U.S. Coast Guard Walcott class High Endurance Cutter:


While the “Legend” class cutter was designed to replace the old Hamilton class cutter, only eight were planned to replace the twelve of the older class. New tensions arose including the rebirth of the Soviet state, tensions with India, and the growth of many smaller powers. The U.S. Navy became more stretched and as a result, there was also more stress on the Coast Guard.


As a result, it was decided to once again expand the Coast Guard. The number of high endurance and medium endurance coast guard cutters were both expanded along with the number of patrol boats and small craft. Initially a total of eight new high endurance cutters were authorized. This new class of eight vessels became known as the Walcott class, named after Oliver Walcott, the second United States Secretary of the Treasury. He served from 1795 to 1800. Later he served as a circuit judge and as governor of Connecticut.


In development was the design of more advanced cutter designs but initially it was decided to base the design on already existing designs. The Walcott class is largely based on the previous Legend class cutter design. There were a number of heavier armed variant of the large cutter design and these upgrades were incorporated into the new cutter design. As a result, it is much heavier armed than the previous class and was in effect the equal of many frigates.


The development of the new cutter was on the eave of the revolution in the new high strength composites and alloys. As a result, these advanced materials were incorporated in these vessels. The first of the class had actually been laid down but was cancelled and restarted using the advanced materials. As a result of these new materials, the cutters were just about immune to corrosion in addition to being able to withstand far greater damage than previous designs.


Initially, these vessels were built with a power plant which combined cruising diesels with gas turbine engines for high speed operations. Because of the additional weaponry, total fuel was cut, decreasing endurance from twelve thousand nautical miles to eight thousand nautical miles. Maximum speed was approximately the same however, around twenty eight knots.


With the introduction of high efficiency fusion turbines, the original LM-2500 was replaced with a more powerful fusion turbine. This single fusion turbine produced more power than the combined diesel and gas turbine engines along with giving virtually unlimited endurance. A par of smaller fusion turbines replaced the original diesel engines to give a measure of redundancy. With the new engines, top speed increased to around thirty-two knots.


Originally, these vessels mounted a single lightweight Mk 48 vertical launch system for Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) but was later replaced by Mk 55 vertical launch system. This gives the vessel a total of eight ready to fire medium range missiles with forty-eight additional missiles for a total of fifty-six missiles. When a missile is fired, the medium range launcher automatically reloads from the below decks magazine. Above the hanger was originally fitted a twenty-millimeter Phalanx CIWS system. This was later replaced by the “Sea Sabre” mount combining a rail gun with short range missiles. Originally, a pair of .50 caliber machine guns were mounted on the sides of the vessel with a pair of USA-M31 rail guns replacing them.


A three inch super rapid gun is mounted forward of the vertical launch missile systems. It is able to engage surface targets as well as far moving aircraft. It can even engage incoming missiles. Unlike most of the vessel’s other weapon systems, the guns were not replaced in later refits. On the stern as well are triple torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare although usually such roles are performed by embarked helicopters. There was some consideration given to mounting tubes for long range anti-vessel missiles but these were never fitted.


As far as electronics, the original EADS 3D TRS-16 Air Search Radar mounted on the Legend class was replaced by the SPS-88 Phased Array Radar System. The same system was mounted in the Richard E. Byrd class frigates and the radar was extensively exported as well. The system was extremely powerful as well as being long ranged compared to the system it replaced. For further defense against missiles, a powerful jamming array from the DDG-51 class destroyers and missile decoy systems were also fitted.


In addition to having extensive defenses against missiles and the ability to track large numbers of missiles, these cutters are fitted with an extensive sonar suite including the SQR-20 towed sonar array coupled with an extremely capable hull sonar which is quite larger than the original system carried on the Legend class. The vessel has extensive masking against sonar itself and carries towed decoys for additional defense against incoming torpedoes.


These vessels are designed to be operated by a crew of only a little over one hundred and ten crew. To achieve this small crew, the vessel mounts extensive automation. In addition, up to forty additional personnel for board parties can be embarked. Even so, small arms and body armors are provided for the entire crew, usually older U.S. Navy equipment. Even though the vessel no longer carries the stern ramp, a number of small boats are embarked. Initially no power armors were carried although in later service twelve power armors are often carried. Due to shortages in Semper-Fi power armors, the older USA-PA-04 SAMAS power armors were more commonly embarked.


