Romulan Star Empire - Tal Class X Battlecruiser
Jun 19, 2022 15:14:43 GMT -7
trynda1701, starcruiser, and 1 more like this
Post by rarcher on Jun 19, 2022 15:14:43 GMT -7
So per atolm's permission I have took the liberty of statting up what I feel was the commissioning version of the Tal class of ships. I also gave it what I hope is a fitting background!
By the the mid 2260s, both the Federation and Klingon Empire had fielded some of their more advanced designs in the form of both the venerable Constitution class Mk-3 heavy cruiser, and more recently the Klingon's D-10H update to that line of ships, not to mention other heavy hitters in both navies inventory. While the Star Empire had tried to keep pace the simple conclusion was in some circles was that the Empire could not quite go toe to toe against either foe. So while the main line of research and construction efforts went ahead on more popular ships in the Star Navy's inventory like the V-9, V-20, V-24, V-27, and V-30 class of warbirds. A smaller but still influential and passionate group of designers committed to focus on designing a fast, heavy-hit/run warbird that would be larger then the V-9 or V-20, more roomy and capable then the V-24, but far more maneuverable and easier to produce then the larger V27/30 class of ships. It was a tall order to fill to say the least. But by 2269 the first four Tal Class Stormbirds rolled out of the shipyards around Romulus.
These four ships were immediately field tested in a daring raid along the Klingon border. Their objective was to strike at a border garrison and ship yard/outpost, deploy their combined loads of 400 combat marines to seize and destroy colonial power stations, communication arrays, and weapon depots, then depart before reactionary forces could arrive to overwhelm them. They were also to destroy the outpost, and its local escorts of gunboats, monitors, and repair facilities. It was a tall order, and many higher up Admirals felt that all four ships would be wiped out.
But the designers of these ships and the planners who had embraced and funded their building and planned this raid as a demonstration of the classes capabilities had planned it well far ahead of time. The Tal class utilized the newest R-6M computer core, the latest version of the RWF-2 drive system and RID-3 impulse drive system. These two systems together put out more power and maneuverability then any other competing design in the Empire at the time for this size of ship. Further the classes armaments used the versatile RB-9 disruptors, which though not the most powerful or longest range at the time were easier to produce and maintain in the field, with 6 of the 8 disruptors banked in the forward and port/starboard arcs and 2 to the covering aft arcs. Further the class held 5 of the newest generation of Romulan photon torpedo designs, which while not as heavy hitting as the more preferred plasma based systems were again easier to produce, maintain and provided a better damage to power use ratio. With four of the 5 launchers arrayed to cover all forward arcs, coupled with the latest RCD cloaking device. The Tal class could stealthily enter a system, drop its cloak and rain a blistering array of distruptor and torpedo fire, all while still being able to maneuver and recloak before the enemy likely could recover if at all. In a stand up fight the Tal class used the reliable and one of the most efficient shield arrays by the Empire, the RSL system. With a superstructure lightly reinforced inside and out, these together meant the class held the staying power of almost every major class of fighting ship below or above its weight class among the major powers.
The raid of the four warbirds ran into its first unexpected hitch while crossing the border to the colony. Unexpectedly the Klingons had rerouted 2x D-10H class cruisers, 1x D-7G cruiser, and 2 K-14C scouts to the system. In addition to the 6x K-4A gunboats and 4x K-30A monitors. The lightly armed orbital outpost and colony's defenses had almost tripled to what was originally expected overnight. However, the Commander in charge of the four ships felt they could still achieve their objectives. Planning out his coming attack the four ships dropped from warp half a day by sublight from the system and proceeded under cloak at sublight. By the time they arrived their approach was undetected, and to their fortune the two D-10Hs and D-7G were on the far side of the system by the armed outpost. Closing carefully the four Tal Stormbirds snuck within optimal firing range of several of patrolling gunboats and monitors, opening fire from ambush they utterly destroyed 6 of the 10 enemy vessels before a warning could be sent out. All four quickly recloaked and split up in pairs. By this point the two K-14C scouts and remaining two K-4A gunboats and single K-30A monitor had picked up the destruction of the earlier ships and moved to investigate.
