Anaconda class (SFC)
The Gorn Confederation's Anaconda class heavy destroyer (HDD) was introduced in 2278 as the Gorn's take on the General War's ubiquitous "war cruiser," but was designated a heavy destroyer to disguise its true power from the Romulan Star Empire and its true cost from the budget-minded members of the Gorn government. It was often considered to be the epitome of the lean-and-mean design concept. Using two tubes dedicated to Type-F plasma torpedoes and a very well-arranged Type-1 phaser battery, in addition to a single tube for the Type-S plasma torpedo, the HDD was a formidable opponent. It had a crew complement of 320, featured strong shields, a capacity of eight shuttlecraft, two science labs, two transporters, and a single tractor beam emitter. The class remained in production until 2288, when it was superseded by the HDD+ refit. Introduced in 2282, the improved heavy destroyer (HDD+) variant significantly improved the shielding, and added Type-3 phasers to the specifications.
The heavy commando destroyer (HDC) variant was introduced in 2284, and was intended to support planetary assaults with landing forces; its 32 boarding parties provided substantial Marine support. The HDC, win an increased crew capacity of 380, traded out the third torpedo tube and its Type-S plasma torpedoes in exchange for a third transporter, and remained in production until 2297. The improved heavy commando destroyer (HDC+) was introduced in 2288, bringing over the improvied shielding and Type-3 phasers from the HDD+ variant.
In 2286, the heavy command destroyer (CDD) variant was introduced, based on the HDD+ variant, and was designed to replace destroyed heavier ships in the role squadron leader. With a crew complement of 360, it received even stronger shields than the HDC+, and had only Type-1 phasers.
Showing surprising insight, the Gorn designed their heavy destroyer so that it could be modified into a heavier ship, should the need arise . The result was fully equivalent to a Euromastyx class battlecruiser (BC), but was designated a medium cruiser (CM) to avoid confusion. The initial production in 2290 was limited due to yard capacity, but it was a popular design and preferred over the BC due to the superior firing arcs of the heavy Type-S plasma torpedoes. The class, with an increased crew complement of 420, also boasted the stronger shields of the CDD, three transporters, two tractor beam emitters, four torpedo tubes with a dual Type-S and Type-F plasma torpedo payload, and a highly effective combination of Type-1 and Type-3 phasers.
The strike cruiser (CS) was a variant of the CM introduced in 2292. It was produced at a low rate with the heavier Type-R plasma torpedo. The CS was otherwise comparable to a CM and was intended for special missions.
The final variant of the class, the medium command cruiser (MCC), was introduced in 2294. It possessed slightly stronger shields than the CM or CS variants, a crew complement of 440, as well as four torpedo launchers for its complement of Type-S and Type-F plasma torpedoes.[1]
Anaconda class vessels
SFC Timeline
G.C.S. Champion • G.C.S. Crotalian • G.C.S. Crusader • G.C.S. Death Stomp • G.C.S. Death Tongue • G.C.S. Death Wail • G.C.S. Draco Norbus • G.C.S. Draconiad • G.C.S. Eaglebane • G.C.S. Excellence • G.C.S. Final Strike • G.C.S. Firedrake • G.C.S. Flame • G.C.S. Freedom • G.C.S. Glorious Comeback • G.C.S. Golitho • G.C.S. Gormwest • G.C.S. Gorrion • G.C.S. Groundpounder • G.C.S. Harmony • G.C.S. Irongrip • G.C.S. Irontail • G.C.S. Justicar • G.C.S. Lady of War • G.C.S. Perfection • G.C.S. Prince Allurian • G.C.S. Prince Aratok • G.C.S. Princess Bauria • G.C.S. Princess Ss'ltah • G.C.S. Queen of Battle • G.C.S. Sardith's Sword • G.C.S. Scorpion • G.C.S. Scything Tail • G.C.S. Selach • G.C.S. Setting of the Twin Suns • G.C.S. Szkor • G.C.S. Szurra • G.C.S. Szurrazan • G.C.S. Tail of Spikes • G.C.S. Talons of Glory • G.C.S. Tenacious • G.C.S. Terrible Hand • G.C.S. Thunderbeast • G.C.S. Thundersnake • G.C.S. Tyrex • G.C.S. Unity
Notes and References
- ↑ Bethke, Erik (Producer). Starfleet Command. Lead Designer: Erik Bethke. Senior Designer: Chris Taylor. Mission Scripting by Lance Watanabe. Campaign Mission Design by Scott Bennie. Game Design by Marc Hertogh and Tom Hughes. SFB Consultant: Tom Hughes. Interplay Inc.. 15 September 1999.
