Type Overview:
A dangerous new classification, hunter-killers are
nearly always cruiser sized vessels designed to hunt and
eliminate a specific type - and more often a specific class -
of enemy vessel. Although this type of operation had been
conducted for many years, it was not until recently, when
the Romulans began deploying hunter-killers to attack
Klingon built Bird-Of-Prey vessels that the nomenclature
became commonly used. Hunter-killer vessels focus all
of their resources to defeating the know defenses of a
given class of vessel, either with sheer firepower or other
specialized systems to exploit weaknesses that have
been discovered. Many hunter-killers are themselves
captured and re-armed versions of the vessels they hunt.
Hunter-killers operate with a wide range of
latitude, but require a frightening support network to
operate efficiently. Because of the extensive combat
systems onboard, most hunter-killers are all but useless
for other missions, and must focus all their on-baord
resources to attacking and defeating their prey. Hunter killers use special sensors, over-powered weapons,
specialized munitions, and in some cases are equipped
simply with extra armor to help them achieve their
objectives. These systems often take up valuable cargo
space, reduce or eliminate science stations, reduce crew
accommodations and shorten the over-all range of most
hunter-killers. Hunter-killers also increase construction
costs by a tremendous amount, often costing twice what
a standard cruiser would cost. Many also take extra
damage while engaging their foe, burning out costly
circuitry, over-loading computers and damaging shield
systems. Despite the costs and shortcomings, hunter-killers prove invaluable when used against their intended
target, and are often as much a boost for morale as an
effective combat craft.
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