New Sovietskiy Novik class Multi-Role Destroyer:

For almost four decades the ships of the former Soviet Union rusted in port and very little money was spend on the Russian Navy. As a result, very little was salvageable when the Soviet government reformed. As well, the "Mega-Damage" revolution, as some call it, started just a few years after the new government took power. It was decided that instead of trying to salvaging the old vessels and trying to refit them with new external armor plates that they would build new vessels. A few vessels which were in reasonable decent shape were retained and refitted with some high strength composite armor until significant numbers of new vessels could enter service. The only exception was the Kuznetsov carrier which was refitted but was retained in service even when more Soviet carriers entered service. This is due to the fact that the refitting became virtually a complete rebuilding. One of the first classes that the new Soviet Government approved was a new destroyer class. They would be needed as escorts for their carrier, as anti-submarine vessels, and as shore bombardment vessels. The first vessel of the class, the Novik, was laid down in 2034. The American Rosette class was laid down around the same time and many naval scholars of the time considered the American class to have been constructed as a response to the Soviet design. This is unlikely due to the fact that the Rosette design is based on a class which was laid down two decades previously and was planned before the plans on the Soviet design was released. At least fifty of the Novik class were built over the next two decades in an attempt to match the American Navy and to replace vessels which were unserviceable. Construction slowed but the vessels were still constructed at the rate of two vessels every three years. A total of around fifty of these destroyers are assumed to have been built. These ships were fine vessels and preferred by their crews over most other Soviet designs. Due to their construction from alloys and composites which are virtually corrosion free, these vessels enjoyed long service lives. The Novik class were upgraded several times in service and new construction incorporated some design changes but the whole class was still considered to be first line units until the coming of the Rifts. Two vessels of the class were lost in accidents but otherwise the whole class was still in service. None are known to have survived the coming of the Rifts but the large number of vessels make it likely that some vessels of the class could have survived.

Fusion power systems were still under development when the class was laid down and it was designed using four gas turbines to produce power. It is believed by some military analysts that the engines were actually not Soviet designs but were actually copies of later versions of the American LM-2500 gas turbine systems. Unlike American and European designs of the same time, the Gas turbine did not power electric engines but instead used shafts from the four engines to the twin variable pitch propellers. In later service, the early ships of the class hade gas turbines were replaced by fusion turbines and later vessels of the class were fitted with fusion turbines when they were laid down. The original gas turbine engines could drive the Novik class at thirty two knots and the new fusion turbines improved this to thirty five knots. An important physical feature of the design is a long clipper bow but otherwise the vessel is very squarish. The Soviet navy did not concentrate on stealth as a feature of the design unlike the American Rosette class. Another distinguishing feature of the Soviet class are four diamond shaped phased array radar panels which are the heart of an advanced defense systems. System has a better range than the system carried on the Rosette class but does not have the ability to track as many targets. Originally, the Novik class was suppose to carry a secondary single phased array radar system as well but these was deleted due to top-weight problems.

The Americans had mounted much larger guns in their new destroyer and cruiser classes. They had gone from 127 mm cannons to 155 mm cannons. The new caliber was also the same caliber as most NATO artillery and allowed for larger ammo compatibility. The Soviets decided to do the same thing with their new vessels as well. Once the Soviet government reformed, the Soviets followed a similar line with the Novik class carrying a 152 mm cannon. This caliber cannon was last carried on the Sverdlov class cruiser which had all been scrapped before the end of the Twentieth century. The old cruiser turrets were triple barrel in design but the new turrets were much lighter in design and were single barrel. They are designed for a higher rate of fire and are capable in both anti-surface and anti-aircraft roles. The design has a large amount of teething problems with the main missile launchers of the Destroyer. In development, several designers suggested that the American Mk-41 missile launcher be simply copied. Later, the designers decided to purchase the French Sylver missile launchers. This was approved by the French government, causing much tension with Frances neighbors and the United States, but due to labor problems, the missile launchers were never delivered. Instead the Soviet had to make a crash development of a new missile launcher for the vessel. It was based on the launcher for the SA-N-6 Grumble missile but was designed to be able to launch any long range missiles and the vertical launchers were quite a bit smaller than the original launchers. The ship was designed to carry a total of 128 long range missiles with 64 missile forward of the superstructure and the same number aft. Originally, the ship was designed to have one launcher which carried both long range missiles and medium range missiles in the same launcher. Instead, the vessel carried separate launchers for long range missiles and medium range missiles. Instead the Novik carries both long range and medium range missile launchers. The medium range launchers are modified versions of the vertical launch system first developed for the SA-N-9 Gauntlet missile. The ships carries a total of 128 medium range missiles in addition to long range missiles. The vessel does not carry cruise missiles and the assumption was that long range missiles could fill the role formerly filled by large anti-ship missiles. To support the long range and medium range missiles, the ships initially carried the CADS-N-1 Close in weapon system which combined both a point defense Gatling cannon and short range missiles. This was later replaced by a combination short range missile and pulse laser weapon known as CADS-N-6. The laser is similar to soviet heavy combat rifles and fires a four shot burst. It is longer ranged than the rifle design but is much shorter ranged than the original auto-cannon carried in the CADS-N-1. Its unlimited payload was seen as its greatest advantage. The system had greatly updated electronics compared to the original weapon system but looks similar. The ship carries four of these mounts. Like previous soviet designs, the Novik carries much larger torpedo tubes than American and European designs. It mounts five torpedo tubes on each side. In addition, the vessel carries a box style launcher for short range interceptor torpedoes on the bow forward of the main cannon. Interceptor torpedoes are very fast but have very limited range.

