V-37 (Faithful Wing) Class X-XI Heavy Cruiser

design by Morgan Donovan

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation:  Empire-wide use
Data Reliability:  C for all models.
Major Data Source:  Romulan and Triangle Sector Intelligence

The Type 1 Faithful Wing-class heavy cruiser is from the same generation of Romulan starships as the V-30 Winged Defender and the Z-1 Nova battleship. Entering service in 2279, Its primary purpose was line support for battleships and other large vessels, as it lacks the raw power and maneuverability required to fill the mobile support/heavy scouting role the V-30 fills. As a result, V-37 captains rely on their RCD cloaking devices to strike from ambush with their forward plasma bolt and torpedoes while allocating minimum power to their disruptors. This extremely effective tactic proved gave the V-37 a powerful first strike.

The Type 1 equipped the RPL-3 plasma weapon coupled with two RP-3 photon torpedo tubes, and two RB-9 disruptors in the forward arc. Additionally, one RP-2 torpedo tube could fire into the port and starboard arcs, and one tube aft. Four additional RB-9s firing f/p, f/s, a/p, and a/s rounded out the disruptor arsenal.

With over 300 SCU of cargo capacity, the V-37’s double-hull design surpasses most Romulan ships in its class, giving it extended operational endurance. The Romulan Star Navy constructed 52 Type 1s before switching production to the Type 2. Initial intelligence reports show 2 Type 1s were destroyed and 3 were scrapped. The rest were converted to Type 2s.

The Type 2, unveiled in 2290, represented a significant advancement. Upgrades were made to the ship’s computer, warp engines, and shields. RB-12s replaced the RB-9s and two additional ports were installed. All photon torpedoes were upgraded to RP-5s for easier maintenance. The alterations resulted a 10% rise in power and a 20% improvement in efficiency. The tactical upgrades, increased firepower by 83%. The Type 2 was produced until 2302. A total of 39 newly constructed hulls were commissioned. Out of those, 5 are recorded as destroyed, 1 as missing, and 4 as scrapped. A total of 76 Type 2s were refit to the Type 3 by 2370.

Notably, the Type 3 saw enhancements in its primary computer, weapon, and shield system. The RSW shield required the refit of the V-37’s RCD cloaking device with a 3rd generation model, but the type was successfully relaunched in 2337 It remained in general service until 2380. serving against the Gorn,and Klingons. A total of 76 Type 3s were fielded, Of the 76 Type 3s, 7 were destroyed, and 1 was captured, 2 are listed as missing and 8 have been scrapped. The remainder were eventually refit.

In 2370, rumors of an aggressive government on the far side of the Bajoran wormhole galvanized the Romulans. Military and political leaders realized there were several possibilities. Should this new foe attack the Federation, the Empire would be in a far better place to take advantage of a depleted Star Fleet. The possibility of the hated Klingons joining the battle was even more appealing. If the Alliance won, the Romulans could strike and if it lost, the Empire might need to fight this new foe while they themselves were being most likely significantly under-equipped. Preparations for any of these outcomes were quickly green lit. The Romulans began upgrading and modernizing a significant number of older classes, including the V-37.

The Type 4 changed the primary power from the anti-matter reactor to the micro-singularity system, providing additional power. The space savings allowed for the enlargement of the impulse drive as well as the photon torpedo systems. The other major alteration was swapping the plasma bolt for the less power-hungry plasma torpedo. Although these improvements were never used against their intended targets, they proved invaluable when the true power and danger of the Dominion was realized.

V-37s served well in a wide range of roles during the conflict, and became known as a dangerous opponent for Cardassian and Dominion forces to engage. However, by war’s end, the age of the remaining V-37 started to become evident, and the Empire began retiring them in favor of newer classes.

A total of 58 Type 4s entered service. 11 still serve with the Romulan Free States, although most are expected to be retired or sold soon. 15 are in reserve fleets (9 with the RFS and 6 with other Romulan factions), 8 have been destroyed, 1 is listed as missing, and 4 have been scrapped. 7 Type 3s have been traded to various governments and 12 were sold to help fund relocation efforts after the destruction of Romulus.

The V-37 is named from the Cordaihkh Aen, an eagle-sized avian found in the Umrika district on Romulus. Known for its loyalty and protective nature, they are often used as guardians for Romulan children in suburban and wild areas. The class was produced at the Corill Imperial Construction Drydock and Romulan Naval Construction Yards 1, 2 and 4.