Svalinn-class Assault Carrier

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Svalinn-class Assault Carrier
Class Overview
BUILDERS	Reyes-McLees Corporation
OPERATORS	UNSC Navy
CLASS BEFORE	Xerxes-class Assault Carrier Orion-class assault carrier
CLASS AFTER	None
SUBCLASSES	Recovery-class
IN SERVICE	10
PLANNED	10
COMPLETED	10
Technical Specifications
TYPE	Assault Carrier
LENGTH	2,830m
WIDTH	771.88m
HEIGHT	520.84m
MASS	36 Million Metric Tons
PROPULSION DRIVES	Boglin Fields Nova-VI Primary Fusion Drives (4) OKB Karman 66K Secondary Fusion Drives (6)
SLIPSPACE DRIVE	Kawanishi SED-2557 Slipspace Drive (CODEN Series VI)
POWER PLANT	OKB Karman 67R Primary Fusion Reactors (2) OKB Karman 54R Secondary Fusion Reactors (4) Orphios Energy Systems Neptune-6 Auxiliary Fusion Reactors (3)
SHIELDING	Capable of being fitted.
HULL	Titanium A3 2.4-2.6m
COUNTERMEASURES	Mark 110 Countermeasure Launchers -RDT/CM435 Infrared Flares -RDT/CM099 Decoys -RDT/CM376 Smoke Shells AN/SLQ-344 MIASMA Electronic Warfare Suite AN/SLQ-162 MANTLET Magnetized Ferrite Chaff Units
ARMAMENT	Mark IV Heavy Coil - 94B1D1F6 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon (2) Shiva-class nuclear missiles (4) M58 'Archer' missile pods (140) (30 Missiles per Pod) M4020 'Bident' Missile Pods (20) Mark 15 'Breakwater' 1270mm/65 cal naval coilguns (2) Mark 40 'Spitfire' 635mm/40 cal naval coilgun batteries (10) M66 'Sentry' 711mm naval autocannons (24) M965 'Fortress' 70mm point defense guns (70) M85 'Scythe' 20mm/155 cal anti-aircraft guns (100) M340A5 'Streak' Missile Pods (260) M97 'Lance' Guided Missile Weapon Systems (60)
EMBARKED	UNSC Marines ODST's Ground Vehicles (140) Space Fighters (70) Dropships (40) Atmospheric Combat Aircraft (45) Transport Aircraft (52) SOEIV Pods (350)
CONSUMABLES	4 Years
Additional Information
ERA	Post-War
ROLE	Fleet Support, Planetary Occupation/Invasion, Fleet Command
[Source]

"Fine, we’ll do it ourselves"

―Captain Samuel Erramun of the UNSC Rock of Gibraltar as the Flotilla of Ardent Faith takes out its escorts

The Svalinn-class Assault Carrier is a new generation of Assault Carrier to replace both the ageing Xerxes-class Assault Carrier and the Orion-class assault carrier. Created to fulfill the much needed niche of a large fleet support/carrier vessel, the ship was based on and heavily improves upon its predecessor and is far better suited to its role. Ships of the Line are given the Hull classification of CVA.

Development History

Proposed by the Reyes-McLees Shipyards on Mars as a direct successor to the outdated Orion-class Assault Carriers. The Svalinn-class Assault Carrier's designing was started in December of 2549 and completed in January 2551, several months behind schedule due to redesigns to accommodate a more advanced reactor package and targeting/sensor array.

The first hull however was laid down in July 2550 prior to the redesign. With the Fall of Reach in August 2552, the partially completed first hull as well as the three other hulls which had started construction were transported to Io and the Jovian Superheavy Drydock to protect them from the expect Covenant invasion, the ships would continue construction as the Fleet of Furious Redemption attacked Mars and Earth. At the end of the War in December 2552, arrangements were made to transport the hulls back to the RMCs Martian Shipyards with them having to wait until mid-January 2553 for the larger drydocks to be repaired. Here they would recommence construction with a renewed vigor as yet more carriers had been destroyed in the Battle of Earth. The first hull in particular, the UNSC Svalinn would see its new powergrid, reactor package and sensor array installed by November 2556, however due to the mid construction rebuild and addition of two Mark 12 'Breakwater' naval coilguns it also saw a longer trialing period.