Initially, these cutters usually embarked a pair of helicopters for anti-submarine or search and rescue roles. Often, drones replaced one of these helicopters. Initially the MQ-8 “Fire Scout” drone helicopter was carried although in later service this was replaced by the MQ-14 “Ghost Scout” with four usually carried. The remaining embarked helicopter is usually replaced by a single EV-84 “Kingfisher” VTOL aircraft. In most cases, as with power armors, older models are often commonly carried retired Navy equipment.


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: WMLS-780 class High Endurance Cutter.

Vehicle Type: Ocean, Frigate.

Crew: 114; 14 officers, 18 Chief Petty officers, and 72 enlisted (Has a high degree of automation).

Troops: 3 to 6 Kingfisher Crew members, 12 Power Armor Pilots (Usually PA-4A SAMAS Power Armors), and up to 28 troops for boarding parties.


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

Power Armors:

 

12

USA-PA-04A SAMAS Power Armors (Optional APA-15 “Semper Fi” with flight packs.)

Aircraft Compliment:

 

1

EV-84A Kingfisher Search and Rescue or EVS-84A Kingfisher Anti-Submarine Warfare.

 

4

MQ-14 “Ghost Scout” helicopter drones.

M.D.C. by Location:

 

Bridge:

420.

 

[1] SPS-88 Rotating Active Phased Array Radar System:

120.

 

[2] OTO-Melara Mk 75 Single Barrel 3 inch (76-mm)/62-cal DP Barrel (1, gun mount):

60.

 

OTO-Melara Mk 75 Single Barrel 3 inch (76-mm)/62-cal DP Gun Mount (1, forward):

180.

 

[2] USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns (2, sides):

50 each.

 

Mk 55 Medium Range 8 Cell Vertical Launch System (1):

300.

 

Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (1, above hanger):

200.

 

Mk 32 Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Medium Torpedo Launcher (1, port fantail):

40.

 

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

10 each.

 

Hanger (aft):

300.

 

VTOL Pad (aft):

200.

 

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

80.

 

[3] Main Body:

1,050.

Notes:

[1] Destroying the SPS-88 rotating phased array radar panel will destroy the vessel’s main fire control systems but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors.)

[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 vessel to lose structural integrity, causing the vessel to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the vessel.


Speed:

Surface: 36.8 mph (32 knots/ 59.3 kph).

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


Statistical Data:

Draft:    24.5 feet (7.5 meters) including hull sonar.

Length:  418 feet (127.4 meters).

Width:   54 feet (16 meters).

Displacement: 4,100 tons standard and 4,500 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 120 tons (108.8 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Vessel’s officers have more space for personal items. Most of the vessel’s spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.

Power System: Originally conventional diesel and gas turbine propulsion, converted to two nuclear fusion turbine reactors with an average life span of 20 years.

Market Cost: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 120 to 150 million credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.


Weapon Systems:

  1. One (1) OTO-Melara 3 inch (76-mm) 62-cal DP Mk 75 Naval Gun: The vessel mounts a rapid fire three inch gun mount forward of the superstructure and missile launchers. These mounts were reinforced before being mounted on the Walcott class cutters and come from older Perry and Bear class vessels. The main weaknesses of the gun are its relatively short range and the fact it cannot use rocket assisted projectiles. The gun was carried on many vessel classes around the world until well into the Twenty First century. The guns can be used against other vessels, ground targets, aircraft, and even missiles. Theses guns were among the smallest that could use a proximity fuse for their warheads.

    Maximum Effective Range: 4.9 miles (4.3 nautical miles/8.0 km) for standard projectiles.

    Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 1D4x10 M.D.C. with 10 foot (3 meters) blast radius per single shot and 3D4x10 M.D.C. with 20 foot (6.1 meters) blast radius for three round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D6x10 M.D.C. with 4 foot (1.2 meters) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10 M.D.C. with 8 foot (2.4 meter) blast radius for three round burst. Plasma: 2D4x10 M.D.C. with 12 foot (3.7 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D4x10 M.D.C. with 25 foot (7.6 meter) blast radius for three round burst.

    Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (Three round bursts count as one attack.)

    Payload: 320 rounds. Vessel normally carries usually carries 120 High Explosive, 120 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 80 Plasma.

  2. Two (2) USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns: Originally M2HB .50 Caliber Machine Guns were fitted in these locations. These weapons are mounted with one on either side of the superstructure for defense against small boats and similar threats. Not considered effective against aircraft or missiles. These rail gun mounts were identical to those carried on the PA-04A SAMAS power armor although outfitted with a double sized ammunition drum. The rail gun has fewer bursts and is heavier but the rail gun inflicts more damage than the post Rifts C-40R.

