Perennial-Class Corvette - Revision history

Spartwo at 07:42, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T07:42:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 14 April 2026
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	{{Craft		{{Craft
−	\|name = ~~Orion~~ Class	+	\|name = Perennial Class
−	\|full_name = ~~Orion~~ Class ~~Guided-Missile Frigate~~	+	\|full_name = Perennial-Class Corvette
	\|image =Perennial.png \|imagedesc ="F013 Goldenrod"		\|image =Perennial.png \|imagedesc ="F013 Goldenrod"
	\|type=Ship		\|type=Ship

Sidestrafe at 06:35, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T06:35:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:35, 14 April 2026
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	The Perennial-Class Corvette began development in 2205 under [[PLAID]]'s Suface Intercept Forces Engineering division. Intended at first to be a light corvette to fill [[Hearthia]]'s request for a smaller warship than the Mythic FFG and as a squadron leader for Pavise NCPVs, the first design spec entered production in 2206 at a cost of $120,000 pesos. Featuring a large helicopter bay and a tremendous ASUW battery of 32 ASHMs, the ship met all design goals and was deemed perfectly suitable for the fleet. However, it was quickly determined by PLAID engineers that the superstructure could hold more equipment, and a large sea drone bay, crane, and 32-cell full-bore VLS bay was added to the center of the ship, raising costs to $140,000. The first batch of four ships delivered to PLAID were upgraded to this specification while under construction, and the upgrade package was deemed cost effective and retained, with the ships being redesignated as heavy corvettes to befit the dramatically expanded armament.		The Perennial-Class Corvette began development in 2205 under [[PLAID]]'s Suface Intercept Forces Engineering division. Intended at first to be a light corvette to fill [[Hearthia]]'s request for a smaller warship than the Mythic FFG and as a squadron leader for Pavise NCPVs, the first design spec entered production in 2206 at a cost of $120,000 pesos. Featuring a large helicopter bay and a tremendous ASUW battery of 32 ASHMs, the ship met all design goals and was deemed perfectly suitable for the fleet. However, it was quickly determined by PLAID engineers that the superstructure could hold more equipment, and a large sea drone bay, crane, and 32-cell full-bore VLS bay was added to the center of the ship, raising costs to $140,000. The first batch of four ships delivered to PLAID were upgraded to this specification while under construction, and the upgrade package was deemed cost effective and retained, with the ships being redesignated as heavy corvettes to befit the dramatically expanded armament.
	==Design and Armament==		==Design and Armament==
−	[[File:PerennialBay.png\|left\|thumb\|Perennial ASHM and mission bays open]]	+	[[File:PerennialBay.png\|left\|thumb\|Perennial ASHM and mission bays open\|452x452px]]
−	[[File:PerennialVLS.png\|left\|thumb\|~~298x298px~~\|Perennial VLS layout, post Bravo specification]]	+	[[File:PerennialVLS.png\|left\|thumb\|452x452px\|Perennial VLS layout, post Bravo specification]]
	Designed as a reliable surface combatant intended to do any single mission independently, the Perennial-class's defining feature was the extremely large small craft capability, with a helicopter bay large enough to fit four Izinyo heavy attack helicopters and a drone bay able to store six sea or air drones. These drones, designed specifically for the Perennial, can be used for surface bombardment, land fire support, radar picket, ISR, and ASW warfare, among others.		Designed as a reliable surface combatant intended to do any single mission independently, the Perennial-class's defining feature was the extremely large small craft capability, with a helicopter bay large enough to fit four Izinyo heavy attack helicopters and a drone bay able to store six sea or air drones. These drones, designed specifically for the Perennial, can be used for surface bombardment, land fire support, radar picket, ISR, and ASW warfare, among others.

