Z-7 (Great Legion Carrier) Class XIII Battleship

design by Morgan Donovan

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

The development of the Klingon L-24 battleship and the early launch of the Excelsior class in the Federation created a significant concern within the Romulan Senate in mid-2290s. Although the Z-1 Nova class had proven itself capable, with a Type 2 expected to be launched before 2290, may felt that impressive capabilities of these designs were still insufficient for the Empire’s needs.

To rectify the situation, several Senators, backed by leadership of the Navy, pushed through a proposal to develop the Z-7, a design intended to expand on the capabilities of existing battleships. Called the D’Khellrea Arnasorr, or “Great Legion Carrier“, the design was touted as being “the ultimate expression of the greatness of the Romulan people.”

The Z-7 was one of the largest and most expensive vessels built by the Romulan Star Empire to date, with operating costs estimated at nearly twice that of other frontline combat platforms. With a significant contingent of ground troops and numerous fighter craft, the Z-7 could easily engage other vessels of similar or larger size with an excellent chance of success.

The Type 1’s tactical systems were nearly identical to those of the Z-1, allowing for quick integration of the Z-7 into production lines. The onboard fighter wings, consisting of a mix of RAV-33 and RAV-37 aerospace fighters allowed the Z-7 to extend its first strike capability well beyond the range of other Romulans vessels.

The first Z-7 launched was not the prototype, but rather the Galae Rihannsa, believed to have been launched in October of 2287. Her sister-ship, D’Khellrea Arnasorr is thought to have joined her later that year. Production continued through 2291 but was halted shortly after the signing of the Khitomer Accords. Although the Z-7 was an extremely successful design, it’s significant operating costs forced planners to reallocate funds to other projects.

The Z-7 remained in operation 2300s, serving in conflicts with the Gorn, Klingons and even the Federation. It’s capabilities and survivability earmarked it for upgrade in 2304. One year later, the Type 2 was launched with some fanfare.

Using the more powerful RWG-2 warp drive, designers also increased the impulse drive, giving the Type 2 a nearly identical maneuverability curve to it’s older cousin, the Z-1. The large torpedo spread, a distinct advantage for the Z-7, also saw a systems upgrade. The Type 2 was also equipped with a second generation cloaking device, far more efficient than the previous version.

By the mid-2330’s however, the Z-7, and a number of other designs, were being considered for further upgrades. Unable to procure victory against the Federation year before, and still embroiled in the never ending conflict with the Klingons, planners continued to analyze reports from the far flung regions of the Alpha and Beta quadrants. It was clear that enemies like the Cardassians, Breen and Tholians could one day be a significant danger to the Empire. Several Z-7 were earmarked to be upgraded to a new dreadnought design, the Z-17. The remaining hulls would not see a significant upgrade until the 2350’s.

Finally fielded in 2353, the Type 3, the last variant of the Z-7, was a significant improvement over the earlier designs. As with most Romulan upgrades, the Type 3 saw an increase in firepower as well as defensive capabilities. The Type 3 also saw significant hull reinforcement, giving the Z-7 increase survivability during combat. The Type 3 would go on to serve against the Gorn, the Cardassians and eventually in the Dominion War.

Of the 10 Z-7s built, 1 Type 1 was destroyed. 4 Type 2s were converted to L-17 dreadnoughts. 2 Type 3s were destroyed, 1 was captured by Cardassian forces and 2 were scrapped.