New Sovietskiy Svietlana class Missile Cruiser:

One of the new vessels built by the Soviet Union after the communists took over the government in 2027. Most of the Navy had been allowed to disintegrate while Russia was under democratic government and were unsalvageable. As well, there was a revolution in materials and weapon systems which is often called "The Mega-Damage Revolution." The materials were far stronger than those used before and made virtually all military designs obsolete. The Soviet army refitted many of their designs with new armor materials but retained the old designs. Due to the sad state of the Russian Navy, this was an undesirable option and the Navy was able to convince the government that new vessels would be the best option. Some older vessels were fitted with new armor but they were simply stopgap methods until the new vessels could be brought into service. One of the first of the new Soviet vessels was the Novik class destroyer. This vessel was laid down in 2034 and served as the prototype for most Soviet designs for several decades. The Svietlana class cruiser could be considered an enlarged and heavier armed version of the Novik class destroyer. The first of the class was laid down in 2038, just after the name ship of the Novik class was commissioned and went though sea trials. It had been designed soon after the Novik class was laid down but the Soviet Navy wanted operational experience with the systems before construction on the new cruiser class was begun. Only a few minor changes were made based on the trials of the Novik. The Svietlana class incorporated many of the features which were originally planned for the Novik class and was quite a bit heavier. The missile cruiser class was planned as a flagship of task forces and was fitted with flag facilities and well as being fitted with additional systems. In the course of twenty years, a total of thirty two vessels were constructed. At that point, construction slowed to one cruiser every two years. These cruisers, along with their sister destroyers, formed the core of most Soviet task forces until the coming of the Rifts. There was some discussion that the Russians were responding to the American Charleston and Concord class cruisers but it is more likely that the two navies simply needed vessels to fill the same role. The United States produced far more cruisers than the Soviet navy but they did not operate large numbers of corvettes like the Soviet navy. Neither of the American classes were designed with full flagship facilities and the vessels of the two Navies are designed from a different perspective. The Svietlana class cruisers were designed using high strength alloys and composites and were well liked by their crews. Their electronics were upgraded several times but the basic systems were retained. The vessels were still considered front line units when the Rifts appeared and it is likely that one or more of these vessels may have survived the coming of the Rifts.

The Svietlana class cruiser initially carried the same Gas Turbine engines as the Novik class destroyer but due to the cruiser's larger hull, it is slightly slower. The four original engines, which are believed to be copies of the American LM-2500 Gas Turbine, could drive the at around thirty knots. Later vessels of the class replaced these engines with more powerful fusion turbine engines and upgraded the first several vessels with the same engines. This increased top speed to over thirty two knots and had the added advantage that the power supply was virtually unlimited. The vessels appearance is very similar to the Novik class cruiser with a squarish superstructure and a clipped bow. The missile cruiser is only slightly longer but is far wider to incorporate additional weapon systems. The vessel was not designed with stealth as a major feature. One of the most noticeable feature are four diamond shaped radar panels. These are the "Pod Hunter" phased array radar system. These are supplemented by a single phased array radar system known as "Morningstar." While not as powerful as the main radar system, it is capable of accurate fire control if the main system is destroyed.

Like the Americans, the Soviet Navy went to larger gun on their vessels. The Americans went to a 155 mm cannon where the Soviet navy went to a 152 mm cannon. The major NATO artillery cannon was the 155 mm and the Soviets was the 152 mm cannon. Also, the Sverdlov class gun cruisers of the previous century were fitted with the 152 mm cannon as its main weaponry. Unlike the Novik, the Svietlana has two 152 mm cannon mounts. It was decided early in the design process of the missile cruiser that it would carry cruise missiles as the main anti-ship and anti-ground weapon although long range missiles would be retained to be able to fill this role as well. On either side of the hull are slightly raised platforms, inside of them and descending into the hull are eight cruise missile launchers on each side for a total of sixteen cruise missiles. This is one of the main reasons why the Svietlana class is quite a bit wider than the Novik class. The remaining weapon systems are identical to the Novik class destroyer. The Soviets had originally attempted to purchase the French Sylver missile launching system but was replaced by a Soviet vertical launch missile system in the Novik when the French weapon systems were not delivered. The Soviet systems were also carried on the missile cruiser with a total of 128 long range missiles and 128 medium range missiles in separate launchers. Sixty four medium and sixty four long range missiles are in launchers forward and aft of the main superstructure with the aft medium range missile launchers mounted on the aft superstructure on the deck above the helicopter hanger. The medium range launchers are modified versions of the vertical launch system first developed for the SA-N-9 Gauntlet missile and the long range missile launchers are 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. Like most Soviet vessels laid down around the time of the Svietlana, the ships initially carried the CADS-N-1 Close in weapon system which combined both a point defense Gatling cannon and short range missiles. A total of four mounts were carried with one mount on each corner of the superstructure. 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 and was considered to compensate for its reduced range. The system had greatly updated electronics compared to the original weapon system but looks similar. The torpedo tubes are much heavier than carried on American and European surface combatants and the ship mounts five torpedo tubes on each side. In addition, the missile cruiser carries a box style launcher for short range interceptor torpedoes on the bow forward of the 152 mm cannon turret. Interceptor torpedoes are very fast but have very limited range.

