V-24 (Bird of Prey) Class X-XI Hunter-Killer Cruiser

design by Josh W. Spencer, courtesy of contributor Jeff Rients, graphics by Guidomic

 
NOTES:
Known Sphere of Operation:  Klingon & Triangle Boarders
Data Reliability: D for Type 1, 2 and 3, F for Type 4
Major Data Source:  Operation Grey Ghost, Romulan Sector Intelligence

One of the greatest blows to the Romulan national honor occurred when the Klingons began operating the D-32 Class cruiser and L-42 Class frigate along their border areas, less than two years after signing the third technological exchange treaty in 2274. By the end of 2281, it was evident that Romulan commanders serving along the Klingon border were becoming increasingly fearful about facing these clone vessels. It was then that the Romulan High Command decided to give the Klingons a taste of their own medicine. By 2284, four cruiser-sized V-24s were deployed along the Klingon border.

The V-24 employs the variable wing design seen on the V-30 Cruiser and S-11 Scout (on which it is based). Since the ship is too large for planetary landings, the wings only operate in the horizontal position while cruising and in the swept-down position for combat, thus freeing much space aboard for extra cargo area. In accordance with Romulan doctrine and unlike the L-42, the command pod and boom section are not detachable from the main hull.

The V-24 is not as dependent on re-supply as its Klingon ‘brother’; nevertheless, the crews aboard these ships live under the most Spartan conditions in the Empire. These crewmembers feel that it is necessary to sacrifice even marginal comforts in their quest to rid the Road to the Stars of the klivam d’vanal, or “great Klingon scourge” (as the L-42, D-32, and K-22 are called).

Each V-24 has a specific mission, which it must perform with assistance from other units and bases: To hunt down and destroy clone vessels whenever and wherever they approach Star Empire space. In the early 2280’s Star Fleet Command received unconfirmed reports from Triangle Sector Intelligence concerning battles taking place between L-42 frigates and V-24 cruisers along the southernmost fringes of the Triangle. The outcome of these reports was never confirmed due to the nature of the Romulan vessels themselves. It is quite likely, however, that this new Romulan vessel possesses the firepower necessary to perform just such a mission.

The powerfully dangerous hunter-killer would not be updated until 2290, when major design upgrades were installed and the Type 2 was first fielded. The Type 2 increased the already powerful warp drive as well as mounting upgraded weapons. The V-24’s shields were also upgraded giving the Type 2 greater survivability. A moderate internal re-arrangement also allowed the inclusion of a recreation room – which made the vessel even more well loved by it crew. Despite it’s obvious improvements, the V-24 was still considered a mission-specific vessel. While there was sufficient room to further arm the vessel, many designers who spoke with ship commanders felt that the fast-attack strike capability of the V-24 should not be changed. As time when on, this philosophy was confirmed when over 30 recorded kills where directly attributed to the V-24.

The first true variant was not launched until 2294, with the fielding of the Type 3. Initial trials showed that the V-24 Type 3 was far superior to it’s predecessors with a dual Photon Torpedo/Plasma Torpedo strike capability. With an improved version of the RCC cloaking device, the Type 3 could close rapidly and strike it target almost undetected. Even when prepared, few ships would withstand the powerful attack. The Type 3 was heavier than it predecessor, increasing the main disruptors and enhancing it’s considerable armor. But the designs days were numbered. The Type 3 used the same forward torpedo tube for both it’s plasma weapon and photon torpedo. Commanders quickly learned that the switch over from one system to the next often took too long to be effective in high speed combat. When attacking small squadrons, the V-24 could easily overwhelm it’s primary target, but was forced to flee with only a parting aft shot rather than risk a direct long term engagement. None the less, the V-24 remain a popular vessel, and nearly 10 Type 1s were converted to the Type 3 along with the 17 that were built.

Surprisingly, the V-24 would remain unchanged for almost 50 years, conducting it covert attack’s against Klingon L-42s, D-12s and even D-32s. As it aged, it’s success rate continued to climb and amazingly, no V-24s were lost until 2336. The loss of the RSS Ves’let to an older D-12 startled the Romulan High Command. Despite lengthy investigation, Commanders could find no reason for the loss – and orders for an improvement to the craft were drafted in late 2337. The Type 4 was finally approved in 2341 and quickly became the standard of the class. The Type 4 returned to the dual-loading forward torpedo design that proved so effective in the Type 1 and 2. The primary weapons were also upgraded, giving the design a powerful attack capability against targets twice it’s size. While the under powered shields of the class forced commander to close slowly with their targets to avoid detection, the powerful forward attack posture assured heavy damage to all but the most powerful battleships. Even 15 year after it’s commissioning, in 2357, this capability was brought home to bear when three V-24s attacked a Klingon patrol near K’Kaar. The over confident Klingon Commander was sure that no one would attack a squadron of three Vor’Cha class battlecruiser, newly fielded in the Klingon Empire. The attack was a resounding success, with all three Vor’Chas taking heavy initial damage. Were it not for responding reinforcements from K’Kaar, the Romulan commander reported that he could easily have destroyed on of the Vor’Cha if not all three.

Currently, there is rumor of an even larger and more powerful Type 5 being created in response to the expanded Klingon construction programs. Rumor did state that the V-24 may have been fielded against the Federation before the destruction of Romulus. Of the 115 build over the years, 6 Type 3s and 104 Type 4s remain in active service with the Romulan Free States, including 37 Type 1s that were converted to Type 2 and eventually to Type 4s as well as 36 Type 2s that were eventually converted to Type 4. 2 Type 1s and 1 Type 2 have been destroyed, all in combat. 1 Type 1 and 1 Type 4 have been scrapped due to combat damage. The V-24 is no longer in active production, but this status may change with the introduction of a Type 5.

The V-24 is named for the Romulan d’vas, which is a direct translation of the Klingon z’gavasta or “great bird”.