New Sovietskiy Admiral Timoshenkova Missile Cruiser:


In the later part of the Twenty-First Century, the Soviet Navy was a sizeable force but there was pressure to expand even further. The United States, China, and a number of other nations were expanding their navies as well. With smaller combat vessels, the Soviet Navy concentrated on Surface Effect Ship (SES) designs but this was not considered a workable solution for larger vessels such as destroyers and cruisers.


After examining various options, the Soviet navy leadership decided that the main design which they would concentrate would be new cruiser class and would build additional frigate sized Surface Effect Ships instead of destroyers. Later a destroyer class would also be developed but that would not be for some time. In order to reduce development costs, it was decided that a relatively convention cruiser design would be constructed. A number of features were copied directly from the Svietlana class cruiser and the new cruiser class even used a modified version of the hull of the Svietlana class.


Admiral Timoshenkova was a Soviet female admiral during a series of engagements between the Soviets and the Chinese navies. These engagements occurred soon after the reformation of the Communist government within the Soviet Union. During the engagement, it is believed that her forces were able to sink a number of Chinese vessels while taking little losses themselves. In many ways the Soviet navy was in pretty poor state and that she was able to come out triumphant was incredible. Even though neither the Chinese or Soviets ever admitted these incidents occurred, these incidents are common knowledge. In large part, these incidents were related to the Chinese attempting to annex Mongolia.


Not too long after the incidents were resolved, admiral Timoshenkova was promoted to a senior position within the Soviet naval leadership. Many other former Russian admirals were dismissed when the Communists took control from the oligarches that had controlled Russia for decades. Both her victories and the fact that she untainted allowed her to survive. As time went on, she became one of the chief forces behind the Navy building new vessels instead of simply refitting old vessels. In many ways the navy is luck that she prevailed because it turned out far superior than it might otherwise.


The lead ship of the Admiral Timoshenkova class was laid down in 2086 and was commissioned about four years later. As is common with the first of a class, there were a number of development issues. However, the plan was for around two ships to be laid down every three years. Later build times were reduced to some extent. It is unknown how many were planned total because the coming of the Great Cataclysm interrupted the program. Still, by the time of the Great Cataclysm, there had been a total eight vessels having been completed and a ninth was in its final stages of completion.


As the newest and most capable warships in the Soviet navy, these cruisers were assigned the best captains in the Soviet Navy and often acted as flagships. Unfortunately, the fates of these cruisers is unknown although most likely many were destroyed by the cataclysm. New Navy records indicate that at least half of these cruisers were underway when the world was decimated. Still, if any of these vessel survived the magical storms intact, the high strength composites and alloys should be virtually immune to corrosion.


As described earlier, the hull design of the Admiral Timoshenkova class is fairly conventional and is based on the previous Svietlana class cruiser. One change however is that the Admiral Timoshenkova class uses a pair of pod style propeller units which are powered electrically from two powerful fusion reactors. Unlike the Svietlana class cruiser, fusion turbines are not used as a pair of far more powerful conventional design fusion reactors are used. Combined with some limited hull refinements, these more powerful fusion reactors increased top speed of the Admiral Timoshenkova class to around thirty-six knots.


In order to speed construction of the older post Soviet reformation designs, it was decided to forgo any major measures to reduce the radar cross signature of larger warship designs. Only a few light patrol designs incorporated such features. However, with the Admiral Timoshenkova class, some measure of reducing radar cross signature was incorporated into the design. Still, American warships designs of the period incorporated far greater measures to reduce radar cross signature.


As with the older Svietlana class cruiser, the Admiral Timoshenkova class mounts two completely different radar systems. One is the “Morning Star II” active phased array radar which uses a single rotating phased array panel and is virtually identical to the system carried on the older Svietlana class except the system is designed to track more targets and the array is actually slightly lighter. In reality, this system is considered more of a backup system than a main system but still is quite capable.


However, the primary system is the “Owl Hunter” phased array radar system which comprises of four active phased panels and is far more capable than the older Soviet “Pod Hunter” system. While it is still not generally as capable as the most advanced American radar systems of the time period, the system is a great advance in both targeting and in range compared to the previous system. Later the same system was incorporated in the new Soviet destroyer class as well as being planned for the new Soviet carriers which had been laid down just before the coming of the Rifts.