The remaining three hulls recommenced construction alongside the Svalinn and were slated for a slightly delayed trialing period as a result of the addition of two Mark 15 'Breakwater' naval coilguns to bolster the anti-ship capabilities of the ship. By August 2553 and the reclamation of several prominent mining worlds, an order for a further six of the Svalinn-class were ordered, four of which were to be redesigned and retooled as armed recovery and fleet support ships. The UNSC Svalinn would start trials in January 2557 and would be joined by the UNSC Bastion, UNSC Rock of Gibraltar and UNSC Let Them Come in March 2557, they would finish trials by and were commissioned in October of the same year.

The remaining six hulls enjoyed a comparatively rapid construction period with them being completed by January 2558 and being commissioned by June 2558. The fleet support versions, by now known as the Recovery-class, however were commissioned by late April 2558 and were deployed soon after.

Design Specifications

The Svalinn-class displays several advantages in design over its predecessors such as the Orion-class and later Xerxes-class Assault Carriers. The ship was designed to both support and lead fleet actions as well as planet side operations and unlike its predecessors which sported thin and excessive armor respectively the Svalinn was designed with reasonably thick armor with a unique, layered, X-style crossbrace design in place of the much heavier semi-honeycomb of the Xerxes while retaining similar survivability.

In a similar theme the Svalinn-class was lengthened for increased internal capacity for both supplies and carried forces allowing a far longer deployment time without need of resupply. The Svalinn sports the latest in shipboard foundries which increase the speed of production while maintaining quality.

Armaments

"How's the enemy fleet looking?"

"The carrier's crippled, captain. The four destroyers are in various states of disrepair, and our light guns are mopping up what remains of their corvettes."

―Captain Arytom Branisla of the UNSC Bastion to the ship A.I, 'William'.

The Svalinn-classes primary ship to ship weapons are its two Rapid Fire Mark IV 94B1D1F6 Heavy Coil MAC's which fire specialized 'Shredder' rounds, Shield Penetrating Rounds and standard Tungsten slugs. Furthermore, the version of 'Shredder' rounds used on the Svalinn is an improved version which is fired at a higher speed with a heavier projectile to improve its performance against ship hulls and offer deeper penetration. Furthermore, these MAC's are capable of firing Guided-Sub Caliber munitions for the engagement of hostile ships at longer ranges or against high speed and maneuvering targets.

Supplementing these, and building on the methodology of the Xerxes-classes 'Barrage' attack method, are 10, Mark 40 Spitfire Naval Coilgun Batteries. Thanks to the redesigning of the ships overall layout and structure all the guns can fire through the front of the ship and can turn to face the side of the ship and perform devastating ground bombardment or broadside barrages against hostile ships. The 'Spitfires' also posses a variety of specialized ammunition for different situations.

• Tungsten-Kinetic-Kill Vehicles: Make-up the bulk or at least the most common of two types of ammo fired by the Mark 40 'Spitfire' naval coilgun batteries. These are solid tungsten slugs which are fired at relatively high speed towards enemy targets, using their kinetic energy to damage their target, while not especially effective against larger vessels, they are more than capable of damaging ships of comparable or smaller size. They are the most commonly used round when engaging enemy warships at close to medium range, however their comparable low velocity makes their use at range dubious as ships can often maneuver out of the way. They are also used in planetside bombardment either in wide barrages or as pin-point strike weapons.

• Guided Sub-Caliber Rounds: Guided Sub-Caliber Rounds comprise the most common of two slugs fired by the 'Spitfires'. They are primarily used when engaging targets at long range where the distance makes hitting the ship consistently and with effect too difficult for slower, unguided rounds. Their higher velocity and guidance systems make the hit probability far greater while keeping the ship at a relatively safe distance from the target, however as they are sub-caliber rounds they are also smaller and effect a smaller area than normal tungsten slugs.

• Ionic Rounds: Ionic Rounds are specialized anti-shield rounds which are charged before firing and ignite into a plasma cloud upon contact with enemy shields. The resulting contact greatly depletes enemy shields and their mass use through many guns can make short work of enemy shields, allowing the MACs to be used on the target without obstruction.