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	All of this equipment in the upper superstructure makes the ship dangerously top-heavy and vulnerable to capsizing under battle damage.		All of this equipment in the upper superstructure makes the ship dangerously top-heavy and vulnerable to capsizing under battle damage.
−	[[File:PerennialEvening.png\|left\|thumb\|PLNS Goldenrod on station off Shive]]	+	[[File:PerennialEvening.png\|left\|thumb\|PLNS Goldenrod on station off Shive\|452x452px]]

	==Foreign Sales==		==Foreign Sales==
Line 56:		Line 56:

	Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.		Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.
−	[[File:Front PLAID KE Perennial Shil BW.jpg\|left\|thumb]]	+	[[File:Front PLAID KE Perennial Shil BW.jpg\|left\|thumb\|713x713px]]
	[[Category:Naval Craft]]		[[Category:Naval Craft]]

Sidestrafe at 06:34, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T06:34:33Z

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.
-[[File:Front PLAID KE Perennial Shil BW.png|left|thumb]]
+[[File:Front PLAID KE Perennial Shil BW.jpg|left|thumb]]
 [[Category:Naval Craft]]

Sidestrafe at 04:16, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T04:16:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 14 April 2026
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	Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.		Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.
		+	[[File:Front PLAID KE Perennial Shil BW.png\|left\|thumb]]
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+
		+

	[[Category:Naval Craft]]		[[Category:Naval Craft]]

Sidestrafe at 04:04, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T04:04:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:04, 14 April 2026
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	\|built=70, 24 on order		\|built=70, 24 on order
	\|serv_start=2206\|serv_end=ongoing		\|serv_start=2206\|serv_end=ongoing
−	\|operators=[[PLAID]]<br/>~~[[Confederate Coast Guard]]~~<br/>~~[[Zokesian Royal Navy]]~~<br/>~~[[Imperial Union]]~~	+	\|operators=[[PLAID]]<br/><br/>Novenad<br/>Luminor
	{{Craft/Naval Vessel		{{Craft/Naval Vessel
	\|mass= 1057 Tons		\|mass= 1057 Tons
Line 21:		Line 21:
	\|propulsion=		\|propulsion=
	\|knots=32\|metres=15		\|knots=32\|metres=15
−	\|range= ~~1800~~	+	\|range= 2400
	\|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)		\|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
−	\|sensors= ~~FROSTON CRYSTAL~~<br/>~~VAE SIMPSON radar~~<br/>~~VAE T~~-11 Sonar	+	\|sensors= SNOOP-R<br/>STIR-BRAVO<br/>SEEKER-SC Sonar
−	\|armament=x1 ~~57mm~~ Naval Gun<br/> x2 Phalanx CIWS <br/> x1 ~~SeaRAM~~ Launcher <br/> x2 4-cell AshM Launcher <br/> 48 VLS cells	+	\|armament=x1 76mm Naval Gun<br/> x2 Phalanx CIWS <br/> x2 Mk49 Launcher <br/> x8 4-cell AshM Launcher <br/> x66 VLS cells


	}}		}}
−	\|Aircraft Carried=Up to x2 ~~K-53B II VTOL Fighters~~ <br/> x2 ASW Helicopters}}The '''Perennial-Class Corvette''' is a class of guided-missile corvettes currently in service with multiple nations, working as an affordable multi-mission vessel capable of filling any possible surface combat role.	+	\|Aircraft Carried=Up to x6 drones <br/> x4 ASW Helicopters}}The '''Perennial-Class Corvette''' is a class of guided-missile corvettes currently in service with multiple nations, working as an affordable multi-mission vessel capable of filling any possible surface combat role.
	== Development==		== Development==
−	The Perennial-Class Corvette began development in 2205 under PLAID's Suface Intercept Forces Engineering division. Intended at first to be a light corvette to fill Hearthia's request for a smaller warship than the Mythic FFG and as a squadron leader for Pavise NCPVs, the first design spec entered production in 2206 at a cost of $120,000 pesos. Featuring a large helicopter bay and a tremendous ASUW battery of 32 ASHMs, the ship met all design goals and was deemed perfectly suitable for the fleet. However, it was quickly determined by PLAID engineers that the superstructure could hold more equipment, and a large sea drone bay, crane, and 32-cell full-bore VLS bay was added to the center of the ship, raising costs to $140,000. The first batch of four ships delivered to PLAID were upgraded to this specification while under construction, and the upgrade package was deemed cost effective and retained, with the ships being redesignated as heavy corvettes to befit the dramatically expanded armament.	+	The Perennial-Class Corvette began development in 2205 under [[PLAID]]'s Suface Intercept Forces Engineering division. Intended at first to be a light corvette to fill [[Hearthia]]'s request for a smaller warship than the Mythic FFG and as a squadron leader for Pavise NCPVs, the first design spec entered production in 2206 at a cost of $120,000 pesos. Featuring a large helicopter bay and a tremendous ASUW battery of 32 ASHMs, the ship met all design goals and was deemed perfectly suitable for the fleet. However, it was quickly determined by PLAID engineers that the superstructure could hold more equipment, and a large sea drone bay, crane, and 32-cell full-bore VLS bay was added to the center of the ship, raising costs to $140,000. The first batch of four ships delivered to PLAID were upgraded to this specification while under construction, and the upgrade package was deemed cost effective and retained, with the ships being redesignated as heavy corvettes to befit the dramatically expanded armament.
	==Design and Armament==		==Design and Armament==
	[[File:PerennialBay.png\|left\|thumb\|Perennial ASHM and mission bays open]]		[[File:PerennialBay.png\|left\|thumb\|Perennial ASHM and mission bays open]]
Line 47:		Line 47:

