SVS Intrepid-class Fleet Carrier

Description:
With the recent acquisition of Eriadu Shipyards, Sluis Van Shipyards have begun expanding their range. Using old schematics and designs utilized by the Galactic Alliance Remnant during the Siege of Manaan, Sluis Van Shipyards have begun manufacturing these vessels once more under the SVS brand. Due to their iconic history, these ships are often purchased by rogue or rebel groups, and are of particular appeal to the more organized rebel movements, as well as independent clusters such as the Manaan Alliance.

The Intrepid-class Fleet Carrier always was going to be a niche vessel. Designed to field massive amounts of strike craft in any war theater, the large vessel was something of a specialist that never quite fit in with the ethos of the Galactic Alliance's preference for multi-purpose vessels and dedicated warships.

While the bulk of the vessel was considerably small - the main body of the craft was only about 700 meters in length - the true party piece of the Intrepid was the massive hangar facilities that  more than doubled the overall length of the vessel. Two giant prongs extended forth from either side of the bridge, almost the entire length of which was fitted with massive shielded hangar bays that could allow strike craft to launch in their hundred simultaneously. Though this was rarely ever used due to the sheer logistics involved, the capability for the ship to re-arm, refuel and launch swarms of the Galactic Alliance's hardy, long range fighters such as the R-25 Rogue in short order meant that the vessels were often highly prized as support warships for larger fleet engagements.

These massive hangars, however, were relatively weak structurally, and despite the heavy warship armor on their exterior, the large open spaces created a structural weakness that could be fatal. To counter this, the Intrepid-class was fitted with four massive bay doors that would close over the open hangarspace, protecting the vessel's most vulnerable area in combat. A pair of heavy blast door at the prow could also be opened and closed, allowing the Intrepid-class to still launch fighters - albeit at a slower rate through the long tunnel now created. For additional protection, the Intrepid-class's bridge was also nestled in between these massive doors, and would be entirely protected from outside attacks while they were closed. In this configuration, the glasteel windows would be automatically covered by durasteel plates, and holoprojectors would replace the viewports, giving a panoramic view of the fore. Due to this, many Intrepid-class vessels in fact preferred to weld the main doors shut anyway in order to maximize protection.

The Intrepid-class was still armed with a number of turbolasers, and was a capable combatant if pushed into service against smaller vessels. However, it was not a dedicated warship, and was not designed for such engagements. Many Galactic Alliance Admirals in fact preferred to keep the Intrepid-class carriers back from the front line and out of combat, simply using them as large fleet tenders instead.