Vesuvius-Class Cruiser

One of the most modern ships in the Imperial Navy, the Vesuvius-class is a heavy cruiser which places on emphasis on area denial. Unlike most Imperial warships, its main offensive striking power comes not from energy-based weapons but from missiles and torpedos. These are held in replaceable silos which line the outer hull, and missile types can be swapped and reloaded via an internal rotating weapons bay.

 

The cavernous interior is full to the brim with munitions, ensuring the Vesuvius-class can remain on-mission for long periods before requiring a reload. However, Veerman-Vocke recognized the potential for disaster if this internal chamber was breached. Therefore, fire-suppresants and segmented bulkheads were heavily utilized, but the primary means of security are the ten feet of armour layered onto the outer and inner hull. This massively increases cost and build time, but it allows the Vesuvius to absorb an incredible amount of punishment from enemy fire.

 

The Vesuvius first saw use during the Second Black War, where it surprised Union and Republic ships alike with its resilience and firepower. Only the Alabast Raid finally provided the Alllied forces with schematics and a means to exploit the weaknesses of the heavy cruiser's design.

 

Following the bold raid by Republic Marines which ended in the destruction of the RIS Cerberus, Veerman-Vocke was ordered to reduce the missile complement in favor of adding more plasma turrets and laser barbettes to the Vesuvius-class. It is thus possible to distinguish between older and newer vessels of this type by what primary armament they use.

 

 

My take (aka copy) of Ryan Olsen's excellent Azon Destroyer "Conquest"

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