Something big

[fractalsponge1]

[fractalsponge1]

[Raesene]

Have you ever tried to make short animations of your renders ?

[fractalsponge1]

I like seeing animations, just don't really have the patience to render them

[fractalsponge1]

This one finally got rendered properly:

Naming it Consolidator-class Corps Assault Carrier:

[fractalsponge1]

Almost done:

[Zen]

The design of the new "shuttle" is quite interesting. Of particular note is that the aft weaponry is of a much higher calibre than the fore. Yes the forward arc might have a higher shots-per-second but it looks like the real stopping power is from the aft LTL. Any chance that this is meant, combined with the engine array, to give this vessel a higher chance of escape than for improving the odds in direct engagement?

Perhaps, though, I have missed a couple LTLs on the tips of the wings...

[Lord Revan]

that shuttle is based on a design from the X-wing game series and yeah it had a big massive turret at the back though the in game shuttle also had guns at the wing tips similar to the b-wing.

[fractalsponge1]

The design of the new "shuttle" is quite interesting. Of particular note is that the aft weaponry is of a much higher calibre than the fore. Yes the forward arc might have a higher shots-per-second but it looks like the real stopping power is from the aft LTL. Any chance that this is meant, combined with the engine array, to give this vessel a higher chance of escape than for improving the odds in direct engagement?

Perhaps, though, I have missed a couple LTLs on the tips of the wings...

Check the earlier images to see the wingtip guns, which are the same as on my Starwing (i.e. upper range of fighter weapon, but 100+ kiloton range, not low digit megaton LTL). But in general, you are correct - the primary hitting power comes from the aft LTL. My reasoning is as follows: It is supposed to be an escort craft. It has never been seen with warhead capability, so it's not really an assault platform. As an escort, the ship needs to be able to cover potentially several other ships, and often would be surprised or out of position due to evasion to use fixed weapons, so a longer ranged turreted weapon bearing aft is best. Targets approaching head-on would be closer ranged, so you can use the faster-firing fixed weapons to hose it down.

I think it can certainly be a very high-survivability courier or VIP transport, but I think the reduced size relative to the Lambda militates against it being primarily a transport. Incidentally, I think this would be a very popular craft for army use - it can escort dropships from orbit, and once in atmosphere it offers a repulsorlift turbolaser artillery platform with great range and crew comfort for loitering a long time on station, as well as internal space for spotters and surface-force liaison personnel.

[Geforce]

very nice as always

is the shutte not the Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle?


ok im hot to see whats next

[Geforce]

Hi Frac,

I have some intressting questions for you:

There are several Legends ships I'd like to get information on. The Procursator-class Star Destroyer for instance. What role does it have in the Imperial Starfleet? We know it performs an escort role in one instance, but the ImpStar does that in some cases as well. Is it effectively a scaled down Imperial-class? Maybe it's an update to the Victory-class? We don't really know that much about it. There are plenty of others that we know little more than the class name- the Allegiance-class, the Tector-class, heck we don't even know the class name of Pride of Tarlandia! I'm hoping that we get information on the classes somehow, maybe through FFG.

[fractalsponge1]

Finished:

[fractalsponge1]

Hi Frac,

I have some intressting questions for you:

There are several Legends ships I'd like to get information on. The Procursator-class Star Destroyer for instance. What role does it have in the Imperial Starfleet? We know it performs an escort role in one instance, but the ImpStar does that in some cases as well. Is it effectively a scaled down Imperial-class? Maybe it's an update to the Victory-class? We don't really know that much about it. There are plenty of others that we know little more than the class name- the Allegiance-class, the Tector-class, heck we don't even know the class name of Pride of Tarlandia! I'm hoping that we get information on the classes somehow, maybe through FFG.

I'm sure it's somewhere in the discussion for the thread, but here's a summary:

Procursator is a fleet escort. It is relatively simple, with minimal carried starfighters and troops and fewer nods towards long range independent duty like the ISD. As such, it's more like a fleet combat version of a Venator: fast pack boats.

I built my Allegiance as a heavy fleet combatant - check the thread for details. Basically a cruiser with as much stripped down as possible to just plausibly call it a star destroyer.