An important secondary role of the cruiser is anti-submarine warfare. New sonar systems were developed for the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruisers in addition to the new radar systems. Largely based on previous designs, these system still improved range to some extent. At least with regard to range, they were generally considered about equal to American sonar systems. However, they were not considered to quite have the tracking capabilities and accuracy of the best sonar systems fitted to American surface ships.


Instead of carrying different types of launchers for different types of missiles, as was the case with the Svietlana class cruiser, a more flexible vertical missile launcher was designed. While denied by the Soviet navy, most Western naval experts believe that the systems are largely copies of the old American Mk-41 vertical launch systems. These launchers has been exported to a number of nations around the world and would not be hard for the Soviet navy to study the system and develop their own.


In common with the American launchers, the launcher comes in three basic types. One is considered “strategic / strike length” and can carry all types of missiles including medium range, long range, and cruise missiles. A second is considered “tactical length” and is a bit shorter and can fire medium range and long range missiles. A final is considered “self defense length” and is quite a bit shorter than either and is only able to carry medium range missiles. Payloads for launchers are a single cruise missile, a pair of long range missiles, or four medium range missiles per cell.


Mounted forward and aft of the main superstructure of the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser are sixty-four cell “strike length” launchers. Originally it was planned for “self defense length” eight cell launchers to be mounted on the sides of the hull. However, the design was modified during construction so that the eight cell launchers could be of “tactical length” instead. This added greater flexibility although these are still normally loaded exclusively with medium range missiles which are used for middle point defense.


Normal missile load out is one hundred and ninety-two medium range missiles with sixty-four of the missiles carried in the side launchers. In addition, the Admiral Timoshenkova class usually carries one hundred and twenty-eight long range missiles and thirty-two cruise missiles. If the cruiser is expecting is supporting amphibious operations, a larger number of cruise missiles are nor normally carried at the expense of long or medium range missiles.


For inner point defense, the Admiral Timoshenkova class carries four Kashstan CAD-N-6 point defense mounts with mounts on effectively the corners of the superstructure. Each mount carries both short range missile launchers and a rapid fire point defense laser. The laser is similar to soviet heavy combat rifles and fires a four blast burst. The weapon is relatively short ranged but is still quite effective. Unlike previous classes, these mounts were part of the initial design not replacing previous point defense weaponry.


As with previous cruiser classes, the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser carries 152 mm gun mounts based on Soviet artillery systems. One gun mount is mounted forward of the forward vertical launch missile systems and the other is on the fantail of the cruiser. Instead of carrying single barrel mounts, as with the Svietlana class, the newer cruiser design carries twin mounts in common with the Alexandr Nevskiy class. Compared to older 152 mm naval gun systems, these gun mounts are of an electro-thermal design with a longer range. In addition, more projectiles can be carried in spite of the fact that the actual magazines are smaller due to not needing to carry large propellant charges.


For anti-submarine warfare, the ship carries five twenty-one inch torpedo tubes on each side. Compared to the Svietlana class, the number of torpedoes carried in the magazines is increased by the launchers themselves are virtually identical. In addition, the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser carries a short range torpedo box launcher which is designed to carry interceptor torpedoes for use against close targets and against incoming torpedoes. This launcher is mounted on almost the very bow forward of the twin 152-mm mount.


Even though far more powerful, crew compliment is still slightly reduced compared to the Svietlana class. Even so, the designers were loath to decrease the crew any further. Still, the ship carries advanced automation and many tradition jobs are unnecessary. These include the stripping and repainting of the vessel due to the fact that the composites and alloys are virtually immune to corrosion. Still, the crew is needed for roles such as damage control and emergency manning. Crew quarters are considered very comfortable but are not as luxurious as previous classes like the Kirov and Slava classes which were built in the old Soviet Union before the collapse. The ship is fitted with flag facilities as they were designed to operate as flagships.