• Shredder Rounds: Shredder Rounds are often used both to weaken shields of enemy ships as well as cause considerable damage across the hull as a result of the large area of impact. When compared to the larger Mark 15 Breakwaters and the MACs of the ship, the Shredders used by the Spitfires are decidedly smaller but as a result of this it can achieve a higher fire rate and target a greater variety of enemy vessels with ease.

The Spitfires are further supported in targeting higher tonnage targets by 2, Mark 15 'Breakwater' naval coilguns. The Mark 15 'Breakwater' naval coilgun is a large caliber coilgun mounted on high tonnage ships, often to bolster their ability to combat enemy ships. These support the Spitfires and complement the main MACs in taking out other capitals ships as their more powerful rounds and superior range make them far deadlier to capital ships than other naval coilguns aside from the MAC.

• Tungsten-Kinetic-Kill Vehicles:

• Guided Sub-Caliber Rounds: Much like the MAC's and Spitfires, the Breakwaters are capable of firing guided, high velocity, sub-caliber munitions. Their primary use is to engage targets at longer ranges and, due to the slow traverse of the guns, are also used to cripple high speed or maneuvering targets.

• Shredder Rounds: The larger caliber Shredder rounds of the Breakwaters excel at engaging enemy warships as well as depleting shields. Against lighter vessels the initial impact can deplete the shields entirely with the shrapnel then impacting the main hull. Against larger vessels the Shredder rounds are used to cripple the vessel by the large areas of impact can damage a wide variety of systems throughout the ship.

• Depleted Uranium Slugs: These large caliber Depleted Uranium or DU slugs are largely the same as their Tungsten counterparts in their use. However, unlike the Tungsten slugs, the DU slugs are considerably denser and carry far more energy and in turn causing more damage when striking targets. Upon impact with the targets hull it will ignite into a fireball which can greatly damage larger ships and can completely destroy smaller vessels. Furthermore, after an impact there is a small area-of-effect field given off which can cause damage to nearby vessels. However, due to their greater cost and greater weight, a limited amount of these slugs are carried on-board and are used sparsely.

The combination of the Rapid Fire MAC's, 'Spitfires' and 'Breakwaters' allowed the ship to perform barrage attacks against enemy ships depleting shields and shredding hulls by sheer volume of fire. By using such tactics the Svalinn found particular usefulness in accompanying Battlegroups and Fleets where it would serve as a support vessel using its ability of near constant and devastating fire to keep ships suppressed or even several ships while remaining mostly safe thanks to its impressive armor and shielding.

While it's primary MAC's and numerous coilguns are capable of taking down similarly sized or smaller Covenant vessels, the appearance of larger targets, or conversely a swarm of targets, requires the ship needing considerably more ordnance to avoid risking serious damage in combat.

A barrage of M58 'Archer' missiles fired by the UNSC Rock of Gibraltar against the Oracles Tear

For this the ship carries 140, M58 Archer Missile Pods which is far less than the Xerxes which carried 200 but greater than the 60 of the Orion. The primary use of the Archer missiles is to aid in taking down particularly large or well protected targets such as battleships, heavy cruisers or other carriers. However, due to the versatile nature and payloads available to the Archers they can also act in a variety of support or defense roles aside from direct ship-ship combat, such as taking out large fighter formations with their High Explosive warheads or crippling whole squadrons with Ionic warheads.

These are supplanted by 20, M4020 Bident Missile Pods which excel at taking out larger Covenant ships by use of their fusion warheads whose reaction and resulting explosion on impact devastate warships and even shields.

Alongside its missiles the ship has 24, M66 'Sentry' naval autocannons which fill the gap between the 'Fortresses' and 'Spitfires'. The 'Sentry' is used to target medium to small ships ranging from destroyers to light cruisers and is even capable of targeting smaller spacecraft, such as Liches and Phantoms. They further supplant the 'Spitfires' in more utilitarian roles, such as damaging enemy shields, as well as in direct combat, though they are somewhat ill suited in the former against larger ships. The smaller rounds and higher rate of fire offer a impressive ability to suppress targets or outright neutralize them through sheer volume of shells impacting within a given timeframe. While their connection to the AN/SPY-086 UDTS allows them to engage targets like fighters and strikecraft which would otherwise be outside of its abilities due to difficulty in targeting due to their size, speed and range.

