OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create the first of a "new generation" of Imperial warships reflecting an evolution in Imperial naval doctrine.
- Image Source: Fractalsponge
- Canon Link: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Primary Source: Gladiator-class Star Frigate by Fractalsponge
- Manufacturer: The Empire
- Affiliation: The Empire
- Market Status: Closed-Market
- Model: Retribution-class frigate
- Production: Limited
- Material:
- Frame: Titanium
- Hull: Durasteel
- Armor Plating: Plasteel
- Viewports: Transparisteel
- Classification: Convoy Raider
- Length: 362 meters
- Width: 148 meters
- Height: 67 meters
- Armament: Low
- 6x dual turbolasers (3 port, 3 starboard)
- 5x quad laser cannons (1 bow, 2 port, 2 starboard)
- 10x point-defense laser cannons (2 atop the bridge, 4 port, 4 starboard)
- Defenses: Average
- External Defenses:
- Frigate-rated basic deflector shield
- Plasteel armor plating
- Internal Defenses:
- External Defenses:
- Hangar Space: High (3 squadrons)
- Hangar Allocations:
- Starfighters: 1 squadron
- Support Craft: 2 squadrons
- Single Craft Hangar: No
- Maneuverability Rating: Average
- Speed Rating: Very High
- Hyperdrive: Class 1.0
- Life Support
- Bunk Beds
- Mess Halls
- Escape Pods
- Sensor Suite
- Barracks
- Medbay
- Combat Radar
- Command Bridge
- Bulkhead Doors
- HoloNet transceiver
- Storage Hangar: The large hangar in between the Retribution-class' two triangular bow protrusions functions as its primary storage hangar. Unlike the two smaller side hangars, which house starfighters and support craft, the main role of the storage hangar is to house supplies drawn into the frigate by its tractor beams. About 90 meters wide and 60 meters long, the storage hangar of a Retribution-class frigate can hold up to 20,000 metric tons of supplies, with specialized compartments for radioactive and hazardous materials.
- Tractor Beams: The Retribution-class frigate is equipped with four tractor beams, with two on the inside rim of each triangular protrusion. The tractor beams serve two purposes: pulling cargo into the storage hangar or attaching the frigate to the hull of a larger ship.
- Docking Clamps: A pair of docking clamps installed between each pair of tractor beams near the bow allow for troops from a Retribution-class frigate to board and more securely attach to another vessel.
- Now You See Me, Now You Don't: Possessing an exceptionally powerful quartet of engines, a Retribution-class frigate is capable of running down most corvettes and frigates at both sublight speeds and hyperspace. Furthermore, a Retribution-class frigate can outrun almost any capital ship larger than itself, allowing it to easily escape a superior foe.
- Firm Grip: Retribution-class frigates possess powerful tractor beams and docking clamps that allow them to quickly and securely connect to other ships or their cargo.
- Pick On Someone Your Own Size: Lightly armed for a frigate and only moderately armored, Retribution-class frigates are easily outmatched by assault and even escort frigates.
- Aim For The Bridge: The Retribution-class frigate has a large, highly exposed bridge for enemy ships and starfighters to target. Once the shields are down, a single proton torpedo or volley of laser cannon fire can be enough to destroy the bridge and leave the frigate defenseless against further assault.
After the near-total collapse of the Empire, a total rethink of naval doctrine was necessitated.
The Empire no longer had the resources, industry, or manpower to send out huge fleets of Star Destroyers to demand resources or subjugate worlds. Its closest neighbor and most powerful rival, the Galactic Alliance, now vastly surpassed the Empire in naval strength, and so many surviving Imperial admirals entirely abandoned the doctrine of decisive battle in favor of hit-and-run raiding tactics.
To fulfill the new Imperial naval doctrine, a new generation of ships would need to be constructed. The new Imperial Navy would be centered around the frigate and cruiser, highly versatile ships powerful enough to quickly overwhelm lightly defended convoys and cities but fast enough to evade the Alliance's Star Defenders.
Operating out of the newly constructed Borosk Imperial Shipyard, the Borosk Imperial remnant took the lead in building the first of the new generation of Imperial Navy ships. A dedicated raiding vessel was soon envisioned, taking shape as a frigate with powerful engines and a high storage capacity. Over time, the blueprints were refined and elaborated upon, eventually resulting in the creation of the Retribution-class frigate.
After its first successful test flight in 890 ABY, the Retribution-class frigate entered serial production.