 In addition to the crew, the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser carries a large number of troops. The cruiser is designed to carry eighty troops including light cyborg soldiers. From the design phase, the vessel was designed to carry heavy cyborgs in addition to the standard troop compliment in special compartments. A total of twenty heavy cyborgs can be carried. Some are usually fitted with flight pack in order to fill a similar role to power armors aboard Western naval designs.


The Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser features quite a large hanger. Can almost be consider analogous ro the American Raymond Fox class destroyer in that respect. A total of four VTOL aircraft can be embarked aboard the Admiral Timoshenkova class cruiser with the Yak-228 “Minstrel” tilt rotor usually carried. Normally these aircraft are anti-submarine designs but on occasion troop transport VTOL aircraft have been known to be embarked.


Author Note: With respect to time line, these designs may or may not reflect our modern time line. The time line of these writeups diverged from our time line starting around 1999. Consider the universe that these designs are created for to be an alternate universe not bound by ours.


Model Type: Admiral Timoshenkova class Missile Cruiser.

Vehicle Type: Ocean, Missile Cruiser.

Crew: 323; 34 officers, 289 petty officers and enlisted crew members.(Has a high degree of automation and can be run effectively by 160 crew members) The ship also can carry a flagship staff of up to 36 personnel when acting as a flagship.

Troops: 20 helicopter crew members, 80 troops for shipboard defense (including partial conversions and light cyborgs), and 20 heavy cyborg soldiers (usually with jet packs).


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

 

4

Yak-228B“Minstrel” ASW / Utility Tilt-Rotor Aircraft.

M.D.C. by Location:

 

Bridge:

750.

 

[1] “Owl Hunter” Soviet AEGIS Phased Array Radar Panels (4, superstructure):

250 each.

 

[1] “Morning Star II” Active Phased Array Radar (1, superstructure):

250.

 

152 mm Electro-Thermal Cannon Barrels (4, cannon mounts):

100 each.

 

152 mm ERK-152-2 Twin Barrel Electro-Thermal Cannon Mounts (2, forward & aft):

250 each.

 

CADS-N-6 Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems (4, corners of superstructure):

225 each.

 

Strike Length 64-Cell Vertical Launch Missile Systems (2, forward & aft):

450 each.

 

Tactical Length 8-Cell Vertical Launch Missile Systems (2, sides):

150 each.

 

21 inch (533 mm) Quintuple Mount Type Torpedo Launchers (2, sides):

100 each.

 

Killer Dart “Interceptor” Torpedo Launcher (1, forward):

80.

 

[2] Chaff / Decoy Launchers (4, superstructure):

10 each.

 

Hanger (aft):

600.

 

VTOL / Helicopter Pad (aft):

300.

 

Outer Hull (per 40 foot / 12.2 meter area):

100.

 

[3] Main Body:

4,000.

Notes:

[1] Destroying “Owl Hunter” AEGIS active phased array panels will disable primary long range search and fire control systems. However, the “Morning Star II” rotating active phased array radar acts as medium range radar but does not have the ability to track as many targets. In addition, standard robot sensors for the time period, not needing large antennas to be effective, were installed in well-protected points in the hull as secondary systems. As well, “Owl Hunter” phased array radar panels can partially compensate for each other.

[2] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the attacker to make a “called shot,” but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.

[3] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.


Speed:

Surface: 41.5 mph (36 knots/ 66.7 kph).

Range: Effectively unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries two months of supplies on board.


Statistical Data:

Draft:    25.59 feet (7.8 meters) including sonar dome.

Length:  552.82 feet (168.5 meters) waterline and 606.96 feet (185.0 meters) overall.

Width:   75.46 feet (23.0 meters)

Displacement: 11,200 tons standard and 16,400 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 800 tons (726 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ship’s officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship’s spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.

Power System: Two nuclear fusion reactors, average life span is 20 years. Usually only goes 10 years between refueling.

Black Market Cost: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 1 billion to 1.2 billion credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.


WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. Two (2) Double Barrel 152 mm ERK-152-2 Electro-Thermal Naval Guns: The ship carried two double barrel turrets mounted in front and behind the main superstructure. Cannon has a special recoil system to reduce felt recoil. The projectile is loaded into the barrel, behind which there is a “propellant”, which is a dot of light metal. A powerful electromagnetic force is applied to the metal, which causes its atoms to “switch” directions. This happens so violently that the metal turns to plasma, and this expanding gas then drives the projectile forward. The weapon has greater range than conventional 152 cannons. The gun mounts can rotate 360 and has a 90 arc of fire. The weapon mount is heavily automated and is capable against other ships, against ground targets, and against aircraft. Plasma rounds are a late pre-Rifts innovation and are rare and expensive.

    Maximum Effective Range: 22.9 miles (19.9 nautical miles / 36.9 km) for standard projectiles and 37.3 miles (32.4 nautical miles / 60.0 km) for rocket propelled rounds.

    Mega-Damage: Standard Projectiles: 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 feet (7.7 meters) for High Explosive, 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 6 feet (2 meters) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 4D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 feet (7.7 meters) for Plasma. Rocket projectiles: 2D4x10 to a blast radius of 20 feet (6.1 meters) for High Explosive, 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 4 feet (1.2 meters) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 20 feet (6.1 meters) for Plasma. Use the statistics for 155 mm artillery warheads (Go to Battlefield Artillery for Rifts for more information - standard or rocket assisted as appropriate) when using artillery rounds.

    Rate of Fire: Up to four (4) single shots per barrel/cannon per melee round (Can fire up to 8 shots per turret per melee round.)

    Payload: 800 rounds each turret for a total of 1,600 rounds.

  2. Four (4) Kashstan CADS-N-6 CIWS Systems: One is mounted on each of the four corners of the ship’s superstructure. Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems which combines both a rapid fire laser and a short range missile launchers. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking systems. Short range missiles are designed to be able to track and target multiple missiles simultaneously. Laser system fires four blast bursts and is capable of destroying missiles and inflicting serious damage on aircraft. Laser is similar to the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle with extended range. System can be targeted against surface targets and ground targets.

    Maximum Effective Range: Laser Cannons: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega Damage: Laser Cannons: 1D6x10 for four blast burst. Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type - Usually fragmentation warheads (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Laser Cannons: Six (6) attacks per melee. (+2 to strike aircraft; +3 to strike missiles.) Short Range Missiles: can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volley of two (2), three (3), or four (4) short range missiles per launcher. Can fire up to two (2) times per melee round in place of gun fire.

    Payload: Laser Cannons: Effectively unlimited. Short Range Missiles: Thirty-two (32) short range missiles per mount.

  3. Two (2) Strike Length 64-Cell Vertical Launch Systems: Launchers are mounted with one forward of the superstructure and the other aft of the superstructure. Believed to be virtually a copy of the very reliable American Mk-41Vertical Launch System which dated back to the previous century and was exported to numerous allied nations. The strike length launcher can carry cruise missiles, long range missiles, and medium range missiles. Anti-Submarine rocket launched torpedoes can be fired from the launcher (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Maximum Effective Range: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), sixteen (16), or thirty-two (32) missiles for both launchers per melee and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.

    Payload: Sixty-four (64) cells for missiles in forward VLS launcher and sixty-four (64) cells for missiles in aft VLS launcher (possible total of 256 long range missiles.) One (1) cruise missile, two (2) long range missiles, or four (4) medium range missiles may be carried per cell. The cruiser normally carries one hundred and twenty-eight (128) medium range missiles, one hundred and twenty-eight (128) long range missiles, and thirty-two (32) cruise missiles total in these launchers. Ship carries no reloads.

  4. Two (2) Tactical Length 8-Cell Vertical Launch Systems: Mounted on the sides of the cruiser on slightly raised platforms. Believed to be virtually a copy of the very reliable American Mk-41Vertical Launch System which dated back to the previous century and was exported to numerous allied nations. These are too short to be able to fire cruise missiles but have been adapted to be carry two long range missiles or four medium range missiles per cell. Cruiser normally carries sixty-four medium range missiles in launchers. Anti-Submarine rocket launched torpedoes can be fired from these launchers (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details) but are rarely carried.