The Svalinn builds upon it's predecessors impressive point defense network, partly due to the classes focus as fleet support vessels and the increased size requiring more guns to maintain a full coverage of the ship. However, it was decided to increase the point defense guns even further to allow for the ship to safely hang in low orbit when conducting ground operations. This was further supplanted by various new point defense guns and missile batteries, allowing it impressive safety even on worlds with potential Covenant Remnants.

For these purposes, the Svalinn has 70, M965 'Fortress' point defense guns, a new generation point defense gun produced in the post-war to offer a medium between the M870 and M910 'Rampart' guns. As a result, it features a comparable fire rate but far more striking power and range compared to the M870 and features a higher fire rate, greater accuracy and engagement speeds than the M910. These guns provide long and short range, overlapping fields of fire across the ship making it remarkably well defended. However their sheer number and coverage also makes them ideal for providing coverage for its fleet or battlegroup.

To bolster the defenses around key areas of the ship such as the bridge, combat information center (CIC), hangars and engines, the Svalinn is equipped with 100, M85 'Scythe' anti-air guns. While smaller than most point defense guns, the 'Scythes' offer a second line of protection against attacks from mass numbers of projectiles and spacecraft. They accomplish this by virtue of their extremely high fire rate and responsiveness, allowing them to catch and intercept any threats which breach the main point defense network.

The performance of these guns are further bolstered by their advanced targeting systems which, allowing the 'Fortresses' and 'Scythes' far more freedom and range in which targets they can engage.

Complementing the Fortresses, Scythes and Sentry's are 260, M340A5 'Streak' Missile Pods which provide longer range and more precise defense against hostile spacecraft and munitions. The A5 model used on the Svalinn features a longer range and greater speed, allowing them further ease in eliminating targets before they can harm the ship. Furthermore, they are designed with a new thruster and new aerodynamics to allow for improved performance in the proximity of a gravity well or when in-atmosphere.

A close-up of one of the M97 'Lance' GMLSs, showing the six ASGM-7 launch tubes.

The final layer of defenses of the Svalinn is a network of 60, M97 'Lance' guided missile weapon systems. Like the 'Scythes', these missile batteries are focused around key points on the ship, including the bridge, CIC and hangars. Like the 'Scythes', the 'Lances' are tasked with intercepting targets which breach the primary point defense network. However, unlike the 'Scythes', the range offered by the Lances allow them to complement the Fortresses at mid to close range.

The vast and layered point defense systems as well as the advanced targeting and tracking systems on-board the Svalinn-class make it an ideal ship to form the centerpiece of Fleets and Battlegroups. Thanks in no small part to its ability to protect other ships and itself which makes it a challenge for enemies to take down or even get near it.

Propulsion and Powerplant

The Svalinn-class features a unique setup in which it is equipped with two Primary OKB Karman 67R Fusion Reactors and each of these main reactors has two smaller OKB Karman 54R Secondary Fusion Reactors accompanying them for a total of 4. They are used to greatly increase the output of the main reactors either during combat situations to facilitate faster MAC recharges or they can be used to conduct otherwise incapable maneuvers. Further advantages are seen in the fact that the main reactors can function normally after the output increase while the secondary reactors cool down. In the event of the main or secondary reactors being destroyed, disabled or incapable of functioning the Svalinn-class is equipped with Orphios Energy Systems Neptune-6 Auxiliary Fusion Reactors as backups.

During normal travel the Primary Reactors are only operating at 50% of their total output with the Secondary Reactors making up the difference with each one operating at 25% of their maximum output. However during the designing and construction of the ships consideration was given to the longevity and adaptability of the design to advancing technology. As a result two of the four secondary reactors are routed to a secondary power grid which is dedicated to the shield generators of the vessel. Upon installation of shield generators these two reactors are isolated from the primary power grid and are solely focused on powering the shields.

The reactors power two Boglin Fields Nova-VI Primary Fusion Drives which are mounted in vertical pairs on each side of the ship, these utilize the bulk of the output of the primary fusion reactors. But to improve unit life and reliability these are supplanted by six, three with each primary drive pair, OKB Karman 66K Secondary Fusion Drives, these are mounted as two on the inner side of each primary drive pair and one on the outer side of each pair.

