Battlenaught Class VIII Destroyer

design by Battle Cube

NOTES:
Known sphere Of Operation:  Orion Colonies
Data Reliability:  B for A-1 and A-2 Models; C for A-3 Model
Major Data Source:  Orion Sector Intelligence

The Battlenaught was designed a direct competitor to the popular Guardian class, and has since proven itself as nearly useless in the major combat arena. Like most Orion combat vessel commercially built, the Battlenaught was built more for show than for combat. Larger than its competition, the Battlenaught mounted nine disruptors and four torpedoes. However, the power and range of these weapons were so poor as to be negligible. None the less, buyers lined up to purchase nearly a dozen of these large combat platforms, intending to refit them with far heavier weapons as soon as possible.

Despite it’s paltry ability as a destroyer, the Battlenaught was very roomy and comfortable. Each crew member had their own cabin and a number of other crew comforts were included. The sales design and strategy worked well for Orion colonial governors who wished to show off the menacing looking vessel. Only one of the 17 originally built A-1 models ever saw combat, with an attempted defense of the Orion colony of Vab. During a Klingon retaliatory strike in 2276, one Battlenaught was easily destroyed by a Klingon destroyer after it’s over zealous captain challenged the imperial vessel.

In 2277, the decision was made to actually build a successful combat design, leading to the A-2, a far more capable military vessel. Four A-2 models were contracted by the Matieve Colonial Association, with delivery in late 2278. Two had been purchased by the loyalists and two by the rebels. None of the four A-2s purchased ever fought against each other, with all four being destroyed over the years. Their combat record stood, though, and a number of colonial governors requested upgrades to the previously purchased Battlenaught.

The A-2 is distinguished primarily by it’s much heavier main disruptors, four OD-5s mounted in well covered firing arcs. Coupled with the more potent main power plant, the A-2 suffers only from a lack of shielding, rarely addressed in most Orion design. Of the 16 A-1s known to still be active, 11 have been refit to the A-2 variant. Three more are believed to have had other modifications, while two have been sold in the Triangle.

The Battlenaught would not see an upgrade until the later 2330s when various governments who still fielded the vessel insisted that a more capable and powerful version of the aging vessel be built. While no new contracts had been initiated for over 30 years, Orion shipwrights were able to put forward a plan to upgrade the remaining Battlenaughts at a cost that proved effective. By 2340, the first of the upgraded Battlenaughts was returned and proved far more effective than previous models. By 2350, all 18 remining had been upgraded and recommissioned. The A-3 model would see little action until the Dominion War when Jem’Hadar forces secured several systems controlled by the Orion Syndicate. By the end of the conflict, 3 Battlenaughts had been destroyed, 1 had been captured and 1 was badly damaged and scrapped.

The remining 13 Battlenaught A-3s continue to operate in Orion controlled ports across the Alpha quadrant. However, their age and moderate weapon load makes them little more than a patrol vessel. With the BCP and Orion Syndicate looking to take a less public interest in affairs, it is not known how much longer these vessels will be in use. Intelligence reports indicate that sales contracts for all 13 are in the works.