54
GUNBOATS

The "gunboat" class of vessels are fairly new to space combat, and only one example of the class
is currently in service: the Vulture Assault Gunboat (AKA "Heavy Miner.") Octavian High
Command has confirmed though unofficial channels that they are working on heavier corvette
class vessels that utilize turreted guns and several crew members. However, until we get reliable
data on those ships, only the Vulture shall occupy this space.

As for what Gunboats are, they are in some ways "pain sponges." They are meant to either wade
into a large battle and attract attention or assault a position and possess enough armor and
weaponry to eliminate all opposition without an overwhelming amount of fighter support. Some
might term them a "replacement" for fighters... however, the cost of such ships (and for the
projected larger models, the crew involved) ensure that the aerospace fighter craft will have a
place on the battlefield for decades if not centuries to come. The value of a mobile firebase to
take into battle cannot be underestimated, however. A vessel capable of causing damage to most
targets it could conceivably face while being able to withstand any return fire is of great strategic
and tactical value to the Imperial Navy, and research continues apace.


S-18