[Karash]

This was some work I was doing off and on for about 2 years...I was imagining a Jumpgate 2 styled game and although I had different names for the 3 factions, I have replaced them with the proper Jumpgate faction names. I thought this might be a good read to anyone bored at work


(I have the Quantar and Solrain ones too...but I figured I would just post this to get the creative juices flowing)

Octavian Ship Designs and Comments
Document Type: Description Only – No Stats

Rev. 45

STRIKE CRAFT

The Octavian Hegemony Navy has traditionally emphasized one motto…”bigger is better”. While other factions seem to prize speed or versatility in their naval designs, the Octavian prize firepower and armor over all others. It comes as no surprise that the primary tradeoff of these powerful designs is maneuverability, and to a lesser extent, versatility. While not as nimble or versatile, Octavian ace pilots are known for their predictive skills…and the ability to bring a huge amount of firepower to target at critical moments. Octavian pilots are not used to multi-role fighters, or ships that can pull fancy tricks…but rather slow and steady, powerful ships that wade into combat shrugging off “flies” while swatting down enemies with vengeful might.

• Interceptors: Frontline single pilot ships used for engaging and destroying other strike craft. They are typically launched from a capital ship or military installation.

DSS-10A “Mongoose” – Light Interceptor

The Mongoose is probably the fastest interceptor in the Octavian fleet without modifications. With its light mass, it is capable in dogfight pulling defensive maneuvers that mimic Quantar ships. However, with all light interceptors, the weaponry is sparse at best (but still better than other factions in this class). The Mongoose is the only Octavian ship that comes with lateral thrusters from the Octavian Navy Shipworks. Most pilots in the fleet would rather move on to something larger and more powerful, but for a select few aces, the ship gives a far superior capability to destroy the enemy with speed over power.

DSS-40A “Razorback” – Medium Interceptor

The Razorback is the mainstay of the Octavian interceptor fleet. The most common sight in a strike fleet, its mix of power and armor sets the standard for all pilots to master. Frontline ships like the Razorback often see many upgrades to the chassis depending on pilot preference, and it could be said it is the most versatile of the Octavian interceptor available. A good mix of firepower, armor and moderate handling give pilots many options on the battlefield.

DSS-80A “WarHog” – Heavy Interceptor

The WarHog is the Octavian largest interceptor in its strike ship fleets. What would be almost considered a bomber by Quantar and Solrain standards, the WarHog can strike fear in many combat engagements that it lumbers into. While very sluggish in controls in comparison to others of its class, it lacks nothing in the firepower department. Capable of engaging and destroying multiple enemies before needing to rearm…it is often said they only disengage when everyone is dead. Interceptor squadron commanders prize this ship for its massive amounts of armor, and great cockpit visibility to let them direct traffic and call targets when needed.

• Bombers: Frontline Single or Multi piloted ships used for engaging and destroying capital ships, stationary defenses, and other large hardened targets.

DSS-100A “Badger” – Multi-role Bomber

The Badger is the frontline bomber of the Octavian strike ship fleet. Sporting huge amounts of armor and a wide array of configurations, this bomber is a favorite with many pilots. Weapon configurations can be varied to hit capital ships, as well as corvettes. Like all Octavian bombers, it also is has a rear gunner position which other factions lack. Sluggish controls limit the ability of the Badger to protect itself against interceptor attack, but even an ace pilot can hang in a dogfight providing that backup is on the way.

DSS-130A “Bullnose” – Fast Attack Bomber

The Bullnose is a direct response to the other faction’s ability to intercept highly critical bombing missions. Knowing that a lack of speed to target was having a huge affect upon its combat operations, the Octavian high command commissioned a fast attack bomber. Not overly popular with the Octavian pilots, but seen as necessary in certain missions, the Bullnose provides excellent top speed, sacrificing almost everything else but payload. One of the worst maneuverable ships in the civil war, it is said that the rear gunner gets more action than the pilot, and oftentimes the pilot forgoes any front loaded weaponry. Due to its speed…the Bullnose has been highly successful in staying alive and delivering its payload to target. Its lack of armor, weaponry, radar, sensors, and maneuverability however make it a ship that is often scorned by the pilot ranks.