The ships carry more automation than classes before the rebuilding on the Soviet navy begun with a crew of around 340 crew members not including flag personnel and aviation compliment. Ships spaces were comfortable although the officers' accommodations were not as luxurious as previous classes like the Kirov and Slava classes. Officer accommodations of those classes include such things as a swimming pool for officers. The cruiser was designed to be able to operate as a flagship. This flag facility was later upgraded for a higher capacity to control other units. The vessel is designed with a large hanger with the ability to carry four helicopters or other VTOL aircraft. The primary role of these embarked aircraft was 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 but the concept was overtaken by the coming of the Rifts. The Sovietsky did not develop power armor designs and generally preferred cyborgs over powered armor. Some experiments were done using cyborgs and jet packs but, like the Novik class destroyer, the Svietlana class did not have the space to accommodate heavy cyborgs and was limited to light cyborgs. A small number of troops were often carried and were often fitted with jet packs as well.

Model Type: Svietlana class Missile Cruiser
Vehicle Type: Ocean, Missile Cruiser
Crew: 342; 38 officers, 304 petty officers and enlisted crew members.(Has a high degree of automation and can be run effectively by 175 crew members) The ship also can carry a Flagship Staff of 32 personnel when acting as a flagship.
Troops: 20 Helicopter Crew Members, 40 troops for shipboard defense (Including Partial Conversions and Light Cyborgs).

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

4

Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft (Usually for ASW)

M.D.C. by location:

	Bridge:	600
	[1] "Pod Hunter" Soviet AEGIS system (4, Superstructure):	200 each
	[1] "Morningstar" Active Phased Array Radar (1, Superstructure):	250
	152 mm Cannon Barrels (2):	100
	152 mm Cannon Mounts (2, Forward & Aft):	250
	CADS-N-6 Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems (4):	225 each
	SS-N-40 Cruise Missile Vertical Launchers (16, 8 each side):	150 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):	600
	[2] Main Body:	3,400

Notes:
[1] Destroying "Pod Hunter" AEGIS system will disable primary long range search and fire control systems; "Morningstar" Active Phased Array Radar acts as medium range radar but does not have the ability to track as many targets. 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, "Pod Hunter" 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: 37.4 mph (32.5 knots/ 60.2 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: 571.9 feet (174.3 meters)
Draft: 24.6 feet (7.5 meters)
Width: 74.8 feet (22.8 meters)
Displacement: 9,800 tons standard and 12,200 tons fully loaded.
Cargo: 400 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 800 million to 1 billion credits.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. Two (2) Single Barrel 152 mm Naval Gun: The ship carried two single barrel turrets with one mounted in the front of the vessel and the other is mounted on the aft section of the vessel. The weapon is based on standard artillery systems and was carried on a most soviet combatant vessels. 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 each for a total of 900 rounds
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. SS-N-40 Cruise Missile Vertical Launchers (16): Unlike the destroyer class that the Svietlana is based on, the missile cruiser was designed with cruise missile launchers as the main anti-ship and anti-ground weaponry. The launchers are located on either side of the superstructure on raised platforms with eight launchers on each side for a total of sixteen cruise missiles. The cruise missiles can be fired be fired at either ground or surface targets but cannot be targeted on air targets. The launchers can launch at multiple targets simultaneously.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies with cruise missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega Damage: Varies with cruise missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: One at a time, or volleys of 2, 4, or 8 per melee.
   Payload: 16 Cruise Missiles
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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.
8. 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.
• "Morningstar" Active Phased Array Radar System: Unlike systems carried by most larger naval vessels, radar system is comprised of a single array on top of the main mast. This system is smaller, lighter, and requires less power than a system of fixed panels. If allowed by the horizon, the system can track out to 150 miles (241.4 km) and can simultaneously track and identify up to 240 targets at one time. The system controls missile launched from the long range missile launchers and the system can track and guide each individual missile to an individual target for up to 80 targets. If a target is eliminated, missiles are automatically guided to a new target. The system can also control missiles launched from other linked vessels as well and can also act as fire control for gun mounts.
• 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.
• Command and Control Facilities: The carrier carries extra communications equipment and command facilities, to enable the ship to operate as the flagship for a flotilla. When operating in a flotilla, all ships get a +1 on sensor rolls, +1 to strike on all weapons, and +10% on communications.
• 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.