Raldev-Class Fast-Assault Craft

The Raldev-Class Fast Assault Craft is a class of medium fast-assault craft currently in service in the Imperial Union. Featuring a retractable launcher capable of fitting some of the largest anti-ship missiles, the Raldev-Class is a potent vessel in fulfilling its purpose of area-denial.

Raldev-Class Fast-Assault Craft Raldev-Class Medium Fast-Assault Craft
Ship
HMS Halb launches a Kalibr missile during a routine live-fire exercise in the Baskay
Role		Amphibious Operations and Support
National Origin		Imperial Union
Production History
Produced
2158 - ongoing
Designer		VAE Shipyards
Unit Cost		400,000(√)
Number Built		3, 7 on order
Service History
In Service
2194 - ongoing
Used By		Imperial Union Imperial Royal Navy
Vessel Characteristics
Displacement		3000 Tons
Length		110 m
Beam		16 m
Height		26 m
Draft		5 m
Propulsion		x4 FROSTON Electro Propulsion
Max Speed		29 kn (14.5 m/s)
Operational Range		1800 km
Complement		330 (30 officers, 300 enlisted)
Sensors and Processing Systems		FROSTON CRYSTAL Block II SIMPSON Radar System
Armament		x1 127mm Naval gun x6 Phalanx CIWS x5 250MW Lazer x64 VLS cells (Strike-length)
Planes Carried		up to 4 K-53B VTOL fighters

Development

Extensive governmental and independent investigations into Imperial naval doctrine and equipment following the 2150s NKR-IU crisis revealed that the IRN relied solely on its Carrier Strike Groups for area-denial, a devastating deficiency that would have posed extreme threat to Imperial naval and ground assets in minor seas such as the Baskay Sea. As such, the Interim Fast Missile Program was announced by the IRN in 2158, with all naval and heavy industries branches of VAE Shipyards participating in the program. The program specified that the new Fast Assault Craft / Missile boat be capable of detecting, engaging and damaging enemy combatants at a range greater than 40km independently while remaining cost-efficient enough to be fielded in quantity.

A number of varied designs both from within VAE and from external companies were received by the IRN, all with distinct design philosophies. VSD's design revolved around smaller USVs (unmanned surface vessels) that would operate and position under the FAC, while other designs opted for a more conventional design with varying missile-bay designs to accomodate large long-range cruise missiles in a small frame. Ultimately, it was Wagner&Co, a small VAE subsidiary that emerged victorious from the prolonged competition. Wagner&Co's design utilised pre-existing civilian hull to bring down cost signficantly while incorporating a unique extending launcher capable of housing a variety of anti-ship missiles.

Design

The unique missile bay of the Raldev-Class is usually occupied by 2 Kalibr Anti-ship missiles, the largest anti-ship missiles in Imperial service. Boasting a range of 80km and a powerful warhead protected from defensive fire, it would not be an exaggeration to describe the Raldev-class as a "glorified taxi for the stupendously large missiles". However, due to being based off of a civilian hull, the Raldev-class has a limited top-speed compared to others in its class as engines were downsized to accomodate for the large missiles and fire-control equipment in the bridge.

Armament

[idk]