By late 2005 the Hardenburghian Navy felt increasing pressure the Tyrannian air force and navy. There were several incidents where massive flights of aircraft buzzed over Hardenburghian task forces despite warnings. The worst of these incidents resulted in four Hardenburghia and three Tyrannian aircraft being downed. With tensions at an all-time high Hardenburghian officials realized that their air-defenses had nearly been over-whelmed by the mass assault tactics of the Tyrannians. The Colts and Battle class destroyers simply did not have sufficient anti-aircraft capability to be effective at fleet defense if Tyrannia mounted a full scale attack. A larger more specialized anti-aircraft command ship was required.
The Hardenburghian fleet design team started with the main sensor array and weapons systems and designed the rest of the ship around them. Four Romagnian ninety-six cell Mk-59 vertical launchers provided 384 long-range missiles at a moments notice with an additional 384 ready to back them up in 15 seconds. Two launchers are mounted forward of the bridge with the second pair aft of the superstructure. Backing them up were a pair of eight-cell Mk-55 medium-range VLS launchers mounted on both sides of the superstructure. Two 100 mm high velocity rail guns in single turrets were mounted forward and aft of the main launchers. The rail guns were chosen over the 155 mm cannon for the sake of ammunition capacity and damage capability. For self-defense, four combination point defense were mounted on the corners of the superstructure. Although the Asguard class were built as anti-aircraft cruisers, a pair of anti-submarine torpedo launchers were included in the design. A single hanger and landing platform for an EV-84A Kingfisher VTOL aircraft variant were built into the aft superstructure. Also a small complement of power armor and marines were assigned to provide ship defense.
The SPY-5D radar system was originally mounted on the Battle class destroyer. The Hardenburghians negotiated with Romagnian Government and the main contractors who designed the SPY-5D system to develop their own system based on the Romagnian radar system. The new system they came up with was the most advanced anti-aircraft detection and tracking system on the planet. The Romagnian studied the improved radar system and classified it as the SPY-5J. The phased array radar system was to be upgraded to this standard on all the F class destroyers, but was interrupted by the attempted Slechlenburghian invasion of Hardenburgh. An advanced hull sonar was included to defend against submarines, but no towed array was incorporated. Of course the entire hull and superstructure were designed with stealth characteristics and coated with advanced radar-absorbent materials to make the cruiser extremely difficult to detect. The hull and propellers were fitted with the Romagnian bubbling system to help defeat sonar detection.
Automation was standard throughout the ship, as with almost all warships of the time. This meant the crew was much smaller than a comparable ship from 50 years earlier. Part of this was because of the propulsion systems. Fusion reactors were incorporated from the start, and required much less man-power to remain a peak performance. They provided excellent power and acceleration. The propellers were variable pitch and gave great maneuverability in close quarters. Top speed was recorded at 35 knots, more than enough to keep up with the other ships of the fleet.
Model Type: Asguard class Guided Missile Cruiser
Vehicle Type: Ocean, Guided Missile Cruiser
Crew: 255; 27 officers, 22 Chief Petty officers, and 204 enlisted (Has a high degree of automation)
Troops: 4 VTOL pilots and crew, 20 Special Forces, and 80 Marines.
Armament
- SPY-5J Active Phased Array Radar System (4, Superstructure)
- 100 mm Heavy Rail Gun Turret (2, Forward & Aft):
- Mk-55 8 Cell Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers (2)
- Mk 44 Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (4, Superstructure)
- Torpedo Launchers (2, sides)
- Chaff Launcher (4, Superstructure)
- Hanger (Aft)
- VTOL Pad (Aft)
Notes:
[1] Destroying the Phase Array radar panel will destroy the ship's main fire control systems but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors)
[2] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. The ship is fitted with advanced polymer armors that allow the ship to withstand up to -1500 MDC before losing structural integrity and sinking. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.
Speed:
Surface: 40.3 mph (35 knots/ 64.8 kph)
Maximum Effective Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries about four months of supplies on board.
Statistical Data:
Length: 755 feet (230.1 meters)
Draft: 32.5 feet (9.9 meters)
Width: 80 feet (24 meters)
Displacement: 16,580 tons standard and 20,850 tons fully loaded
Cargo: 800 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship's spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.
Power System: 4 Fusion Reactors, average life span is 20 years
Armor:At the time of design , it was decided that a light armor scheme was adequate as the ship was not designed for gun to gun combat. To that extent , Kevlar Spilnter protection was employed in the most sensitive areas