Luck remained on the side of the raiding Tal's as the scouts and system patrol ships had not sent a warning alert to either the heavier ships or the outpost/colony. As they came within range again the Tal's both flanking the Klingon ships this time though at least with their shield's raised were struck from both port and starboard by concentrated fire of disruptor and torpedoes alike. The monitor and gunboats were utterly lost, and one of the K-14Cs was also destroyed. The second barely survived and was able to get an alert out to the rest of the system. Coming about the lead Tal ship used its aft firing weapons to finish off the scout as the other three recloaked.
Combat was soon joined, the D-10s and D-7 were soon to arrive and the Tal's having lost the element of surprise opened fire in fast moving hit and run strikes. The combat soon delved into an array of old style dog-fighting attacks, with the D-7 soon showing its usual underpowered and unprotected rear, and the D-10H's though advanced also proving less maneuverable then the Tal's and not able to as effectively move, fire, and power required angles of attacks or defense. In the end, though one Tal was moderately damaged, and another two lightly so, the four moved once more quickly once finishing off the Klingon combat ships to attack the outpost, quickly overwhelming the lightly defended outpost it too was destroyed. The Tal's finding that an alert out of the system by this point had been sent decided to remain and quickly disabled the colony's limited defenses and using their 20 collective combat transporters beamed down all 400 marines in a matter of minutes. Though the Klingons on the ground put up a fierce fight the Romulans were quickly able to secure their objective points, loot supplies, and destroy or disable their targets. Beaming back to the ship all four completed this return just as reinforcements of another two D-10s, one H and the other an F model escorted by three D-11B destroyers dropped from warp and hastily entered the system.
Unable to gain an advantage by cloaking the four Tal's turned and engaged the approaching ships with the intent of making a fighting withdrawal as they did. With combat rejoined the three damaged Tal's focused on the D-10s while the undamaged Tal would focus on the destroyers. Once more combat was intense and heated, but the more maneuverable Tals soon proved their robust worth by being able to better hit and run the D-10s, the H was soon disabled and the F model was destroyed. Conversely two of the D-11s were destroyed, and the third so badly damaged it would be later scrapped. The moderately damaged Tal took more damage to its one warp assembly, and would have to be partially towed back across the border by its compatriots, the two originally lightly damaged Tal's took more damage but were still in action. The fourth came out lightly damaged.
Flush with victory the four Tal's decided to break off finishing off the Klingon ships due to the soon to arrive further reinforcements. Once underway all four were soon repaired, and back under cloak as they crossed back over the border. The raid was seen days later as a resounding success. Two months later, these same four Tal's now joined by eight T-5 Type-10 destroyers. Once more this mini-fleet was sent to raid several colony interests along the Gorn border and though suffered the loss of two T-5s were able to raid, disable and/or destroy three colony sites, and destroyed a total of 12 Gorn ships. Unfortunately, back room deals by this point had ensured only minor purchase orders would be made for the Tal class in favor of other more preferred designs. But by the mid-2270s the combat prowess and capability of these ships could not be denied by any major power, including the Federation which ended up having several ships disabled or destroyed in similar raids. Though newer Federation, Klingon, and competing Romulan designs would eventually outclass the Tal class, its ability to fill several roles in the Star Empire would allow it to find a place in any fleet or mission as a 'work horse'. Much like the Constitution, Miranda and Excelsior classes, and the comparable Klingon designs in the later part of the 23rd and early 24th century refits, variant designs, and the like would see the Tal class remain a viable design even into the 2350s and early 2360s. By 2330 the Tal class had reached the limits of its upgradable hull life, and so no further constructions were made. but refits and variants would still prove useful in secondary roles Empire wide. In total, nearly 350 some Tal or Tal class variants were built. By the 2360s 23 had been destroyed, 32 assigned to training command before being sold or scrapped, 13 were scrapped or sold to private concerns in the Empire, 19 have been lost, and 29 put into reserve fleets. But 234 assorted Tal designs remain in active use Empire wide. They were all built at assorted ship yards in the empire until 2330 at the rate of 2-6 per year.
Note: The below stats are for the Type-1 battlecruiser version. I'll post the others types/variants later!