The primary fusion drives provide the bulk of propulsion for sublight and long distance travel and despite their size feature a notably higher fuel efficiency compared to similarly large ships such as the Epoch-class Heavy Carrier. This is to a degree due to the new drives supplied by Boglin Fields and in part due to the reactor set up which places a premium on efficiency when it comes to long distance travel. This does however not hold up during combat maneuvers, as during combat maneuvers the main reactors are handling the bulk of the ships power generation with secondary reactors often being used to supplant them to allow for a brief 250% increase in power generation.

The secondary drives have a notably higher efficiency than the primary drives as their use, much like the secondary reactors, is to supplant the primary drives or occupy their role as main propulsion in some situations. The secondary drives are usually used during maneuvering within planetary orbit and during low speed combat maneuvers where their limited thrust vectoring allows for a degree of enhanced maneuvering on the outer side mounted drives. These drives are often fired at higher power levels for emergency maneuvers however this has so far been seen to lead to rapid deterioration of those drives and associated bracing and is therefore dissuaded unless absolutely necessary.

Slipspace travel is facilitated by the Kawanishi SED-2557 Slipspace Drive (CODEN Series VI). Compared to the CODEN Series V of the Xerxes and the CODEN Series III of the Orion, the SED-2557 of the Svalinn-class is a CODEN Series VI and as such is far more capable than its predecessors. The main advantage of the SED-2557 being a Series VI is that it allows the ship to traverse slipspace at far greater speeds and with much greater accuracy than older models. For the Svalinn-class in particular, the drive was chosen with reliability in mind and therefore features a reinforced housing, within which the drive is contained. In similar fashion, the navigation systems of the ship were also improved to reduce the area where the ship could drop out of slipspace, making jumps even more accurate.

Armor and Structure

The Svalinn-class features a composite armor layout and most prominently it has 2.4-2.6m of new Titanium A3 armor as the main external layer. The A3 features improved heat dissipation characteristics when compared to previous iterations due to advances in the composition of the alloy as well as new thermal superconducting radiators. While the majority of the ship is covered by 2.4m of armor, certain areas such as the the hangars, assault bay, reactors and bridge feature up to 2.6m of armor. Like other UNSC ships, the plating is accompanied by thick layers of elastic polymers and intermetallic laminate, the two further bolstering the ability of ship to shrug off kinetic and energy based attacks respectively. Behind the Titanium A3 is a layer of Ceramic armor which is further used to insulate the inner armor layers as well as bolster defense against kinetic rounds which may pierce the Titanium A3 armor. Furthermore the design of the ship itself further enhances its protection as the heavily sloped side armor greatly bolsters the effective thickness of the armor making any broadside or flanking maneuver to fire on the ships side far less harmful.

The most unique aspect of the ship lays behind the armor and in the base structure of the vessel. Unlike previous ships such as the Halcyon-class light cruiser and one of its predecessors, the Xerxes-class Assault Carrier which features heavy and costly honeycomb or semi-honeycomb structures. The Svalinn features traditional Vanadium structural supports which are arranged in a newly designed 'X'-style crossbracing which has shown far better performance against both kinetic impacts and heat dissipation. To further strengthen it the gaps in the bracing are filled with shock hardening fluids which harden on impact, this is accompanied by encapsulated healing agents. The combination of these two allows for substantial reductions in spalling as well as the sealing of hull breaches.

It is rumored that some ships of the class are fielding a prototypical 'Subdermal Shield' based armor, which entais the projection of a shield, much like the ones used in hangar bays, in the empty spaces of the armor. This effectively creates a nearly infallible spall liner and potentially could seal breaches in record time compared to legacy methods.

Complement

Being an Assault Carrier, the complement of the Svalinn-class focuses heavily on protracted operations against planetside targets. As a result, the overall make-up of the ships standard Planetary Assault Configuration, places a heavy focus on ground units, transports, and atmospheric combat aircraft.

FAV Platoon from the UNSC Roar of Menteith on patrol.

