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Traveller-digest           Wednesday, 3 July 1996       Volume 1996 : Number 206

(R)1996. Traveller is a registered trademark of FarFuture Enterprises.
All rights reserved.

The following topics are covered in this digest:

         1. Imperial Navy (Pretty Darned Long)
         2. Solomani Navy (the Core Dump Continues)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Steve Charlton/Avalon Software Inc <Steve_Charlton@khan.Avalon.COM>
Date: 3 Jul 96  9:15:23 MS
Subject: Imperial Navy (Pretty Darned Long)

Having dug out the Imperial Marines/Army White Paper, I thought I woudlsend 
along the Imperial Navy White Paper that went with it.  The ships at the end of 
the White Paper do not seem to include many of the Book 9 starships, mainly 
because I had renamed some of them.  I actually had all of those ships as High 
Guard designs, but I never got around to converting them to MegaTravller or 
FF&S.  Enjoy!

Imperial Naval Doctrine
The Imperium has the largest fleet in known space, with more than 1,000 
squadrons organized into 50-plus fleets and independent entities.  Imperial 
fleets are made up of 1 or more Groups, each of which is made up of 3 or more 
squadrons.  In smaller or less-populated Sectors, there might be a small fleet, 
made up of one Group with three Squadrons.  In Sectors that are likely to be 
attacked, there are often 3 or more fleets, each with 3 or 4 Groups of up to 10 
Squadrons each.  Each Sector has at least 1 Fleet assigned to it.

A Squadron generally consists of 8 to 12 ships.  Some of the ships are support 
or communications vessels, and the rest make up the 'line' of the Squadron.  
For example, a typical Heavy Battle Squadron (HBatRon) would consist of 1 
Dreadnaught, 2 Battleships, 4 Battlecruisers, 2 Fleet Couriers and 1 Squadron 
Tender.  The Fleet Couriers and Squadron Tender would be the support element, 
while the Dreadnaught, Battleships and Battlecruisers would be the Squadron 
line.

A Group is a collection of Squadrons, usually organized around some large ship 
or important Squadron.  For example, a Battle Group would be formed around a 
HBatRon, while a Carrier Group would be formed around a Fleet Carrier Squadron 
(FCarRon).  The Imperium also has Assault Groups, Raid Groups, Patrol Groups, 
Transport Groups, Support Groups and even a few Recon Groups.  Each Group will 
have its own Group Support Squadron in addition to its component Squadrons; 
this unit would have a number of couriers, tenders and perhaps troop transports 
or hospital ships.  Squadrons are often reassigned to other Groups at various 
times, or even other Fleets.

A Fleet is a collection of Groups, usually organized along mission lines as 
necessitated by the needs of the Sector the Fleet is based in, or on the 
conditions around the Sector.  In some sectors, the Fleet might consist of a 
Patrol Group of only three Squadrons.  A Fleet generally has a few Squadrons of 
attached elements, with couriers, tenders and some troop transports, but this 
varies by Fleet.

All Imperial Depots house a Reserve Fleet, made up of overage and reserve 
vessels stored there.  Reserve Fleets are generally used for training 
activities and to support Depot operations, but in the event of a crisis they 
could be used to provide replacements for regular Fleets, or could be mobilized 
into action as a Regular Fleet in its own right.  

Many worlds of the Imperium field military starships.  These ships are all 
subject to mobilization in the Colonial Navy, an ad-hoc organization formed 
when the Sector or Domain Duke mobilizes non-Imperial starships and mercenary 
warships.  In general, most of these ships tend to be patrol ships or smaller 
combatants, so mobilized Colonial Squadrons are most often used to form a 
single Sector-wide Colonial Fleet, which would usually be used for rear-area 
security.  Those mobilized ships which are stronger combatants will either be 
used to support Colonial Fleet operations, or may be combined into Colonial 
Squadrons attached to combat-oriented Imperial Fleets.

Imperial doctrine has changed over the past 200 years.  Formerly, the Imperial 
Navy was geared toward offensive actions.  Imperial fleets were configured for 
rapid raiding operations, with enough heavy firepower to tie down defenders 
while the raids were undertaken.  The goal was to cripple an enemy's economy 
and military infrastructure to the point that it collapsed, leaving the enemy 
frontier defenseless.

This began to change in the face of wars with the Zhodani Consulate and other 
foreign powers.  The Imperium had been successfully attacked in the past, but 
these were minor raids by pirates and small splinter groups within the 
Imperium.  The new situation was that the Imperium had an active, hostile enemy 
on several borders (Zhodani, Aslan) and rebellious elements within another 
border region (Solomani Autonomous Region).  This new reality caused the 
Imperial Navy to realign itself towards a more defensive role.  The Imperium 
did not give up its offensive capabilities; but offense was no longer the focus 
of Imperial design.  Large, high-jump vessels were replaced with large, 
high-firepower vessels.  Lighter raiding ships remained part of the Imperial 
Navy structure, but these were no longer supported by larger ships in their 
penetration raids.