Tector is the bayless destroyer from ROTJ. Little else is known of it. Presumably outwardly similar in size to an ISD, but the configuration is up for grabs. I have no idea what Pride of Tarlandia looks like other than that it's a long thin dagger, longer relative to its other dimensions than an ISD.

[Lord Revan]

other then a "wings" looking a too busy for my taste that shuttle looks nice.

[Abacus]

On that transport ship, how big of a formation did we figure it could contain? A full armored brigade?

[fractalsponge1]

On that transport ship, how big of a formation did we figure it could contain? A full armored brigade?

Depends on what kind of vehicle the brigade has. If relatively compact repulsorlift armor, then yes. Walkers, no, unless they're AT-ST or equivalent and you accept that you don't have quick walk-on-walk-off for a good portion of them, since they'd be stored multi-level.

In more numerical terms, the ship can always carry light tanks, speeder bikes, etc. in the top flank bays (max ~16x T-130T equivalent in top bays). For the main bay, it can carry either:
- 2x A6 Juggernaut (potentially 2xcompany carriage)
- 2x SPHA
- 6x AT-AT (1-2 companies)
- 4x AT-SE (8x AT-SE if storage configuration is used)
- 32 medium/heavy repulsortank
- 98 TX-130T

[fractalsponge1]

On that transport ship, how big of a formation did we figure it could contain? A full armored brigade?

I assume you mean the Chi class drop barge. Carriage depends on what kind of vehicle the brigade has. If relatively compact repulsorlift armor, then yes. Walkers, no, unless they're AT-ST or equivalent and you accept that you don't have quick walk-on-walk-off for a good portion of them, since they'd be stored multi-level.

In more numerical terms, the ship can always carry light tanks, speeder bikes, etc. in the top flank bays (max ~16x T-130T equivalent in top bays). For the main bay, it can carry either:
- 2x A6 Juggernaut (potentially 2xcompany carriage)
- 2x SPHA
- 8x AT-AT (2 companies)
- 4x AT-SE
- 32 medium/heavy repulsortank
- 98 TX-130T

Note that for the AT-AT and 4x AT-SE loads, there's still space for light repulsorlift vehicles (light or medium/heavy for AT-SE configuration), but they would not be able to deploy until the walkers have debarked.

[fractalsponge1]

Updated count: 6x AT-SE, plus medium/heavy repulsor armor in other levels.

[Abacus]

Thanks Ansel! Appreciate it.

[Ben.mcdonald7]

Fractalsponge1
Thank you for this amazing thread. I'm a long time lurker first time poster. I love the designs and the renders are breathtaking.

I was hoping you would give your thoughts on the new First Order Star Destroyer Finalizer. It really looks like an interesting design and has several peculiar design elements including the ram like bow, more sunke command tower etc.. Do you have any plans to try to render the ship? I would say it looks to be similar size to maybe the Allegiance or even a little larger around 3KM. Hope you give us your thoughts. Thank you!

Link

[Image linked, too big. ~ NL]

[fractalsponge1]

I think the Finalizer can be cool, but haven't seen much of the topside yet. I'll reserve judgment.

If it is cool, expect to see one of mine eventually

Been working on a commissioned ship lately, the Vindicator frigate (baseline hull for the Immobilizer):

[fractalsponge1]

In my design notes, I peg the Vindicator as a sector defense utility design. Of the frigates, I'd say:

Acclamator II/Rand Ecliptic - high-end generalist heavy frigate, 3700g+ acceleration, about 1/10th ISD weapon power, 4-6 squadrons, 2-3 battalions troops
Eidolon - large generalist medium frigate, 3500g+ acceleration
Vindicator - large utility design, for Sector group duties, less for the fleet, 3000g, about 1/15th ISD weapon power, 2-4 squadrons, 1 battalion
Gladiator/Demolisher - medium carrier/frigate, slower, about same weapons as Vindicator, but 4-6 squadrons, 1-2 battalions
Fulgor - specialist fast medium frigate - 4200g, heavy MTL only, 1-2 squadrons, 2 companies
Kontos - generalist fleet medium type - 3700g, MTL only, 2-3 squadrons, 1 battalion
Strike - lower end modular medium type - acceleration who knows, MTL only 1-3 squadrons, 1 battalion


As such, it should be able to carry some troops and some fighters, and be efficient in a way the notoriously crew-intensive Dreadnaught never was, but it's not likely to have Fulgor engine or Acclamator II overall performance. Does mount genuine heavy turbolasers, same gun as ISDII, but only 4 of them, those being backed up by 11 quad mediums.