	==Foreign Sales==		==Foreign Sales==
−	In 2205 following release of the design specifications, Novenad placed a 750k contract for eight Perennials. The order was delivered at the end of 2206 with stellar reviews.	+	In 2205 following release of the design specifications, [[Novenad]] placed a 750k contract for eight Perennials. The order was delivered at the end of 2206 with stellar reviews.

−	Despite initial interest from the Hearthian Boat Organization, the IRN undercut the PLAID offer by delivering four Helios-class Corvettes free of charge to the Hearthians, filling their budget. Interest remained in the event the HBO ~~was~~ ~~downsized~~.	+	Despite initial interest from the Hearthian Boat Organization, the [[Imperial Union\|IRN]] undercut the PLAID offer by delivering four Helios-class Corvettes free of charge to the Hearthians, filling their budget. Interest remained in the event the HBO sustained losses.

	In 2207, Luminor placed a 6M order for 30 Perennials, which was delivered at the end of the year. The order came with sixty anti-submarine drones for the Perennial's mission bays.		In 2207, Luminor placed a 6M order for 30 Perennials, which was delivered at the end of the year. The order came with sixty anti-submarine drones for the Perennial's mission bays.
Line 55:		Line 55:
	==Service History==		==Service History==

−	Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more. ~~[[PLAID]]~~	+	Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more.

	[[Category:Naval Craft]]		[[Category:Naval Craft]]

Sidestrafe at 03:50, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T03:50:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:50, 14 April 2026
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	\|name = Orion Class		\|name = Orion Class
	\|full_name = Orion Class Guided-Missile Frigate		\|full_name = Orion Class Guided-Missile Frigate
−	\|image =~~ZokeScreenshot20842~~.png \|imagedesc =~~FFCG-113~~ "~~Hamilton T.~~ ~~Thratcher~~"	+	\|image =Perennial.png \|imagedesc ="F013 Goldenrod"
	\|type=Ship		\|type=Ship
−	\|role=~~Frigate~~ ~~Escort~~	+	\|role=Heavy Corvette, Multirole
−	\|origin=[[~~Imperial Union~~]]	+	\|origin= [[PLAID]]
−	\|design_start=~~2189~~\|design_end=	+	\|design_start=2205\|design_end=
−	\|prod_start=~~2165~~\|prod_end=	+	\|prod_start=2206\|prod_end=
−	\|designer=[[~~VAE Shipyards~~]], ~~[[Vocavium/Westray]]~~	+	\|designer= [[PLAID]]
−	\|cost=	+	\|cost=140000
−	\|built=23, 20 on order	+	\|built=70, 24 on order
−	\|serv_start=~~2188~~\|serv_end=ongoing	+	\|serv_start=2206\|serv_end=ongoing
−	\|operators=[[~~Zokesia~~]]<br/>[[Confederate Coast Guard]]<br/>[[Zokesian Royal Navy]]<br/>[[Imperial Union]]	+	\|operators=[[PLAID]]<br/>[[Confederate Coast Guard]]<br/>[[Zokesian Royal Navy]]<br/>[[Imperial Union]]
	{{Craft/Naval Vessel		{{Craft/Naval Vessel
−	\|mass= ~~1000~~ Tons	+	\|mass= 1057 Tons
−	\|length= 96	+	\|length= 89.8
−	\|width= 13.8	+	\|width= 17.3
−	\|height= 26	+	\|height= 15.3
	\|draft= 3		\|draft= 3
		+	\|propulsion=
−	\|propulsion= x2 FROSTON Industries Electric Propulsion Motors<br/>x1 M1800 Gas Turbine Generator
−	\|knots=29\|metres=15	+	\|knots=32\|metres=15
	\|range= 1800		\|range= 1800
	\|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)		\|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
Line 28:		Line 28:

	}}		}}
−	\|Aircraft Carried=Up to x2 K-53B II VTOL Fighters <br/> x2 ASW Helicopters}}The '''~~Orion~~-Class ~~Frigate~~''' is a class of guided-missile ~~frigates~~ currently in service in ~~the~~ ~~[[Imperial~~ ~~Union]]~~ ~~and~~ ~~[[Zokesia]],~~ ~~fulfilling~~ ~~its~~ ~~role~~ as an ~~affordable~~ ~~modern~~ ~~escort/patrol~~ ~~Frigate~~.	+	\|Aircraft Carried=Up to x2 K-53B II VTOL Fighters <br/> x2 ASW Helicopters}}The '''Perennial-Class Corvette''' is a class of guided-missile corvettes currently in service with multiple nations, working as an affordable multi-mission vessel capable of filling any possible surface combat role.
	== Development==		== Development==
		+	The Perennial-Class Corvette began development in 2205 under PLAID's Suface Intercept Forces Engineering division. Intended at first to be a light corvette to fill Hearthia's request for a smaller warship than the Mythic FFG and as a squadron leader for Pavise NCPVs, the first design spec entered production in 2206 at a cost of $120,000 pesos. Featuring a large helicopter bay and a tremendous ASUW battery of 32 ASHMs, the ship met all design goals and was deemed perfectly suitable for the fleet. However, it was quickly determined by PLAID engineers that the superstructure could hold more equipment, and a large sea drone bay, crane, and 32-cell full-bore VLS bay was added to the center of the ship, raising costs to $140,000. The first batch of four ships delivered to PLAID were upgraded to this specification while under construction, and the upgrade package was deemed cost effective and retained, with the ships being redesignated as heavy corvettes to befit the dramatically expanded armament.
−	The Orion-Class Frigate began development in 2185 under [[VAE system]]'s subsidiary [[VSD]] to meet the [[IRN]]'s new requirements for a next-generation escort/patrol frigate that could incorporate newly introduced technology at a lower cost than its traditional counterparts. In consideration of the newly deployed [[Huntsman-class Destroyer]] and the planned requirements of the [[Klaes-Haydn Class Cruiser\|Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser]], the VSD's proposal revolved around the [[FROSTON Industries]]' new CRYSTAL (Combat Radar Yellow, Search and Track Array Luminator) system in order to provide basic-level fleet air protection at a low cost. Due to weak competition from other designers or lack thereof, the proposal was approved by the Imperial Navy Design Committee in 2186, and an initial order of 5 frigates was placed to be delivered by the end of the following year.
	==Design and Armament==		==Design and Armament==
		+	[[File:PerennialBay.png\|left\|thumb\|Perennial ASHM and mission bays open]]
−	[[File:Screenshot237.png\|left\|thumb\|Reinforced keel of HMS Vega]][[File:Screenshot219.png\|left\|thumb\|298x298px\|Lead ship HMS ''Orion'' under-going sea trials, 2189]]As a next-generation surface combatant geared for escort and patrol duties, the Orion-class incorporated a wide range of new Imperial technology that pioneered their use on other vessels through out the Imperial Armed Forces. One noteworthy example is the inclusion of a reinforced keel for greater ASW effectiveness and survivability in case of a torpedo hit to the keel. While traditional keels would succumb to even indirect detonation, the newly introduced reinforcements will allow current and future Orion frigates to be combat-effective even after a direct torpedo hit.
		+	[[File:PerennialVLS.png\|left\|thumb\|298x298px\|Perennial VLS layout, post Bravo specification]]
		+	Designed as a reliable surface combatant intended to do any single mission independently, the Perennial-class's defining feature was the extremely large small craft capability, with a helicopter bay large enough to fit four Izinyo heavy attack helicopters and a drone bay able to store six sea or air drones. These drones, designed specifically for the Perennial, can be used for surface bombardment, land fire support, radar picket, ISR, and ASW warfare, among others.