The Solomani Rim War caught the Imperium in the midst of this change.  The 
Solomani fleet, made up of former Imperial personnel and equipment, shared a 
similar doctrine, but was more oriented towards offense due to Solomani 
cultural biases, and due to the inability of the Solomani economy to support a 
protracted attritional defense.  The Solomani sphere was badly hurt by 
small-scale Imperial raiders, but the rimward portions of the Imperium were 
even more devastated.  The result was a tie; both sides withdrew in the hopes 
of rebuilding enough strength to finish the job, but the horror of the conflict 
made the armistice a more permanent treaty.  To the Vilani-dominated Imperial 
Naval Staff of that time, this only proved the need for a more defense-oriented 
military structure, and spelled an end to the Solomani-influenced emphasis on 
raiding tactics in the Imperial Navy.  Thereafter, raids would be but minor 
sideshows in Imperial Navy thinking.

The modern Imperial Navy philosophy is to use overwhelming firepower and 
numbers to break any attack, and to then counterattack against the 
now-disorganized enemy forces.  This is made possible by the fantastic 
logistical advantage of the Imperium.  The Imperium is three times larger than 
the other interstellar states, and has a huge industrial and manpower potential 
the other states can only dream of.  This means the Imperium can send fleets 
from quiet Sectors to trouble areas, and rapidly build replacement ships or 
even fleets.  Obviously, the Imperial Navy cannot be at all border points at 
once, so the philosophy envisions a defense in depth, buying time until 
sufficient forces are gathered to make a stand, after which the lost territory 
will be regained (with possibly more territory being claimed in the process).

Note that the ships listed below are nearly all TL15 ships.  Lower tech ships 
can be found in Imperial Navy Depots and in Colonial units.  There are also a 
number of experimental TL16 ships, but these are largely found in composite 
Experimental Squadrons (XRon) in Depots.  Final decisions on TL16 fleet designs 
was scheduled for 1120, but that has been interrupted by the Civil War.  
Existing TL16 ships have been activated with other Depot forces.

Ships of the Imperial Navy
Dreadnaught
Range from 750,000 to 1,000,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry up to three wings of fighters, and up to a division 
of Marines for security and assault duties.  These ships are named for Emperors 
of the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Imperia.  They serve as the core of a Heavy Battle 
Squadron (HBatRon)  There are three classes in active Imperial service:
Cleon class, 1,000,000 tons displacement
Plankwell class, 850,000 tons displacement
Ishuuli class, 750,000 tons displacement

Battleship
Range from 500,000 to 700,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry up to a wing of fighters, and up to a division of 
Marines for security and assault duties.   These ships are named for worlds in 
the Imperium.  They serve as the core of most Battle Squadrons (BatRon), or as 
the support of an HBatRon.  There are four classes in active Imperial service:
Deneb class, 600,000 tons displacement
Dingir class, 550,000 tons displacement
Vega class, 500,000 tons displacement
Antares class, 500,000 tons displacement

Pocket Battleship
Range from 250,000 to 500,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 3G 
thrust.  These ships carry up to a wing of fighters, and up to a brigade of 
Marines for security and assault duties. These ships are named for worlds in 
the Imperium.  These ships provide the bulk of the firepower in a BatRon, or 
are the core of a Light Battle Squadron (LBatRon).  There are five classes in 
active Imperial service:
Prometheus class, 400,000 tons displacement
Warrington class, 300,000 tons displacement
Asaaga class, 250,000 tons displacement
Kirke class, 250,000 tons displacement
Kuulimaar class, 250,000 tons displacement

Battle Rider
Range from 50,000 to 75,000 tons displacement.  Rated at  6G thrust, with no 
Jump.  These ships carry up to a wing of fighters, and a platoon of Marines for 
security duties.  These spacecraft are named for famous battles in Imperial 
history.  There are three classes in active Imperial service:
Rhylanor class, 75,000 tons displacement
Terra class, 60,000 tons displacement
Shudushaam class, 50,000 tons displacement

Battle Tender
Range from 500,000 to 700,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry five battle riders, up to a wing of interceptors, 
and a company of Marines for security duties.  These ships are named for famous 
fortifications in Imperial history.  Several of these ships, supported by a 
Light Carrier and a Battle Cruiser, are used to form a Battle Rider Squadron 
(BatRidRon).  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Losenor class, 700,000 tons displacement
Eben Emael class, 550,000 tons displacement

Battle Cruiser
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry up to three squadrons of fighters, and a force of 
Marines for security and assault duties.  These ships are named for governments 
and similar organizations in Imperial space.   The Battle Cruiser is very 
similar to the Heavy Cruiser, but a Battle Cruiser is configured for 
independent operations.  These ships form the bulk of a LBatRon.  There are 
five classes in active Imperial service:
Fenwick class, 250,000 tons
Dariida class,  200,000 tons
America class, 200,000 tons
Terhuun class, 150,000 tons
Karalonda class, 150,000 tons

Heavy Cruiser
Range from 75,000 to 150,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry up to three squadrons of fighters and up to a 
battalion of Marines for security and assault duties.  These ships are named 
for famous rulers of Imperial worlds or nations.  They form the core of a Heavy 
Cruiser Squadron (HCruRon).  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Farrakor class, 100,000 tons displacement
Hengist class, 75,000 tons displacement

