Technical Files Homepage

Designation:

Varauta High Speed Cruiser

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

Ship's complement:

• Ships' crew (580 men)
• Mecha Pilots (60 men)

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

Dimensions:

• Length: 358 m
• Height: 52 m
• Width : 75 m
• Mass : 3,000,000 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: Ten on the bow, ten on each side with four more on the top and bottom.
• Reaction-mass Thrusters (2): 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 4 or about 4110 kph.
• Max observed space acceleration: 48.2 G
• Range: Unknown.

Weapon systems

• Main Beam Cannons (2): The two largest eye shaped lens on either side of the cruisers 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 vessel against other capital ships. Positioned equally to port and starboard the cruiser is capable of creating a more than adequate defense against attackers.
• SLBM Launchers (6): High speed cruisers lack the punch of the larger ships such as the assault cruiser and battleship and rely on their SLBM launchers and beam cannons for protection and attack. However if necessary the cruisers are armed with six 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.
• Light Laser Cannons (12): Retractable laser turrets line the sides of the high speed cruisers for anti-mecha and anti-missile defense. 6 turrets to each side of the cruiser provide adequate close in defense against attacking mecha and can also be used against larger vessels attacking them.
• Missile Launchers (10):For anti-mecha defense the cruisers 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:

• 48 Fz-109 Elgerzorene Varauta Veritech Fighters
• 12 12 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:

The vanguard frigate is used by the Varauta to scout out the edges of territory that they want to take control of. The problem with the frigate is that they are small and undergunned and underarmed. When something bigger is required for scouting purposes and picket duty the high speed cruiser is used. This manouverable vessel carriers 5 squadrons of the FZ-109 and AZ-130 fighters for reconnaisance and defence.

Unlike the vanguard frigate the high speed cruiser is capable of going toe to toe with other large warships and lasting long enough to escape or for reinforcements to arrive. Like other large vessels that the Varauta utilize the high speed cruiser is equipped with a Full Force Field which surrounds the entire ship like the SDF-1's Omni-Directional Barrier.

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