Construction Data:
Model: Type-1
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2269
Number Constructed: 4
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 29
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 159,555 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 320 units
Cargo Capacity: 16,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: M-6M
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 4
Combat 20-person: 5
Emergency 20-person: 1
Cargo: 2
Other Data:
Crew: 520
Troops: 100
Passengers: 20
Shuttlecraft: 10
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 52
Movement Point Ratio: 3/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-2
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RID-3
Number: 1
Power Units Available: 12 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-9
Number: 8 in two banks of 6 and 2 banks of 1 each
Firing Arcs: 3fp 3fs 1ap 1as
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 6
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-8)
+2: (9-16)
+1: (17-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-3
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: Q
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 10
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSL
Shield Point Ratio: 1/3
Maximum Shield Power: 14
D: 134.5
WDF: 78.7
CE: 105.9
Note: The below stats are for the Type-2 battlecruiser version, this was a refit/refresh being deployed around 2290ish.
Construction Data:
Model: Type-2
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2290
Number Constructed: 20 (new), 12 (refit Type-1)
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 28
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 158,841 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 400 units
Cargo Capacity: 20,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: R-6M-1
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 4
Combat 20-person: 5
Emergency 20-person: 1
Cargo: 2
Other Data:
Crew: 520
Troops: 100
Passengers: 20
Shuttlecraft: 10
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 84
Movement Point Ratio: 4/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 22 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RIE-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-12
Number: 8 in two banks of 6 and 2 banks of 1 each
Firing Arcs: 3fp 3fs 1ap 1as
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 9
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-10)
+2: (11-15)
+1: (16-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-5
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: R
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 15
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSR
Shield Point Ratio: 1/3
Maximum Shield Power: 24
D: 164.5
WDF: 114.9
CE: 189.1
By late 2280s it began to become clear that the Tal class battlecruiser was needing a refit/refresh of newer harder to remain competitive and viable within the Star Empire's Navy. But while a total of 32 such ships had by now been built, with only 1 lost in combat and another 1 missing in action, the overall worth of the Tal class though proven in both battle and general service was still pushed aside for larger or more favorable designs due to political dealings. It was because of this that the Tal class did not receive its full dues in upgrades and refits until the eve of 2290. When all remaining 30 ships had been completed by the eve of 2291, the refits had proven even to hard line detractors of the value of the Tal's ease of design compared to larger or more preferred designs in use.
The Type-2 refit saw a major update to the computer core to the R-6M-1 system. Further updates to the ships warp drive to the RWF-3 system provided higher warp power though at a slight cost of maneuverability. To compensate an expansion of the impulse reactor systems to include two RIE-3 models provided further power for the ship class to use. The idea remained in the minds of the designers and those pushing for more construction of the Tal class to have deep power reserves to move fast, cloak, power weapons, shields, etc without overly taxing the ship in combat or emergencies. Further, refinements to the ship's weapons suites were made, the RB-12 disruptors were not only as accurate as the RB-9s, but were lighter, and more damaging when powered. Conversely the ships torpedoes were refitted to the RP-5 system, which again was lighter, slightly more accurate and heavier hitting then the earlier RP-3s. Finally the ship's shielding array was updated to the RSR system, this produced more power gains in all arcs. Lastly with the extra room gained by the refit another cargo bay was added increasing the time the ships could operate on station or in-between resupplies. While the overall superstructure of the ship was slightly diminished from all this, the gains overall were felt worth it given refitting and maintaining the Tal class was overall cheaper on the Star Navy's budget then other designs of the time.
With this came proof of the classes uses. More successful raids, patrols, and even explorations of new resources proved the class's worth and by 2291 a contract to expand the total over the next several years by another 10-20 ships was ordered. Further orders were also placed by several factions in the Navy for variant designs for different uses.
Note: The below stats are for the Type-3 battlecruiser version, this was a refit/refresh being deployed around 2310ish. Probably just before the Tome Incident and all contact with the Romulans got cut off.
