The Emporos-class Heavy Frigate is derived from a 673 meter long, livestock, and heavy liquid freighter. It has two turret-mounted heavy cannons, which consume most of the energy provided by the DMR which is quite big for a ship this size. Several particle-flak batteries are lined up in former cargo areas, mainly to create an active defense shield for trade convoys. Several specialized variants were developed over the years, ranging from diverse cargo versions to courier and military models. The core feature of the Emporos class is the versatile and modular design, allowing for quick refurbishment and flexible usage inside the TRADE DEFENSE FORCE. While considered a heavy frigate in regards to firepower and use within the STC military, this classification is highly controversial in the scientific, economic, and political community. Jayens' Classification for Military Vessels - the source usually used within the HCP and by international military experts to determine a ship's classification based primarily on tonnage and size - has repeatedly classified the Emporos-Class as a large Heavy Cruiser rather than the Heavy Frigate designation used inside the STC.
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Namesake
The Emporos-Class was originally called the Kauppias-Class, named after the H.K. Kauppias, in 3210 the first cargo ship to regularly transport people and goods from Dustcrown to the colony moon Dalarnas' End. With the reconnection in 3370, in order to celebrate the newly found connection and because of a nationwide greekomania, the ship's class name was translated into Greek and officially changed in 3372.
Development History
With the base design being over 210 years old, there are numerous iterations developed and in use today. The inherently modular design has made it necessary to discuss the main sections of the class individually when talking about the level of technology used.
While the main crew section has not changed as much over the years, with upgrades mainly concentrated around computation and communication systems, the emergency crew towers underwent several complete overhauls. While early iterations were only equipped with basic chemical engines for steering and solar collectors for power generation, the newest iteration has its own internal fusion reactor and a CMG. While not able to reach FTL speeds, they are capable of travelling relatively large distances inside a solar system with sizable fractions of light speed, making it easier to escape or seek help if stranded.
The central weapon section's design has changed as often as new and more powerful weaponry was invented in the STC. The main technical hurdle to manage is the flow of fuel and energy from and towards the main reactor and engine section. To increase the potential and reliability, highly complex piping and wiring systems had to be created in order to provide a constant connection, even in combat situations. The newest designs also feature some degree of autarky with secondary fusion reactors and remote communication systems, allowing the use of weaponry even when detached from the rest of the ship.
Derived from the old Argonautica colony ship, the reactor and engine systems have arguably the longest history of development behind them. The systems represent a more or less coherent technological development from early 26th-century drive technology, paired with new technologies received and stored by the colony vessel's communication systems. As military-grade technology was not available for a long time, older Emporos-class iterations were infamously unwieldy and slow, which has only been significantly improved in recent decades.
Design
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Operational History
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