OMEGA CLASS DESTROYER |
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The Omega class Destroyer is a combination "Dreadnought/Aircraft carrier", capable of delivering maximum firepower combined with overwhelming fighter support and troop deployment. Measuring 1,717.3 meters in length, the Omega class Destroyer is one of the most powerful ships in the Earth Alliance Star-Navy today. Not only is it one of the most powerful ships, but this massive war vessel comprises the very heart and backbone of the modern Earthforce, space born military. Rocketdyne began development on the Omega class Destroyer after losing a lucrative construction contract to Karmatech, the design firm behind the Hyperion class Heavy Cruiser. Envisioned as a replacement for the Nova class Dreadnought, Rocketdyne began testing new systems and technology built onto existing Nova class frames as early as 2245. The five expermental testbeds, designated as the NOVA-X class, were used to test new pulse cannon technology, advances in particle beam weapons and, most importantly, tested and proved the viability of using rotating sections on large scale warships. Unfortunately, development proceeded slowly following the outbreak of the Earth/Minbari war when the five Nova-X prototypes were destroyed. As the war continued Earthforce demanded Rocketdyne instead concentrate on producing fighters and improving upon the existing fleet of Nova class Dreadnoughts while Karmatech produced more Hyperions. Upon the conclusion of the Earth/Minbari war Earthforce abandoned further development of the Hyperion and Rocketdyne was contracted to build Omega class Destroyers in mass as a replacement for the Hyperions* which failed to present a viable deterrent against the Minbari. Beginning with the EAS Achilles registration number OCG-1 Rocketdyne began mass producing the Omega class Destroyer in mid 2248. Omega class Destroyers are driven by four BB9K Ion/Particle thrust engines and powered by four Military-Type General Fusion 650 high-energy fusion reactors. Using gelled deuterium as fuel for the reactors, the Omega has a total fuel reserve of over 296 million kilograms, with a total potential energy of 1.83*1023 joule. Given the Omega's estimated mission duration of eighteen months, the total power output of the Omega's four fusion reactors is approximately 3,943 Terawatts. Under combat conditions, estimated power output is 101,408 Terawatts, over a duration of three weeks. With this high a power output, the Omega class Destroyer the ability to form it's own jump point into hyperspace using four Lockheed-Mitchell Corp. vortex generators. Armament for this ship includes the following:
Unlike most ships in the Earthforce Navy, the Omega class Destroyer does employ a type of artificial gravity unavailable to Earth Alliance warships twenty-five years before. Known as "Simulated Gravity", a one-g gravity environment is produced by rotating the ship's center section in a clockwise direction at 10 m/s2. To provide a stable turning axis, the center section rotates around a drive shaft; a reinforced hollow bar that runs between the rear and forward section. Rotation is accomplished using an advanced superconductor motor similar to those used on the hover-trains on earth. This prevents wear on the drive shaft and the rotating section, as the electromagnetic super conduction system floats the rotating section around the axis. As there is little to no physical contact between the forward, rear and rotating section, as well as the axis, Omega class Destroyers experience almost no frictional deterioration. Destroyers are broken into three sections and each section is designated for a specific function. The forward or Hangar section of the ship is a zero gravity environment that is designated for star-craft support, main weapons, and the ship's main sensor/communication array. The ships main storage bay is also housed in this section. Center or Habitation section is where the ship's control and command reside, main bridge and two secondary bridges. It also includes primary life support, crew quarters and the ships main computers are contained in this area. The habitation section also houses the ships secondary storage bays, as well as a small botanical garden of limited potential. The rear or Engineering section an Omega class Destroyer is designated to the ship's ion and jump engines, fusion reactor, primary and secondary fuel tanks and aft weapons array. As neither the forward or rear areas have gravity, the boots of Earth Alliance personnel have Velcro tipped toes which prevent them from floating off in the zero gravity areas of their ships. Compared to the Nova class vessels, the Omega class Destroyers have significantly more recreational area. This is due to the fact that the Omega class Destroyer was designed a little more with their crews in mind and not simply the weapon systems. Recent developments in Earth Alliance technology has spawned true artificial gravity technology and, as such, newer warships like the Warlock class Destroyer, do not need rotating sections to simulate gravity. Smaller versions of this system can, in theory, also be used aboard older Earth warships, in order to reduce the effect of inertia. The Agamemnon was was built shortly after the Earth-Minbari War; she was Sheridan's ship before he came to Babylon 5 and again when he moved to win back Earth. He also encountered her a few times while he was captain of Babylon 5 and was on board when he was betrayed to Earth. |