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Colossus - Update 2

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An update of the ship concept first presented here:

Colossus - How Big is Too Big? by Phaeton99 Colossus - Updated by Phaeton99

A class-naming poll is still open here: phaeton99.deviantart.com/journ…

This update — likely the last for this particular illustration until after I tackle an elevation view — presents two significant items.

First, a new lifeboat design featuring an alternating sawtooth pattern (closeup: momijihouse.com/files/Lifeboat… ).

Although resembling the similarly truncated triangular form of the SOVEREIGN Type Lifeboat, these are in fact somewhat larger and are not actually part of the lifepod itself, just an outer, armored hatch.

These lifeboats are arranged in rows of no more than seven units per set (for no other reason than that longer rows looked odd) and are positioned near crew concentrations on any hull surface regardless of orientation — dorsal, ventral or lateral — that offers a direct ejection trajectory past superstructures. The hatches are hinged structures opening to the outer edges of each row, and can be jettisoned in the case of servo failure. The lifepods themselves are low-warp capable, built for emergency interlocking and are fully recoverable. Each 10-man lifepod can support up to 16 for limited periods.

The physical configuration of each lifepod may resemble those from Halo: a small, maneuverable craft, rather than a mere breakaway module — a dedicated emergency personnel shuttle.

Second, a few technical points I have in mind for this ship's era.

Multi-Phasic Emitters — The Phasers of the New Era

Representing the logical extension and unification of the varied phaser types of the past, the MPE Arrays of the fleet are capable of producing multi-phasic emissions with the short-range punch of a pulse blast, the precise, long reach of a coherent beam, or even a disruptive area burst, delivering single shots or multiple salvos from any single portion of each firing strip or tracking along the total length.  Developed in response to the multiplication of threat factors facing any one ship in present day hostile scenarios, and operating in direct conjunction with the interleaved transphasic shield systems of current fleet vessels — thus ensuring full, unhampered operation even during quantum slipstream conditions — the MPE phaser banks provide more thorough fire coverage in all quarters, maximizing defensive and offensive firepower independent of relative ship orientation or attack vector.

(MPE phasers are not more powerful than previous types, per se, but rather are more versatile and harder to thwart.)

The End of Cloak and Dagger

Sensor systems of the era have largely negated the effectiveness of all cloaking systems at close and medium range, and complicated their successful employment at long scan ranges to the point of high impracticality.  This development has significantly altered the tactical and strategic stance of all factions, forcing a "see and be seen" posture in which secrecy of presence and maneuver is largely impossible and successful deployment and countermeasures depend greatly upon misdirection and complexity.  This has also lead to a sharp decline in truly independent ship operations, with focus being increasing placed upon coordinated squadron and fleet activity.


Digital Illustration, Adobe illustrator.

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nanvarga's avatar
Please, more detailed pictures!Happy/Victorious Good Luck Markiplier Emoticon