    Maximum Effective Range: As per long range or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: As per long range or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volley of two (2), four (4), or sixteen (16) missiles for both launchers per melee and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.

    Payload: Eight (8) missile cells in each VLS launcher for a total of sixteen (16) cells (Can carry a total of 32 long range missiles.) Two (2) long range missiles, or four (4) medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Usual missile load is sixty-four (64) medium range missiles. Ship carries no reloads.

  5. Two (2) Quintuple 533 mm Torpedo Launchers: Mainly design for anti-submarine warfare but can also be used against surface targets. There is one launcher on each side of the ship with five tubes each. They fire a heavy twenty-one inch (533 mm) torpedo, larger than those fired by the surface ships of the United States and allies. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest U.S. torpedo designs of the time period. There is an automatic torpedo loading system which reduces time required to reload and fire. These torpedoes are considered the equivalent of smart missiles and have advanced tracking and avoidance systems that give them a +5 to strike, +3 to dodge, and two attacks per melee until they strike their target or run out of fuel.

    Maximum Effective Range: Conventional Torpedoes: 40 miles (34.8 nautical miles / 64 km). Rocket Boosted Torpedoes: Rocket: 120 miles (104.3 nautical miles / 193 km). Torpedo: 20 miles (17.4 nautical miles / 32 km).

    Mega-Damage: Conventional Torpedoes: By heavy torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.) Rocket Boosted Torpedoes: By medium torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire heavy torpedoes one at a time or in volleys of two (2), three (3), or five (5) heavy torpedoes per side. Reloading all five tubes takes one full melee round.

    Payload: Five (5) heavy torpedoes/ missiles each launcher for a grand total of ten (10) heavy torpedoes/missiles [Has thirty (30) heavy torpedoes/missiles for reloads.]

  6. One (1) Killer Dart “Interceptor” Short Range Torpedo Launcher: The launcher is mounted on the bow of the vessel. These so called “Killer Darts” are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They mount in a similar position to the ASW Rail launchers carried on late Twentieth Century Soviet vessels. In contrast, American and European designers prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and even against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.

    Maximum Effective Range: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Mega-Damage: By light torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight (8) light interceptor torpedoes per melee round.

    Payload: Sixty-four (64) Interceptor torpedoes.

  7. Four (4) Chaff / Decoy Launchers: Located in the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. All four launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles) and reduce effects of launchers by 10% per launcher not used (Add +10% to rolls per launcher not used.) Only useful against missiles, not useful against torpedoes underwater.

    Range: Around Ship.

    Mega Damage: None.

    Effects:

    01-35

    Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud - Missiles are all destroyed.

     

    36-60

    Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in wrong direction (May lock onto another target.)

     

    61-00

    No effect, enemy missile or missile volley is still on target.

    Payload: Twenty-four (24) each for a total of ninety-six (96) canisters.

Special Systems:

The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:


[ Altarain TM, Bandito Arms TM, Brodkil TM, Chipwell Armaments TM, Coalition States TM, Cyber-Knight TM, Federation of Magic TM, Free Quebec TM, Golden Age Weaponsmiths TM, Horune TM, Iron Heart Armaments TM, Kankoran TM, Kittani TM, Kydian TM, Larsen’s Brigade TM, M.D.C. TM, Mechanoids TM, Mega-Damage TM, Megaversal Legion TM, Millennium Tree TM, Mutants in Orbit TM, Naruni Enterprises TM, Naut’Yll, New Navy TM, New Sovietskiy TM, NGR TM, Nog Heng TM, Northern Gun TM, Phase World TM, Psyscape TM, Rifter TM, SAMAS TM, S.D.C. TM, Shemarrian TM, Splugorth TM, Stormspire TM, Sunaj TM, Tolkeen TM, Triax TM, Wellington Industries TM, Wilk’s Laser Technologies TM, Xiticix TM, and Zaayr TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

[ Beyond the Supernatural®, Heroes Unlimited®, Nightbane®, Ninjas & Superspies®, Palladium Fantasy®, and Rifts® are registered trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]


Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).


Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2002 & 2017, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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