Attack Cruiser
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry one or two squadonrs of fighters configured for 
close support, and up to a battalion of Marines for security and assault 
duties.  These ships are named for famous Imperial generals.  Combined with an 
Attack Carrier, these ships are used to form  the core of an Attack Cruiser 
Squadron (ACruRon). There are three classes in active Imperial service:
General Toraag class, 100,000 tons displacement
General Wang class, 75,000 tons displacement

Light Cruiser
Range from 25,000 to 75,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry a squadron of fighters, and up to a company of 
Marines for security and assault duties.  These ships are named for winners of 
the Imperial Starburst for Extreme Heroism.  They form the bulk of a HCruRon or 
ACruRon, or are used to make up a simple Cruiser Squadron (CruRon).  There are 
six classes in active Imperial service:
Johnstone class, 75,000 tons displacement
Obaya class, 60,000 tons displacement
Gionetti class, 50,000 tons displacement
F'leyah class, 40,000 tons displacement
Wansea class, 30,000 tons displacement
Ishiggli class, 25,000 tons displacement

Scout Cruiser
Range from 20,000 to 50,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry up to twelve scout/couriers, and several other 
auxilliary craft.  They also carry a number of Scout Service ground teams and 
specialists, including a platoon of Strikers (IISS Paramilitry Security).  
These ships are generally assigned to Support Squadrons (SupRon) when mobilized 
for Imperial Navy service.  These ships are named for famous Imperial Scouts.  
There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Ferndale class, 50,000 tons displacement
Belker class, 30,000 tons displacement

Intruder
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 5, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry several auxillary vehicles, and a reinforced company 
of Marine Commandos for security and assault duties.  These ships are named for 
legendary warriors.  Thye combine with Inruder Escorts to form Intruder 
Squadrons (IntRon) for rear-area raiding.  There are two classes in active 
Imperial service:
Agamemnon class, 25,000 tons displacement
Aeneas class, 15,000 tons displacement

Fleet Carrier
Range from 750,000 to 1,000,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 1G 
thrust.  These ships carry six to eighteen  wings of fighters, and a company of 
Marines for security duties.  These ships are named after Empresses and Royal 
Consorts of the Imperium.  These ships serve as the core of a Heavy Carrier 
Squadron (HCarRon).  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Empress Arbellatra class, 850,000 tons displacement
Empress Eulayle class, 750,000 tons displacement

Attack Carrier
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry three to five wings of fighters two of which are 
configured for close support, and a company of Marines for security duties.  
These ships are named after moons in the Imperium.  These ships are generally 
found supporting Attack Cruiser Squadrons (ACruRon).  There are two classes in 
active Imperial service:
Luna class, 250,000 tons displacement
Garaala class, 150,000 tons displacement

Light Carrier
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry  three to five wings of fighters, and a company of 
Marines for security duties.  These ships are named for famous fighters from 
Imperial and pre-Imperial history.   These ships can be found in many different 
types of BatROn or CarRon, acting in support of the squadron. There are three 
classes in active Imperial service:
Curgarth class, 250,000 tons displacement
Mustang class, 100,00 tons displacement

Escort Carrier
Range from 25,000 to 50,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry a wing of fighters (mostly interceptors), and a 
platoon of Marines for security duties.   There is no overall convention for 
naming of Escort Carriers. They form the core of an Escort Squadron (EscRon) or 
a Patrol Squadron (PatRon).  There are four classes in active Imperial service:
Aegis class, 50,000 tons displacement
Diluuri class, 40,000 tons displacement
Bifrost class, 30,000 tons displacement
Je-Tuan class, 25,000 tons displacement

Frigate
Range from 10,000 to 20,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry several auxillary craft, and a reinforced platoon of 
Marines for security and assault duties.  These ships are named after cities in 
the Imperium. They form the bulk of a PatRon.  There are three classes in 
active Imperial service:
Capital class, 20,000 tons displacement
Ysev class, 15,000 tons displacement
New York class, 10,000 tons displacement

Intruder Escort
Range from 5,000 to 7,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 5, with 3G thrust.  
These ships carry one or two auxillary craft, and a platoon of Marines for 
security and assault duties.   These ships are named after legendary or 
historical weapons. They are generally found supporting an IntRon.  There are 
two classes in active Imperial service:
Phalanx class, 6,500 tons displacement
Skean-Dhu class, 5,000 tons displacement

Fleet Escort
Range from 5,000 to 10,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry  several auxillary craft, and a platoon of Marines 
for security duties.  These ships are equipped with enhanced folding sensor 
arrays, and are used to picket the edges of a fleet during docking, landing or 
refueling operations.  These ships are named after oceans in the Imperium.  
Thye make up the bulk of non-Tender ships in a SupRon.  There are three classes 
in active Imperial service:
Holder class, 10,000 tons displacement
Kilaamu class, 7,500 tons displacement
Jarvis class, 5,000 tons displacement

