K-27 (Grim Reaper) Class VI Escort

 
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Romulan and Coreward Boarders
Data Reliability: B for all models
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence

The K-27, encountered by two of the ships from Operation Dixie, had never been reported by any other Star Fleet vessels. Sub-space radio transmissions, intercepted during Operation Dixie, and information gained from Project Grey Ghost have supplied all the information to date.

The bridge section and boom of the K-27 is similar to that of the K-23, and much of this forward design appears to have been borrowed completely from the early models of the more-recognizable escort. As will be noticed in the data, the forward-mounted beam weapons are in the same locations and firing arcs as are those of the early K-23s. The most noticeable feature of the K-27 is the single warp engine. Mounted on a pylon at the rear of the vessel, it is capable of being jettisoned, leaving the ship mostly intact. As of this printing, it is unknown whether the bridge section can be detached.

The introduction of a second model around Stardate 2/19 indicates possible unsatisfactory performance by the original model. The only change reported by Operation Dixie was the exchange of the forward-firing KD-8 disrupter for a KP-2 torpedo. Sub-space communications also indicate that some of these vessels are equipped with the KCB cloaking device. Please note that if the vessel is operating with the cloak activated, it will be considerably harder to detect, due to the single engine.

Observers in the Romulan Empire were the first to identify the K-27D in early 2289. Believed to have been launched a year earlier, the D model saw an improvement in the firing arcs and shield systems of the original craft. Several of these models were detected in the Triangle protecting Klingon shipments in the region. An E model was scanned at long range sometime after 2299, but was later determined to be in operation well before that time. Sensors indicated that the craft’s aft weaponry had been upgraded, however the Star Fleet vessel responding to the Orion raider that had been attacked could not get more detailed information when the vessel cloaked. The model was never scanned again, indicating that the E model may not have been placed into production.

Tellarite traders encountered a K-27 which was later designated the K-27F. The mercenaries, hoping to have encountered older Klingon freighters, quickly found themselves facing three of the new K-27F. The encounter confirmed that the K-27’s aft weaponry had indeed been upgraded along with the addition of hull plating protecting vulnerable areas of the escort. The Klingons later formally requested extradition of the mercenaries, but did not mention what vessels had taken part in the encounter.

In 2342, a new version of the K-27 was believed to be under construction. Although this new model would not be confirmed until the advent of the Dominion War, it was detected by deep space probe vessels along the Romulan and Kinshya boarders. When finally scanned up close during the Dominion War, the K-27I was a marked improvement over previous versions. Using a third generation iteration of the KWG-3 warp nacelle, the improved weapon load and sensors made the K-27I formidable as a gun platform. The efficient and powerful KST shield was the real surprise, giving the K-27I longevity against most heavier combat platforms. Although the K-27I was still listed as an escort, if found itself pressed into the role of destroyer all throughout the war.

Reports indicate 200 of these vessels remain in active service. Reports received from Project Grey Ghost suggest that some early models of these vessels operated along the Romulan border coreward. Currently, the K-27 is believed to be used along the Kinshaya boarder, but is occasionally seen in other regions held by the Klingons. The manufacturing facility for these ships had never been confirmed; however, the shipyard at Gerly was believed to be producing these vessels.

The name derives from the Klingon chenmoHwI’ QongDaq, which translates to “the maker of the dead”.