Casual Observer's "Task Force 27"

All these ships were designed using a variety of technologies from different races thanks to ISA exchange programs. These ships are seen more or less as being "over the top" designs by most of the EA admiralty. However, these ships form the backbone of an elite task force used as a "first strike" option (Task Force (TF) 27, code name "Lucifer's Legion"). The task force numbers approximately 35 ships at a time and may be supplemented by Omega and Warlock class ships in times of war. Equipped with advanced reactors and automation computers, these advancements allow the ships to mount additional, more powerful weapons while reducing crew size to just a few hundred men. There are currently 4 types of ships that use this technology.

To understand these designs, you must understand the tactics they employ. The task force uses a layer system when confronting the enemy. The first "layer" is a mix of fighters, usually a 2:1 mix of heavy and medium fighters. Heavy fighters are to engage enemy cap ships, while the medium fighters engage enemy fighters. The next layer is the Apocalypse Class Cruisers and Sharnhorst Class Battle Cruisers with their fighter screens (whose sole purpose is to protect the cruisers from enemy fighter attacks) who close head-on, and engage the enemy at point-blank range with their pulse cannons. Slightly, but not very far, behind the cruisers would probably be several Armageddon Class Dreadnoughts who, upon selecting the most dangerous threat, sends itself in the aforementioned ship's direction , proceeding to ruin someone's day. The task force uses pulse cannons to great effect at close ranges. These tactics call for the TF to jump in very close to, if not INSIDE the enemy formation, so enemy lasers do not get the range advantage over the pulse cannons. Each class is also equipped with broadside missile tubes. In the somewhat likely event that an enemy ship would pull up along side, a full broadside is usually more than enough to destroy the vessel.

Armageddon Class: total 5 units, +1 under construction

Size: classified Crew: 600 men (includes pilots)

Speed: 4 omega type engines, 4 advanced engines- maybe a little faster than a Warlock, but still handles about as bad as can be expected.

Embarked Craft: Fighters launch out the bay doors, and are recovered through the main hanger. she holds 48 (4 squadrons)of Starfuries, Thunderbolts or, more often, Mustangs; 6 shuttles, 4 atmospheric shuttles.

Weapons: 26 heavy pulse cannon batteries, 7 medium pulse batteries, 36 pulse/laser turrets, 8 rear pulse/laser guns, and multiple AA guns. broadside missile tubes.

History: Developed as a flagship for the task force, the Armageddon and her sisters have nearly all their firepower facing forward, but are able to rotate to give a vicious broadside to any target. She carries enough fighters to cover herself and maybe add to her already awesome punch. All this comes at a steep price as only a handful are in service. Names are: Armageddon, Warlord, Assassin, Conquest, and the Nemesis. (Tyrant under construction)

Sharnhorst Class: total 15 units, +5 under construction

Size: Classified.

Crew: 700 men (incl. pilots)

Speed: Faster and more maneuverable than the Armageddon but still lacking compared to, say, Centauri ships.

Embarked Craft: also 48 fighters. usually 36 Thunderbolts, and 12 Mustangs. Thunderbolts used for more offensive punch while the mustangs are used as a fighter screen. also carries 5 Remora boarding craft and 5 atmospheric shuttles.

Weapons: 14 heavy pulse batteries, 52 pulse/laser turrets, 8 rear pulse/laser guns. broadside missile tubes.

History: This ship did not concentrate as much on ship to ship combat as the Armageddon or Apocalypse classes. It serves the duel role of AA platform and carrier. Her heavy fighters often form the center of the offensive fighter punch, while her many medium sized guns are perfect for anti-fighter/close in fighting. With such attributes, the Sharnhorst class is most often used as escort to the others. Other ships in the class include the Bismarck, Tirpitz, Yamato, Arizona, and Graf Spee.

Apocalypse Class: total 25 units, +8 under construction (being considered for fleet-wide deployment)

Size: Classified

Crew: 450 men

Speed: the best EA has to offer in both speed and maneuverability. close to, if not on a par with, centari/league ships of similar size.

Embarked Craft: carries 72 fighters. load varies given mission, availability, etc. typical load is 36 Mustangs, and 36 Thunderbolts. also carries 3 shuttles, and 3 Remoras.

Weapons: 10 medium pulse batteries, 8 (older) medium pulse batteries, missile rack, 2 forward lasers, broadside missile tubes, multiple AA guns.

History: First ship of the line designed for the task force, this ship is basically a vastly improved Warlock. Intended to fill all positions in the task force, this ship rivals even the Omega for durability and flexibility. It is used as the main "muscle" of the task force. Other ships of the class include the Retribution, Vanguard, Vendetta, Vengeance, and Centurion.

Gladiator Class: total 2 units

Size: once again, classified

Crew: 300

Speed: excellent compared to the rest of EA at the time.

Embarked Craft: 48 fighters. though, since both ships were only testbeds, usual compliment was 12 Thunderbolts and 12 Starfuries.

Weapons: 10 medium pulse batteries, 4 (older) medium pulse batteries, 6 light pulse batteries, multiple AA guns.

History: These two ships were built as testbeds for the new technology being incorporated into EA ships. new generators, sensors, and computer systems were all installed and the ships used on a series of test. Tragically, the lead ship, EAS Gladiator, was lost on her maiden voyage with all hands. Sabotage was suspected but never proven. The Warrior completed her test and is now awaiting reassignment in a shipyard in orbit of Luna. Ships in the class are the Gladiator, and Warrior.