Destroyer
Range from 2,500 to 5,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 4G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry one or two auxilliary craft, and a squad of Marines 
for security duties.   These ships are named after famous Imperial admirals.  
They are found providing support in many types of CruRons, or forming the bulk 
of an EscRon.  There are three classes in active Imperial service:
Hortense class, 5,000 tons displacement
Kelly class, 4,000 tons displacement
Midu Agashaam class, 3,000 tons displacement

Destroyer Escort
Range from 1,000 to 1,500 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 4G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry one or two auxilliary craft, and a squad of Marines 
for security duties.  These ships are named after famous Imperial starship 
commanders.  They are found providing support to EscRon activities. There are 
four classes in active Imperial service:
Fer-de-Lance class, 1,500 tons displacement
Gormancy class, 1,250 tons displacement
Chrysanthemum class, 1,000 tons displacement
Kiduusi class, 1,000 tons displacement

Patrol Cruiser
Range from 300 to 800 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 4G+ thrust.  
These ships carry no auxillary craft or Marines.  There is no overall naming 
convention for ships of this classification.  They are found providing support 
to PatRon or SupRon activities.  There are three classes in active Imperial 
service:
Usdikki class, 750 tons displacement
Jermole class, 600 tons displacement
Wombat class, 400 tons displacement

Close Escort
Range from 200 to 500 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 4, with 3G+ thrust.  
These ships carry one auxillary craft, and up to a squad of Marines for 
security  duties.  There is no overall naming convention for ships of this 
classification.  They can be found as the main ship type of many EscRons or 
PatRons.  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Gazelle class, 300 tons displacement
Fiery class, 300 tons displacement

Force Assault Transport
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry a drop capsule tubes and a squadron of assault 
landers, and are optimaized to carry a full Marine Assault Force and its 
equipment.  These ships are named for Marine winners of the Imperial Starburst 
for Extreme Heroism.  They are found in many Group or Fleet SupRons, or 
attached to ACruRons.  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Marteens class, 25,000 tons displacement
Huluuga class, 20,000 tons displacement

Brigade Assault Transport
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry  several drop capsule tubes and a squadron of 
assault landers, and are optimized to carry a full Marine Landing Brigade and 
its equipment.  These ships are named for famous Marine battles in Imperial 
history.  They are found in many Group or Fleet SupRons, or attached to 
ACruRons. There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Iwo Jima class, 100,000 tons displacement
Jae Tellona class, 75,000 tons displacement

Light Transport
Range from 25,000 to 50,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry several shuttles and other auxilliary craft, and are 
configured to carry up to 5,000 troops and their equipment (or half that many 
with vehicles).  The ship carries a platoon of Marines for security purposes.  
These ships are named for famous non-Marine ground battles.  They are generally 
assigned to Transport Squadrons (TranRon).  There are two classes in active 
Imperial service:
El Alamein class, 50,000 tons displacement
Xochtil class, 35,000 tons displacement

Heavy Transport
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 2G+ 
thrust.  These ships carry several shuttles and other auxilliary craft, and are 
configured to carry up to 25,000 troops and their equipment (or half that many 
with vehicles).  The ship carries a company of Marines for security purposes.  
These ships are named for Imperial Army winners of the Imperail Starburst for 
Extreme Heroism.  They are generally assigned to TranRons.  There is one class 
in active Imperial service:
Quintus class, 175,000 tons displacement

Hospital Ship
Range from 25,000 to 50,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 1G 
thrust.  These ships carry  one squadron of assault landers and several other 
auxilliary craft, and up to a platoon of Marines for security duties.  The ship 
carries a 500-1,000 bed hospital, fully equipped with labs and special 
equipment.  These ships are named for famous doctors from Imperial Navy or 
Marine history.  They are generally found in Group-level SUpRons, and in some 
ACruRons and TranRons.  There are two classes in active Imperial service:
Dr. Kaligaan class, 50,000 tons displacement
Dr. Yamashita class, 35,000 tons displacement

Squadron Tender
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 1G 
thrust.  These ships carry several shuttles and other auxilliary craft, and a 
squad of Marines for security duties.   There is no overall naming convention 
for ships of this classification.  There is generally one assigned to every 
squadron.  There are three classes in active Imperial service:
Sule Jukala class, 25,000 tons displacement
Calfix class, 17,500 tons displacement
Opendra class, 10,000 tons displacement

Fleet Tender
Range from 250,000 to 500,000 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 1G 
thrust.  These ships carry numerous shuttles and other auxilliary craft, and a 
platoon of Marines for security duties.  There is no overall naming convention 
for ships in this classification.  They are usually assigned to Group-level or 
Fleet-level SupRons, as well as some TranRons.  There are two classes in active 
Imperial service:
Terwitch class, 450,000 tons displacement
Wutusi class, 250,000 tons displacement

X-Boat Tender
Range from 750 to 1,500 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 3, with 1G thrust.  
These ships carry  three to five X-Boats or Scout/Couriers.  There are no 
troops regularly assigned to these vessels.  There is no naming convention for 
ships of this classification.  These ships are sometimes called up for Imperial 
Navy service to carry larger non-starships (gunboats, SDBs); those that are 
will generally be assigned to SupRons or TranRons.   There are three classes in 
active Imperial service:
Yerkes class, 1,500 tons displacement
Jaballa class, 1,000 tons displacement
Idmaani class, 800 tons displacement