Construction Data:
Model: Type-2
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2310
Number Constructed: 130 (new), 23 (refit Type-2)
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 26
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 158,841 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 580 units
Cargo Capacity: 29,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: R-5M-1 x1
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 6
Emergency 20-person: 3
Cargo: 3
Other Data:
Crew: 500
Passengers: 100
Shuttlecraft: 15
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 104
Movement Point Ratio: 4/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 22 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RIE-3
Number: 3
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-12
Number: 6 in 2 banks of 2, and 1 in a single bank, 1 in a single emitter
Firing Arcs: 1f 2fp 2fs 1aps
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 9
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-10)
+2: (11-15)
+1: (16-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-7
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: R
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 20
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSS
Shield Point Ratio: 1/4
Maximum Shield Power: 27
D: 225.2
WDF: 121.1
CE: 272.8
As the early years of the 24th century came and went. The Star Empire looked out to its neighbors with a renewed sense of paranoia. The Klingons, former distant allies, and formed a tentative peace and alliance with the Federation. While many during the aftermath of this alliance feared a co-op invasion from both powers, by 2310 it was evident it was not to come. This gave the Star Empire enough breathing room to focus on other borders. In particular those near the Gorn. With this in mind a build up and refitting program began in earnest within the Empire. To keep concerns away from the Federation or Klingons all building programs were built with secrecy in mind around older but still viable designs from 2305-2310. Due to the poor conditions of the Gorn intelligence networks at the time and overtures by the Star Empire to seem sincere to either other major power that their interests did not lie neither either Klingon or Federation interests. This build up of older ships and smaller scale newer designs, resulted in a windfall for the Empire.
To this build up over the next 5 years hundreds of ships of all types were either built anew, or refitted entirely. The Tal class battlecruiser, and its three main line variants, were a part of this. So it was by 2310 another 130 some Tal Type-3 Battlecruisers were built and ready. While this would be the last major newer built design it would still see a smaller scale refit come through the 2330s. For now though the class saw a third addition of the RIE-3 impulse housing expanded to provide another focus on deeper power reserves. The disruptor arrangement was slightly adjusted to eliminate 1 of the disruptors to ease build and maintenance costs, but provide a still strong forward punch. In return the aft bank was combined due to newer targeting and firing focus arrays newly coming into use around the Empire. This arrangement meant more power still was free to use elsewhere. The torpedo system was upgraded to the RP-7 system, which was heavier hitting but equally accurate and ranged as the earlier RP-3. Finally the RSS shield system was installed which was more efficient and powerful in all arcs. Due to the focus of troop use elsewhere on newer ships the old barracks for the 100 troops were removed. Expanded to allow the computer core to be replaced and doubled from the earlier R-6M-1 to two R-5M-1 cores. This allowed crew support to be slightly reduced from 520 to an even 500. In turn passenger and cargo space, and transporters were equally adjusted for this newer role that was envisioned after a successful invasion of Gorn targets.
With their fleets prepared the invasion of prime Gorn targets was begun. Over the next year of hit/run strikes and occupations the Gorn fell back slowly but surely. The Type-3 Tal's showed again their worth in combat and though aged their staying power on the frontline could not be ignored compared to larger designs both new and old. Sadly political infighting during this time slowed the gains the Empire could have made. This resulted in an eventual cease-fire to the fighting and though the Empire came out for the better in the eventual peace talks, gaining several new systems, the counter loss of ships and troops was heavy none the less.
The Type-3 battlecruiser would be the last constructed variant of the Tal class. While a minor refit in 2330 would see it reduced to a medium cruiser role it still would end up participating in one of history's more famous incidents in the early 2350s. There several Type-3B Tal's along with several newer prototypes of warbirds would attack and destroy the Klingon colony of Khitmoer. It was during this incident that the Ambassador class Enterprise 1701-C would make its heroic final stand and sacrifice to defend the colony against overwhelming odds. This had the result of solidifying and renewing the then failing peace the Federation and Klingons were facing at the time.
Afterwards slowly the Tal Type-3B and others like it would see a slow regression in either being scrapped, sold and disarmed to private interests, or placed into reserve fleet or training use. But come the entry of the Star Empire into the Dominion War many of these aged ships would be pulled through these same roles and thrown into the fight. Sadly of the 80 some Type-3B Tals that remained only 3 would survive the war. One the original first prototype and name sake of the class the RSS Tal survived and after the war was claimed by descendants of the original designers and supporters as a family flagship in 2379.
