Bengal-class strike carrier

Bengal
Type	Strike Carrier
Primary User	Terran Confederation
Introduction	2619
Retirement	2657 (last hull commissioned)
General Characteristics
Length	700 meters
Mass	80,000 tonnes
Spacecraft Carried	104
Performance
Maximum Yaw	1 dps
Maximum Pitch	1 dps
Maximum Roll	1 dps
Acceleration	Poor
Velocity
Cruise	100 kps
Maximum	130 kps
Armament
Turrets
Dual Laser Turrets (8)
Components
Jump Drive	Yes
Defense
Shields
Fore	21 cm equivalent
Aft	21 cm equivalent
Armor
Front	24 cm
Rear	20 cm
Right	25 cm
Left	25 cm
Bengal-class Target Identification, circa 2654.
Source	Claw Marks

Work-in-progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.

TCS Tiger's Claw line drawing from Joan's Fighting Spacecraft, circa 2654

History

The Bengal-Class Strike Carrier is a carrier-class warship that served with the Terran Confederation. It served with great distinction in the Terran-Kilrathi War and was among the Confederation's most reliable and iconic carrier designs.

The TCS Bengal was commissioned in 2619, the first in a series of "utility carriers" that would go on to serve in both independent and fleet roles for the duration of the Terran-Kilrathi conflict. The initial model of Bengal saw service throughout the Pilgrim conflict and the first years of the Terran-Kilrathi war. Generally outclassed by the Concordia-Class Fleet Carriers and the more common Yorktown-class ships, Bengals seemed doomed to spend their life as a second class support carrier.

However, in 2642, Terran Confederation military command authorized the conversion of remaining in-production hulls to a heavily revised second flight design. The first of the new ships, the TCS Tiger's Claw (CV-07), was commissioned at the Trojan IV shipyard two years later (2644). It was included in Joan's Fighting Spacecraft Vega Sector Supplement for 2654.092.

The Tiger's Claw immediately began what would become one of the most storied individual combat records in history, routing a Kilrathi invasion force while still on her shakedown cruise. Minor design changes to subsequent Bengals reduced their total length to 690-meters, the TCS Kipling being the first Bengal to reflect these changes, and made the 700-meter Tiger's Claw the largest strike carrier in the fleet.

The Bengals were designed to undertake deep-space assaults against Kilrathi positions without the need for escorting vessels. These ships were designed as all-purpose vessels that could operate without escorts or assistance in combat.

The TCS Tiger's Claw was by far the most famous ship of this class. Among her exploits, she routed a Kilrathi invasion force, liberated the Vega Sector in 2654, destroyed the Kilrathi fleet responsible for the destruction of Goddard in 2655, and ensured the entry of the Firekkans into the Terran Confederation later that year following a massive Kilrathi invasion. Some of the finest pilots ever to serve in the Confederation Space Navy served aboard the Claw, including then-Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Blair.

The final Bengal-class carrier was commissioned in 2657. By the end of the decade, they were replaced by Jutland-Class Heavy Carriers. However, surviving Bengals continued to serve the Confederation with distinction throughout the remainder of the Kilrathi War. TCS Wolfhound served into the late 2660s, notably at the Battle of Vukar Tag where it and the TCS Concordia were the only two Confederation carriers to escape undamaged. It served as Admiral William Banbridge's flagship before and during the battle.

Notable Vessels

• TCS Beacontree
• TCS Bengal (Class Leader)
• TCS Eagle's Talon
• TCS Exeter
• TCS Kipling
• TCS Kyoto
• TCS Tiger's Claw (Destroyed 2656)
• TCS Trafalgar (Destroyed 2654)
• TCS Wolfhound
• TCS Vanguard

Gallery

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  Bengal-class line drawing from Joan's Fighting Spacecraft (drawing is the TCS Tiger's Claw)

• 

  TCS Tiger's Claw as seen in Wing Commander Academy TV series

• 

  Tiger's Claw as seen in Super Wing Commander

• 

  TCS Tiger's Claw as seen in Super Wing Commander

• 

  TCS Tiger's Claw as seen in Super Wing Commander

Fan Art

Over the years many fans have contributed their artwork showcasing the Tiger's Claw.

Bengal-Class Carrier Fan Art