Fleet Courier
Range from 250 to 500 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 6, with 1G thrust.  
These ships carry  no auxilliary craft or Marines.  These ships are named for 
famous Imperial Navy personnel who did not win the SEH.  Most larger ship 
squadrons will have one or more of these ships. There are two classes in active 
Imperial service:
Renfield class, 500 tons displacement
Jalaaga class, 300 tons displacement

Scout Courier
Range from 100 to 150 tons displacement.  Rated at Jump 2+, with 2G+ thrust.  
These ships carry  no auxilliary craft or Marines.  These ships are used by 
both the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service.  There is 
no overall naming convention for ships of this classification.  When these 
vessels are called into Imperial Navy service, they will be assigned to all 
squadron types as another type of Fleet Courier. There are six classes in 
active Imperial service:
Serpent class, 150 tons displacement (TL14, Jump 4)
Robilar class, 125 tons displacement (TL13, Jump 4)
Merkur class, 100 tons displacement (TL15, Jump 5)
Komodo class, 100 tons displacement (TL14, Jump 4)
Eagle class, 100 tons displacement (TL12, Jump 3)
Sextant class, 100 tons displacement (TL10, Jump 2)

Fighters
Range from 5 to 50 tons displacement.  Rated at 6G thrust.  These craft have no 
auxilliary craft or Marines.  Interceptors have less fuel, and thus less patrol 
time, while Heavy Fighters carry a great deal of fuel and extended 
accomodations, making them excellent spacecraft for patrol or picket duty.  All 
are equipped with a laser (two in the case of the Talon) and can carry a 
missile in an undercarriage cradle (two missiles in the case of the Talon).  
The underwing pylons may be equipped with extra fuel tanks, less-powerful TAC 
missiles or even autocannon or fusion weapons for ground support.  There are 
three classes in active Imperial service:
Isveddi-class Light Fighter (interceptor)
Rampart-class Fighter
Talon-class Heavy Fighter

Gunboats
Range from 50 to 1,000 tons.  These are all heavily-armed and -armored non-Jump 
vessels, rated at 6G thrust.  This classification includes heavy support craft, 
landers and the more numerous System Defense Boats.  There are nine classes in 
Imperial service:
Raptor-class System Defense Boat, 600 tons displacement
Warhawk-class System Defense Boat, 500 tons displacement
Thunderbird-class System Defense Boat, 400 tons displacement 
Fury-class System Defense Boat, 300 tons displacement
Rusiidi-class System Defense Boat, 200 tons displacement
Sherman-class Close Support Gunboat, 400 tons displacement
Galiaagin-class Close Support Gunboat, 200 tons displacement
Janeerir-class Assault Lander, 50 tons displacement
Astarga-class Assault Lander, 30 tons displacement

Auxiliaries
Range from 1 to 1,000 tons.  These are all non-Jump vessels, ranging from 1G to 
6G rating.  All of these ships are standardized only in size and control 
interfaces; individual fleets generally procure their own auxiliaries from 
local manufacturers.  All such vessels must be TL14, and must conform to the 
requirements for the listed classification.  Vessels may be armed or unarmed, 
depending on mission.  The standard classifications in Imperial service are:
Shuttle, 100 tons displacement
Fuel Skimmer, 400 tons displacement
Cutter, 50 tons displacement
Pinnace, 40 tons displacement
Ship's Boat, 30 tons displacement
Launch, 10 tons displacement
Gig, 20 tons displacement


------------------------------

From: Steve Charlton/Avalon Software Inc <Steve_Charlton@khan.Avalon.COM>
Date: 3 Jul 96  9:35:59 MS
Subject: Solomani Navy (the Core Dump Continues)

Here's another of my (in)famous White Papers...

Solomani Naval Doctrine
The Solomani Navy is a well-trained force, equipped to TL14 and TL15 
standards.  The Solomani emphasize Blitzkreig tactics in their naval doctrine.  
Assault units and heavy battleships will break the main line of resistance, 
pinning down heavy enemy forces.  While the enemy heavy forces are neutralized, 
the raiders will move into the enemy rear areas.  This is an embodiment of the 
Solomani 'Total War' concept; the raiders will move against headquarters areas, 
supply depots, starports, shipyards and merchant ships, with the intent of 
paralyzing the enemy's military and economy.  These raiders will be accompanied 
by Confederation Mairines, who will land on planets to destroy important 
military and economic facilities and to carry off loot and prisoners.  Priso
ners are questioned for data on other raid targets, and are then generally 
released unharmed, unless the prisoner is an important person politically, 
socially, militarily or scientifically.

