from FASA’s Star Trek© The Role Playing Game Supplement – Termination 1456
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: D for all models
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence
The D-23 class command ships have were produced to fill a void observed in planetary protection and fleet actions, where coordination was lacking before their introduction. Based on the K-23 class escort, the D-23 class has a bigger impulse engine and is more heavily armed and armored. This armament gave the early variants of the class weaponry comparable to the D-10 class heavy cruiser.
Ships of the D-23 class are used as flagships for fleets with at least 9 major warships. The vessels are also used as headquarters flagships by military governors in more distant parts of the Empire. The large number of extra command level staterooms gives a great deal of flexibility in the complement of these ships. Furthermore, the increased shuttle hangar facilities, with room for ten assigned shuttles and two additional ship’s boats or visiting shuttlecraft, give a large leeway in planetary operations or transporterless inter-ship visitation.
D-23 class vessels normally have a protective squadron of six K-6 patrol ships or other gunboats assigned to them during operations. These ships both protect the vessel and the Admiral and also keep a watchful eye on fleet activities. This patrol squadron is commanded by the next highest ranking captain in another vessel in the fleet.
The D-23 class vessels seem to have proven themselves in preliminary operations. For many years after their launch, few of the vessels in the Class had earned their names, largely because they were relatively new and were protected from major engagements when possible. Some of the exceptions included D-2301, Achenaar (Noble Tactician), the D-2310, Rosch-ta (Forefront Leader), D-2312, Echenear (Valiant Tactician), D-2318 Neareche (Tactical Valor), D-2319, Boschim (Wanderer), D-2323, Roernok (Bloodlust) and D-2326, Poalnaer (Ageless Tactician).
The D-23 class filled a void in the Klingon forces which, when used properly, ensured a more efficient use of fleets of warship in front-line operations. Confidence in the class led to the D-23B, which mounts the powerful KIE-2 impulse engine and increased the torpedo firepower. It is reported that one Through the early 2270’s a D-23 is was directly assigned to the Chancellor of the High Council, providing him with a mobile site for the Imperial court far more maneuverable than a bulky battleship and far safer than any Imperial yacht.
In 2285, designers began to explore possible updates to the D-23. For the next 10 standard years, designers re-engineered and retooled the D-23, with little success in truly increasing the overall ability of the craft. Many front-line commanders were turning to larger frigates and other heavy combat unity for their flagships. Even military governors, who benefited the most from the D-23, complained that the ship lacked the ability to properly coordinate both ship-to-ship fleet actions and ground operation, with the ZD-6 main computer at the limits of it’s capability. The decision was made to use a two-computer system to ensure sufficient reserve power for the wide range of missions undertaken by the D-23. While unpopular with most Klingon crews, the dual computer system did provide the needed computational upgrade and all D-23’s were converted to the D-23C. Conversion of all D-23s was completed by 2301 and the Noble Tactician remained in active service until 2330 when the first ships were placed on reserve status.
In 2315, an attempt was made to improve the D-23’s impulse system. However, this proved inconclusive and the D-23D was removed from operations within six months.
However, the need for the D-23 was thrust back to the lime-lite when the Romulans destroyed the Khitomer outpost in 2346. The on-going conflict between the two combatants heated up overnight and the empire quickly realized that a number of ships would be needed to help ensure the Romulans could not take advantage of the situation. The D-23 was quickly scheduled for upgrade, and by the end of 2346, several had been recommissioned and sent to the front lines. The D-23E would remain in service through the Cardassian conflicts and was not retired until after the Dominion war.
Of the 130 D-23s built, 2 As, 1 B, 3 Cs and 5 Es have been destroyed; 1 B, 1 C and 3 Es have been scrapped; 3 have been captured (1 B by the Romulans, 1 E by the Dominion and 1 E by the Cardassians). 5 Es are used as training vessels. 7 As are listed as missing, most believed to be part of the IKS fleet. 50 Cs and 49 E’s are now in reserve fleets. 51 As were converted to Bs. 118 Bs were converted to Cs. 64 Cs were converted to Es.