Space for ~4-5 light fighter squadrons, or 2 heavy squadrons (Defender/Scimitar), or 1 assault gunboat and 1 light squadron. Flexibility to dock many types of ship is important away from the fleet. Room for Escort shuttles, single Lambda, selection of light dropships and transports. Probably typical carriage would be 1 flight of assault gunboats and 2 light squadrons. Flank hangar bays room for racked light fighters in 2 levels, or Defender/Gunboat in one level. Aft aperture just big enough to take a Lambda (the prestige personnel transport), as well as Escort shuttles. Front aperture for transports and dropships.


Troops - tactically, would be battalion, since that's typically the smallest independent ground force unit. 1 company in repulsorlift, 1 company light armor (Sabre, or scout/medium walker mix), 1 company leg infantry for ship duties, 1 company scouts and light infantry (speeder bikes).

[23 November 1939]

Terrific pics and a fascinating perspective on the balances between the various frigate types. I really enjoy seeing these frigate hulls take shape. They feel like a very practical and useful size for starships. True ships, in a way that the corvettes often feel too small to match. But not moving mountains like the heavies, whose greatest utility often seems to be their mere existence. They are small enough to do work but large enough to be very independent.

Two questions, if may, about design theory. First, what governs the placement of weapons (particular main battery) for you? Second, what goes into the differences between, say, a Fulgor and Demolisher? If firepower is traded for speed, what is being given up? Power plant and reactor fuel in exchange for larger engines - thus less power overall, but the capacity to use more of the available power for sublight acceleration? Naturally, designs, particularly in these smaller, working hulls, are trade-offs. Very interested in what trade-offs you give primacy to.

[Ekiqa]

You stop visiting an unupdated page, and all of a sudden, there's another fleet of ships!

Always wanted to see one I-418 series ships.

As much as I, and the rest of the denizens here love warships, any chance of doing civilian vessels? Either big freighters and passenger liners, or smaller yachts and Falcon-analogues?

[fractalsponge1]

Terrific pics and a fascinating perspective on the balances between the various frigate types. I really enjoy seeing these frigate hulls take shape. They feel like a very practical and useful size for starships. True ships, in a way that the corvettes often feel too small to match. But not moving mountains like the heavies, whose greatest utility often seems to be their mere existence. They are small enough to do work but large enough to be very independent.

Two questions, if may, about design theory. First, what governs the placement of weapons (particular main battery) for you? Second, what goes into the differences between, say, a Fulgor and Demolisher? If firepower is traded for speed, what is being given up? Power plant and reactor fuel in exchange for larger engines - thus less power overall, but the capacity to use more of the available power for sublight acceleration? Naturally, designs, particularly in these smaller, working hulls, are trade-offs. Very interested in what trade-offs you give primacy to.

I think in terms of the suitable-for-everyday-independent-tasks size, ISD is about where it ends. Much heavier and it's not justifiable in most cases, or better off in squadron or fleet form.

Weapons - partly it's style and based on existing references. But if it's up to me I like centerline mounts because they have the best arc, but the ability to mount many of them is limiting. The result go to flanks and then I just I try to give them the best arc possible given the hull form.

For design trade offs, I think the key thing to look at is mass, not volume, because that determines what's required for good acceleration. Armor is expensive in that it is heavy (neutronium), weapons are heavy for the structural strength necessary to take continent-evaporating recoil (probably also something involving neutronium). I happen to think SW warships use very little power relatively speaking for propulsion - most of it is going to weapons or shields. If a significant portion of SW power is needed to move their mass, that mass is so great that some canon scenes of ships interacting with planets become impossibly mild in terms of effects (the Lucrehulk crashing in AOTC, for example).

Simple structural volume is going to be relatively light - to slightly modify the existing adage, durasteel is cheap and void is free. But warships need protected volume, so engines that get big cost armor. At that point, weapons and their recoil absorbing structure is the only thing to give.


As for civilian ships - yes, I have some ideas. Big cargo ships and yachts are definitely going to happen eventually. The Old Republic ship a few pages back will get finished as a yacht, at least.