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Designation:

Varauta Assault Carrier

Note: While Varauta ships have been assigned Terran naval/space type designators, it must be stressed that their size and armaments placed them in a class of their own, matched only by contemporary construction of like designations. As such, their designations must be viewed as indicators of intent and use rather than absolute strength. In addition, the proper translation of the Varauta vessel designations into English was never completely agreed upon. Most of this file is pure speculation based on reconnaissance photos and footage and eyewitness accounts and similar designs.

Names and disposition:

Unknown. Approximately 26 where seen during the Varauta War in 2064 though it is possible many more could exist.

Ship's complement:

• Ships' crew (850 men)
• Mecha pilots (156 men)

Note: The given numbers are approximations; the exact number varied somewhat due to operational realities and different ships.

Dimensions:

Propulsion systems:

• Main power system(1): Unknown at this writing. Thought to be anti-matter powerplant.
• Maneuvering thrusters (25): Unknown type at this writing. Layout appears to be as follows: ten on the bow, five on each side with two more on the top and three more on the bottom.
• Reaction-mass thrusters (20): Power unknown at this writing.
• Anti-gravity system (1): Propulsive power unknown at this writing.
• Space fold (1): Very advanced hyper space fold drive. Able to conduct ultra high speed folds at extreme range as well as accurate near gravity well folds.
• Planetary capabilities: Unknown as of this writing.

Endurance and mobility limits:

• Max atmospheric speed: Mach 3 or about 3110 kph.
• Max observed space acceleration: 42.6 G
• Range: Unknown.

Weapon systems

• Heavy beam cannons (2): The two largest eye shaped lens on either side of the carrier hide the main beam cannons. Their destructive power can be unleashed in a 180 degree firearc on their respective sides of the vessel, (port/starboard,) enabling them to jointly fire on vessels dead ahead and behind.
• Light beam cannons (4): Four light beam cannons complement the heavy beam cannons in the defense of the Carrier against other capital ships. Positioned equally to port and starboard the carrier is capable of creating an adequate defense against attackers.
• SLBM launchers (7): The assault carriers are not designed for heavy starship-to-starship combat, instead relying on their fighter wings for protection and attack. However if necessary the carriers are armed with seven missile launcher tubes for launching ICBM-like missiles at enemy ships. Resembling torpedo launchers, they are mounted on the front of the ship facing forward. The launchers contain long-range nuclear missiles and are usually used only during assaults and heavy combat.
• Laser turrets (20): Retractable laser turrets line the sides of the carrier for anti-mecha and anti-missile defense. 15 turrets to each side of the carrier provide excellent close in defense attacking mecha and can also be used against larger vessels attacking the transport.
• Missile turrets (20): For anti-mecha defense the carriers are armed with medium-range missile launchers set at key locations along the ship's hull. Each launcher contains 6 missile tubes allowing volleys of up to 6 missiles to be fired at a single target per launcher. Once depleted, the missile launchers are reloaded by an automated loading system that takes 15 seconds to reload all 8 missiles.

Air group and mecha complement:

• 120 Fz-109 Elgerzorene Veritech fighter
• 24 FBz-99 Zaubergeran Veritech heavy bomber
• 12 Az-130 Pantserzorene Veritech fighter

Note: The given numbers are approximations; the exact number and type of mecha varied somewhat due to operational realities and different ships.

Electronics:

• Omnidirectional barrier defense system(1): An advanced forcefield system which covers the full four pi steradians around the ship with a yellow-greenish forcefield (or if desired, only part of the ship). This field will stop all solids and directed energy weapons (except lasers through a narrow band). However, excess energy which cannot be shunted from the field will be stored in the virtual structure of the field itself. The Varauta design seems to have a extremely high capacity, much higher than contemporary Terran designs. However there is a drawback it appears as though no energy weapons may be fired while the shield is up leaving Varauta power systems to be often thought of as rather weak.

Design notes:

Within the assault carrier are repair, refuel and resupply facilities. The carrier are incapable of manufacuring new Mecha but they can fix them if possible. The repairs within the Transports interior are sparse and inferior to RDF repair bays but adequate for the task of keeping the Varauta War Machine moving.

Two-dimensional stealth panels cover the carrier's hull to increase its stealth capability. However, the engine, unlike that of other Varauta warships, is not recessed to minimize any heat signatures. Although this greatly reduces the stealth potential of the carrier, its primary role as a transport vessel barely suffers from this one flaw.

History:

Unknown. Sketchy details exist but nothing concrete. Most information has been classified top secret by the RDF and UN Government.

Layout adapted from Robotech Reference Guide

Content by Jeffrey R. Spillner
Copyright © 2000, 1999, 1998 Jeffrey R. Spillner

Page Last Updated on February 3, 2000 @ 11:00 GMT