Difference between revisions of "Capital Ship"

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[[Capital Ship]]s are a [[navy]]'s most important [[warship]]s.  
 
[[Capital Ship]]s are a [[navy]]'s most important [[warship]]s.  
 
* They are generally the larger ships when compared to other warships in their respective fleet.
 
* They are generally the larger ships when compared to other warships in their respective fleet.
 +
* They are generally considered 100,000 or more [[ton]]s in displacement.
 
* Many call them line or primary combatants.
 
* Many call them line or primary combatants.
* Technically, the term only refers to [[FCS]] vessels, but in common parlance, it also refers to [[BCS]] vessels.
+
* They stand in contrast to [[subcapital ship]]s.
[[File: Wiki Navy.png|right]]
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* Technically, the term only refers to [[FCS]] vessels, but in common parlance, it also refers to [[BCS]] vessels. Some use the term "sub-capital ship" to refer to a [[BCS]] vessel that fulfills the role of a capital ship.
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[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
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 +
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
'''[[Starship]]:'''
 
'''[[Starship]]:'''
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{{:Referral-Tree-Ships-by-Function}}
 
{{:Referral-Tree-Ships-by-Function}}
 
{{:Referral-Tree-Speed-of-Travel}}
 
{{:Referral-Tree-Speed-of-Travel}}
----
+
 
 
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
The capital ships of a navy are its most important warships; they are generally the larger ships when compared to other [[warship]]s in their respective fleet. A capital ship is generally a leading or a primary ship in a naval fleet. Ships of the line (...or of battle) were the capital ships of the era of sail in Terran history. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}  
+
The capital ships of a [[navy]] are its most important [[warship]]s; they are generally the larger [[ship]]s when compared to other [[warship]]s in their respective fleet. A capital ship is generally a leading or a primary ship in a naval fleet. Ships of the line (...or of battle) were the capital ships of the era of sail in [[Terran]] history. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}  
  
In the Imperial Navy, a capital ship is a vessel designed to project the Imperium's naval power into an area to achieve space dominance. Whether it is used in an offensive role or as an asset in a defense-in-depth, a capital ship will make enemy operations nearly impossible until all vessels in that role are neutralized or withdraw. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}  
+
=== Imperial Navy Overview ===
 +
In the [[Imperial Navy]], a capital ship is a vessel designed to project the Imperium's naval power into an area to achieve space dominance. Whether it is used in an offensive role or as an asset in a defense-in-depth, a capital ship will make enemy operations nearly impossible until all opposing [[vessel]]s in that role are neutralized or withdrawn. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}  
  
Unlike the gunboat navies of old, a capital ship does not necessarily mean a vessel with direct-fire capabilities. These can include ships that carry other craft or have a combination of the two modes of attack. The one thing you can rely on is a vessel of a large to massive size that can dole out damage while having some capability to absorb punishment themselves. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}  
+
Unlike the ''gunboat navies of old,'' a capital ship does not necessarily mean a [[vessel]] with direct-fire capabilities. These can include ships that carry other craft (...[[Subcraft Carrier]]s) or have a combination of the two primary modes of attack. The one thing you can rely on is a [[vessel]] of a large to massive size that can dole out damage while having some capability to absorb punishment themselves. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}  
  
In the Imperial Navy, capital ships are usually considered to be vessels that are designated as Dreadnoughts, Battleships, Battleriders, Battlecruisers and Fleet Carriers. None of these ships are expected to operate singularly, and are almost always found with a host of fleet-type escort vessels of various sizes and capabilities. With the exception of the Fleet Carriers, all the other types of ships are expected to be at the forefront of any major engagement in a battle. This can be evidenced by the victories in 1109 in the Rhylanor and Porozlo systems. It was here that the Imperial capital ships squadrons engaged and decisively defeated the invading Zhodani capital ships, effectively bringing the Fifth Frontier War to its end. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}
+
In the [[Imperial Navy]], capital ships are usually considered to be [[vessel]]s that are designated as [[Dreadnought]]s, [[Battleship]]s, [[Battlerider]]s, [[Battlecruiser]]s, and [[Fleet Carrier]]s. None of these ships are expected to operate singularly, and are almost always found with a host of fleet-type [[escort vessel]]s of various sizes and capabilities (....battle groups). With the exception of the [[Fleet Carrier]]s, all the other types of ships are expected to be at the forefront of any major engagement in a battle. This can be evidenced by the victories in [[1109]] in the Rhylanor and Porozlo systems. It was here that the Imperial capital ships squadrons engaged and decisively defeated the invading Zhodani capital ships, effectively bringing the [[Fifth Frontier War]] to its end. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Mark McCabe]] }}
  