By the the mid 2260s, both the Federation and Klingon Empire had fielded some of their more advanced designs in the form of both the venerable Constitution class Mk-3 heavy cruiser, and more recently the Klingon's D-10H update to that line of ships, not to mention other heavy hitters in both navies inventory. While the Star Empire had tried to keep pace the simple conclusion was in some circles was that the Empire could not quite go toe to toe against either foe. So while the main line of research and construction efforts went ahead on more popular ships in the Star Navy's inventory like the V-9, V-20, V-24, V-27, and V-30 class of warbirds. A smaller but still influential and passionate group of designers committed to focus on designing a fast, heavy-hit/run warbird that would be larger then the V-9 or V-20, more roomy and capable then the V-24, but far more maneuverable and easier to produce then the larger V27/30 class of ships. It was a tall order to fill to say the least. But by 2269 the first four Tal Class Stormbirds rolled out of the shipyards around Romulus.
These four ships were immediately field tested in a daring raid along the Klingon border. Their objective was to strike at a border garrison and ship yard/outpost, deploy their combined loads of 400 combat marines to seize and destroy colonial power stations, communication arrays, and weapon depots, then depart before reactionary forces could arrive to overwhelm them. They were also to destroy the outpost, and its local escorts of gunboats, monitors, and repair facilities. It was a tall order, and many higher up Admirals felt that all four ships would be wiped out.
But the designers of these ships and the planners who had embraced and funded their building and planned this raid as a demonstration of the classes capabilities had planned it well far ahead of time. The Tal class utilized the newest R-6M computer core, the latest version of the RWF-2 drive system and RID-3 impulse drive system. These two systems together put out more power and maneuverability then any other competing design in the Empire at the time for this size of ship. Further the classes armaments used the versatile RB-9 disruptors, which though not the most powerful or longest range at the time were easier to produce and maintain in the field, with 6 of the 8 disruptors banked in the forward and port/starboard arcs and 2 to the covering aft arcs. Further the class held 5 of the newest generation of Romulan photon torpedo designs, which while not as heavy hitting as the more preferred plasma based systems were again easier to produce, maintain and provided a better damage to power use ratio. With four of the 5 launchers arrayed to cover all forward arcs, coupled with the latest RCD cloaking device. The Tal class could stealthily enter a system, drop its cloak and rain a blistering array of distruptor and torpedo fire, all while still being able to maneuver and recloak before the enemy likely could recover if at all. In a stand up fight the Tal class used the reliable and one of the most efficient shield arrays by the Empire, the RSL system. With a superstructure lightly reinforced inside and out, these together meant the class held the staying power of almost every major class of fighting ship below or above its weight class among the major powers.
The raid of the four warbirds ran into its first unexpected hitch while crossing the border to the colony. Unexpectedly the Klingons had rerouted 2x D-10H class cruisers, 1x D-7G cruiser, and 2 K-14C scouts to the system. In addition to the 6x K-4A gunboats and 4x K-30A monitors. The lightly armed orbital outpost and colony's defenses had almost tripled to what was originally expected overnight. However, the Commander in charge of the four ships felt they could still achieve their objectives. Planning out his coming attack the four ships dropped from warp half a day by sublight from the system and proceeded under cloak at sublight. By the time they arrived their approach was undetected, and to their fortune the two D-10Hs and D-7G were on the far side of the system by the armed outpost. Closing carefully the four Tal Stormbirds snuck within optimal firing range of several of patrolling gunboats and monitors, opening fire from ambush they utterly destroyed 6 of the 10 enemy vessels before a warning could be sent out. All four quickly recloaked and split up in pairs. By this point the two K-14C scouts and remaining two K-4A gunboats and single K-30A monitor had picked up the destruction of the earlier ships and moved to investigate.
Luck remained on the side of the raiding Tal's as the scouts and system patrol ships had not sent a warning alert to either the heavier ships or the outpost/colony. As they came within range again the Tal's both flanking the Klingon ships this time though at least with their shield's raised were struck from both port and starboard by concentrated fire of disruptor and torpedoes alike. The monitor and gunboats were utterly lost, and one of the K-14Cs was also destroyed. The second barely survived and was able to get an alert out to the rest of the system. Coming about the lead Tal ship used its aft firing weapons to finish off the scout as the other three recloaked.