The primary goal of the Planetary Assault Configuration is to allow the forces onboard the ship to rapidly deploy and support breakthrough forces which can ensure a foothold on a world. Once this has been achieved, the production and subsequent deployment of base facilities can begin. Despite the possibility to carry a fully loaded assault force, this is seldom done as there are rarely situations where such a large force is required. Therefore the ground vehicles are usually carried at their lower capacity, as are the transports and atmospheric craft. This being done to allow for more supplies for a sustained offensive, as well as more spacecraft to allow the ship to support fleet action and protect itself. The composition of the Planetary Assault Configuration is as follows:

Planetary Assault Configuration

Ground Complement:

• 2 Battalions ~ 1 Regiment of UNSC Marines (1000 ~ 2500 Marines): The Svalinn features a sizeable personnel complement of roughly one Regiment of UNSC Marines and Army Troopers. These troops make up the entirety of the deployable force on-board the ships, with one of two companies assigned to ship security. The size of this force allows for great variance in the types of missions they can undertake, from large scale offensives to locating, capturing and establishing forward bases.

• 3 ~ 4 ODST Companies (240 ~ 400 ODSTs): The dedicated strike force of the ship, the 240 ~ 400 Orbital Drop Shock Troopers often act and are deployed are precursors to a larger force deployment. Led by a Major, or in his absence a First Lieutenant, the ODSTs on-board the Svalinn's are often tasked with conducting high risk operations against hostile targets, such as bases, supply dumps or even direct action against enemy formations. To facilitate their operations is a total of 350 Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicles (SOEIVs), as well as a dedicated flight of dropships and attack craft.

• 7 ~ 8 FAV Platoons (8 FAVs per Platoon): These platoons make up the main mobility component for the troops deployed to the ground. Ranging from 56 to 64 vehicles, the FAV Platoons are some of the first to be deployed during an offensive, often alongside platoons of Marines to allow them to rapidly traverse the battlefield. These are composed of various M12 and M12B Warthog FAV variants and derivatives including Gauss Hogs, Missile Hogs, Troop Hogs and the standard FAV variant with a chaingun.

• 3 ~ 4 Tank Platoons (12 Tanks per Platoon): The Tank Platoons of the Svalinn's constitute the spearhead of any assault force. Ranging from 36 to 48 machines, these Tank Platoons are the first to be deployed to during any assault, either to secure a perimeter for further support or to break enemy lines in preparation for them. While mostly composed of the battle hardened M808 Scorpion MBTs, there has been some replacement of older machines with newer M820 Scorpion MBTs, the latter offering improved lethality with a lower weight.

• 5 ~ 6 Mechanized Platoons (4 APCs per Platoon): Though not normally deployed as part of the first wave, the Mechanized Platoons of the Svalinn play an important role in providing protected mobility to ground troops. These are often deployed after a foothold has been established or when staunch defences make the deployment of FAVs too risky. To fulfill this, the platoons are equipped with M650 Mastodon APCs, whose far sturdier armor and remote gun make the deployment of troop to frontline positions, far safer.

• 3 Artillery Batteries (8 Guns per Battery): Only deployed once a secure position has been established, the Artillery Batteries of the Svalinn provide the greatest augmentation to the assault forces firepower. The deployment of these unit is only done once a secure base position where they can set-up, has been established. However, they are more often used to support larger offensives, providing pinpoint fire support to frontline units. The way this firepower is delivered, is through 24, M400 Kodiak or M145D Rhino SPGs, operating as three batteries. Their large caliber guns, are more than capable of devastating enemy positions, while bunker-busting munitions defeat fortifications with ease.

• 5 ~ 6 Air Defence Batteries (4 Launchers per Battery): Unlike the Artillery Batteries, the Air Defence Batteries of the Svalinn are actually deployed as part of the first wave. The primary reason is to establish a secure airspace for further forces to be landed, as well as supporting the armored spearhead and ensure the denial of enemy air support. They are also used to defend forward bases once they have been established, though this is usually left to static air defense positions. To ensure this, the 5 to 6 batteries are equipped with 20 to 24, M9 Wolverine MAATs, armed with Argent-V missiles. Each battery is led by a dedicated command variant with improved sensors and radar systems, allowing for improved local air defense networks to be set up.