Some moderate automation was mounted in the vessel to reduce crew compliment and crew was around 260 personnel total. Ship's spaces were comfortable although the officers' accommodations were not as luxurious as previous classes like the Kirov and Slava classes. The ship was not designed to be able to operate as a flag ship. The vessel is designed to carry two helicopters or other VTOL aircraft. The primary role is anti-submarine warfare. There were some plans to replace these craft with smaller sky-cycle which were designed to fill both the anti-submarine role and combat support roles. The production of these designs was overtaken by the coming of the Rifts. The Sovietsky did not develop power armor designs and generally preferred cyborgs over powered armor. As a result, the vessel has no provision for power armors. Some experiments were done using cyborgs and jet packs but the Novik class did not have the space to accommodate heavy cyborgs and was limited to light cyborgs.

Model Type: Novik class Multi-Role Destroyer
Vehicle Type: Ocean, General Purpose Destroyer
Crew: 258; 30 officers, 228 petty officers and enlisted crew members.(Has a high degree of automation and can be run effectively by 150 crew members)
Troops: 8 Helicopter Crew Members, 10 troops for shipboard defense (Including Partial Conversions and Light Cyborgs).

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

2

Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft (Usually for ASW)

M.D.C. by location:

	Bridge:	500
	[1] "Pod Hunter" Soviet AEGIS system (4, Superstructure):	200 each
	152 mm Cannon Barrels (1):	100
	152 mm Cannon Mounts (1, Forward):	250
	CADS-N-6 Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems (4):	225 each
	Octuple Long Range Vertical Launch Systems (16):	150 each
	Octuple Medium Range Vertical Launch System (16):	125 each
	Quintuple mount type torpedo launchers (2, Sides):	100 each
	Killer Dart "Interceptor" Torpedo Launcher (1, Forward):	80
	Chaff Launchers (4, Superstructure):	10 each
	Hanger (Aft):	400
	[2] Main Body:	2,600

Notes:
[1] Destroying "Pod Hunter" AEGIS system will disable primary search and fire control systems; In addition, standard robot sensors for the time period, not needing large antennas to be effective, were installed in well-protected points in the hull as secondary systems. As well, panels can partially compensate for each other.
[2] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.