Combat was soon joined, the D-10s and D-7 were soon to arrive and the Tal's having lost the element of surprise opened fire in fast moving hit and run strikes. The combat soon delved into an array of old style dog-fighting attacks, with the D-7 soon showing its usual underpowered and unprotected rear, and the D-10H's though advanced also proving less maneuverable then the Tal's and not able to as effectively move, fire, and power required angles of attacks or defense. In the end, though one Tal was moderately damaged, and another two lightly so, the four moved once more quickly once finishing off the Klingon combat ships to attack the outpost, quickly overwhelming the lightly defended outpost it too was destroyed. The Tal's finding that an alert out of the system by this point had been sent decided to remain and quickly disabled the colony's limited defenses and using their 20 collective combat transporters beamed down all 400 marines in a matter of minutes. Though the Klingons on the ground put up a fierce fight the Romulans were quickly able to secure their objective points, loot supplies, and destroy or disable their targets. Beaming back to the ship all four completed this return just as reinforcements of another two D-10s, one H and the other an F model escorted by three D-11B destroyers dropped from warp and hastily entered the system.
Unable to gain an advantage by cloaking the four Tal's turned and engaged the approaching ships with the intent of making a fighting withdrawal as they did. With combat rejoined the three damaged Tal's focused on the D-10s while the undamaged Tal would focus on the destroyers. Once more combat was intense and heated, but the more maneuverable Tals soon proved their robust worth by being able to better hit and run the D-10s, the H was soon disabled and the F model was destroyed. Conversely two of the D-11s were destroyed, and the third so badly damaged it would be later scrapped. The moderately damaged Tal took more damage to its one warp assembly, and would have to be partially towed back across the border by its compatriots, the two originally lightly damaged Tal's took more damage but were still in action. The fourth came out lightly damaged.
Flush with victory the four Tal's decided to break off finishing off the Klingon ships due to the soon to arrive further reinforcements. Once underway all four were soon repaired, and back under cloak as they crossed back over the border. The raid was seen days later as a resounding success. Two months later, these same four Tal's now joined by eight T-5 Type-10 destroyers. Once more this mini-fleet was sent to raid several colony interests along the Gorn border and though suffered the loss of two T-5s were able to raid, disable and/or destroy three colony sites, and destroyed a total of 12 Gorn ships. Unfortunately, back room deals by this point had ensured only minor purchase orders would be made for the Tal class in favor of other more preferred designs. But by the mid-2270s the combat prowess and capability of these ships could not be denied by any major power, including the Federation which ended up having several ships disabled or destroyed in similar raids. Though newer Federation, Klingon, and competing Romulan designs would eventually outclass the Tal class, its ability to fill several roles in the Star Empire would allow it to find a place in any fleet or mission as a 'work horse'. Much like the Constitution, Miranda and Excelsior classes, and the comparable Klingon designs in the later part of the 23rd and early 24th century refits, variant designs, and the like would see the Tal class remain a viable design even into the 2350s and early 2360s. By 2330 the Tal class had reached the limits of its upgradable hull life, and so no further constructions were made. but refits and variants would still prove useful in secondary roles Empire wide. In total, nearly 350 some Tal or Tal class variants were built. By the 2360s 23 had been destroyed, 32 assigned to training command before being sold or scrapped, 13 were scrapped or sold to private concerns in the Empire, 19 have been lost, and 29 put into reserve fleets. But 234 assorted Tal designs remain in active use Empire wide. They were all built at assorted ship yards in the empire until 2330 at the rate of 2-6 per year.
Note: The below stats are for the Type-1 battlecruiser version. I'll post the others types/variants later!
Construction Data:
Model: Type-1
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2269
Number Constructed: 4
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 29
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 159,555 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 320 units
Cargo Capacity: 16,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: M-6M
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 4
Combat 20-person: 5
Emergency 20-person: 1
Cargo: 2
Other Data:
Crew: 520
Troops: 100
Passengers: 20
Shuttlecraft: 10
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 52
Movement Point Ratio: 3/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-2
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RID-3
Number: 1
Power Units Available: 12 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-9
Number: 8 in two banks of 6 and 2 banks of 1 each
Firing Arcs: 3fp 3fs 1ap 1as
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 6
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-8)
+2: (9-16)
+1: (17-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-3
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: Q
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 10
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSL
Shield Point Ratio: 1/3
Maximum Shield Power: 14
D: 134.5
WDF: 78.7
CE: 105.9
Note: The below stats are for the Type-2 battlecruiser version, this was a refit/refresh being deployed around 2290ish.
