[Coda Starships] Gorn Navy, 2267-2293

Okay, I've decided to repost my initial treatise on the Gorn of the 23rd Century and their engineering views.

More information on my view of the Gorn government and its history (both the 23rd and 24th centuries), see here.
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The Gorn

Even 16 years after First Contact with the species known as Gorn, very little is known about their culture or capabilities. Their government is a mystery, although the official name -- the "Gorn Alliance" -- seems to suggest a cooperative government of some form, although even its basic makeup is a mystery.

While the total military strength of the Alliance is unknown, Federation listening posts have been able to gain solid information on Gorn Navy border strengths. The existence of four primary classes of warships are known, while another three classes are being investigated. Still, most of the information on Gorn technology comes from the USS Enterprise's first contact in 2267.

The Gorn Fleet as Starfleet Knows It

The following four ship classes are the only vessels known to the Federation. Included will be what the Federation knows about these vessels, in case you want to use them in your 23rd Century campaign. Once I've posted these, I will work on updating Gorn technology for the TNG era and post some designs.

Here is how I'm treating the Gorn:

The Gorn follow the "push hard until it moves" school of engineering. Their engines are massive, although highly effective, and their weapons engineering is top of the line. They use a weapon called a "blaster," which uses pulsed particles accelerated to nearly the speed of light, creating a powerful concussive plasma beam. Gorn torpedoes use similiar technology to Federation photon torpedoes. Gorn shield technology is way behind the Federation. Their operations, life support and sensors are also substandard, compared to the Federation. To make up for their defensive deficiencies, Gorn use massive armor plating and reinforced internal structure to compensate for inadequate shielding. Gorn ships can take phenomenal poundings.
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Sensors: -20
Operations: 0
Propulsion: +10
Weapons: (blasters: +20, torpedoes: +5)
Shields: -20

All Gorn ships use Type III hull plating
All Gorn ships use Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0)
Most Gorn vessels buy extra structure
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Gorn ship manufacturing follows the "design bureau" concept, where specific bureaus are awarded construction contracts for entire classes of starships. Three bureaus are currently known, although Starfleet intelligence believes that as many as seven independent design bureaus exist. The three are: Ssenza, M'gara, and Bez-Garo. The first letter of the bureau name is used in Gorn ship classifications.

The second letter of ship classifications designates the vessel's function.

Examples:
A = "agessto" (cruiser) -- Light Cruiser
D = "dezer agessto" (combat cruiser) -- Battle Cruiser
H = "harza ss'go" (heavy capital ship) -- Battleship
S = "ssagarez" (destroyer) -- Destroyer

So, the MA-12 class is a light cruiser, developed by the M'gara Design Bureau.

SS-3-class Specifications

Production Data
Origin: Gorn Alliance
Class and Type: SS-3-class Destroyer
Year Launched: mid-2250s {mid-2270s}

Hull Data
Structure: 40 {30}
Size/Decks: 6/22 decks
Length/Beam/Height: 365/170/87 meters
Complement: 100

Operational Data
Transporters: 3 standard, 3 cargo, 3 emergency
Cargo Units: 60
Shuttlebay: 1 aft ventral
Shuttlcraft: 6 size worth
Tractor Beams: 1FD, 1V
Separations/Atmospheric Systems: no/no
Sensor System: Class 2 (+2/C)
Operations System: Class 3 (D)
Life Support System: Class 3 (D)

Propulsion Data
Impulse System: [SBD-a] "Bugar-4" (.6c) (C) {[RSM] "Ssanzza-9" (.75c) (D)}
Warp System: [PB-32 Mod 3] "Ssanzza W-8" (wf 6/7/8) (D)

Tactical Data
Blasters: [Type] "GB-6" (x4/C) {[Type VIII] "GB-8" (x4/C)}
Penetration: 5/4/4/0/0 {6/5/4/0/0}
Torpedoes: [Mk 12 DF] "Goptuk 3" (x2/C) {[Mk 22 DF] "Goptuk 4B" (x2/C)}
Penetration: 3/3/3/3/3 {3/3/3/3/3}
Deflector Shields: PFF 2 (A)
Protection/Threshold: 12/2
Hull Plating: Type III (9)

Miscellaneous Data
Maneuver Modifiers: +0C, +3H, +2T
Traits: Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0, reflected above)

The SS-3 destroyer was first detected by Starfleet listening posts in 2271. A large, heavily armed destroyer, the SS-3 appears to be the primary search-and-destroy ship in the Alliance Navy. Fairly detailed scans have been taken of SS-3s patrolling along the border, providing a good look at Gorn technology. The original launch date for the vessel is speculative, based on intercepted subspace traffic.

The 2270s refit was first detected in 2279.

Gorn Knowledge
This vessel is the Alliance Navy's primary patrol vessel, hunting along the border in packs of three and four ships. In fleet actions, the SS-3 acts as the primary escort for the BH-2 battleships and MD-8 battle cruisers. Prior to the mid-2260s, the SS-3 escorted the antiquated BD-1 battle cruisers. The BD-1s were all retired prior to 2275.

