Pillar-class Heavy Cruiser

[Raziel]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
• Intent: The purpose of this submission is to provide the Confederacy of Independent Systems with a long ranged heavy hitter.
• Development Thread: N/A
• Image Source: http://meckanicalmind.deviantart.com/art/The-Orion-158919343

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
• Manufacturer: Hypori Shipyards
• Model: Pillar Class Heavy Cruiser
• Affiliation: The Confederacy of Independent Systems
• Modularity: Yes
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material: Durasteel, Glasteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Classification: Assault
• Role: Long range fire support
• Length: 650 meters
• Width: 400 meters
• Height: 85 meters
• Power Core Generator/Reactor: Hypermatter Annihilation Reactor
• Primary Hyperdrive Rating: Class 1
• Backup Hyperdrive Rating: Class 10
• Minimum Crew: 510
• Optimal Crew: 3,2000
• Passenger Capacity: 100
• Cargo Capacity: 7,000 metric tons
• Consumables: 2 years
• Sublight Speed and Maneuverability: Class 7

ARMAMENTS
• 1 Prow Long range, heavy, Quad, Ion Battery (160) [limited fire arc 90 degree forward cone)
• 3 Long Range Heavy Turbolaser Batteries (120)
• 7 Prow Heavy Warhead Launchers
• 30 quad lasers

NON-COMBATIVE ATTACHMENTS

• Shield Generator Systems
• Advanced Targeting Systems
• Standard Communications Array
• Standard Navigational Systems
• Standard Life Support Systems
• Chaff Gun Emplacements
• Standard range Sensory Array
• HoloNet Transceiver
• Encryption Network
• Escape Pods

DESCRIPTION

The Pillar-class Heavy Cruiser is the latest FLaT PACK Programme vessel to be created to fill a specific purpose for the Confederate Navy.

Inspired by the CIS' flagship Serenity, these vessels are intended to use a single main ion cannon to attack the enemy from range. The technology of the Serenity helped engineers build capacitors that can handle the single, heavy ion weapon, and the aesthetics of the design even mirror the fleet's capital ship.

The vessel is built around a single heavy battery that dominates the ship. The one battery is designed to engage the enemy exclusively from long range and can only be fired to the prow. The Pillar class is designed to remain at the rear of the Confederate battle lines and do significant damage to enemy command ships from a distance. A group of these vessels is enough to harass the enemy’s flagship form a distance and force the enemy commander to deal with them. Their heavy, long-range assault concussion missile supplement their main guns.

Often they will team up with sensor ships that are able to scan and provide targeting information on distant enemies.

Trials have shown that even when these vessels have a minor effect on the battlefield in terms of power output, enemy commanders tend to make a conscious effort to deal with them. Enemy commanders have found that using mixed economy vessels and maneuverable fleets, that they can often set traps for the opposing vessels.

These ships are relatively susceptible to attacks from bombers, and must be protected. They should not attempt to engage star destroyers in a broadside firing match.

Despite being designed to work as part of larger fleet engagements, the cruiser is often used as part of patrols to bring down illegal heavy freighters from a distance.