Valiant-class super-heavy cruiser
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The Valiant-class super-heavy cruiser (sometimes referred to as the Valiant-class battlecruiser[1]) is a capital warship classification in the UNSC Navy.[5] Among the most powerful vessels in the UNSC fleet, one of their primary uses is fleet command and coordination.[2]
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
Despite its designation as a cruiser, the Valiant also bears similarities to a battleship[7] - sacrificing the firepower and armour protection of a full battleship to retain more multi-mission capabilities. In this manner, the Valiant may sometimes be referred to as a battlecruiser.[1]
The Valiant class features fusion drives that were considered next generation at the time of the class' inception, though there were delays in incorporating them.[3] As one of the most powerful warships in the UNSC Navy, these cruisers are capable of holding their own against most opponents.[7] The Valiant class has the tonnage and firepower to augment battle groups composed of smaller warships on patrols, as well as the space to install flag bridge facilities to be commanded by admirals.[3] These flag bridges can be enormous, with two dozen bridge stations used not only to control the ship and its systems, but also to coordinate the activities of the entire battle group. They also have large view screens that stretch from the floor to the ceiling.[5] However, due to resource and crew shortages during the Operation: TREBUCHET[1] and Human-Covenant War, plans to give all Valiant-class cruisers a complete suite of command upgrades were abandoned.[3]
The command versions featured the same armament, but had increased armor and replace most of the troop and smaller craft areas with specialized and command equipment like slipspace communication probe launchers and umbilicals to unload couriers.[1]
The Valiant class continued to see service in the post-Covenant war years with the UNSC Victory of Samothrace incorporating more than 300 improvements on the classic design. This included the most powerful Magnetic Accelerator Cannon configuration ever constructed. The SARISSA-class weapons system was literally designed to be a point-to-point ship killer. Aside from the UNSC Infinity, Valiant class cruisers were the only vessels large enough to carry this type of MAC.[6]
Ships of the line[edit]
Command ship refit[edit]
- UNSC Everest – The flagship of Vice Admiral Preston Cole; officially destroyed at the Battle of Psi Serpentis on April 18, 2543.
- UNSC Valiant – The lead ship of the class; commissioned in 2493.[3]
Unknown[edit]
- UNSC Terminus[1]
- UNSC Victory of Samothrace - The ship of Captain Abigail Cole, the daughter of Preston Cole, serving in the post-Covenant War years.[8