Even though an old design, the Human Alliance Ferret class corvette is one of the most common starships operated in the Three Galaxies. While both the Human Alliance and the Consortium operate these fighters and have larger number in Mothball storage, many are operated by independent governments and mercenary companies. They are extremely popular with the Free Worlds Council who operate these craft in a number of roles. To be honest, the Free Worlds Council will take almost any ship they can get their hands on.
Not much work has been done to upgrade these ships. They were always considered semi-disposable and many owners do not consider them worth upgrading. Still, a number of companies have worked up designs to increase the capabilities. Most are straight forward upgrades but some are for new roles. There are versions which replace the cruise missile launcher with long range missile launchers to act as a Mine Sweeper. Other craft include a command and control corvette used by the Free Worlds Council which operate a command and control link replacing all reloads for the cruise missile launchers.
Raven Industries does something extremely similar with the Wild Weasel class ECCM corvette. The missile launchers are reduced from two reloads for the launcher to a single reload. As well, cargo space is vastly reduced. Instead, a powerful electronic counter measure system and sensor system is mounted. Otherwise, the ship is virtually unmodified with the standard secondary weapon mounts and shields. Still, the ships are fully reconditioned to an almost new condition.
The company does not recondition these ships but instead sells these ships directly. The publically given reason is that it is company policy not to be liable for any problems which may exist in ships but it has been suggested by others that there is a higher profit margin in resale than upgrades. The company will purchase old Ferret class corvettes to defray costs. These are then reconditioned and resold if they can be. Many are in extremely rough shape and mostly only useful for parts.
As with the original version of the corvette, the ship does not carry any fighters or troops onboard. One place that these ships are upgrades is in terms of electronics. The ships are given a full set of display and control systems. Otherwise, the new sensor systems would overload the crews ability to track and scan. A more powerful communication array is also added. The crew of the Wild Weasel is increased from sixteen to eighteen to handle the additional work load. Compared to fighters carry electronic counter measure gear, the Wild Weasel has a much extended range and generally increased capabilities. Another major advantage compared to the Panther is that without support craft, such as a carrier, these ships can operate outside of their home system.
Normal tactic involves these craft operating with a squadron of standard Ferret class corvettes. Numbers are often four to eight conventional corvettes to each "Wild Weasel." While the Consortium and Human Alliance do not operate these electronic warfare craft, something many officers would like to change, they are operated both by independent governments and by mercenary companies. Some members of the Consortium military would like a version based off the Cheetah class corvette. It should be a relatively easy redesign although the ship is already extremely tight.
Ship design uses modified starship speeds and weapon ranges. See Revised Starship Rules for Phase World for more details.
Model Type: Raven Industries EFL-04
Vehicle Type: ECCM Corvette
Crew: 18 (2 officers)
M.D.C. By Location:
| Point Defense Rail Gun Turrets (2): | 150 each | |
| Triple Barrel Defense Laser Turrets (2): | 150 each | |
| Cruise Missile Battery: | 800 | |
| Mini-Missile Launchers (4): | 100 each | |
| [1] Bridge: | 800 | |
| [2] Main Body: | 2,000 | |
| [3] Variable Force Field: | 800 a side (4,800 Total) |
Notes:
[1] In reality this is how much damage needs to be done for a weapon
to hit the bridge through the ships armor. This ship does not have an auxiliary
bridge. Even if the bridges is destroyed, the ship can still be piloted
from engineering but ship is -3 to dodge and all weapon systems will be
at local control. Weapon hits near the bridge that do not penetrate the
ships integrity can injure crew members on or near the bridge.
[2] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will put the corvette out
of commission. All internal systems will shut down, including life support
and internal gravity. The ship itself will be an unsalvageable floating
wreck.
[3] Shields positions can be varied and all could be combined in one
shield. Shields regenerate at the rate of 5% (240 M.D.C.) per melee round
Speed:
Driving on the Ground: Not Possible.
Sublight: Has a special sublight engine that allows the ship
to travel up to 50 percent of the speed of light. Star Ship can accelerate/decelerate
at the rate of 0.9 percent of light per melee.
Atmospheric Propulsion: Maximum speed is Mach 2, can enter an
atmosphere because flight system is by contra grav.
Stardrive: Uses a Gravitonic Drive system that allows the ship
to reach a maximum of 3.5 light years per hour.
Maximum Range: Effectively Unlimited by either Drive system.
Carries about one year worth of supplies on board.
Statistical Data:
Length: 115 feet (35.1 meters)
Height: 220 feet (67.1 meters)
Width: 80 feet (24.4 meters)
Weight: 1,800 tons (1,632.9 metric tons)
Power System: Fusion with a 25 year life span (fusion was far
cheaper than anti-matter). The ship normally only goes 5 years between
refueling and refitting.
Cargo: Cargo holds are scattered about the ship that allows
for carrying up to 20 tons (18.14 metric tons) of cargo in addition to
standard compliment of supplies and ammunition. Each enlisted crew member
has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships officers have
more space for personal items. Most of the ships spaces are take up by
extra ammunition, armor, troops, weapons, engine, and other equipment.
Market Cost: 750 million credits
WEAPON SYSTEMS:
Special Systems:
The Wild Weasel carries all the standard equipment of a Phase World
corvette including long range sensors and communications and carries additional
jamming and sensor systems.
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