if both plasma-Rs fire as plasma-Rs in any eight impulse period.

Other Data: Year in Service Y174, Explosion Strength 20, Shock Rating 10, Notes S, CJ; other data same as FHK.
Design by Carl-Magnus Carlsson.

Fed and Emp Data: (+)12-9/5. One can be built in Spring Y174 replacing FH for two extra economic points. Rolls for breakdown as a mauler if full strength is used in any battle round, but does not provide mauler directed damage benefits. Can operate as a normal FH with no risk of breakdown in any battle round where it uses only nine attack factors. Additional ships cannot be built or converted.

(R6.J4) GORN GIGANOTOSAURUS DREADNOUGHT (DNR): The Gorn Confederation gave serious thought to building this ship. They believed that the three plasma-R configuration would better enable the ship to serve as the centerpiece of a battle force. While the Senior Captains who commanded DNs in battle believed the concept viable, the Admirals who led the fleets from the ships viewed it with suspicion, believing the Captains simply wanted to avoid decisive engagement. Ultimately the Gorn Fleet Command decided not to proceed with the design.

Federation reporting name: Giganotosaurus. Balcony positions: 4 left + 4 right. Other Data: Year in Service Y178, Notes CJ, other data same as the DNF.
Design by Leslie Joseph Patrick LeBlanc.

Fed and Emp Data: 15/7, can replace DN builds starting Y178, but increases cost of DN construction by two Economic Points to 18. Existing DNs can be converted to this design at a cost of four (confirmed) economic points beginning in Y178.

(R8.J2) ORION DOUBLE BATTLE RAIDER (BRD): Shortly after the Orion Double Raider made its presence known, the Federation Galactic Intelligence Agency’s (Orion) Pirate desk began a crash program to determine the capabilities of other Orion designs if also so commingled. This SSD is one of the estimates the Agency provided to Starfleet (there are rumors of an analysis of two BCHs linked this way, but this may be apocryphal). The Orions never actually produced this design (or apparently even considered it viable), but if they had (and if it was viable) it would have been an effective substitute for the BCH.

Federation Codename: Scarlet Assassin.

Other Data: Spare Shuttles 3, Year in Service Y169, Docking Points 12, Explosion Strength 35, Command Rating 8, Notes CJ. OAKDISC Cost = 18.
Design by Bruce Graw.

Fed and Emp Data: This ship cannot be built in Fed and Emp.

(R15.J2) SELTORIAN EXTRA HEAVY CRUISER (EHC): The Seltorian Hive Ship was incapable of constructing ships larger than CA/CLs. The Sages recognized that the settled nature of the Tholian Holdfast, and its allies, gave it a tremendous economic edge and the ability to field larger ships. Casting about for a solution, the Sages hit on the idea of replacing the two modules of the Heavy Cruiser with a single huge structure that was the equivalent of three modules. The design increased both phaser and particle cannon firepower and at battle speeds the ship had considerable energy available. It is believed that two or three ships of this type may have been constructed, but it is doubtful if more than one was in service at any one time.

Other Data: Year in Service Y185, Explosion Strength 25, Notes CJ, other data same as CA.
Design by Cole & Petrick.

Fed and Emp Data: 9/4. One can be substituted for the CA in Spring Y185. Cannot be overbuilt or converted from an existing CA. No more than two can be in use on any given turn. Construction cost nine economic points.