Triton-class Super-Dreadnought
The Triton-class is an engineering marvel in terms of its size, weaponry, and speed. The ship itself is considered a floating fortress, and usually operates alone. There are currently four in service, while further construction has been halted on the class for a newer model, and it is being used strictly for strategic support. (as of Apr 19, 2006)
Contents
Background
The pride of Cravanian maritime engineering are the Triton-class Super-Dreadnoughts, monsters of the sea. The ship, although not nearly as large as other classes of Super-Dreadnoughts, is a force to be reckoned with. It usually operates alone, seeing as it is nearly completely self-sufficient. It is more than capable of defending itself with extensive CIWS anti-air emplacements and the utilisation of the latest in maritime artillery, the rail gun.
The ship was originally designed as a deterrent force, but has since seen service as an artillery platform capable of hitting targets at a very long range. It also has a remarkably stealthy and sleek profile, making it very difficult to spot with surface RADAR, and is incredibly fast considering its size.
Propulsion
The ship itself is not propelled with the conventional corkscrew propeller. Instead, it uses newer water jets similiar to those on a jet ski and other pleasure craft. These jets, however, are on a much larger scale, but provide more speed and maneuverability than regular propulsion systems. They are aligned throughout the vessel, allowing it to turn quickly (considering its size, of course). Its max speed is roughly 50kt with full power to the engines, but a cruising speed is more commonly set at 37kt-43kt.
Although most modern SD ships use water jets, the Triton is unique in a way. Instead of having a few water jets, the majority of the underside is covered by them. This allows for faster movement, and increased maneuverability. It is protected by fold out panels, so as to not compromise the vulnerable underside when in combat.
However, there is a major disadvantage to having that large of water jets. They make much more noise, and are easily detected by inbound subs.To counter this, advanced SONAR is in place, and torpedoes are installed specifically for anti-sub use.
Armament
The armament of this ship is as follows:
- 4x 30in. Rail Gun turrets, two barrels each (range roughly 250mi)
- 2x 20in. Rail Gun turrets, two barrels each (range roughly 650mi)
- 10x 10in. Rail Gun broadside turrets, two barrels each (range roughly 350mi)
- 30x 20mm CIWS systems
- 40x .50cal MG turrets
- 10x Anti-Surface VLS missile launchers, ten tubes each (5 in bow area, 5 in stern area)
- 10x Anti-Air missile launchers, ten tubes each
- 10x Anti-Sub torpedo launchers, five tubes each (mounted underwater on port and starboard sides)
- 1x Tactical Nuclear Theatre ICBM Launcher (one loaded in each at all times)
- 6x Cruise Missile Tubes (one loaded in each at all times, eighteen kept for reloads)
(As you can see, the 30in guns have much lower range than the 20in guns. This is because the larger guns cost more to maintain, and therefore have less range.)
Aircraft
The ship is capable of holding up to six helicopters, usually two of several different types including SAR, attack, transport, and several other types. It is also capable of carrying six VTOL aircraft for escort puposes. The landing pads are located towards the stern.
Targeting and Sensory
Unlike most ships, the Triton-class does not rely all that heavily on surface radar. Instead, it uses GPS and satellite recon to pinpoint its targets and subsequently has an increased range. Its main defense for close-in enemies is a fairly close range surface radar and a very long range air radar. It also posesses the latest in sonar technology, and has the capability to defend itself against those beneath the waves.
Statistics
The overall statistics of this vessel are:
- Length: 600m
- Width: 85m
- Draft: 15m
- Displacement: 1,200,700 tons (Empty); 1,700,900 tons (Loaded)
- Speed: 40kt (cruising); 47kt (full)
- Power Plant: 8 Pebble Bed Nuclear Reactors
Cost, Construction, and Maitenence
The ship itself is very expensive, and lands at a cost of roughly $150 billion (less than some other SD's due to its smaller size and the fact it is not trimaran). It takes up to a year and a half to complete, but can be completed within three months if all the resources of the shipyard are put towards it.
When it comes to upkeep, very few facilities are capable of handling the size of this ship. There are two facilities in Cravan, the port city of Harange and the naval facilities on the northern tip of the Cravanian peninsula, capable of holding and restocking the vessel. There are also a few facilities abroad capable of harboring these ships, but not many.
Ships of the Line
There are currently four Tritons in service since one has been decommissioned.
Decomissioned Vessels
INS Impregnable - Minimal Damage Sustained, more expensive to repair than invest in a new class.
