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ARGAMA CLASS

ASSAULT CRUISER

RPG Stats by NEWTYPE ALPHA
Background info provided by The Mecha Domain

BACKGROUND

The assault cruiser Argama was designed expressly form this purpose. Designed and built in total secret in the AEUG-controlled Sweetwater colony, this warship represented the cutting edge of warship design for its day, and could even match a number of later designs of the Second Neo-Zeon war. The new ship was primarily designed around a large armored mobile suit hangar, with one large plasma rocket motor for propulsion and a pair of large mega particle cannons giving the ship tremendous firepower. A series of secondary beam cannons were added, as well as the ship's most prominent feature: the twin launch catapults for mobile suit deployment, an innovative if not complicated system that increased mobile suit launch time and reduced landing accidents.

Argama was first deployed in March UC 0087 to steal the prototype RX-178 Gundam Mark II from the Titans. With this first mission, the Gripps War was set into motion and the AEUG began full-scale combat against the Titans for the first time. The Argama was first assigned to Henken Bekkener, but he eventually moved on to the Radish after Bright Noa assumed command of the Argama in May UC 0087. As the standing flagship of the fleet, the Argama participated in every major AEUG operation of the war, from the failed attack on Jaburo to providing cover fire for Karaba's attack on Mount Kilimanjaro in late UC 0087, and even on to the Battle of Gripps itself where the war came to a climactic end.

After the Argama was deployed into combat, three additional ships were constructed and deployed to pursue additional theatres of operation elsewhere within the Earth Sphere. Each of these vessels was usually accompanied by a single Irish class heavy cruiser and at least two Salamis class medium cruisers. When operating within colonial space, these "Neighborhood Fleets" as they were sometimes called, could move quickly and effectively to counteract Titans aggression at a moment's notice, and could even be mobilized for short offensive campaigns and preemptive strikes. Because of the high profile and versatile design of the ship, at least one Argama class was present at every significant military operation of the Gripps War.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type: Assault Cruiser

Class: Argama

Government: Anti-Earth Union Group
Manufacturer: A.E.U.G. (Anaheim Electronics)
Crew: 410

Ships of Argama Class:

MDC BY LOCATION:

(1) Main Body                                   2,500
(2) Main Engine		                          980
(2) Secondary Engine Pods (2)                     950 each
    Main Cannon (4)	                          250 each
    Mega Particle Cannon (2)	                  300 each
    M.P.C. Gunports (2)	   	               	  550 each
(3) Launch Catapults (2)                 	  950 each
    Point defense gun turrets (10)                 50 each
    Anti-ship missile tubes (4)                    40 each
(4) Main Bridge     	                          400

1. Depleting the MDC of the main body will put the cruiser out of commission. All internal systems will shut down, including life support and internal gravity. The ship itself will be an unsalvageable floating wreck.
2. Depleting the MDC of the main engines will force the ship to rely on secondary thrusters for propulsion. The ship can still maneuver, but will be incapable of long range travel until the main engine is repaired. Destroying one of the engine pods will impair maneuvering (-5 to dodge, -5 on initiative for each pod). Destroying both primary and secondary engines will leave the ship adrift in space.
3. Depleting more than 1/2 MDC of the launch catapult will knock out two of the anti-ship missile launchers and shut down all launch and recovery operations for the catapult. The ship can still launch and recover mobile suits from the other catapult if it is operational.
4. Destroying the main bridge will instantly kill the command staff and deprive the ship of all forms of long range communications, radar and targeting. The range and targeting capabilities of the secondary systems are equal to that of an RGM-79R GM-II. The ship can still operate, but is at -3 on initiative, -3 to strike, and number of attacks per melee of the weapon systems are reduced by half. Destroying the main sensory array on top of the bridge will have the same effect, but the command staff will not be killed instantly.

SPEEDS:

Speed (Main engines): 22.5 kilometers per second (Earth-moon transit=30 hours)
Planet bound: Designed for extended operation in planetary gravity via Minovsky craft system. Can land and take off again under its own power, and is fully capable of reaching orbital velocities under its own power and without booster assistance.

Maximum Range: Estimated 20 year lifespan

STATISTICAL DATA:

Length: 323 m
Width: 110 m
Height: 97 m
Weight: 53,800 tons

Main engine: Anaheim GR-420 Plasma Rocket Motor
Auxiliary Engine:  Minovsky-Ionesko vertical lift system

Sensor System: TORA high resolution radar tracking cluster

                           Siren-10-Alpha Minovsky tracking system

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. MAIN CANNON (2): Each of these single barreled mega particle cannons is powered by its own internal fusion reactor and a power bleed from the ship's main engines. Between the two, this cannon is easily one of the most powerful weapons ever mounted on a warship, with firepower and range unmatched by almost anything else in either the Titans or the Axis fleet. One blast from a cannon is fully capable of crippling or even destroying a Salamis class cruiser. The cannons are protected behind armor plates when not in use, and when deployed have a 180 degree firing arc in every direction in that side of the ship.
   • Primary Purpose: Anti-warship
   • Secondary Purpose: Heavy assault
   • RANGE: 5,000 km
   • DAMAGE: 2D8x100 MD per cannon
   • RATE OF FIRE: Once per melee
   • PAYLOAD: Effectively unlimited

2. MEGA PARTICLE CANNONS (4): The four large cannons around the ship's flanks provide the best arc of fire for heated battles or defensive maneuvers. Though not as powerful as the larger main cannons, each can cause a fair amount of damage either on their own or in a barrage with the other cannons or main cannons. The cannons are mainly used for bombardment or support fire in combat, and can even shoot down enemy mobile suits that approach too close to the ship.