A Solomani naval attack will either be a raid, or will have raiding elements 
attached to it.  In a full multi-fleet attack, half og the commited fleets will 
remain in the reserve.  In each attacking fleet,  the two assault groups of the 
fleet will engage the enemy's main line.  An overstrength raiding group, with 
twice the number of squadrons as an Assault Group, will generally split into 
four to six task forces, each with 1 to 3 squadrons.  These will zip into the 
enemy's territory, with the intent of raiding for four to eight weeks before 
returning.  At that time, the entire fleet will go into the reserve,  returning 
to base for repair and replenishment.  It will be immediately replaced on the 
front line with another fleet from the reserve, which will do the same.  This 
doctrine is very rough on the fleets; the first set of attacking fleets will 
generally suffer 50% casualties and be forced to combine with other damaged 
fleets to build a full-strength unit.  However, the effects on the enemy are 
immediate and devastating; the enemy's main line will suffer some casulaties, 
but the main damage will be apparent when supplies stop reaching the beleagured 
defenders.  As the bases, depots and starports are hit, supplies will dwindle.  
The losses to civilian shipping will prevent supplies from reaching the 
defenders, and needed reinforcements will be pulled away to chase down the 
raiders.  And, as the economies of the worlds near the battleline begin to 
falter, the defenders may be faced with insurrection or desertion.

The Solomani also have some other unique unit types in the navy.  One is the 
Interdiction Task Force.  This is a unit made up of typical escort-type ships, 
with one or more Interdiction Squadrons as its main force.  These squadrons are 
made up of Interdiction Cruisers, which have a low Jump rating but are 
configured for long stays in orbit interdicting ship traffic and acting as a 
bombardment platform.  This sort of unit is used on worlds suffering from an 
Interdiction Edict from the Confederation Assembly or Security Council.  This 
may happen due to disease, rebellion or disobedience of Security Council 
regulations concerning war with another Confederation world.

Another unique unit is the Customs Squadron.  Employed in especially-busy 
systems, this consists of an Escort Carrier and a number of Customs Cruisers.  
These ships are small and fast, with moderate armor and armament.  They are 
used to carry a squad of troops to perform inspections on ships entering or 
leaving the system.  These units are used in systems with piracy problems, or 
in systems that have been given some form of economic sanctions from the 
General Assembly or Security Council.

As with ground forces, the Confederation Navy may call upon the naval forces of 
member worlds when necessary.  The procedures are similar to that described for 
the ground forces, but it is rare for a world to field large naval forces, so 
such units are generally consolidated into Subsector or even Sector Squadrons, 
and are generally used for patrol and escort duties.

Solomani Ships

Dreadnaught
Generally 750,000 to 1,000,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
are generally rated for 3G thrust or less.  They are heavily armored, and 
usually carry multiple fighter wings and up to a full Regimental Combat Team of 
Marines.  These ships are named after Confederation Secretaries-General.  There 
are three classes currently in Solomani fleets:
U Thant class, 1,000,000 tons, TL 14
Regalbuto class, 800,000 tons, TL15
Li Kwan class, 750,000 tons, TL 14

Battleship
Generally 500,000 to 750,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
are generally rated for 3G or less.  They are heavily armored, and usually 
carry about a wing of fighters and a Marine Assault Unit.  These ships are 
named after stars and stellar anomalies.  The Antares class are former Imperial 
Navy ships of the Excelsior class.  There are four classes currently in 
Solomani fleets:
Nova class, 500,000 tons, TL15
Antares class, 500,000 tons, TL14
Pleiades class, 600,000 tons, TL14
Cygnus class, 550,000 tons, TL14

Battle Cruiser
Generally 100,000 to 400,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
are generally rated for 3G thrust.  They are heavily armored, and generally 
carry several fighter squadrons, as well as a company of Marines.  These ships 
are named for planets in the Solomani Confederation or old Solomani Autonomous 
Region.  The Terra class are former Imperial Navy ships of the Vland class.  
There are three classes currently in Solomani fleets:
Dingir class, 200,000 tons, TL15
Home class, 200,000 tons, TL14
Terra class, 250,000 tons, TL14

Interdiction Cruiser
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 2, and 
are generally rated for 2G thrust.  They are heavily armored, and carry a full 
wing of interceptors, as well as a company of Marines.  These ships are named 
for famous members of the Security Council.  There are two classes currently in 
Solomani fleets:
Gormancy class, 100,000 tons, TL15
Urquides class, 150,000 tons, TL14

Missile Cruiser
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
have 3G thrust.  They are moderately armored.  They carry several auxilliary 
spacecraft, and usually have a platoon of Marines for security.  These ships 
are named for famous ground sieges from Solomani history.  There are three 
classes currently in Solomani fleets:
Sevastopol class, 80,000 tons, TL15
Melbourne class, 100,000 tons, TL14
Vicksburg class, 50,000 tons, TL14

Cruiser
Range from 50,000  to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and 
have 3G thrust.  They are moderately armored.  They carry several auxilliary 
spacecraft, and usually have a platoon of Marines for security.  These ships 
are named for heroic naval officers from Solomani history.  The Nelson class 
are former Imperial Navy ships of the Raciborz class.  There are six classes 
currently in Solomani fleets:
John Paul Jones, 60,000 tons, TL15
Kutusov class, 75,000 tons, TL14
Nelson class, 50,000 tons, TL14
Jaracara class, 100,000 tons, TL15
Mendoza class, 100,000 tons, TL14
Matsuhira class, 50,000 tons, TL14

