Gladius Class Heavy Frigate

[Saul Perth]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a heavy frigate for limited use by the Alliance
• Image Source: https://static.turbosquid.com/Preview/2016/02/23__13_47_59/Corvette_signature.jpgd611bed5-2f31-424c-8ec5-fb2f5033f80bOriginal.jpg
• Canon Link: N/A
• Restricted Missions: N/A
• Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards
• Model: Gladius Heavy Command Frigate
• Affiliation: Galactic Alliance
• Production: Limited
• Material: Durasteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Heavy Frigate
• Length: 475 meters
• Width: 105 meters
• Height: 55 meters

Armament: Average

• 6x Quad Heavy Ion Cannon Batteries
• 4x Quad Turbolaser Batteries
• 4x Point Defense Laser Batteries
• 20 Warhead Launchers
• 12 Quad Laser Batteries

Defenses: Average

• Dual Standard Shield Generators
• Standard Armor Plating

Hangar: High 1.5

• 1 Squadron (12) Superiority Fighters
• 6 Dropships

Maneuverability Rating: Low

Speed Rating: High

Hyperdrive Class: Average: 2

Other Features:

Advanced Communications Array
Advanced Encryption/Decryption Network
Advanced Sensor Array
Advanced Command and Control Suite
Standard Escape Pods
Standard Holonet Transceiver
Standard Detention Cells
Standard Life Support Systems
Standard Navigational Systems
Standard Targeting Systems
Standard Tractor Beam (x2)
Single Passenger Drop Pod (x12)


Passenger Capacity: 300
Cargo Capacity: 1,100 metric tons
Consumables: 12 Months

Strengths:

• Flies Like An Arrow: The Gladius line of frigates are built with sturdy up-sized sublight engines affording them great straight line speed.
• Boarding Action!: Once it has disabled an enemy craft, the Gladius line can attach directly to the disabled ship and disgorge marines via either of the front two bay hatches or a similar hatch in the underbelly of the ship.
• Command and Control: The advanced sensors and command software of the Gladius line allow it to act as a command center for allied troops on the ground, keeping track of friendly and enemy unit positions and monitoring communications traffic on both sides.

Weaknesses:

• Flies Like An Arrow... Straight: The additional structure added to the main sublight engines restricts their arc of adjustment and the number of maneuvering thrusters are limited, resulting in notably decreased maneuverability.
• Disable, Not Destroy: The Gladius line's main armaments are its heavy ion batteries, which do not inflict permanent damage.
• Cash Money: For a ship its size, Gladius frigates are remarkably expensive when equipped with the advanced electronics package and can only be fielded in limited numbers. If presented with an unfavorable situation, potential Captains are urged to use the advanced speed of the frigate to flee to safety, rather than risk an expensive craft.

Description: The Gladius Heavy Command Frigate was initially commissioned by the Alliance to serve as a functional command vessel for picket fleets or isolated fleet operations where a larger craft simply wasn't economical. However, as use became more common, the frigate began to see more use as a mobile base of operations for small infantry units, such as Special Forces companies, which were well suited to make the most of the Gladius' advanced support features and were less effected by the limited passenger capacity than traditional infantry units.