Construction Data:
Model: Type-2
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2290
Number Constructed: 20 (new), 12 (refit Type-1)
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 28
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 158,841 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 400 units
Cargo Capacity: 20,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: R-6M-1
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 4
Combat 20-person: 5
Emergency 20-person: 1
Cargo: 2
Other Data:
Crew: 520
Troops: 100
Passengers: 20
Shuttlecraft: 10
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 84
Movement Point Ratio: 4/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 22 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RIE-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-12
Number: 8 in two banks of 6 and 2 banks of 1 each
Firing Arcs: 3fp 3fs 1ap 1as
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 9
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-10)
+2: (11-15)
+1: (16-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-5
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: R
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 15
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSR
Shield Point Ratio: 1/3
Maximum Shield Power: 24
D: 164.5
WDF: 114.9
CE: 189.1
By late 2280s it began to become clear that the Tal class battlecruiser was needing a refit/refresh of newer harder to remain competitive and viable within the Star Empire's Navy. But while a total of 32 such ships had by now been built, with only 1 lost in combat and another 1 missing in action, the overall worth of the Tal class though proven in both battle and general service was still pushed aside for larger or more favorable designs due to political dealings. It was because of this that the Tal class did not receive its full dues in upgrades and refits until the eve of 2290. When all remaining 30 ships had been completed by the eve of 2291, the refits had proven even to hard line detractors of the value of the Tal's ease of design compared to larger or more preferred designs in use.
The Type-2 refit saw a major update to the computer core to the R-6M-1 system. Further updates to the ships warp drive to the RWF-3 system provided higher warp power though at a slight cost of maneuverability. To compensate an expansion of the impulse reactor systems to include two RIE-3 models provided further power for the ship class to use. The idea remained in the minds of the designers and those pushing for more construction of the Tal class to have deep power reserves to move fast, cloak, power weapons, shields, etc without overly taxing the ship in combat or emergencies. Further, refinements to the ship's weapons suites were made, the RB-12 disruptors were not only as accurate as the RB-9s, but were lighter, and more damaging when powered. Conversely the ships torpedoes were refitted to the RP-5 system, which again was lighter, slightly more accurate and heavier hitting then the earlier RP-3s. Finally the ship's shielding array was updated to the RSR system, this produced more power gains in all arcs. Lastly with the extra room gained by the refit another cargo bay was added increasing the time the ships could operate on station or in-between resupplies. While the overall superstructure of the ship was slightly diminished from all this, the gains overall were felt worth it given refitting and maintaining the Tal class was overall cheaper on the Star Navy's budget then other designs of the time.
With this came proof of the classes uses. More successful raids, patrols, and even explorations of new resources proved the class's worth and by 2291 a contract to expand the total over the next several years by another 10-20 ships was ordered. Further orders were also placed by several factions in the Navy for variant designs for different uses.
Note: The below stats are for the Type-3 battlecruiser version, this was a refit/refresh being deployed around 2310ish. Probably just before the Tome Incident and all contact with the Romulans got cut off.