		+	Sensor systems were left nearly identical to the preceding Pavise NCPVs, with SNOOP-R search radars and STIR-BRAVO illuminators. Befitting the original air warfare spec of 24 ESSMs, the ship was only equipped with two STIR illuminators, and this was not upgraded when the midships VLS cells were added, leading to some concerns that the ship could be saturated.
−	Froston Industries' CRYSTAL system saw its first deployment on the Orions, with two arrays being mounted on the sides of the superstructure aft of the main bridge. While it does not provide full coverage of the combat area, the two arrays combined with secondary SIMPSON radar and illuminators enable long-range tracking of up to 16 enemy contacts, a marked increase from the preceding Acheron Class. Crew and technical data garnered from the radar systems onboard the lead ship HMS Orion during its initial combat trials allowed researchers at FROSTON Industries and VAE Shipyards to perfect system and software integration for their upcoming Future Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser project.

		+	In order to maintain effective submarine hunting capability and enable rapid redeployment of the corvettes, the Perennial-class is equipped with a massive PLAID SVK-45 gas turbine powerpack, allowing the ships to reach 33.2 knots fully loaded. This powerpack composes an entire third of the ship's hull cost.
−	One of the most obvious changes made from VSD's initial proposal is the marked increase in maximum speed. While the original design was projected to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots using traditional diesel-electric propulsion, the IRN demanded the ship be capable of reaching 30 knots in order to keep up with Imperial Carrier fleets. To accommodate for this demand, VAE Shipyards replaced their traditional propulsion-power system with Froston Industries' Electric Propulsion Motor Mk3 and a M1800 Gas Turbine generator. Although slightly more costly than their traditional counterparts, it was discovered in HMS Orion's maiden voyage that the new systems were far more efficient and reliable in long-term operations, prompting the IRN to investigate the possibilities of refitting major combatants to utilise the new technology.

		+	For a corvette, the Perennial-Class is extremely heavily armed. Her antiship battery of 32 RGM-84s or LRASMs is mounted beneath the bridge inside the superstructure, protected by retractable doors. On the aft upper deck are 24 ESSM cells for point defence- these are backed up by two Mk49 RAM mounts located fore and aft, for a total of 66 self defence weapons. After the Bravo specification was put to sea an additional 32 cells for RIM-66 or SA-35 Surtur was fitted centerline, bringing her AAW missile total to 98. Two Phalanxes provide final missile defence.
−	The frigate also boasts an impressive arsenal for its size with 48 VLS cells fore of the bridge, one 57mm naval gun, one SeaRAM launcher, two Phalanx CIWS systems and two 4 cell AshM launchers located amidships. In its standard escort configuration the VLS cells are designed to accommodate ESSM medium range interceptor missiles but they are also able to be outfitted with RIM-66 long-range interceptors or a limited range of cruise missiles to supplement the 8 AshMs stored in box launchers.