Refitted in anticipation of its escort role for the BH-2, the SS-3 is one of only a few Gorn vessels to sacrifice armor in favor of speed. Even in 2293, the destroyer is the fastest capital ship in the fleet.

MD-8-class Specifications

Production Data
Origin: Gorn Alliance
Class and Type: MD-8-class Battle Cruiser
Year Launched: mid-2260s {early-2290s}

Hull Data
Structure: 45 {40}
Size/Decks: 7/20 decks
Length/Beam/Height: 435/189/97 meters
Complement: 300

Operational Data
Transporters: 3 standard, 3 cargo, 3 emergency
Cargo Units: 70
Shuttlebay: 2 aft ventral
Shuttlcraft: 14 size worth
Tractor Beams: 1FD, 1AV
Separations/Atmospheric Systems: no/no
Sensor System: Class 3 (+3/C)
Operations System: Class 3 (D)
Life Support System: Class 3 (D)

Propulsion Data
Impulse System: [SBE] "Bugar-5" (.5c) (D)
Warp System: [PB-32 Mod 3] "Ssanzza W-8" (wf 6/7/8) (D) {[LN-64 Mod 3] "Ssanzza W-12" (wf 7/9/12) (D)}

Tactical Data
Blasters: [Type VIII] "GB-8" (x4/C) {(D)}
Penetration: 6/5/4/0/0
Torpedoes: [Mk 6 DF] "Goptuk 4A" (x3/C) {[Mk 40 DF] "Goptuk 6A" (x3/D)}
Penetration: 4/4/4/4/4 {5/5/5/5/5}
Deflector Shields: PFF 2a (B)
Protection/Threshold: 13/3
Hull Plating: Type III (9)

Miscellaneous Data
Maneuver Modifiers: +2C, -1H, +4T
Traits: Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0, reflected above)

The vessel designated MD-8 is only rarely seen on along the border, first detected in 2281. These battle cruisers seem to operate independently, but appear capable of leading fleet actions. Subspace traffic seems to indicate that the MD-8 was first launched in the mid 2260s.

Three MD-8s recently operating in extended actions along the border seem to indicate that the class underwent a refit within the last 3-4 years.

Gorn Knowledge
The M'gara Design Bureau MD-8 battle cruiser represents the Alliance's most powerful combat vessel in the 2260s and 70s. The MD-8 traditionally operates independently, acting as a rapid-response troubleshooter, but also operates as the command vessel in smaller fleet actions and as secondary command ships in larger fleets.

The early-2290s refit upgraded weapons and propulsion, removing a little structure to fit the new, inclduing the new Goptuk 6A torpedo.

BD-1-class Specifications

Production Data
Origin: Gorn Alliance
Class and Type: BD-1-class Battle Cruiser
Year Launched: late-2230s {early-2260s}

Hull Data
Structure: 70
Size/Decks: 8/29 decks
Length/Beam/Height: 660/360/145 meters
Complement: 435

Operational Data
Transporters: 4 standard, 4 cargo, 4 emergency
Cargo Units: 130
Shuttlebay: 1 aft
Shuttlcraft: 8 size worth
Tractor Beams: 1F, 1A
Separations/Atmospheric Systems: no/no
Sensor System: Class 1a (+1/BB) {Class 2a (+2/CC)}
Operations System: Class 3 (D)
Life Support System: Class 2 (C)

Propulsion Data
Impulse System: [SBE] "Bugar-5" (.5c) (D)
Warp System: [PB-32 Mod 3] "Ssanzza W-8" (wf 6/7/8) (D)

Tactical Data
Blasters: [Type IV] "GB-4" (x4/C) {[Type VII] "GB-7" (x4/C)}
Penetration: 5/4/4/0/0 {6/5/4/0/0}
Torpedoes: [Mk 12 IF] "Goptuk 3" (x4/C)
Penetration: 4/4/4/4/4
Deflector Shields: PFF 2 (A)
Protection/Threshold: 12/2
Hull Plating: Type III (9)

Miscellaneous Data
Maneuver Modifiers: +3C, +0H, +2T
Traits: Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0, reflected above)
Design Defect (warp, -2 structure per wf above wf7)

The vessel designated BD-1 has never been detected by Federation listening posts, and almost nothing is known about the battle cruiser's capabilities. Analysts speculate, based on intercepted subspace traffic, that the BD-1 is the predecessor to the MD-8 battle cruiser, and that the class was phased out in the 2270s.

Gorn Knowledge
The BD-1 was the first achievement for the Bez-Garo Design Bureau, and represented leaps in starship technology in the 2230s. The first ship to mount the new GB-4 blasters, the BD-1 was the main combatant of the Alliance fleet for nearly 30 years.

The BD-1 received a major upgrade to blasters and sensors in the early 2260s. Replaced by the MD-8 and relegated to reserve fleet status, the last BD-1 was retired in 2275.

Editor's Note: This ship is not from FASA, instead being one of my own designs. It's not included in the "four known by the Federation."