DSS-170A “Rhino” – Assault Bomber

The Rhino is the most massive bomber in terms of firepower and armor in the galactic civil war. Quantar and Solrain fleet commanders cringe with the sight of these upon the battlefield. While slow and sluggish…the Rhino packs enough ordnance to destroy a frigate single-handedly…and that fact is not lost upon fleet commanders. Still it only has a crew of 2 with one rear gunner along with the pilot. The massive ship is sometimes mistaken for a corvette by inexperience enemy pilots. They still need escort like most bomber squadrons…as they do not last too long without interceptor support, but when they do reach the target it is often destroyed in short order.

• Corvettes: Multi piloted ships used for frontline command ships. Designed to soak up major damage while providing additional offensive or defensive capabilities to the strike craft fleet.

DSS-220A “Tiger” – Light Corvette

The Tiger is the smallest corvette class strike ship of the Octavian fleet. That said, it is generally much larger than most other factions corvettes. Sporting a crew of a pilot and two turret gunners (with optional commander) it generally provides close escort to capital ships. Tiger pilots can often wade into the middle of a dogfight targeting multiple enemies and letting the missiles fly….soaking up massive amounts of damage before being shot down. Typically these strike ships serve as small command ships for smaller scale engagements when the need or availability of a larger corvette is in doubt.

DSS-260A “Panther” – Stealth Corvette

The Panther takes a different direction than normal Octavian corvettes in that it is built for ECCM defense. During the civil war, fleet commanders were alarmed at losing a high number of squadron commanders in Tiger and Lion corvettes…reducing the effectiveness of strike craft fleets. The Panther comes with many ECCM toys from the factory which allows it to confuse the enemy on what the corvette actually is and where it is at on the battlefield. This allows squadron commanders to operate more effectively. The ship itself is loaded with computer equipment so weapon loadouts are less than even the Tiger, but with slightly larger armor and mass. Panther crews consist of the pilot and two turret gunners with the optional (but in this case usually required) commander.

[Karash]

DSS-300A “Lion” – Assault Corvette

The Lion is quite simply the largest corvette that is in operation within the three faction civil war. Massive and loaded with weaponry, it has a huge front weapon mounts and four large turrets. The level of armor is staggering for a strike craft…and a highly trained crew can devastate unwary opponents trying to engage it. Lions are rarely crewed by novice pilots because of the cost associated with this ship and the skills needed to make it effective. The controls are sluggish, and it lumbers back and forth with deliberate and easily predicted movements. But when in the middle of a dogfight, with missiles launching and all four cannon turrets ablaze, the Lion is a frightful experience to be in proximity to.

SUPPORT CLASS SHIPS

Octavian support (capital) class shipping has never been held in high regards by their rival factions. While others prize speed or cargo capacity…Octavian ship designs favor resilience and toughness. With huge slabs of thick armor, the Octavian ships almost invite attack just to test their defenses. While trade routes certainly have become more dangerous over the past years, Octavian shipping has not shown a dramatic increase in incidents.

• Logistic Frigates: These frigates supply strike craft in the field of battle, and give the fleet additional capabilities with a great array of fittings. They are the smallest of all capital ships.

DSC-15A – “Jasmine” Light Logistics Frigate

If there were such a thing as a “light” Octavian capital ship…the “Jasmine” would fit the bill. By far the cheapest support ship to maintain in the field, it provides fleet commanders a low cost alternative to supplying war supplies in hostile areas. While more armor than other light logistic frigates in the field…it still relies on its speed to outpace serious military capital ships.

DSC-35A – “Poppy” Medium Logistics Frigate

The “Poppy” is the mainstay of any military foray into enemy space. Octavian strike craft pilots have always had the customary saying “Visiting Poppy” while disengaging from combat to go re-supply with ammunition and missiles. With decent armor, it can withstand most small scale attacks from strike craft, but nothing prolonged without a fighter escort.

