Arsenal Dreadnoughts

Arsenal Dreadnoughts

The distinction between an Ultra Battleship and an Arsenal ship is blurred in the sizes in common. Usually an Arsenal Ship will have less fighters and destroyers on board, and more on-board weapons than a comparably sized Ultra Battleship. However from the Union Space Combat doctrine handbook by Admiral McElligott, comes both the mission profile and the definition of an SDA (Super Dreadnought - Arsenal). "3000 years of Union growth and the lessons of many wars have taught us many things. One of them is "Bigger is Better". All advanced societies past and present. From  the legendaty Seenians to the even more mysterious Dark-Ones ; from the recently encountered Tomradi to the Darkun, they alll built big ships. The Union as big as we are is most  likley not the biggest kid on the block. The need for big ships with lots of fire power is always there.A Union Arsenal ship is a direct development of my Contingency Plan, code named "Broken Sword " . As I always stress that we can not rely on one weapon system, the Translocator cannon system alone.An Arsenal Dreadnought carries almost every weapon system known to the Union. If one weapon turns out to be uneffective, another system might be the answer. Since regular battle ships can't carry all these systems and have  room for auxillary craft, munitions and propulsion. Arsenal  ships are the the alternative. To  rely on a few weapon systems has the benefit of easy and stream lined logistics, another reason why regular units are not armed with dozens of different systems, this is why there are relative few Arsenal ships.The core mission for Arsenal ships is to  encounter new and technological advanced new enemies and to ascertain what weapon system is the most effective. Another role is Forward influence providers. showing great strength in potential harmful regions where no regular fleet presence can be called upon." Arsenal Dreadnouhts are often in the role of "Numbered Fleet " flag shipThe USS Shetland, an Arsenal Dreadnought was the Union Flagship until the USS Dominator took that role in 5050.In the new Fleet Renewal program "Uni Design 2.0 ", the Arsenal Dreadnought will be a substantial bigger ship with major Seenian components. The newest Union Ship design currently in draft , the anticipated Spearhead class will redefine the Arsenal Dreadnought concept.