Heavy Raid Cruiser
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacment.  These ships are Jump 5, and 
are generally rated at 3G thrust.  They are well armored, and carry several 
fighter squadrons and several platoons of Marines for defense and boarding 
actions.  These ships are named after Solomani commanders famous for raiding 
tactics.  There are two classes currently in Solomani fleets:
Guderian class, 200,000 tons, TL14
Al-Kebir class, 200,000 tons, TL15

Light Raid Cruiser
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 5, and 
are generally rated at 4G thrust.  They are moderately armored, and generally 
carry only a few utility spacecraft and a squad or two of Marines for defense.  
These ships are named for hsitorical Solomani weapons.  There is only one class 
currently in Solomani fleets:
Broadsword class, 50,000 tons, TL15

Heavy Carrier
Range from 500,000 to 750,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
are generally rated at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry up to 10 
wings of fighters and other spacecraft, as well as a platoon or more of Marines 
for security.  These ships are named for historical Solomani sea and space 
carriers.  There are two classes currently in Solomani fleets:
Enterprise class, 700,000 tons, TL14
Ark Royal class, 700,000 tons, TL15

Assault Carrier
Range from 200,000 to 500,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 3, and 
are rated at 3G thrust.  They are moderately armored, and carry three to five 
wings of fighters; half of the fighter complement is configured for 
ground-attack.  There is usually a platoon of Marines for security.  These 
ships are named for historical Solomani fighter craft.  There are currently two 
classes in Solomani fleets:
Mustang class, 300,000 tons, TL14
Sukhoi class, 250,000 tons, TL15

Raid Carrier 
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 5, and 
are rated at 3G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry two or three wings 
of fighters and a platoon of Marines for security.  The ships are named for 
historical Solomani cavalry soldiers and mounts.  There is only one class in 
Solomani fleets:
Stuart class, 200,000 tons, TL15

Escort Carrier
Range from 50,000  to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and 
are rated at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry one wing of 
fighters and a platoon of Marines for security.  The ships are named for moons 
in Solomani space.  There are four classes in Solomani fleets:
Luna class, 50,000 tons, TL15
Phobos class, 75,000 tons, TL14
Astarte class, 60,000 tons, TL14
Fury class, 80,000 tons, TL14

Frigate
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and 
generally are rated at 4G thrust.  They are lightly or moderately armored, and 
carry several auxilliary spacecraft and up to a company of Marines for security 
and minor ground or boarding actions.  The ships are named for historic 
Solomani naval personnel (non-officers).  The Ivanova class are former Imperial 
Navy ships of the Guuliira class.   There are seven classes in Solomani fleets:
Burell class, 25,000 tons, TL14
Reiter class, 20,000 tons, TL15
Dimock class, 20,000 tons, TL14
Magnuson class, 15,000 tons, TL14
Iwada class, 10,000 tons, TL15
Ivanova class, 10,000 tons, TL14
De Granaldo class, 10,000 tons, TL14

Missile Frigate
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and 
generally are rated at 4G thrust.  They are lightly or moderately armored, and 
carry several auxilliary spacecraft and up to a company of Marines for security 
and minor ground or boarding actions.  The ships are named for historic 
Solomani naval personnel (non-officers).  The Bronson class are modifications 
of former Imperial Navy ships of the Guuliira class.   There are two classes in 
Solomani fleets:
Gunnar class, 20,000 tons, TL15
Bronson class, 10,000 tons, TL14

Raider Escort
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 5, and are 
rated at 5G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry a few auxilliary 
spacecraft and two Marine squads for security.  The ships are named for 
fast-moving animals found in Solomani space.  There is one class in Solomani 
fleets:
Jaguar class, 10,000 tons, TL15

Destroyer
Range from 2,000 to 10,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and are 
rated at 4G+ thrust.  They are lightly or moderately armored, and carry one or 
two auxialliary spacecraft.  They usually carry a squad of Marines for 
security.  The ships are named for winners of the Solomani Honor of Man medal 
winners.  The Tomizuka class are former Imperial Navy ships of the Yser class, 
and the Sanchez class are former Imperial Navy ships of the Iberia class.  
There are eight classes in Solomani fleets:
Lucien class, 5,000 tons, TL15
Keye class, 3,000 tons, TL15
Sanchez class, 7,500 tons, TL14
Gulbertson class, 5,000 tons, TL14
Gionetti class, 4,000 tons, TL14
Tomizuka class, 3,000 tons, TL14
Mbele class, 3,000 tons, TL14
Narayana class, 2,500 tons, TL14

Destroyer Escort
Range from 1,000 to 2,000 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4, and rated 
for 4G+ thrust.  They are lightly armored, and usually carry one or two 
auxilliary spacecraft.  The ships are named for decorated Solomani naval 
personnel who did not rate the Honor of Man medal.  There are four classes:
Inman class, 1,000 tons, TL15
Walbrecht class, 1,000 tons, TL14
Ziao class, 1,000 tons, TL14
Kwamele class, 1,500 tons, TL14

