U.S. JHSV-21 Vigilant class Joint High Speed Vessel:


In the first few decades of the Twenty-First Century, there were a number of hot spots which required small scale interventions. There were not so much need for major amphibious operations but landing relatively small forces ashore. Even so, the military forces required in these interventions were larger than one could practically carry aboard small aircraft.


As a result, the Spearhead class joint high speed vessel was originally developed with the first one entering service in the year Twenty-Twelve. These relatively small catamaran vessels were extremely fast, able to reach speeds of over forty knots per hour with the only escorts able to keep up being the Littoral Combat Ships. Able to carry over three hundred troops for a short time and six hundred tons of cargo, these vessels were perfect for responding to hot spots around the globe. One concern however was that these vessels ride extremely roughly in heavy seas.


With the revolution in high strength composites and alloys, the warships of the navies of the world became obsolete virtually overnight. In some cases, these warships were extensively rebuilt while in other cases these warships were replaced with new vessels. In many cases, these new designs were simply modified versions of the previous vessels using the new materials.


Instead of rebuilding the Spearhead class vessels, it was decided to build a new class of joint high speed vessels. These new vessels became the Vigilant class with a total of twenty planned initially. If anything, with the reformation of the Soviet Union, hot spots around the world were becoming more common not less common. The design initially was little changed from the previous design although slightly improved engines which were more fuel efficient replaced the original diesel engines.


Soon after the revolution in advanced alloys and composites came a second revolution in power generation in the form of compact fusion systems. They gave far greater power while also giving virtually unlimited endurance. Initially they were too large to fit in tanks or armored vehicles but they were compact enough to replace aircraft engines and replace the power plants of naval vessels. Instead of replacing what were in many cases virtually new vessels, many ships were modified to replace the original engines with these fusion plants.


It was decided to modify the new Vigilant class in a similar manner. The original four diesel engines were replaced with a pair of fusion plants similar to what was mounted in many aircraft. In addition to having virtually unlimited endurance, the two fusion plants produced far greater power, around sixty thousand horsepower. The more powerful fusion plant enabled these vessels to reach speeds up to forty-six knots.


When built, these ships were originally armed with four 50 caliber mounts only in addition to whatever small arms which the troops might be carrying. The interim solution was to replace the original bullets with ramjet type round in order to keep them effective. Eventually the machine guns were replaced by rail guns but there was still an issue of missile strikes against the vessels.


Due to the concern about missile attacks, it was decided to mount a pair of Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” missile defense systems. This automated mount combines a short range fire control radar, a powerful rail gun, and short range missile launchers. Even so, the weapon system is only designed for self defense of the vessel although the rail gun is useful for engaging small craft as well. At the same time, a more effective radar replaced the original surface search only radar. Removed from retired patrol vessels,


Later in service, the standard troop and vehicle compliment was often replaced in part with power armors. Due to lack of “Semper Fi” power armors, this compliment was often older SAMAS power armors. A normal compliment might include thirty to sixty power armors depending on mission/role. Might in some cases carry Glitter Boy armors as well.


Unlike previous generations of naval vessels, these new composites and alloys made these ships virtually immune to the rigors of the environment including corrosion. Due to the utility of these vessels, the Navy had no plans on retiring an of them. Still, a number were maintained in an inactive reserve status. Even so, several still remained active up until the coming of the Rifts. What happened to the vessels after the coming of the Rifts is unknown however it is quite likely several might have survived.


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: Upgraded JHSV-21.

Class: Joint High Speed Vessel.

Crew: 42 (Often operated by a crew of 22.)

Troops: 104 (Long Term) or 312 (Short Term.) Troop compliment often includes from 30 to 60 power armor pilots and 4 Helicopter Pilots or VTOL Pilots / Crew.


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles (Standard):

Power Armors:

 

30

PA-04A SAMAS Power Armors (60 normal maximum.)

Fighter/Aircraft Compliment:

 

1

Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft (No hanger facilities so usually for limited periods only.)

Tanks & Other Vehicles:

 

8

USA-M-7 Jackson Main Battle Tanks.

 

14

USA-M-8 Maverick Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

 

8

USA-M-9 Morgan Missile Vehicles / USA-M-10 Galahad Self Propelled Howitzers.

M.D.C. by Location:

 

[1] Rear Flight Deck:

300.

 

Rear Vehicle Doors:

200.

 

[2] Main Bridge / Superstructure:

250.

 

[3] EADS 3D TRS-16 (SPS-75) Rotating Phased Array Radar System:

120.

 

Mk 44 Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (2):

200 each.

 

[4] USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns (4):

50 each.

 

[4] Chaff / Decoy Launchers (2):

10 each.

 

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

60.

 

[4] Main Body:

850.

Notes:

[1] If the flight deck is destroyed, no aircraft can be launched or land.

[2] If bridge / superstructure is destroyed, the ship can still be piloted from engineering but with a -15% to piloting rolls. Communication and sensor equipment are not concentrated on the bridge to reduce the effectiveness of bridge hits.

[3] Destroying the TRS-16 (SPS-75) rotating phased array radar panel will destroy the ship’s main fire control systems but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors).

[4] 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.

[5] Destroying the main body destroys propulsion and power systems, disabling the ship. The ship is fitted with advanced polymer armors that allow the ship to withstand up to -200 M.D.C. before losing structural integrity and sinking. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship including marines.


Speed:

Surface: 52.9 mph (46 knots/ 85.2 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 for a long term troop load or two weeks for a short term troop load.


Statistical Data:

Length:  337 feet 11 inches (103.0 meters).

Draft:    12 feet 7 inches (3.83 meters).

Width:   93 feet 6 inches (28.5 meters).

Displacement: 1,680 tons standard and 2,480 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 600 tons (544.3 metric tons) of non essential 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: Originally conventional diesel propulsion, converted to two nuclear fusion reactors with an average life span of 20 years.

Market Cost: Not for sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 60 million or more credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.


WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. Four (4) USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns: Originally M2HB .50 Caliber Machine Guns were fitted in these locations. These weapons are mounted with two on either side of the vessel 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.

  2. Two (2) Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: These weapon mounts are located on the sides of the vessel around midships. 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 ships 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.

  3. Two (2) Chaff / Decoy Launchers: Located on the superstructure of the ship, 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 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: 24 each for a total of 48.

Special Systems:

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



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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2015 & 2017, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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