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
No information yet available.  
+
On Ancient Terra in 1892, Professor Alfred T. Mahan wrote that naval operations would be won mainly through “decisive battles and blockades.”  While [[cruiser]]s and support craft could engage in making, breaking and maintaining the blockades, the decisive actions themselves were to be accomplished by the capital ships of any nation. During the [[Terran]] Second World War, the mind-set of the “big-gun” [[warship]]s was shattered by the successes of the [[aircraft carrier]]. Due to shrinking resources on the 21st Century [[Terra]], capital ships became a rarity due to the maintenance cost these vessels required.
 +
 
 +
When the Terrans contacted the Vilani on 2098, it became apparent to the Terran Navy that the naval doctrines of the old ocean navies concerning force projection applied to the current issue of achieving space dominance.{{Page cite|name= Interstellar Wars |page= TBD |version=GURPS Traveller}} Through trail and error, mostly error, the warships in both navies underwent a transformation into the modern-day Imperial Navy. The first true modern decisive battle was seen in 2246 A.D. at the Battle of Muan Kwoyen (SOLO 2218) where a meson-wielding fleet of Terran warships engaged and decisively defeated an invading Imperial fleet, just the way Mahan drew up the battle in his theory.{{Page cite|name= Interstellar Wars |page= TBD |version=GURPS Traveller}} It should also be noted that the capital ships of that time weighed in at 30,000 dTons.{{Page cite|name= Interstellar Wars |page= TBD |version=GURPS Traveller}}
 +
 
 +
By the time of the [[Fifth Frontier War]] in [[1107]], the Imperial Capital Ships (Dreadnaughts and Battleships) weigh in around 200,000 dTons and 1,000,000 dTons. The [[Fleet Carrier]]s tend to weigh in less than this as well as the [[Battlerider]]s. While the carriers need less armor as they are not expected to be in the front lines, the [[Battlerider]]s need less space and crew as their fuel requirements are reduced and there is no need for space to carry a [[FTL-type engine]].
 +
 
 +
Capital ships are by no means exclusive to the Imperial Navy. As of [[1107]], every major [[polity]] has capital ships of some sort (especially the [[Two Thousand Worlds]], where crewed ships average larger anyway due to [[K'kree]] need for large interior volumes). Even a few [[pocket empire]]s field one or two [[Light Battleship]]s, which are all the force they need when their neighbors are entirely without capital ships and their territory is small enough to be adequately protected by just one or two [[starship]]s. There is at least one documented case of [[GSbAG]] selling such a ship to a [[pocket empire]], then advertising the empire's use of this ship to the empire's neighbors in an attempt to get them to buy [[Light Battleship]]s too.
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 +
{{Wikipedia|Alfred_Thayer_Mahan}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Capital_ship}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Capital_ship}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Ship_of_the_line}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Ship_of_the_line}}
{{Intermediate}}
+
{{Advanced}}
{{Detail}}
 
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
|S2= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
+
|S1= This article is an amalgamation of many different materials published since 1977.
|S3= Author & Contributor: [[Mark McCabe]]
+
|S2= EXTERNAL LINK: [http://freelancetraveller.com/features/shipyard/naming.html On the Naming of Ships] at [[Freelance Traveller]] by [[Ken Pick]]
|S4= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
+
|S3= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 +
|S4= Author & Contributor: [[Mark McCabe]]
 +
|S5= Author & Contributor: [[Adrian Tymes]]
 +
|S6= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 14:14, 24 September 2019

Line Combatants (Primary - Capital) Escort Combatants (Secondary - Subcapital) Military Auxiliary (Tertiary)
B-
Battleship
C-
Cruiser
O-
Ortillery
V-
Carrier
D-
Destroyer
E-
Escort
F-
Fighter
H-
Defense/Security
I-
Combat Transport
Q-
Combat Support
S-
Scout
U-
Utility
X-
Commo
Z-
Special
Mercantile Commercial Ships (Trade & Profit) Non-Mercantile Commercial Ships (Industry & Profit) Non-Commercial Ships (Nonprofit) System Craft (Intrastellar)
A-
Tramp
M-
Freighter
R-
Liner
T-
Transport
G-
Industrial
J-
Prospector
K-
Expedition
P-
Corsair
U-
Utility
L-
Science
N-
Medical
Y-
Private
WB-
Barge
WA-
Satellite
WO-
Space Station

Capital Ships are a navy's most important warships.