Construction Data:
Model: Type-2
Ship Class: X
Date Entering Service: 2310
Number Constructed: 130 (new), 23 (refit Type-2)
Hull Data:
Superstructure Points: 26
Damage Chart: C
Size:
Length: 382 meters
Width: 127 meters
Height: 28 meters
Weight: 158,841 mt
Cargo:
Cargo Units: 580 units
Cargo Capacity: 29,000 mt
Equipment Data:
Control Computer Type: R-5M-1 x1
Transporters:
Standard 6-person: 6
Emergency 20-person: 3
Cargo: 3
Other Data:
Crew: 500
Passengers: 100
Shuttlecraft: 15
Engines and Power Data:
Total Power Units Available: 104
Movement Point Ratio: 4/1
Warp Engine Type: RWF-3
Number: 2
Power Units Available: 22 ea
Stress Charts: G/M
Maximum Safe Cruising Speed: Warp 7
Emergency Speed: Warp 9
Impulse Engine Type: RIE-3
Number: 3
Power Units Available: 20 ea
Weapons and Firing Data:
Beam Weapon Type: RB-12
Number: 6 in 2 banks of 2, and 1 in a single bank, 1 in a single emitter
Firing Arcs: 1f 2fp 2fs 1aps
Firing Chart: W
Maximum Power: 9
Damage Modifiers:
+3: (1-10)
+2: (11-15)
+1: (16-20)
Missile Weapon Type: RP-7
Number: 5
Firing Arcs: 2fp 2fs 1a
Firing Chart: R
Power To Arm: 1
Damage: 20
Shields Data:
Deflector Shield Type: RSS
Shield Point Ratio: 1/4
Maximum Shield Power: 27
D: 225.2
WDF: 121.1
CE: 272.8
As the early years of the 24th century came and went. The Star Empire looked out to its neighbors with a renewed sense of paranoia. The Klingons, former distant allies, and formed a tentative peace and alliance with the Federation. While many during the aftermath of this alliance feared a co-op invasion from both powers, by 2310 it was evident it was not to come. This gave the Star Empire enough breathing room to focus on other borders. In particular those near the Gorn. With this in mind a build up and refitting program began in earnest within the Empire. To keep concerns away from the Federation or Klingons all building programs were built with secrecy in mind around older but still viable designs from 2305-2310. Due to the poor conditions of the Gorn intelligence networks at the time and overtures by the Star Empire to seem sincere to either other major power that their interests did not lie neither either Klingon or Federation interests. This build up of older ships and smaller scale newer designs, resulted in a windfall for the Empire.
To this build up over the next 5 years hundreds of ships of all types were either built anew, or refitted entirely. The Tal class battlecruiser, and its three main line variants, were a part of this. So it was by 2310 another 130 some Tal Type-3 Battlecruisers were built and ready. While this would be the last major newer built design it would still see a smaller scale refit come through the 2330s. For now though the class saw a third addition of the RIE-3 impulse housing expanded to provide another focus on deeper power reserves. The disruptor arrangement was slightly adjusted to eliminate 1 of the disruptors to ease build and maintenance costs, but provide a still strong forward punch. In return the aft bank was combined due to newer targeting and firing focus arrays newly coming into use around the Empire. This arrangement meant more power still was free to use elsewhere. The torpedo system was upgraded to the RP-7 system, which was heavier hitting but equally accurate and ranged as the earlier RP-3. Finally the RSS shield system was installed which was more efficient and powerful in all arcs. Due to the focus of troop use elsewhere on newer ships the old barracks for the 100 troops were removed. Expanded to allow the computer core to be replaced and doubled from the earlier R-6M-1 to two R-5M-1 cores. This allowed crew support to be slightly reduced from 520 to an even 500. In turn passenger and cargo space, and transporters were equally adjusted for this newer role that was envisioned after a successful invasion of Gorn targets.
With their fleets prepared the invasion of prime Gorn targets was begun. Over the next year of hit/run strikes and occupations the Gorn fell back slowly but surely. The Type-3 Tal's showed again their worth in combat and though aged their staying power on the frontline could not be ignored compared to larger designs both new and old. Sadly political infighting during this time slowed the gains the Empire could have made. This resulted in an eventual cease-fire to the fighting and though the Empire came out for the better in the eventual peace talks, gaining several new systems, the counter loss of ships and troops was heavy none the less.
The Type-3 battlecruiser would be the last constructed variant of the Tal class. While a minor refit in 2330 would see it reduced to a medium cruiser role it still would end up participating in one of history's more famous incidents in the early 2350s. There several Type-3B Tal's along with several newer prototypes of warbirds would attack and destroy the Klingon colony of Khitmoer. It was during this incident that the Ambassador class Enterprise 1701-C would make its heroic final stand and sacrifice to defend the colony against overwhelming odds. This had the result of solidifying and renewing the then failing peace the Federation and Klingons were facing at the time.
Afterwards slowly the Tal Type-3B and others like it would see a slow regression in either being scrapped, sold and disarmed to private interests, or placed into reserve fleet or training use. But come the entry of the Star Empire into the Dominion War many of these aged ships would be pulled through these same roles and thrown into the fight. Sadly of the 80 some Type-3B Tals that remained only 3 would survive the war. One the original first prototype and name sake of the class the RSS Tal survived and after the war was claimed by descendants of the original designers and supporters as a family flagship in 2379.
