Talk:AFOH/@comment-14850713-20160103084735

OOC: Happy new year, guys!

IC:

Due to technical and budget issues that have plagued the FAMM project, the High Command has decided to just limit it to prototype testing. Among its problems are its lack of defensive weaponry and light armor (which was supposed to be compensated by its speed and maneuverability). The very expensive Mk 100 laser gun also does not bring an incremental improvement vs. the fleet's current 46cm guns, so it was cancelled in favor of continued development of the longer-ranged Mk 112. The Mk 16 rail gun, however, was considered an urgent need, so it was decided to mount it and the advanced Tiger Arc radar system on the Revanche class cruisers.

The Flight II Revanche will have a new bridge and deckhouse for the radar, and will mount dual Mk 16s on a massive casemate under the forward part of the hull. Each gun can be independently targeted and fired, and can depress up to -45 deg and 3 deg left and right, obviating the need for a sophisticated stabilization system to keep the whole ship tilted forward to bring the guns to bear for anti-surface bombardment (an advanced but very expensive feature of the FAMM). The casemate will have its own power plant and contain all the ammunition and support systems for the guns. The nuclear power plant has enough capacity to power the Mk 112 laser gun, which will replace the Mk 16 in Flight IIA ships when it comes into service. With an upgraded engine, the Flight II and IIA Revanches are faster but will carry less planes (24 Diable/Aigle atmospheric or 18 Vautour aerospace fighters vs 30 and 24) as compared to Flight I units. Aside from the angled deckhouse, other distinguishing features are the forward placement of the Mk 45 guns for improved firing arcs, 2 less triple 25mm CIWS and the deletion of the 2 side multi-purpose launchers. To replace the latter, 2 rotary launchers (similar to those on the Paladin heavy aerospace fighter) are installed below and act of the deckhouse, allowing carriage of 4 FBW N/T hypersonic missiles.

It is envisioned to convert all Revanches to the either Flight II or IIA standard. A similar upgrade is being planned for the Devastation battle carriers, although their heavy involvement in operations against the Resurgent Axis means that this will be spread out over a longer period.