BH-2 Class XIII-XIV Battleship

from Starship Tactical Combat Simulator, FASA, graphics by Dana Knutson, Todd F. Marsh and Mitch O’Connell

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Federation and expansion borders
Data Reliability: C for all models
Major Data Source: Gorn Sector Intelligence

The Gorn BH-2 class battleship has proven to be both a powerful force and costly investment for one of the most territorial empires, the Gorn Alliance. As with all thing Gorn, the BH-2 is large, powerful and surprisingly successful despite a number of drawbacks typical of Gorn technology.

The BH-2 is believed to have been constructed by Clan Hss’li, who’s angular designs have become commonplace along the Federation and Romulan boarders. Although the Gorn Alliance had quickly accepted peaceful negotiations with the Federation after their initial encounter, many within the Gorn Higher arch were uncertain of their new neighbor. The BH-2A was first fielded in 2269, and was an immediate success. Like most Gorn designs, the BH-2A was not a maneuverable vessel, but was heavily armed with 8 photon torpedoes and surprisingly efficient shields. The A model also fielded 10 disruptors and a surprisingly accurate sensor suite that gave the BH-2 a tremendous targeting capabilities. The BH-2A is believed to have been involved with the first Romulan engagement of early 2271 and was the clear winner after a pitched battle. The Romulans quickly out maneuvered the BH-2; but the battleships heavily reinforced hull continued to absorb blow after blow, including several point blank Plasma torpedoes. Despite it’s ponderous maneuverability, the BH-2 managed to destroy both Romulan scouts.

While the A model was successful, by 2276, the Romulans were a serious threat to the Gorn Alliance. The Romulans had fielded new cruisers and other heavy combat craft that out gunned the BH-2A, as well at out performed the large vessel. The Hss’li clan reexamined the BH-2A, comparing it to wreckage from a second encounter with the Romulans. By 2277, with new technologies available, the BH-2B was launched. The B model was a significant improvement over the older A model, replacing the GBL-4 disruptors with the newer and more accurate GBL-8’s. The B model also used the more efficient GSN shield system, giving the battleship significantly more power for weapons and maneuverability. With a larger power plant and more powerful torpedoes, the B model became a serious hindrance to Romulan expansion plans. As with most Gorn vessels, the BH-2B has extensive hull reinforcement, but little internal shielding, making them fairly easy to locate on long range sensors.

Despite the B models success, open conflict with the Romulans soon had Gorn commander clambering for a more powerful battleship, and in 2280, an unconfirmed C model was launched. This model has never been seen or scanned, and may have been canceled after only the prototype was built. This was not the case with the later D model. The D model has been scanned on several occasions and has been observed in combat on a number of occasions. The D model seems to improve the overall power curve of the BH-2, and improved torpedoes has also been reported. To date, several have been seen along the expansion boarders, indicating that another foe may be present. These reports remain unconfirmed. Surprisingly, the Gorn seem to have recently launched an E model, despite a recent lull in the Roumulan conflict. One of these ships was scanned escorting a senior diplomatic envoy to Deep Space 12, stopping just short of the Gorn/Federation boarder. This newest model is a frightening addition to the Gorn fleet, and could indicate a new shift in power for the Alliance. The new E model mounts the most powerful Gorn engines yet seen, as well as an enlarged impulse drive. Weapons also appear to have been improved. But the most surprising aspect of the vessel was the scans of the shield systems. The new system is nearly 30% more powerful than the best the Federation had to offer. It is believed that the lower radiation shield required on Gorn vessels has allowed designers to create shield that would normally damage humanoids. Although no E model has been seen in the conflict area, this could change at any moment.

The BH-2 is still in production within the Alliance, at the Hss’li, Sls’rig and Clanhaven facilities. Both the Hss’li and Sls’rig clans have invested considerable resources in the production of BH-2. A steady pace of 3 per year has so far been maintained. Of the 75 BH-2s so far produced, 3 As, 10 Bs, 35 Ds and an estimated 10 Es are believed to be in active service. Intelligence reports indicate that 4 As and 2 Bs have been destroyed; 1 A and 1 B have been scrapped, rumors have circulated that 1 A model has disappeared without a trace. In a shockingly move, the Gorn traded a fully armed BH-2As to the Nicori Government in mid 2274. The Nicori have so far used the BH-2 along with other purchased Federation, Orion and Tellarite vessels to expand their fledgling navy. Gorn cruisers are now a common site within the Nicori system, centrally located in the Outback region.