		+
−	Another noteworthy feature of the Orion-class is the large mission bay located amidships. Despite the frigate's small size, the mission bay is able to accommodate up to two [[K-53B II]] VTOL Fighters or ASW Helicopters as well as two [[BIMO]] (Boat, Inflatable, Multi-service Operational) high-maneuverability boats, giving the Orion its characteristic mission flexibility.[[File:Screenshot222.png\|left\|thumb\|HMS ''Orion'' conducting a routine operation off the coast of Westray.]]
		+	All of this equipment in the upper superstructure makes the ship dangerously top-heavy and vulnerable to capsizing under battle damage.
		+	[[File:PerennialEvening.png\|left\|thumb\|PLNS Goldenrod on station off Shive]]

	==Foreign Sales==		==Foreign Sales==
		+	In 2205 following release of the design specifications, Novenad placed a 750k contract for eight Perennials. The order was delivered at the end of 2206 with stellar reviews.
−	In November 2186, VAE Shipyards was awarded with a 1.5M Kredit contract by the IRN to produce 5 frigates with an option for 15 additional frigates after the initial delivery. However, following the ship's stellar performance during its maiden voyage and combat trials that far exceeded application, the order was expanded to 5+20, all expected to be delivered by the end of 2201.
		+
		+	Despite initial interest from the Hearthian Boat Organization, the IRN undercut the PLAID offer by delivering four Helios-class Corvettes free of charge to the Hearthians, filling their budget. Interest remained in the event the HBO was downsized.

		+	In 2207, Luminor placed a 6M order for 30 Perennials, which was delivered at the end of the year. The order came with sixty anti-submarine drones for the Perennial's mission bays.
−	Both the [[Confederate Coast Guard]] and Navy expressed interest in the frigate even during its design phase at VSD. The frigate's cost-effectiveness combined with its large mission bay made it a strong contender for the two service's future combatant program, and by 2187, contracts for 10 frigates from the Coast Guard and 8 for the Navy were awarded to VAE Shipyards. All 18 frigates were delivered and are in active service under the two services.

	==Service History==		==Service History==

		+	Four Perennials were initially ordered for PLAID's Surface Interdiction Groups, with an immediate followup order of four more. [[PLAID]]
−	N/A

	[[Category:Naval Craft]]		[[Category:Naval Craft]]

Sidestrafe: idk copy a page for cloning

2026-04-14T02:57:20Z

idk copy a page for cloning

New page

{{Craft
|name = Orion Class
|full_name = Orion Class Guided-Missile Frigate
|image =ZokeScreenshot20842.png |imagedesc =FFCG-113 "Hamilton T. Thratcher"
|type=Ship
|role=Frigate Escort
|origin=[[Imperial Union]]
|design_start=2189|design_end=
|prod_start=2165|prod_end=
|designer=[[VAE Shipyards]], [[Vocavium/Westray]]
|cost=
|built=23, 20 on order
|serv_start=2188|serv_end=ongoing
|operators=[[Zokesia]] [[Confederate Coast Guard]] [[Zokesian Royal Navy]] [[Imperial Union]]
{{Craft/Naval Vessel
|mass= 1000 Tons
|length= 96
|width= 13.8
|height= 26
|draft= 3
|propulsion= x2 FROSTON Industries Electric Propulsion Motors x1 M1800 Gas Turbine Generator
|knots=29|metres=15
|range= 1800
|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
|sensors= FROSTON CRYSTAL VAE SIMPSON radar VAE T-11 Sonar
|armament=x1 57mm Naval Gun x2 Phalanx CIWS x1 SeaRAM Launcher x2 4-cell AshM Launcher 48 VLS cells

