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 Longinus Marine Assault Frigate (by Relaxation)
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| TelQuessir |
Posted on 03-03-2006 10:01
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 Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005 |
LONGINUS (aka RESOLUTION IIA) BACKGROUND The Resolution I Marine Transport was based upon the design of a popular utility vessel used throughout the Hiigaran Control Zone prior to the War. Remarkably versatile, it proved to be a successful combat vessel that has served the HGN in various configurations, including the Resolution class of marine assault ships. The Resolution series was the basis for the Kiith Soban special operations vessels used for the majority of the War. Its double cargo bays were useful for additional ordinance payloads and avionic hardware, as well as living space for the onboard marines. Such vessels, modified beyond recognition of their cargo-hauling brethren, served faithfully in patrol missions, VIP escort tasks and reconnaissance operations. Nevertheless, these ships, outfitted by Navy personnel and shipyards, proved to be woefully inadequate for their light firepower and low survivability; these hulls being built in an age where durability-centric space combat was a myth due to the constricting limits of materials technology. As the Vagyr Invasion progressed, the Resolution class, like all other ?utility? frigates were outfitted with improved electronic systems and an effective suite of close in defense autocannons. The Resolution, for its assault ship role, received a pair of bow-mounted cruiser-class heavy autocannons that proved inadequate due to their low muzzle velocity and rate of fire. The Vaygr frigates, especially the newer post Mark 10 series were far superior to the ragtag Hiigaran 200m class ships in the three core facets of firepower, survivability and mobility. Because of this, the Ferin Sha and similar raider groups could not operate decisively against the enemy due to the limitations of their vessels. Indeed, it was only by sheer luck that Melarn Soban?s detachment managed to acquire information that allowed the destruction of Makaan?s battlefleet. The inferiority of the Resolution frigates was covered extensively in a notorious report submitted by Melarn Soban to Hiigaran Navy Command. A publicised copy of the report goes on to venomously point out the degrees Captain Soban?s crew went to maintain functionality aboard their ship, against ever-improving enemy capabilties. The Hiigaran Naval Research and Design groups produced the Longinus-class FA in response to the war hero?s vicious critique. It is the forerunner to a new modernisation project aiming to improve existing modified utility ships in the HGN frigate class, transforming the underdogs in the Hiigaran Navy?s order of battle into worthy contenders capable of matching even the infamous Chevalier class destroyer in combat capability. The modified Resolution II?s comprehensive warload enables the frigate to engage its Vaygr equivalents on equal, if not advantageous, ground. Recent active service has seen the brilliant success of the Longinus in the commerce escort role thanks to its overwhelmingly effective weapon loadout, which provides it enough firepower to take down cruiser-sized targets. It is well-loved by the Hiigaran Navy?s special tactics groups as a durable workhorse capable of undertaking various taskings thanks to its marvelous module bay system. They have taken to refurbishing stock Longinus FA?s to their own tailored specifications in the same spirit of the Resolution refits. One of these include a tactical command variant that will function as the centerpiece of a self-contained Space Marine brigade equipped purely with Longinus class vessels. With its impressive and flexible armaments, mission-configurable modular loadout system and excellent reliability from the Caravan Utility Frigate hull, the Longinus can be expected to serve the Hiigaran Navy as its first-rate multi-mission 200m class ship for a long time yet. But with all these said, the best aspect of the new frigate class might be that it is inexpensive to produce ? which proves that the HGN has learned much from the various prior ship enhancement projects that had suffered from severe cost overruns, leading to abortive decisions or reduced-capability deployments. The HGN have also relayed their interest in employing the Longinus FA in the monitor (defensive cruiser) role. |
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| yasotay |
Posted on 05-03-2006 03:22
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 Posts: 637 Joined: September 09 2005 |
Gentlemen, That essay could have been written today. Take out assault frigate and put in CH-47 Chinook, and you would have a real world story not fiction. Not only plausable, but well laid out and with darn fine logic. My compliments * best Shova bow* |
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| TelQuessir |
Posted on 26-03-2006 06:07
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Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005 |
You fine folks with whirlybirds did have the AH-60 Blackhawk concept. Hellfire missiles, multiple M230 CG turrets, drool. American Hind, indeed. |
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