Metamorphosis

Colonial Fleet Systems Chariot-class Strike Cruiser

When size isn't enough, the Colonial Defense Corps depend on speed to get the job done. The Strike Cruiser was developed for this purpose. Strike Cruisers are employed as advance guard ships, reconnaissance scouts, and general-purpose warships.

Strike Cruisers generally spend as much time in atmosphere as they do in space, taking full advantage of their more aerodynamic design. Chariot-class vessels measure 275 meters in length, and are crewed by an average of 200 people, though it can be operated by a "skeleton crew" of 50 if necessary. Strike Cruisers are generally equipped with one BOSMAN unit, with space for a second in emergencies (further reducing the "skeleton crew" to 30).

A "factory-spec" Chariot is equipped with two bow missile launch tubes, four fixed-position forward-firing ballistic cannons, and six point-defense ballistic cannons. It is also equipped with a small docking bay, holding two shuttles and a half squadron of fighters.

While a "factory-spec" Chariot can serve offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance purposes with an equal degree of efficiency, Colonial Fleet Systems recognized the need for increased versatility, and began working on variation models. The first design has been under production for the past two years. The Chariot R removes the missile tubes and the fixed-position cannons with greator sensor and communication arrays. Its engines have also been reduced in size, adding an additional drive unit and more powerful thrusters, adding for greater maneuverability in both atmospheric and deep-space locations.

There are currently three hundred Chariot-class and twenty Chariot R-class Strike Cruisers in operation. Chariot-class cruisers are named after battles of military importance, while Chariot R-class cruisers are named after historical figures of military importance.


SEE ALSO:
( Peacekeeper-class Heavy Cruiser )
( Avalon-class Heavy Cruiser )
( Valkyrie-class Gunship )

Colonial Fleet Systems Avalon-class heavy cruiser

Unlike the Peacekeeper-class ships in the fleet, Avalon-class cruisers are far more versatile, and are the true strength of the military, measuring just under 600 meters from prow to stern, with over fifty thousand hands. An Avalon is also the largest ship capable of entering atmosphere with any degree of control, though they tend to high-dock for repairs and supplies. Each ship is equipped with three networked BOSMAN units, and though it can run with a single unit in an emergency, its efficiency is heavily affected.

Where the Peacekeeper design is oriented more towards defense, the Avalon is more offensive. Twenty-five missile tubes are fixed at strategic points on the ship, with five of those pointing aft. Additionally, each ship is equipped with three nuclear missile tubes. There are thirty ballistic point-defense turrets, with overlapping fields of fire; these have been modified for additional range and accuracy.

Avalon cruisers are equipped with a fully-functional fighter bay, with a full complement of two squadrons, plus two flights of heavier gunboats.

There are fifteen Avalon-class ships currently in service. They are named after mythological or historical heroes. The Hercules, the Galahad, and the William Tell are indefinitely stationed above Planet 2 as part of the orbital defenses, with others joining as needed.


SEE ALSO:
( Peacekeeper-class Heavy Cruiser )
( Chariot-class Strike Cruiser )
( Valkyrie-class Gunship )

Colonial Fleet Systems

The "Government-commissioned" company. All military ships - with a few exceptions - are manufactured by CFS. CFS was one of the first privatized ship-building companies, and they pride themselves on being the best. Nothing but high-end and high-volume products. They are also the only company to have an orbital shipyard above Planet 2.


Washington Industries

One of the main manufacturers of private transport ships, Washingon Industries focuses on low-end ships that are affordable for the upper-middle-class family. Their main seller is the PlanetHopper vehicle, which can easily reach orbit for travel to an orbital colony. They have a few interplanetary-capable vessels in their line, but those are usually too expensive for the average family to own. They also manufacture a few high-end planetside vehicles, both groundcars and aircars.


Babylon Drive Yards

Produces mainly for the corporate sector. BDY manufactures high-volume tankers and other cargo ships for use by various other corporations and companies. These are usually large and unweildy, but are mainly fully automated and only require one pilot. They're usually composed of two seperate sections; the "trailer", where the cargo is held, and a seperate towing "tractor" craft.

BDY is currently developing similarly-designed "trailer" compartments that can be linked up with a BOSMAN unit, allowing a single-pilot tractor-ship to easily tow two or even three trailers, letting the BOSMAN control the individual thrusters and keep them in line.


ColTech Drive Systems, Inc.

A main manufacturer of planetside vehicles (aircars and groundcars), as well as passenger shuttles, which are purchased by the government for public transportation, as well as private "taxi" companies.


New Terra Engineering Corporation

Develops mainly new technologies; engines, life support systems, weapon systems, shielding systems, and the like. Owned by the government. Also manufactures cargo ships of all sizes.


Terrance Transport Corporation

A private company that manufactures private transport ships, both in the passenger and cargo variety. TTC ships are known for their durability and versatility; usually, they are customized and modified seven ways from Sunday barely a week after being sold and shipped off of the showrooms. Some TTC-authorized dealers even go so far as sell their own modification services.

TTC ships generally are hardy little things. Most lines aren't known for their looks, but they're beautiful in their own right. The main selling point of their ships, however, is the durability. TTC ships have been known to keep in the air with half their systems malfunctioning or knocked out.


Jefferson & Takahashi

A "third-party" manufacturer who specializes in customizations and upgrades to ships manufactured by other companies. They are unique in being the only recognized shipbuilding company that doesn't produce their own ships.