Speed:
Surface: 40.3 mph (35 knots/ 64.8 kph)
Maximum Effective Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 10 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries two months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Length: 543.0 feet (165.5 meters)
Draft: 24.0 feet (7.3 meters)
Width: 67.3 feet (20.5 meters)
Displacement: 7,500 tons standard and 9,400 tons fully loaded.
Cargo: 200 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship's spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.
Power System: 4 Nuclear Fusion Reactors, average life span is 10 years
Market Cost: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 500-600 million credits.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. One (1) Single Barrel 152 mm Naval Gun: One single barrel turret is mounted in the front of the vessel and weapon is based on standard artillery systems. Weapon is single barrel but is preferred by most crews over the dual 130 mm cannon carried on many previous classes because while it has a slower rate of fire, it has a longer range using rocket propelled rounds and has the ability to inflict larger damage per round. Can use both standard rounds and rocket propelled rounds. Weapon does not have the extremely long range projectiles available to the American 155 mm cannon. The turret can rotate 360 and has a 90 arc of fire. The weapon mount is heavily automated and is capable against other ships, against ground targets, and against aircraft. Plasma rounds are a late pre-Rifts innovation and are rare and expensive.
   Maximum Effective Range: 15.3 miles (13.2 nautical miles / 24.7 km) for standard projectiles, 24.9 miles (21.6 nautical miles / 40.0 km) for rocket propelled rounds.
   Mega-Damage: Standard Projectiles: 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 ft (7.7 m) for High Explosive, 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 6 ft (2 m) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 4D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 ft (7.7 m) for Plasma. Rocket projectiles: 2D4x10 to a blast radius of 20 ft (6.1 m) for High Explosive, 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 4 ft (1.2 m) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 20 ft (6.1 m) for Plasma. Use the statistics for 155 mm artillery warheads (Go to Battlefield Artillery for Rifts for more information - standard or rocket assisted as appropriate) when using artillery rounds.
   Rate of Fire: Normal Projectiles: Up to four single shots per barrel/cannon per melee.
   Payload: 450 rounds total.
2. Kashstan CADS-N-6 CIWS Systems (4): Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems which combines both a rapid fire laser and a short range missile launchers. On is mounted on each of the four corners of the ship's superstructure. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking systems. Short range missiles are designed to be able to track and target multiple missiles simultaneously. Laser system fires four shot bursts and is capable of destroying missiles and inflicting serious damage on aircraft. Laser is similar to the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle with extended range. System can be targeted against surface targets and ground targets.
   Maximum Effective Range: Laser Cannons: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega Damage: Laser Cannons: 1D6x10 MD for four shot burst. Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Usually fragmentation) (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: Laser Cannons: 6 attacks per melee. (+2 to strike aircraft; +3 to strike missiles.) Short Range Missiles: One at a time or in volley of 2, 3, or 4 per launcher. Can fire up to six times per melee in place of gun fire.
   Payload: Laser Cannons: Effectively unlimited. Short Range Missiles: 32 short range missiles per mount.
3. Long Range Octuple Vertical Launch System (16): These launchers are mounted with eight forward and eight launchers aft of the ship's superstructure. Forward long range missiles are mounted forward of medium range medium range missile launcher and rear long range missiles are mounted on the fantail of the vessel below the helicopter deck. These launchers are modified versions of previous long range vertical launch missile systems. Missiles are designed for long range defense and against surface targets. They can launch on either ground, surface, or air targets. The launchers can launch at multiple targets simultaneously.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies with long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega-Damage: Varies with long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of any amount up to 32 missiles total in any combinations and at multiple targets at the same time.
   Payload: 128 long range missiles total (8 missiles per launcher)
4. Medium Range Octuple Vertical Launch System (16): These launchers are mounted with eight forward and eight launchers aft of the ship's superstructure. Forward medium range missile launchers are mounted aft of the long range missile launchers and aft launchers are mounted on the top of the helicopter hanger. These launchers are modified versions of previous medium range vertical launch missile systems. Normal role for the missiles is to act as medium defense of the vessel. They can launch on either ground, surface, or air targets. The launchers can launch at multiple targets simultaneously.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies with medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega-Damage: Varies with medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of any amount up to 32 missiles total in any combinations and at multiple targets at the same time.
   Payload: 128 medium range missiles total (8 missiles per launcher)
5. Two (2) Quintuple Torpedo Launchers: Mainly design for anti-submarine warfare but can be used against surface targets. There is one launcher on each side of the ship with five tubes each. The tubes have been modified to use an automatic reloading system and can be fired quickly. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest US designs of the time period. These torpedoes are also slightly larger than the standard US torpedo launchers. (These torpedoes are considered the equivalent of smart missiles and have advanced tracking and avoidance systems that give them a +5 to strike, +3 to dodge, and 2 attacks per melee until they strike their target or run out of fuel.)
   Maximum Effective Range: 40 miles (64 km), Rocket boosted torpedoes can also be fired from launcher (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
   Mega Damage: By Heavy torpedo warhead type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes). Rocket boosted torpedoes can also be fired from launcher.
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 3 or 5 per side. Reloading tubes takes 1 full melee
   Payload: 5 torpedoes/ missiles each launcher for a grand total of 10 torpedoes/missiles (Has 20 torpedoes/missiles for reloads)
6. Killer Dart "Interceptor" Short Range Torpedo Launcher (1): The launcher is mounted on the bow of the vessel. These so called "Killer Darts" are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They mount in a similar position to the ASW Rail launchers carries on late Twentieth Century Soviet vessels. American and European designed prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.
   Maximum Effective Range: 2000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
   Mega-Damage: By Short Range Torpedo Type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
   Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight short range interceptor torpedoes per melee.
   Payload: 64 Interceptor Torpedoes.
7. Chaff Launcher (4): Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. All four launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Reduce effects of launchers by 50% per launcher not used. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
   Maximum Effective Range: Around Ship
   Mega Damage: None
   01-35 Missile or Missile volley detonates in chaff
   36-60 Missile or Missile volley loses track of target, may lock onto another target
   61-00 No Effect; Missile Still on target
   Payload: 24 each for a total of 96.

Special Systems:
The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

• "Pod Hunter" Soviet AEGIS: Can identify and simultaneously track up to can simultaneously track and identify up to 400 targets at one time. The system controls missile launched from the missile launchers and the system track and guide each individual missile to an individual target for up to 100 targets. Range: 312 miles (498.5 km). The system can also control missiles launched from other linked vessels as well and can also act as fire control for gun mounts. Not as advanced as the most advanced American pre-rifts Aegis systems but still very effective.
• Advanced Hull Sonar: Mounted under the bow of the ship. Range of 25 miles (21.7 nautical miles / 40.2 km). This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 24 targets at one time.
• Advanced Towed Array Sonar System: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the ship on a long cable. Range of 100 miles (86.9 nautical miles / 160.9 km). This towed array sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 48 targets at one time.
• Combination Radar Detectors and Active Jamming System: Combination of radar detection system (ESM) and an active jamming system. The system can detect another radar system at 125% of the range of the transmitting radar. In jamming mode, causes -25% to detection but when it is active, other vehicles/ bases can detect that it is jamming, and some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Jamming also causes a -4 penalty to all radar guided weapons.

[New Navy, New Sovietskiy, and TRIAX are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]

Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Copyright © 2002 & 2003, Kitsune. All rights reserved.