L-20 (Swift) Class X Battleship

design by John J. Stevens & Forest Brown; re-draw by James H. Smith

 
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: B for A model, C for B, D and E model
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence

In the years following the abortive Federation/Klingon war of Organia, the Klingon High Command decided to design and construct a capital ship that would exceed the capabilities of any Federation vessel. Many officials believed the requirements were impossible to achieve, but when the Thoras Shipyards submitted their design, these same individuals were stunned. Here was a vessel that met and, in some cases, exceeded all the minimum standards. The L-20 designer, Captain Kangar sutai Kinzan, had proceeded under the assumption that, if cost was no consideration, anything was possible.

The L-20 prototype, the Keth Ke Se, was completed in 2271 and had the distinction of being the most expensive ship ever constructed for the Imperial Navy. This new battleship earned her name while on trials, when she single-handedly destroyed three Romulan vessels in the Triangle, taking no damage in return. Her main batteries were capable of crippling the most powerful vessels then in service.

Heavy bow and stern torpedoes give the L-20 the ability to strike hard while still maintaining high speeds. An over-sized impulse engine insures that the L-20 has plenty of maneuver power. Equipped with the best deflectors and shielding available at the time it was constructed, and given a strengthened superstructure, the L-20 prototype could take damage as well as give it. Design specifications called for Warp 6 capabilities, but the ship delivered went a step further with a speed of Warp 7

An interesting addition to the lower hull is an assault shuttle bay, which adjoins the staging area for the main transporters. This assures that a landing by the ship’s compliment of 350 marines need not be halted by transporter failure or the need to maintain shielding. The most devastating feature of the L-20 is its basic resemblance to the famed D-7 cruiser, which could lead to tragic mistakes on the part of an opposing captain.

The L-20A remained in general production until the introduction of the B model in 2287. The L-20B, a Drell inspired update, enlarged the computer, installed a cloaking device and replaced the powerful but short ranged KD-12s with longer ranged KD-6s. While the L-20’s enlarged warp nacelles did allow the pocket battleship to remain at high warp far longer than other cruisers of the day, the L-20 was quickly being outpaced by newer Federation and Romulan designs. After the destruction of Praxis, production of the L-20 nearly halted, with new vessels commissioned every few years. By 2320, all the operational L-20A’s had been converted to the B model, and many were calling for the L-20 to be removed from front line combat operations.

In 2290, designers proposed an upgrade to the L-20C. However, the design proved to be little more than a cosmetic upgrade. The prototype was subsequently destroyed in the Praxis disaster.

In 2323, Drell once again proposed an update, having absorbed house Thoras and their ship production operations. The L-20D saw improvements to nearly every primary system, including the main weapons and shields. Although only the prototype was built, initial reports indicated it was effective and capable, with upgrades being less expensive than new builds. The decision was made to upgrade the remaining L-20’s. The L-20D would go on to serve admirably against the Cardassians and Romulans until 2346.

As with the majority of the Klingon Fleet, the L-20 design was forced to be refit and updated well beyond its original design specifications. Gone were the days of mass-production of warships and support vessels. The Klingons continued to repair and upgrade many designs and ships, finding it cheaper and easier to replace warn hull material and components than to authorize complete new builds. While many of the components of the L-20 had been replaced over time, the main hull structures were over 70 years old when the L-20E was proposed. As with the L-20D, the E model saw a significant increase in automation and strengthening of internal components as well as improvements to the main power plant. The KWL power plant increased to overall ships power by over 50%, giving the L-20 far more power for combat. With an extremely powerful shield system, the L-20 again became a favorite with unit commanders.

The L-20 was initially scheduled for retirement in 2366, but remained in active operations through the Dominion War. While not the most powerful Klingon vessel fielded during the war, the L-20 did distinguish itself time and again, acting as the center piece for combat operations and ground invasions when needed. In 2380, the last L-20 was removed from active operations. Of the 20 L-20s built, 1 A and 5 Es have been destroyed in combat. 1 D and 3 Es have been scrapped. 1 B is listed as missing and is known to be operating with the IKS. 4 Es are in reserve fleets and 5 Es are in the service of ranking families in the Empire.