DSC-75A – “Rosemary” Heavy Logistics Frigate

Like all Heavy Logistics Frigates…the “Rosemary” is the primary repair ship for whatever strike craft fleet in the field of battle. Heavily armored and having 4 turret hardpoints, old “Rosey” gets quite a few kills against the overly aggressive rookie pilots that stray to close. While it can withstand a solid direct attack…like all Logistic class capital ships, it is vulnerable to heavy combat action.

• Transport Barges: These cruiser sized ships specialize in refueling stationary outposts and other military structures. They have huge cargo capacities but light on armor.

DSB-45A – “Silo” Light Transport Barge

The DSB-45A is nicknamed “Silo” as it is the most common re-supply ship in the Octavian fleet. Filled with fuel cells, grain, and other commodities…it is the lifeblood of any well developed military outpost or operation. Like all Octavian ships, it has a capable array of defensive turrets from strike craft, but any capital action will most likely end in folly.

DSB-75A – “Mammoth” Heavy Transport Barge

The DSB-75A is a huge transport barge capable of delivering supplies to multiple military installations and operations in one route. While not generally seen in the front line systems, it can always be found in secured space away from direct fighting. Sacrificing almost all armor and weapons for cargo space it is actually distained by those pilots chartered to fly it.

• Freighters: These Carrier sized ships specialize in the movement of outpost building components. They also provide a logistic frigate bay for the builder ships. Outposts are used as permanent bases of military operations.

DSF-100A – “Epoch” Standard Freighter

The “Epoch” is a massive freighter used to base the assembly of military outposts and other large installations. It has construction gear and a docking bay to receive barges full of components and supplies as the outpost is being built. It has incredible armor and competent anti-strike craft weaponry. While serving as a base of operations, it generally is thought of as a mobile station that must be protected from capital engagements.

[Karash]

CAPITAL WARSHIP CLASS

The largest classes of ships in the solar system are Capital Class ships. These huge vessels often form the core of any large military fleet. Rarely used for any economic activity…they specialize in “anti-economic” activity. Octavian capital class warships further extend the design philosophy of the Hegemony of heavily armored and slow combat vessels. Many Octavian fleet captains relish a good old fashion slugfest between huge leviathans.

• Combat Frigates: These ships are designed as frontline picket and screen ships. They also provide first alert and typically ECM services.

DSF-31A “Bravo” Screen Frigate

The “Bravo” Frigate is the most common capital warship in the Octavian Fleet. It has a good mix of speed and firepower…with generally great armor for its class. Ship captains are often tasked with escort of larger capital ships, reconnaissance, or special operations that deal with small numbers of strike craft or missions.

DSF-61A “Echo” ECCM Frigate

The “Echo” is the primary combat warship for combating a heavy ECM enemy fleet. While small, it is comparatively tough armored for its class but lacks any sort of capital weaponry. Instead, Octavian Command wanted specifications for a large array of anti-strike craft weaponry to have a second use as cover ship if the fleet is low on interceptors.

DSF-71A “Foxtrot” Heavy Assault Frigate

The “Foxtrot” is a heavy assault frigate used to escort larger capital ships that attack and destroy hardened targets such as outposts and freighters. Packs of Heavy Assault Frigates typically can challenge ill protected destroyers and Cruisers as well…making a large force of them very difficult to defeat.

• Destroyers: These are the first tier “Ship of the Line” capital ships. Their main focus is to destroy other capital ships and serve as command ships of very small patrols.

DSD-17A “Kilo” Light Destroyer

The “Kilo” is the first meaty assignment that any Octavian capital ship captain gets assigned to. With far more firepower than a frigate class ship, and having expanded electronic capabilities, the Kilo often serves as a command ship for small patrols in enemy sectors. Capable of also deploying 3 strike squadrons on its own also lends to its utility.

DSD-47A “Lima” Heavy Destroyer

The “Lima” was once considered a Cruiser class warship by the Quantar High Command, but its true class for the Octavian Fleet is “Heavy Destroyer”. Bristling with multiple anti-capital weapons, the Lima can quickly dominate any low scale fleet action if not dealt with in an expedient manner. The only downside to the Lima seems to be its lack of a strike squadron bay and facilities requiring it to be fully escorted on missions.

