AYUKO-CLASS HITARABUNE
The Ayuko class of hitarabune, or combat carrier, was introduced in 2485 AT as part of the Botas Reforms. Following advances in Artifical Intelligence technology and gravity weapons such as the Shamisen Resonance Caster, the Kokubusho determined that the existing line of warships developed during the Trathiran Revolt was outdated and was far too crew-intensive. The class is named after Admiral Ayuko Shokuminchi, who was KIA during the Battle of Yamsai.
DEVELOPMENTThe contract to design and build the Ayuko class was put out for tender in 2481 AT following the Battle of Yamsai. Onohama Shipyards were awarded the contract, in a reverse of policy for the Imperial Jade Navy which typically awarded weapons developers the contracts and then allowed them to subcontract industrial firms. The first vessels of the Ayuko class were deployed to active duty in early 2486 AT.
SPECIFICATIONSAdvances in automation allowed the Ayuko class to have a much smaller crew, requiring only 360 crew for optimal operation, including 140 flight personnel, 120 flight deck personnel and 60 medical staff. Designed as a troop and fighter carrier, it is relatively lightly armed, with 16 912-LB railgun turrets to provide coverage against light-to-medium vessels, fightercraft, shuttles and missile-torpedo analogues and 28 IdaiTech Combination Vertical Launch.
Systems across the hull to allow the launch of missiles such as the Atlatl MTM and the Micomitl ISM. It has a high ratio of Gyaku-Ko BDP emplacements, with 2,850 units providing short-range coverage against fighter craft, shuttles, corvettes and enemy munitions in a comprehensive network of fire across the ship. The primary capability of the Ayuko class is its ability to carry two full regiments of Jade Marines, equalling 10,000 officers and enlisted alongside their equipment, vehicles and logistical supplies. It carries 10 Kankyo IV Orbital Dropships, each able to transport a full battalion of 1,000 marines from space to planetary surface, as well as a full wing of 60 Senjin Air Sentokitai, 10 Raijin Gyoraikitai and five Yoshi Class Kobaya. As well as a network of hangars and launch bays, the Ayuko has multiple THERR relays for short-range teleportation of infantry and resources. It carries two pre-fabricated orbital drop bases to provide forward operating areas for planetary assaults. Ayuko carriers have a full long-term hospital facility with the capacity for 500 ICU and 1,500 long-term patients, supported by complex medical technologies and purpose-designed Narrow Artificial Intelligences for patient care. Auxiliary systems include an enhanced IdaiTech HALL-7 Fire Control Suite, for the co-ordination of friendly assets, KanshoCorp Tractor Beams, an IdaiTech Stormcloud TILT Generator and a comprehensive manufactory system. Whilst other Imperial warships boast Foundry Systems which allow for the repair, maintenance and replacement of equipment, the Ayuko is capable of fully manufacturing vehicles and spacecraft up to and including orbital landers. |
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