Hyperion Class Heavy Cruiser

The Hyperion Class of Heavy Cruiser is an older vessel that was once the mainstay of the Earth Alliance fleet but is now slowly disappearing from service, though it is likely to stay around in some role for some time yet.

The Hyperions had entered service during the Dilgar war and were regarded as excellent combat vessels despite facing some severe casualties against the relatively technologically advanced Dilgar.

Hyperions have been refitted over the years but the normal loadout of a Hyperion consists of 2 52mm Plasma Pulse Cannon, 2 40mm Plasma Pulse Cannon, 2 Heavy Laser Cannons, 2 Phased Particle Cannons, 4 Pulse Discharge Cannons and 2 Torpedo Tube systems. Later vessels have been retrofitted with a basic Interceptor grid which affords them greater protection against enemy fire.

It was a Hyperion, the EAS Prometheus which initiated Earth's disastrous first contact with the Minbari. The first contact fleet consisted of two Hyperions and a Nova Class Dreadnought, all of which escaped the brief firefight but not without heavy damage.

The Hyperions and Novas stood little chance in the Earth Minbari War against the larger Sharlins, and even Nial class fighters could heavily damage them.

Hyperions were still in service by the time of Babylon 5's breakaway from the Earth Alliance but their numbers are dwindling, the bulk of the Earthforce fleet is now largely Omega Class Destroyers and with even newer designs coming into service the Hyperions day has come. It's likely that now they will be relegated to second line service and training commands.

Hyperions, unlike Omegas have no artificial gravity system so crew members have to be strapped in, this reduces the operational endurance of the Hyperion as crew health can be affected to long exposure in microgravity.

Hyperions can carry a small complement of six Starfuries, though it's unlikely they will be able to carry the larger Thunderbolt class in their small bays. The twin seat Badger can be carried though as was seen when the EAS Hyperion visited Babylon 5 in 2258

Record 309 - vehicle/ship class - Last update 28 Mar 2007, 23:13:29

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