V-23 (Huntress) Class VIII Cruiser

«Last Updated on December 15, 2023 »

design by STSTCS

 
NOTES:
Known Sphere of Operation:  Empire Wide Use
Data Reliability:  C for Type 1 and 2, D for Type 3 and 4
Major Data Source:  Project Grey Ghost; Romulan Sector Intelligence

With the popular success of the older V-2 Hunter class of long range exploratory vessel, many within the fleet felt that the venerable design still had merit as a front line vessel. But the V-2 was aging ungracefully, with little upgrade possible within the confined and difficult to modify hull. With the Federation and Klingons quickly outpacing the Romulan Empire in vessel construction, modifications were attempted on the older V-2. Resources for such modifications became so cost prohibitive that Fleet Command scrapped the upgrade and opted for a redesign of the entire vessel. The V-23 was finally approved in 2280 and two distinct models were chosen for simultaneous launch.

The Type 1 and Type 2 were both extremely similar base platforms, designed for extended cruises and capable of both passive and aggressive combat operations without extensive support. The Type-1 mounted the powerful RPL-3 in a single torpedo mount forward of the bridge. This gave the Type 1 a massive punch while attacking enemy targets. The Type 2, on the other hand, mounted twin RP-4’s, recently adopted by the Romulan Empire. Although the RP-4 would have a short run as a main stay torpedo weapon, it’s small size and ease of repair did make it popular among front line crews. The RP-4 could also be dual fired from a single enlarged torpedo launcher, requiring less coolant, ambient power and launch track mechanisms. Both types did suffer from a lack of speed, owing to the use of the older and more successful RWD-2 design. The RWD-2 allowed for a smaller engineering compartment, which prompted the instillation of a large recreation facility, something fairly new to the Romulan Fleet. This further extended the ships mission capability, and became a standard installation on later vessels. The Type 1 and 2 remained in production until 2300, due largely to the unsuccessful launch of the Type 3 and 4, and the lengthy testing period of the Type 5 and 6.

The Type 5 and 6 again paralleled each other in design layout, crew support systems and general ease of construction. They Type 5, launched two months before the Type 6, employed the more powerful RIE-2 impulse drive, as well as the recently upgraded R-5M-1 computer system. The Type 5 also incorporated twin RP-6’s. Although not the most powerful photon torpedo system in the Romulan inventory, the RP-6s, like the RP-4s could be fired from a single modified firing track, reducing the need for internal space. The Type 6 employed the massive RPL-4, more powerful than any previous plasma torpedo weapon. Capable of smashing even the strongest shields, the RPL-4 did not suffer from the massive power drop off of previous plasma weapons, and had range equal to some of the best photon torpedoes of the day. The Type 1 and Type 2 were both eventually pulled from production in favor of the Type 5 and 6. Since that time, all but two Type 1s have been converted. The V-23 was produced at the ch’Rihann Construction Ltd. Of Carraya at a rate of 1 of each type per year.