   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-warship/anti-mobile suit
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • RANGE: 2,000 km
   • DAMAGE: 1D8x100 MD per cannon
   • RATE OF FIRE: Twice per melee
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited

3. POINT DEFENSE TURRETS (10): Located behind armored panels when not in use, the ships point defense turrets are the only direct defense against hostile fighters and mobile suits that may directly threaten the cruiser. Like the gun turrets of the original Pegasus class, each of the guns is controlled by a specially trained gunner, usually enlisted crewmen or mechanics. (Trained crewmen and newtypes +3 to strike)

   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-mobile suit
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • RANGE: 8 km
   • DAMAGE: 2D6x10 MD
   • RATE OF FIRE: Three bursts per melee
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited

4. ANTI-SHIP MISSILE LAUNCHERS  (6): As a backup for the mega particle cannons, the Argama class is equipped with six anti-ship missile launchers to fire torpedo-like heavy missiles against enemy vessels. The missiles can be loaded with atmosphere-penetrating warheads for orbital bombardment or armor piercing warheads for use against enemy vessels.

   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-warship
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Heavy Assault
   • RANGE: 5,000km
   • DAMAGE: 1D6x100 for standard missiles, or 2D6x1000 for a full volley.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Missiles can be fired in volleys of 1 to 16 missiles, each volley counts as one attack regardless of how many missiles are fired.
   • PAYLOAD: A typical cruiser carriers 80 missiles and can be restocked by supply ship between battles.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE ARGAMA CLASS:

• COMBAT COMPUTER: The Argama is equipped with an advanced Minovsky tracking system capable of determining Minovsky particle density and tracking those particles back to their source. The system is linked to a variety of sensor devices, including radar, infra-red, sonar, x-ray and motion sensors. The system is directly controlled by the radar operator on the bridge, though most of the data is usually analyzed and examined by computer systems first and foremost.
• RADAR JAMMING SYSTEM: To avoid radar detection, the Argama class cruiser usually scatters Minovsky particles into the surrounding area to absorb radar waves from other hostile space craft in the area. At combat density, a full jamming field can reduce radar effectiveness to point-blank range as well as disrupt communications between ships and mobile suits.
• MINOVSKY CRAFT SYSTEM: Like the original Pegasus class, the Argama is equipped with an advanced Minovsky craft system utilizing the principles of electromagnetism and Minovsky particle physics. In essence, a Minovsky particle I-field is generated on the under side of the ship and held in position by superconductors. Unlike magnetic fields, Minovsky particles cannot pass through solid matter and usually reflect off metallic substances in predictable ways. At high enough densities (just short of mega-particle fusion) an I-field can produce enough mechanical energy to push a space craft upwards to counteract the effect of gravity. The system will continue to function as long as the main fusion reactors in the engines can provide power to the system as wel as Minovsky particles to maintain the I-field. (If the system fails, the Midway class usually relies on the lift provided by the two main wings to remain airborne.)
• LONG RANGE SONAR SUITE: With the use of Minovsky particles in combat, the overall effectiveness of radar systems drops off dramatically over long ranges. Midway class carriers, therefore, are equipped with an extremely sensitive array of microphones near the radar tower and imbedded into the landing struts for air and ground sound tracking. The ground sonar is sensitive to track mobile suits up to thirty kilometers away with the aerial sonar having just over half that range. The system gives the carrier a distinct advantage in detecting incoming hostile forces that may otherwise approach undetected. (+5 on initiative) Note: Sonar devices only function in an atmosphere.
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS: Like all military space craft, the Argama class is equipped with extensive radiation shielding to protect the crew from harmful cosmic radiation at all times, as well as thermal insulation to protect the inside of the ship from the extremes of temperature common to space travel. The shielding is only partially effective against nuclear devices and largely ineffective against electromagnetic fields.
• BALLUTE SYSTEM: Like all military space craft, the Argama class is equ
• OPTICS: NIGHTVISION: Mainly used for targeting with the fire control systems. This system electronically amplifies ambient light sources into a visible image.
• OPTICS: INFRARED: A passive optical heat sensor that detects infrared radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-color visible image. The system enables the pilot to see in the dark, in shadows, and through smoke. Effective range approximately 12 kilometers in an atmosphere, 150 kilometers in space.
• RADAR: Although limited by Minovsky particle density in combat, the Argama class is equipped with a high powered scanning radar system effective for short range tracking of targets. Minovsky particles at combat density limit radar to 3 kilometers.
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (960 km) or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay. (3 kilometers limited contact with Minovsky jamming) As a backup, the Argama class is equipped with a "skin talk" system enabling un interrupted communications between the ship and any craft in direct physical contact.
• SELF-DESTRUCT: To prevent capture by enemy forces, the ship's main engines can be set to overload for a controlled detonation. The explosion will destroy the entire vessel and do 1D8x1000 MD to a 350 meter radius from the center of the ship.

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

• Zeta Gundam TV Series
• Project N fanfiction
• Gundam 0079 manga