Air and Space Complement:

• 3 Fighter Squadrons (12 Fighters per Squadron): The primary atmospheric/exoatmospheric fighter arm of the Svalinn's complement resides in its three Fighter Squadrons, totaling 36 fighter craft. These squadrons act as both the primary escorts and as air support for the assault force, fighting off enemy aircraft and softening up ground targets while the force deploys. To do this, the Squadron is equipped with F-41E Broadsword EMSFs, often armed with the standard payload of two MLAs and two missile pods. Though due to their multirole design, they are capable of mounting heavier ordnance such as bombs or cruise missiles, making them much deadlier in the air support role.

• 2 ~ 3 Fighter Squadrons (12 Fighters per Squadron): While used in a similar fashion to the other Fighter Squadrons on the Svalinn's, these squadrons fluctuate from 24-36 fighters. Much like the other squadrons, these are also tasked with escorting the assault force as well as supporting them once they have begun their offensive. They key difference is that these squadrons are equipped with C712 Longsword Multirole Fighters, whose larger size and more powerful engines allows them to carry far more ordnance. This allows the Longswords to function far better in the anti-fighter role and allows them to deliver much heavier ordnance should the need arise.

• 1 Fighter Flight, Equipped with C709 Longsword Interceptor/Strike Fighters (6 Fighters per Flight): The smallest fighter formation carried by the Svalinn and the least seen, this Fighter Flight focuses specifically on space superiority combat. While the multirole fighters make up the bulk of the Fighter Arm, the single Fighter Flight is the only one dedicated to space superiority. This takes the form of 6, C709 Longsword Interceptor/Strike Fighters, equipped with a variety of anti-ship and anti-fighter munitions, from missiles, to bombs to nuclear weapons.

• 4 ~ 5 Dropship Squadrons, Equipped with D77-TCI, D78-TC and/or D79-TC Pelican Dropships (12 Dropships per Squadron)

• 3 ~ 4 Attack VTOL Flights, Equipped with AV-22 Sparrowhawk Attack VTOL (6 VTOLs per Flight)

• 3 ~ 5 Attack VTOL Flights, Equipped with AV-14 Hornet and AV-49 Wasp Attack VTOLs (6 VTOLs per Flight)

• 1 ~ 2 Gunship Flights, Equipped with G78H-TC and G79H-TC Gunships (5 Gunships per Flight)

• 1 Gunship Flight, Equipped with AC-220 Vulture Heavy Gunships (5 Gunships per Flight)

There are at times alterations to the standard configuration, either to adapt it better for specific missions or to simply further augment the existing forces. One such alteration that has become increasingly common is the addition of Armored Platoons which are composed of HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II Armor Defense Systems, otherwise known as the Colossus. These have found particular favor with embarked Army units operating in rough terrain, as the legs of the Colossus offer it impressive navigation capabilities. While not carried as standard, the templates for these are maintained in the foundries, allowing their creation at any time. Similarly, templates for M510 Mammoth MAAWPs and several variants of the Elephant ARV are maintained on-board, the latter being used far more often than the former.

The primary manner in which the Svalinn-class deploys its units is though the massive, cavernous bay at the aft of the ship. Officially referred to as the Rapid Assault Bay, crews of the ships have come to call them by nicknames such as 'Frontline Express Delivery' or 'Hornets Nest'. These bays are capable of launching an assault force of up to 40, fully loaded Pelican dropships within the span of 3 minutes, the reason for this is the intricate and extensive array of cranes which stretch across the roof of the bay. These cranes are used to suspend a variety of craft from fighters, to dropships and even base modules.

Countermeasure and Defensive Systems

Sensors and Communications

Operational History

Ships of the Line

Name	Hull Classification Symbol	Commissioned	Destroyed	Notes
UNSC Svalinn	CVA-235	October 15th, 2557	N/A	Lead ship of the class.
UNSC Roar of Menteith	CVA-359	October 15th, 2557	N/A	Named after Colonel Akono Menteith
UNSC Rock of Gibraltar	CVA-582	October 15th, 2557	N/A
UNSC Let Them Come	CVA-403	October 15th, 2557	N/A
UNSC Here I Stand	CVA-644	June 22nd, 2558	N/A
UNSC Rising Dawn	CVA-171	June 22nd, 2558	N/A