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Thunderer class frigate

Class description
Frigates (FF) are a class of smaller to midsize warships, capable of independent operations but best supported with corvettes and destroyers or part of a larger formation. These warships have a conventional gun based design philosophy and carry little missile armament, and generally no torpedo armament. They specialize in anti-naval and anti-airship operations. This prioritization means AA capabilities are suboptimal compared to destroyers. Anti-sub weapons are usually not present. Carrying a comparably small powerplant, they have fewer defensive measures compared to the average destroyer. This class evolves via the light cruisers into the Dreadnought class of (pocket) battleships.

The ship
The Thunderer class heavy frigate is, together with the Valkyrie class and the older Superiority class, the heaviest frigate class available. It is designed to be a direct upgrade to the Supremacy, following the same general design philosophy of rapid fire, 180mm guns in a light hull with reasonable speed.

The Thunderer is designed, like the Endeavour and Supremacy before it, to be an alrounder. The guns will work well in most situations, either against aircraft, surface ships or airships. The guns are the same as Supremacy, having a higher railcharge than the Endeavour. This allows it to fire both AP and HESH based shells. Contrasting to the Supremacy's twin 180mm mounts, the Thunderer has quad 180mm guns. The RoF has increased from 140 RPM to 190 RPM.
A heavier powerplant, producing roughtly 10.000 power per engine (2 engines total) means that a heavier defensive system can be used, consisting out of a heavier LAMS installation as well as light shielding. More powerful propellors increase the ships' speed to 29 m/s, aiding in combat flexibility. Finally, a CIWS/AA gun in the rear and missile interceptors complete the ships' defensive department.

Compared to the Supremacy, the ship is a straight upgrade by all means; offensive and defensive. It does feature the same main characteristics and allows the captain to select the main ammo type (AP or HESH). AP works best against lighter, more spcious armour and more LAMS heavy craft, while HESH works better against thicker armour and more compacted designs. Experiment and find what suits you best, although HESH is advised in most cases.

The Resolve class light cruiser is the next in line, and completes the 180mm line of gunships. The Thunderer also stood at the basis for the Valkyrie, a heavy gun variant featuring 300mm main guns that will ultimately lead up to the Jupiter and Orion class of Dreadnoughts.

NOTE: This ship is still being finetuned, so expect new, improved versions to come along.
Basic stats:
Cost: 352k
L/W/H: 124m/ 21m / 28m
Speed: 29 m/s
Turningcircle: 650m
Firepower: 160 (HESH), 170 (AP)
Armament:
APS: Quad 180mm guns in three turrets
60mm CIWS/AA in aft turret
Missiles:
12 medium, remote guided missiles in central VLS
A variety of AA missiles in turreted mounts
Autoguns two twin autogun turrets in front of the central superstructure
Armour:
2m alloy (nominal), 3m alloy, or alloy HA composite reinforcements.