Federal-class Battleship

The Federal-class is a vessel in Vekllei.

The Federal-class battleship is a class of battleship of the Marine Services of Vekllei. The class is a modern take on the traditional battleship, repurposed for fire support roles in amphibious operations and naval engagements. With a displacement of 45,000 tons and a length of 260 meters, it is one of the largest non-carrier surface combatants in the world, and is despite its anachronistic design has a useful role in providing shore bombardment for the archipelagic nation.

The battleship is powered by two NMPR reactors, enabling a top speed of 26 knots. The ship is designed for long-range operations with minimal logistical support, and employs autonomous systems with onboard replenishment capabilities. A crew of 1,100 operates the Federal-class, with most personnel working in fire control and aircraft operations.

The Federal-class is heavily armed with six 406 mm (16-inch) naval guns, which are housed in two triple turrets. These guns are primarily designed for long-range bombardment of unmoving targets. It has several other smaller guns for close-in and flak defence. The ship also features two large twin-arm launch-rail systems capable of fielding No. 2 Lancet cruise missiles, among a variety of other large anti-ship missiles and rocket-launched torpedos. For defence, the class is equipped with a mix of short-range anti-air missiles and CIWS to counter incoming missile threats. The Federal-class also includes a range of medium and long-range torpedoes, fired from launchers in its midship.

The Federal-class retains a complement of helijets – a hybrid aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) operations, combining the roles of helicopters and jet fighters. The ship’s flight deck, located at its aft, accommodates four to six helijets used for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

Although a flagship and a powerful symbol of the Commonwealth Navy, the Federal-class serves, ironically, a very limited and specialised role in the Commonwealth’s naval doctrine. Although it is well equipped and able to conduct maritime combat operations, its primary role is as a mammoth, floating artillery piece against an inferior but entrenched enemy. It makes sense in this specific context, as a nation of islands planning for the retaking of blockaded and occupied territory, but has has little use outside of this role. It also has a tremendous psychological effect. The only vessel of its class, CVN Commonwealth, serves with the Commonwealth Fleet.