BH-2-class Specifications

Production Data
Origin: Gorn Alliance
Class and Type: BH-2-class Battleship
Year Launched: early-2280s

Hull Data
Structure: 55
Size/Decks: 9/55 decks
Length/Beam/Height: 780/400/275 meters
Complement: 825

Operational Data
Transporters: 8 standard, 8 cargo, 8 emergency
Cargo Units: 90
Shuttlebay: 2 aft ventral
Shuttlcraft: 18 size worth
Tractor Beams: 2F, 1D 1AV
Separations/Atmospheric Systems: no/no
Sensor System: Class 3 (+3/D)
Operations System: Class 3 (D)
Life Support System: Class 3 (D)

Propulsion Data
Impulse System: [SBE] (x2) "Bugar-5" (.6c) (D)
Warp System: [LN-64 Mod 3] (x3) "Ssanzza W-12" (wf 7/9/12) (D)

Tactical Data
Blasters: [Type VIII] "GB-8" (x4/D)
Penetration: 6/5/4/0/0
Torpedoes: [Mk 22 DF] "Goptuk 4B" (x6/D)
Penetration: 5/5/5/5/5
Deflector Shields: PFF 2a (B)
Protection/Threshold: 13/3
Hull Plating: Type III (9)

Miscellaneous Data
Maneuver Modifiers: +4C, -2H, +4T
Traits: Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0, reflected above)
Enhanced System (impulse, +.1c, reflected above)

The BH-2 battleship is another mystery to the Federation. Subspace traffic seems to indicate that the class primarily operates within the core of the Alliance, protecting strategic systems and commanding the major fleets. Analysts suspect that there are no more than two dozen BH-2s operating in the fleet.

Subspace traffic analysis suggests that the battleship was first launched in the early-2280s.

Gorn Knowledge
The BH-2 is the Alliance Navy's primary capital ship, easily dwarfing just about every other ship in the known galaxy. Mounting massive GB-8 blaster cannons and thick duranium armor, the BH-2 is built for one purpose: war.

The battleship's primary mission is protection of the core systems in times of peace, showing the flag to member systems, and security for government events. In combat, the BH-2s lead the fleet into action, using their sheer mass and firepower to plow through enemy lines, allowing the smaller ships to pick apart the stragglers.

About three dozen BH-2s exist in the fleet, and the Alliance expects to keep these powerful vessels operational well into the next century.

MA-12-class Specifications

Production Data
Origin: Gorn Alliance
Class and Type: MA-12-class Light Cruiser
Year Launched: mid-2240s {late-2260s}

Hull Data
Structure: 45 {35}
Size/Decks: 5/13 decks
Length/Beam/Height: 180/96/63 meters
Complement: 195

Operational Data
Transporters: 2 standard, 2 cargo, 2 emergency
Cargo Units: 50
Shuttlebay: 1 aft
Shuttlcraft: 5 size worth
Tractor Beams: 1F
Separations/Atmospheric Systems: no/no
Sensor System: Class 1 (+1/B)
Operations System: Class 2 (C)
Life Support System: Class 1 (B) {Class 2 (C)}

Propulsion Data
Impulse System: [SBC] "Bugar-2" (.5c) (B)
Warp System: [PB-8] "Ssanzza W-6 M2" (wf 4/6/8) (C) {[PB-16] "Ssanzza W-7e" (wf 5.2/6.2/7/2) (C)}

Tactical Data
Blasters: [Type V] "GB-5" (x2/B) {Type V] "GB-5" (x3/B)}
Penetration: 5/4/3/0/0 {5/4/4/0/0}
Torpedoes: [Mk 12 IF] "Goptuk 3" (x2/B) {[Mk 6 DF] "Goptuk 4A" (x2/B)}
Penetration: 3/3/3/3/3 {3/3/3/3/3}
Deflector Shields: PFF 2 (A)
Protection/Threshold: 12/2
Hull Plating: Type III (9)

Miscellaneous Data
Maneuver Modifiers: +1C, +2H, +1T
Traits: Enhanced System (blasters, +1/0/0/0/0, reflected above)
{Enhanced System (warp, +.2 wf, reflected above)}

USS Enterprise first encounted the MA-12 in 2267, and data gained from that single event provided the greatest detail of Gorn starship capabilities and technology. Of the 73 encounters since 2367, 62 of them involved MA-12s.

Encounter data and subspace traffic analysis indicates that the class originally launched in the 2240s and received a massive refit in the late 2260s. The MA-12 that the Enterprise destroyed was a refitted version, which Starfleet didn't realize until 2274.

Gorn Knowledge
The MA-12 is the primary light vessel of the fleet, operating independently throughout the Alliance. The MA-12 suffers from inadequate sensors, even by Gorn standards, but is extremely cheap to produce in large numbers.

Many MA-12s operate in what is loosely called the "infiltration" fleet. These light cruisers intentionally pick small fights here and there with the Federation, then send the data back to Strategic HQ for analysis. Infiltration fleet MA-12 captains enjoy "buzzing" Starfleet listening posts, just to see how the "Blue Flags" respond.