Comanche Class XIII Assault Frigate

from Jackill’s Star Fleet Reference Manual – Ships of the Fleet Volume III – by Eric Kristiansen

 NOTES:
Described as the dreadnought of the frigate world, the Comanche Class would usher in a new era of power and flexibility for Star Fleet and the Marine division who faced increasing hostility along the Federation boarders.

For years, the Federation had faced an increasing number of Klingon Cruisers that had entire divisions of ground troops at their captains disposal. Although few battles took place on a planetary surface, Klingon boarding parties often captured freighters and other disabled craft in record time. Star Fleet was often able to catch the raiders, but did not have the strength to re-take a captured craft while conducting combat maneuvers.

The Comanche was the first tri-engine frigate design to be approved for mass production. With its enlarged power drive and increased top speed, it was felt that the Comanche would be able to arrive at trouble spots quicker than other high speed designs. But the Comanche’s requirement for troops reduced internal space and kept the Comanche from being used as a primary combat frigate. The use of the FWE-2 drive was controversial at first, and many though that the decision would doom the Assault frigates chances. But the use of the lighter and less powerful drive gave the ship tremendous maneuverability, nearly 40% more maneuverable than other designs, often able to engage destroyer sized craft successfully. With tremendous maneuverability and firepower equal to most heavy Cruisers, the Comanche was quickly adopted by both Star Fleet and the Federation Marine corp.

The Mk I was not the most powerful frigate of its time, but it was the most maneuverable. Using a trinary FWE-2 drive system, the Mk I also incorporated the Mega-phaser design that had proved popular among designers and planners alike. Needing internal space, the combat roll-bar pod was used. Although weapons components were considered vulnerable, the Comanche was able to house 120 troops in surprising comfort. The Mk I also incorporated a dual CIC design that allowed a captain and troop commander equal access to military data. Coupled with specialized multi-mission research labs, the Comanche quickly became the front runner of frigate designs.

But the Tri-engine design, like most, was unstable and difficult to maintain. Extra crew members were required for systems monitoring and engineering, requiring more living space and reducing the number of shuttle craft the frigate could carry. By 2290, the Mk I was out gunned and out classed by vessels 2/3 its size. Star Fleet began plans for the Mk II, which was launched on 2294. Immediately sent to the Triangle, the new Mk II Comanche gave Star Fleet and its interest a powerful tool for deterring aggressive moves from insurgents.

On 2317, the Comanche was again upgraded. The Mk III was a new design, incorporating both new technologies and new materials. The Mk III doubled the combat efficiency of the Mk II, extending the military power of the Federation. The Comanche was now able to operate independently of most large groups, and continued to serve to this day.

The Comanche was produced at the Vickers Shipbuilding Group Ltd., Morena Division Yards of Morena at a rate of 2 per year. Of the 52 built, two have been destroyed in combat and one was scraped after travel through an ion storm.