Bengal-class strike carrier
| Bengal | |
|---|---|
| File:Wc1bengal.jpg | |
| Type | Strike Carrier |
| Manufacturer | Trojan Four Spaceyards |
| Introduction | 2619 |
The Bengal Class was a Terran Confederation strike carrier design. It was included in Joan's Fighting Spacecraft Vega Sector Supplement for 2654.092. In 2642, the Terran Confederation military command determined the need for a heavy space carrier and authorized the design of the Bengal-class. The construction contract was awarded to the Trojan Four Spaceyards. The first Bengal launched was the TCS Bengal in 2619. The TCS Tiger's Claw, the first in a new line of fully-redesigned Bengals, was launched in 2644. Following the launch of the Tiger's Claw the Bengal design was modified once again, reducing the overall length to 690 meters and the mass by several tonnes. The TCS Kipling, launched in 2645, reflected these changes. The fictional TCS Hornet's Nest was a Bengal-class ship.
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 Christopher Blair.
The last Bengal-Class ship was commissioned in 2657. By the end of the decade, they were replaced by the more modern Jutland-Class Heavy Carriers. However, surviving Bengals continued to serve the Confederation 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 2668)
- TCS Wolfhound
- TCS Vanguard
Specifications (Wing Commander)
| Class: | Strike Carrier |
| Length: | 690-700 meters |
| Mass: | 80,000 metric tonnes |
| Max Velocity: | 130 kps |
| Cruise Velocity: | 100 kps |
| Acceleration: | Poor |
| Max Y/P/R: | 1/1/1 dps |
| Fore Shield: | 21.0 cm equivalent |
| Aft Shield: | 21.0 cm equivalent |
| Front Armor: | 24.0 cm |
| Right Armor: | 25.0 cm |
| Left Armor: | 25.0 cm |
| Rear Armor: | 20.0 cm |
| Guns: | Dual Laser Turret (8) |
| Fighter Complement: | 104 |
Images
TCS Tiger's Claw as seen in Wing Commander Academy TV series.
Fan Art
Over the years many fans have contributed their artwork showcasing the Tiger's Claw.