}}
|Aircraft Carried=Up to x2 K-53B II VTOL Fighters x2 ASW Helicopters}}The '''Orion-Class Frigate''' is a class of guided-missile frigates currently in service in the [[Imperial Union]] and [[Zokesia]], fulfilling its role as an affordable modern escort/patrol Frigate.
== Development==
The Orion-Class Frigate began development in 2185 under [[VAE system]]'s subsidiary [[VSD]] to meet the [[IRN]]'s new requirements for a next-generation escort/patrol frigate that could incorporate newly introduced technology at a lower cost than its traditional counterparts. In consideration of the newly deployed [[Huntsman-class Destroyer]] and the planned requirements of the [[Klaes-Haydn Class Cruiser|Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser]], the VSD's proposal revolved around the [[FROSTON Industries]]' new CRYSTAL (Combat Radar Yellow, Search and Track Array Luminator) system in order to provide basic-level fleet air protection at a low cost. Due to weak competition from other designers or lack thereof, the proposal was approved by the Imperial Navy Design Committee in 2186, and an initial order of 5 frigates was placed to be delivered by the end of the following year.
==Design and Armament==
[[File:Screenshot237.png|left|thumb|Reinforced keel of HMS Vega]][[File:Screenshot219.png|left|thumb|298x298px|Lead ship HMS ''Orion'' under-going sea trials, 2189]]As a next-generation surface combatant geared for escort and patrol duties, the Orion-class incorporated a wide range of new Imperial technology that pioneered their use on other vessels through out the Imperial Armed Forces. One noteworthy example is the inclusion of a reinforced keel for greater ASW effectiveness and survivability in case of a torpedo hit to the keel. While traditional keels would succumb to even indirect detonation, the newly introduced reinforcements will allow current and future Orion frigates to be combat-effective even after a direct torpedo hit.

Froston Industries' CRYSTAL system saw its first deployment on the Orions, with two arrays being mounted on the sides of the superstructure aft of the main bridge. While it does not provide full coverage of the combat area, the two arrays combined with secondary SIMPSON radar and illuminators enable long-range tracking of up to 16 enemy contacts, a marked increase from the preceding Acheron Class. Crew and technical data garnered from the radar systems onboard the lead ship HMS Orion during its initial combat trials allowed researchers at FROSTON Industries and VAE Shipyards to perfect system and software integration for their upcoming Future Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser project.

One of the most obvious changes made from VSD's initial proposal is the marked increase in maximum speed. While the original design was projected to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots using traditional diesel-electric propulsion, the IRN demanded the ship be capable of reaching 30 knots in order to keep up with Imperial Carrier fleets. To accommodate for this demand, VAE Shipyards replaced their traditional propulsion-power system with Froston Industries' Electric Propulsion Motor Mk3 and a M1800 Gas Turbine generator. Although slightly more costly than their traditional counterparts, it was discovered in HMS Orion's maiden voyage that the new systems were far more efficient and reliable in long-term operations, prompting the IRN to investigate the possibilities of refitting major combatants to utilise the new technology.

The frigate also boasts an impressive arsenal for its size with 48 VLS cells fore of the bridge, one 57mm naval gun, one SeaRAM launcher, two Phalanx CIWS systems and two 4 cell AshM launchers located amidships. In its standard escort configuration the VLS cells are designed to accommodate ESSM medium range interceptor missiles but they are also able to be outfitted with RIM-66 long-range interceptors or a limited range of cruise missiles to supplement the 8 AshMs stored in box launchers.

Another noteworthy feature of the Orion-class is the large mission bay located amidships. Despite the frigate's small size, the mission bay is able to accommodate up to two [[K-53B II]] VTOL Fighters or ASW Helicopters as well as two [[BIMO]] (Boat, Inflatable, Multi-service Operational) high-maneuverability boats, giving the Orion its characteristic mission flexibility.[[File:Screenshot222.png|left|thumb|HMS ''Orion'' conducting a routine operation off the coast of Westray.]]

==Foreign Sales==
In November 2186, VAE Shipyards was awarded with a 1.5M Kredit contract by the IRN to produce 5 frigates with an option for 15 additional frigates after the initial delivery. However, following the ship's stellar performance during its maiden voyage and combat trials that far exceeded application, the order was expanded to 5+20, all expected to be delivered by the end of 2201.

Both the [[Confederate Coast Guard]] and Navy expressed interest in the frigate even during its design phase at VSD. The frigate's cost-effectiveness combined with its large mission bay made it a strong contender for the two service's future combatant program, and by 2187, contracts for 10 frigates from the Coast Guard and 8 for the Navy were awarded to VAE Shipyards. All 18 frigates were delivered and are in active service under the two services.

==Service History==

N/A

[[Category:Naval Craft]]