Customs Cruiser 
Range from 200 to 800 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 2, and 
generally rated at 4G+ thrust.  They are lightly to moderately armored, and 
often carry an auxilliary craft and a squad of Marines for boarding actions.  
The ships are named for famous Solomani law enforcers.  There are four classes 
in Solomani fleets:
Robertson class, 500 tons, TL14 
J. Edgar Hoover class, 600 tons, TL15
Ravi class, 800 tons, TL14
Earp class, 500 tons, TL15

Close Escort
Range from 200 to 500 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 4, and 
generally rated at 3G+ thrust.  They are lightly to moderately armored, and 
often carry an auxilliary craft.  The ships classes have no overall naming 
conventions.  The Fiery and Gazelle classes are former Imperial Navy ships of 
the Fiery and Gazelle classes.  There are three classes in Solomani fleets:
Fiery class, 300 tons, TL15
Gazelle class, 300 tons, TL15
Swath class, 400 tons, TL14

MAU Assault Transport
Range from 10,000  to 25,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and generally rated at 3G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry 
numerous auxilliary craft, drop capsule facilities, and carry a Marine Assault 
Unit (a reinforced battalion configured for independent operations).  These 
ships are named after famous Solomani Marines.  There are two classes in 
Solomani fleets:
Henderson class, 20,000 tons, TL15
Juliard class, 25,000 tons, TL14

MRCT Assault Transport
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and generally rated at 3G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry 
numeroud auxilliary craft, drop capsule facilities and a Marine Regimental 
Combat Team (a reinforced Marine Regiment configured for independent 
operations).  These ships are named for famous Solomani battles involving 
Marines.  There are three classes in Solomani fleets:
Bellau Wood class, 60,000 tons, TL15
Betelgeuse Alpha class, 75,000 tons, TL14
Iwo Jima class, 100,000 tons, TL14

Division Transport
Range from 75,000 to 150,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and are rated at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry numerous 
auxilliary craft (largely shuttles).  They generally have a platoon of Marines 
assigned for security, but are designed to carry about 5,000 troops and their 
equipment.  These ships are nemaed after famous Solomani land battles.  There 
are four classes in Solomani fleets:
Rhineland class, 80,000 tons, TL15
Kursk class, 75,000 tons, TL14
Gorinta class, 100,000 tons, TL14
Gettysburg class, 125,000 tons, TL14

Corps Transport
Range from 75,000 to 150,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and are rated at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry numerous 
auxilliary craft.  They generally carry a company of Marines assigned for 
security, but are designed to carry about 3,000 troops and their equipment.  
They also carry enhanced command and control facilities to allow management of 
a ground battle from orbit, as well as expanded medical and missile weapons 
facilities.  These ships are named after famous Solomani non-Marine 
commanders.  There are two classes in Solomani fleets:
Rommel class, 80,000 tons, TL15
Muramoto class, 100,000 tons, TL14

Hospital Ship
Range from 50,000 to 100,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and are rated at 1G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry numerous 
auxilliary craft.  They carry a platoon of Marines for security, and a 1,000 to 
2,500 bed hospital with all supporting facilities.  These ships are named for 
famous Solomani doctors.  There is one class in Solomani fleets:
Dr. Crenshaw class, 80,000 tons, TL15

Squadron Tender
Range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally Jump 
3, and are rated at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry several 
auxilliary spacecraft as well as a Marine squad for security.  These ships have 
expanded machine shop and fabrications facilities, as well as a very large 
cargo area that can carry cargo modules or fuel bladders.  These ships have no 
overall naming conventions.  There are three classes in Solomani fleets:
Connestoga class, 10,000 tons, TL15
Provender class, 15,000 tons, TL14
Milch Kow class, 20,000 tons, TL14

Fleet Tender
Range from 100,000 to 250,000 tons displacement.  These ships are generally 
Jump 3, and are rated at 1G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry 
several auxilliary craft and a Marine platoon for security.  These ships have 
expanded machine shop and fabrications facilities, as well as a very large 
cargo area that can carry cargo modules or fuel bladders.  These ships have no 
overall naming conventions.  There are three classes in Solomani fleets:
Cornucopia class, 150,000 tons, TL15
Breadbasket class, 250,000 ton. TL14
Ipswich class, 200,000 tons, TL14

Fleet Courier
Range from 200 to 800 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 6, and are rated 
at 2G thrust.  They are lightly armored, and carry enhanced communications and 
sensor gear.  These ships have no overall naming convention.  There are two 
classes in Solomani fleets:
Mercury class, 500 tons, TL15
Delivery class, 600 tons, TL15

Combat Scout
Range from 100 to 400 tons displacement.  These ships are Jump 4. and are rated 
at 4G+ thrust.  They are lightly  to moderately armored, and carry enhanced 
communications and sensor gear.  These ships are named after famous Solomani 
military scouts.  There is one class in Solomani fleets:
Kit Carson class, 250 tons, TL15

------------------------------

End of Traveller-digest V1996 #206
**********************************

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