• Cruisers: These ships are considered uncommon warships that are much larger than Destroyers. All have strike fighter squadrons, and typically serve as command ships for a system or multiple detachments within a fleet.

DSCR-33A “October” Garrison Cruiser

The “October” is labeled as a garrison cruiser due to its lack of maneuverability…both conventional engine and warp engine speed. Most in the Octavian Fleet consider it a perfect guardian ship for installations and other static strategic points that must be protected during operations. But what it lacks in speed, the “October” makes up for with deadly capital and anti-strike weaponry. Additionally, it sports one of the best capable ECCM packages of the civil war, providing the entire operational fleet with vast protection against ECM warfare. Some admirals will insist they are added to any serious attack fleet due to that reason alone.

DSCR-88A “Papa” Command Cruiser

The “Papa” is typically the pinnacle of any Octavian Fleet Officer’s career, whether it be its captain or junior officers. The weapon armament alone does not rival it’s sister class October, but it sports a much larger array of anti-capital weaponry along with expanded strike craft squadron space. In somewhat of a change for the Octavian Fleet, the “Papa” has extensive ECM warfare capabilities generally not seen in combat theaters. The thick armor, and decent speed makes it a favorite even over larger battleships for retiring captains….and it has seen action in every major battle for the Octavian Hegemony since the start of the civil war.

• Battleships: These ships are the ultimate anti-capital ship in the civil war. They use the largest weapons and vast array of electronics to be a self sufficient battle station. While typically slow to any fight, once they arrive they dominate any battle in short order.

DSBB-12A “Romeo” Flagship

The “Romeo” is the ultimate in command ship for the Octavian Fleet. With weaponry that can single salvo most frigate class ships, it is a much feared opponent on the battlefield. With extensive armor, large compliment of strike craft squadrons, and massive anti-capital ship batteries…the only thing it lacks is a strong anti-strike craft defense system. Still, if fully escorted it is almost immune from most attacks.

DSBB-99A “Tango” Dreadnought

While most military analysts classify the “Tango” as a battleship, it is much larger than any anti-capital ship in the entire civil war. In fact it is larger than most carriers on all sides…with the exception of the Octavian “Zulu” class carrier. Rarely seen outside of major combat pushes inside enemy territory, or in the safe confines of core systems, the Tango is the ultimate expression of firepower in any engagement. The sheer destructive power allows many Octavian Admirals to use multiple “Tango” class ships in attacks against hardened installations and outposts…as much as halving the time it takes for mission completion versus the other factions. While extremely vulnerable to a large scale strike-craft attack, the “Tango” is the beacon of victory for any Hegemony fleet.

• Carrier: This ship is a special ship designed to carry hundreds of strike craft pilots to any battle. While having no anti-capital weapons to do damage directly to other ships, it has awesome anti-strike craft defensive systems.

DSCV-1A “Zulu” Carrier

The “Zulu” is every fight pilot’s dream assignment. Not only is it the largest combat vessel in existence, it houses well over 35 squadrons of strike craft ready to unleash a virtual bee hive of anguish against an enemy fleet. The thick armor, and multiple logistic repair bays quickly refuel and rearm returning ships. Additionally, it has a frigate bay that often houses its own utility ships for in-field repair and damage control. “Zulu” carriers are extremely hard to destroy, often able to withdraw any situation that becomes unfavorable. With a Zulu in the center of any Octavian Fleet, victory is almost assured.

[Nanaki]

This sounds like something far into the future... In the present, TRI (and by extension the three major factions) would have difficulty just building a single frigate, much less a full-fledged fleet.

[Karash]

I agree...like I stated, this is just fantasy stuff I posted to get the creative juices going.

[Aphelion]

<-his creative *cough* juices, are flowing.

I especially liked, "The massive ship is sometimes mistaken for a corvette by inexperience enemy pilots." Now tell me that these different ship types don't fulfill class niche's in a videogame sense?

[Karash]

Sure, all ships have roles...but they should all be able to be modified for the particular type of mission the pilot is carrying out. I am so against the "one best fit" mentality.