    Weight: Rail Gun: 110 lbs (49.9 kg), Double Ammo Drum: 280 lbs (127.0 kg).

    Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

    Mega-Damage: A burst of 40 rounds inflicts 1D6x10. One round inflicts 1D4+1.

    Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (usually 4 or 5).

    Payload: Each has a 4,000 round magazine for 100 bursts.

  3. One (1) Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: Replace the original 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mount. Mounted above the hanger, this anti-missile defense system combines both a rapid fire rail gun and a short range missile launcher. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking and fire control systems. The short range missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee. Quite powerful, the rail gun is capable of destroying any missile or inflicting serious damage on aircraft. The rail gun can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee (Has +3 to strike missiles and +2 to strike aircraft). In its design, the rail gun is very similar to those carried on the Sea King cruiser and it is likely that the Sea King’s rail guns came from a prototype of this system. The system also can be used against other vessels and ground targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead.

    Maximum Effective Range: Rail Guns: 11,000 feet (2 miles / 3.2 km). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: Rail Guns: 3D4x10 M.D. per burst of 40 rounds (Can only fire bursts). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Rail Guns: Six (6) attacks per melee round. Short Range Missiles: Two (2) attacks per melee round, can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) short range missiles.

    Payload: Rail Guns: 8,000 rounds (200 burst) each. Short Range Missiles: Sixteen (16) short range missiles each.

  4. One (1) Mk 55 Medium Range Vertical Launch System: Replaces original Mk 48 Sea Sparrow vertical launcher. System is mounted behind the 76 mm gun mount. Unlike most vertical launch systems, these launchers fire the missiles on a six degree angle forward. This is because the system was initially designed for carriers and is to prevent a missile that fails on its launch from crashing the vessel. Require much less space than a Mk-41 or Mk-49 vertical launch system. The missiles are arranged in a two by four pattern, and each launch cell has six reloads. Each system can launch up to eight missiles simultaneously each and the launcher is automatically reloaded. Anti-Submarine Rocket Boosted missiles can be carried for special purposes (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

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

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

    Rate of Fire: Can fire medium range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), or eight (8) medium range missiles.

    Payload: Eight (8) medium range missiles in each launcher, with forty-eight (48) medium range missiles in magazine for automatic reloads, for a total of fifty-six (56) medium range missiles including missiles in launchers.

  5. One (1) Mk 32 Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Medium Torpedo Launcher: Mounted on the port side of the fantail, the high endurance cutter has a single triple torpedo tube mount. The torpedo tubes are 12.75 in (324 mm) wide each. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted on surface targets as well. Interceptor torpedoes are also available for launchers / tubes to use against incoming torpedoes. Cutter carries twenty-four reloads for torpedoes tubes although tubes have to be manually reloaded. For the most part torpedo warheads are equal to medium range missile warheads.

    Maximum Effective Range: 20 miles (17.4 nautical miles / 32 km) for standard torpedoes.

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

    Rate of Fire: Can fire medium range torpedoes one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or three (3) medium range torpedoes. Reloading is manual and requires one full melee round per tube.

    Payload: Three (3) medium range torpedoes in launcher with twenty four (24) medium range torpedoes for reloads.

  6. Two (2) Chaff / Decoy Launchers: Located on the superstructure of the vessel, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. Both 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 differences. 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 Vessel.

    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 forty-eight (48) canisters.

  7. Four (4) SLQ-52B Naiad Advanced Towed Torpedo Decoys: The vessel carries four advanced towed decoy drones. They are each a small automated vehicle that creates a false sonar image designed to mimic the vessels. The decoy is dragged behind the cutter using a cable. If decoys are not destroyed, they can be recovered and repaired. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies guidance and targeting systems due to technological differences.

    M.D.C.: 20 each.

    Range: Not Applicable although decoy is deployed approximately 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) from the vessel.

    Effects: The decoy has an 80% chance of fooling ordinary non military sonars and non smart guided torpedoes, the decoy has a 50% chance of fooling military level sonars (like those of the Coalition) and non “smart” torpedoes, and the decoy has a 25% chance of fooling advanced military sonars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and “smart” torpedoes.

    Rate of Fire: One can be deployed at a time and requires two (2) minutes to deploy (reel out) another decoy.

    Payload: Four (4) towed decoys.

Special Systems:

The vessel 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. ]


Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2014, 2017, & 2018, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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