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Designation:

Varauta Super 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 3 where seen during the Varauta War in 2064 though it is possible many more could exist.

Ship's complement:

• Ships' crew (2000 men)
• Mecha Pilots (720 men)

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

Dimensions:

• Length: 800 m
• Height: 210 m
• Width : 135 m
• Mass : 925,000,000 metric tons empty

Propulsion systems:

• Main Power System(1): Unknown at this writing. Thought to be anti-matter powerplant.
• Maneuvering Thrusters (38): Unknown type at this writing. Layout appears to be as follows: Six on the bow, ten on each side with six more on the top and five 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: 25.8 G
• Range: Unknown.

Weapon systems

• Heavy Beam Cannons(6): The battlecarrier's main armaments are six large-bore particle cannons that are fixed forward underneath the command tower. Even if their arc of fire is limited, the six cannons can unleash a devastating salvo of energy that is capable of destroying all but the most heavily armored targets.
• Light Beam Cannons (12): Six 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.
• Missile Turrets (26): Long ranged missile turrets allows the battlecarrier to engage hostile targets at long and extreme ranges. The turrets are mounted on the across the hull and are positioned to provide maximum coverage in all directions. Each turret has a 270 degree arc of fire.

Air group and mecha complement:

• 480 Fz-109 Elgerzorene Varauta Veritech Fighters
• 120 FBz-99 Zaubergeran Varauta Veritech Heavy Bomber
• 120 Az-130 Pantserzorene Varauta 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:

Built around the core of a heavy battloid transport, the new Varauta carrier is an immense warship, slightly smaller than the RDF Space Navy's Japan-class battle section, but no less fearsome. A formidable amount of Varauta variable fighters are carried within the warship's retractable fighter launch bays, and the ship's own internal armaments are powerful enough to allow the carrier to hold its own against both human and Zentraedi opponents.

Aside from the flagship, the carrier holds the most fighters out of any other Varauta design. The bulk of the ship's elongated hull is used to store these craft, their maintenance equipment, and their launching catapults. Whereas in other similar ships, the retractable dorsal and ventral armored panels conceal weapons systems, the carrier's unfold to become a quasi "flight deck" of sorts, where a trio of fighters can be launched simultaneously from each.

The bulk of the carrier's armaments are mounted in the ship's bow to increase maximum combat effectiveness. The relatively unprotected sides are defended only by several beam cannons. Even though the ship's maneuverability is not on par with more agile ships, a barrage from the forward batteries can decimate all but the toughest opponents in a matter of seconds.

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 heavily armed 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