  • They are generally the larger ships when compared to other warships in their respective fleet.
  • They are generally considered 100,000 or more tons in displacement.
  • Many call them line or primary combatants.
  • They stand in contrast to subcapital ships.
  • Technically, the term only refers to FCS vessels, but in common parlance, it also refers to BCS vessels. Some use the term "sub-capital ship" to refer to a BCS vessel that fulfills the role of a capital ship.
Technical Data.jpg

Library Data Referral Tree

Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Starship:

  • Speed of Travel

  • Description (Specifications)

    The capital ships of a navy are its most important warships; they are generally the larger ships when compared to other warships in their respective fleet. A capital ship is generally a leading or a primary ship in a naval fleet. Ships of the line (...or of battle) were the capital ships of the era of sail in Terran history. [1]

    Imperial Navy Overview

    In the Imperial Navy, a capital ship is a vessel designed to project the Imperium's naval power into an area to achieve space dominance. Whether it is used in an offensive role or as an asset in a defense-in-depth, a capital ship will make enemy operations nearly impossible until all opposing vessels in that role are neutralized or withdrawn. [2]

    Unlike the gunboat navies of old, a capital ship does not necessarily mean a vessel with direct-fire capabilities. These can include ships that carry other craft (...Subcraft Carriers) or have a combination of the two primary modes of attack. The one thing you can rely on is a vessel of a large to massive size that can dole out damage while having some capability to absorb punishment themselves. [3]

    In the Imperial Navy, capital ships are usually considered to be vessels that are designated as Dreadnoughts, Battleships, Battleriders, Battlecruisers, and Fleet Carriers. None of these ships are expected to operate singularly, and are almost always found with a host of fleet-type escort vessels of various sizes and capabilities (....battle groups). With the exception of the Fleet Carriers, all the other types of ships are expected to be at the forefront of any major engagement in a battle. This can be evidenced by the victories in 1109 in the Rhylanor and Porozlo systems. It was here that the Imperial capital ships squadrons engaged and decisively defeated the invading Zhodani capital ships, effectively bringing the Fifth Frontier War to its end. [4]

    History & Background (Dossier)

    On Ancient Terra in 1892, Professor Alfred T. Mahan wrote that naval operations would be won mainly through “decisive battles and blockades.” While cruisers and support craft could engage in making, breaking and maintaining the blockades, the decisive actions themselves were to be accomplished by the capital ships of any nation. During the Terran Second World War, the mind-set of the “big-gun” warships was shattered by the successes of the aircraft carrier. Due to shrinking resources on the 21st Century Terra, capital ships became a rarity due to the maintenance cost these vessels required.

    When the Terrans contacted the Vilani on 2098, it became apparent to the Terran Navy that the naval doctrines of the old ocean navies concerning force projection applied to the current issue of achieving space dominance.[5] Through trail and error, mostly error, the warships in both navies underwent a transformation into the modern-day Imperial Navy. The first true modern decisive battle was seen in 2246 A.D. at the Battle of Muan Kwoyen (SOLO 2218) where a meson-wielding fleet of Terran warships engaged and decisively defeated an invading Imperial fleet, just the way Mahan drew up the battle in his theory.[6] It should also be noted that the capital ships of that time weighed in at 30,000 dTons.[7]

    By the time of the Fifth Frontier War in 1107, the Imperial Capital Ships (Dreadnaughts and Battleships) weigh in around 200,000 dTons and 1,000,000 dTons. The Fleet Carriers tend to weigh in less than this as well as the Battleriders. While the carriers need less armor as they are not expected to be in the front lines, the Battleriders need less space and crew as their fuel requirements are reduced and there is no need for space to carry a FTL-type engine.

    Capital ships are by no means exclusive to the Imperial Navy. As of 1107, every major polity has capital ships of some sort (especially the Two Thousand Worlds, where crewed ships average larger anyway due to K'kree need for large interior volumes). Even a few pocket empires field one or two Light Battleships, which are all the force they need when their neighbors are entirely without capital ships and their territory is small enough to be adequately protected by just one or two starships. There is at least one documented case of GSbAG selling such a ship to a pocket empire, then advertising the empire's use of this ship to the empire's neighbors in an attempt to get them to buy Light Battleships too.

    References & Contributors (Sources)

    Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Alfred_Thayer_Mahan. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
    Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Capital_ship. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
    Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Ship_of_the_line. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
    This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
    1. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    2. Information provided to the library by Mark McCabe
    3. Information provided to the library by Mark McCabe
    4. Information provided to the library by Mark McCabe
    5. Paul DryeLoren WisemanJon F. Zeigler. Interstellar Wars (Steve Jackson Games, 2006), TBD.
    6. Paul DryeLoren WisemanJon F. Zeigler. Interstellar Wars (Steve Jackson Games, 2006), TBD.
    7. Paul DryeLoren WisemanJon F. Zeigler. Interstellar Wars (Steve Jackson Games, 2006), TBD.