Sobek Class Light Cruiser

Sobek Class Light Cruiser
National Origin		{{{origin}}}
Production History
Service History
Used By		Vocavium Belanirislav

The Sobek Class is a class of Light Cruiser in service with the Vocavian Navy. Intended as a stop-gap measure to fill the Navy's need for a dependable and ubiquitous warship that could effecttively engage armoured surface vessels and support larger warships, the Sobek Class was hurried into production in 2081. The VSD was commissioned to manufacture the warship, and in early 2082 the VN 'Sinai' was launched, the first ship of her class. Despite being intended as a temporary and even rudimentary design, the Sobek was quickly recognised as a potent asset and vital addition to the Navy's rapidly growing fleet. The hull of the Sobek is particularly accommodating of new modifications and armament configurations, making her ideally suited for her role as a light cruiser, capable of fighting in equal terms with larger warships whilst being flexible enough to fill whichever role is required of her.

Design

The Sobek Class is outfitted with a wide array of weaponry, permitting it to tackle a variety of targets with great proficiency. The sleek hull is characterised by a wide beam and pronounced bow, which was specifically shaped and armoured to be utilised as a ram against other surface ships. At over 1,000 tons and with a top speed of 80 knots, ramming attacks are an exceptionally effective method of neutralising targets if the Sobek can get within range, even if it is a somewhat primitive approach. Four 8 inch guns serve as the ship's primary armament, supplemented by four 140mm guns. Both have great destructive potential against armoured targets and are intended for taking out surface vessels at range. A further four 90mm guns are also intended for use against surface vessels, though are reserved for shorter ranges and softer targets. As well as guns, the Sobek carries ten cruise missiles for use against targets and positions inland, offering the vessel great tactical potential. Finally, ship's anti aircraft weaponry is comprised of two MK2 CIWS and a pair of lasers mounted on top of the bridge, comprehensively protecting the ships from aircraft and incoming missiles.

Service History

2082-Present

The Sobek Class was first launched in early 2082, with the VN 'Sinai' undergoing sea trials before returning to port and then being redeployed in full service, alongside 7 other ships of the class.

The VN 'Sabel' alongside the VN 'Matterhorn' during operation Resounding Strike.

In 2085, Vocavium declared war on Medwedia alongside Grestin, with the intention of liberating Medwedia from the cloistering remnants of it's defunct political system and annexing it's territory. A small task force was sent to wrest the nation under control in conjunction with Grestinian units. The task force was comprised of the VN 'Matterhorn', a Caerellius Class Amphibious Assault Ship, two Sobek Class Light Cruisers and two Skookum Class submarines. The two cruisers deployed were the VN 'Sinai' and the VN 'Sabel', both tasked with escorting the Matterhorn and bombarding inland targets with their cruise missiles and 8 inch guns whilst ground units from the Matterhorn landed.