Respoblachd-class carrier

The Respoblachd class (Aen: Republic) are fleet aircraft carriers in service with the Fhainnin and Kiravian navies. The Fhainnin navy currently operates three, while the Kiravian navy operates seven. The class was the result of joint development for a successor to the acclaimed Penthrebha class of fleet carriers, and is the first class of purpose-built nuclear-powered carriers operated by either navy. These vessels represent a continuation of Kiravian naval power projection capabilities as well as a new cornerstone of Fhainnin force projection, and serve as the centers of their respective naval squadrons and a major advance in naval warfare capabilities for both powers.

Class overview
Name:	Respoblachd class
Builders:	Sae Breach Lahan, Kiravian Corporation
Operators:	Faneria, Kiravia
Preceded by:	Penthrebha class
Built:	1986-2002
In service:	November 20th, 1995–present
Planned:	12
Completed:	10
Cancelled:	2
Active:	10
Retired:	0
General characteristics
Type:	Aircraft cruiser/Aircraft carrier
Displacement:	57,500–59,000 tons full load
Length:	1,012 ft (308 m)
Beam:	240 ft (73 m)
Draft:	38 ft (12 m)
Propulsion:	four shafts
Speed:	32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph)
Range:	Distance unlimited
Complement:	approx. 4400
Sensors and processing systems:	1x Navigational RADAR system 1x Primary Fire Control RADAR 4x Secondary FCR 1x NAME SONAR pod
Electronic warfare & decoys:	Unspecified ECM/ECP suite
Armament:	6x or 8x CIWS systems 8x ASHMs (Fhainnin vessels) 32x or 20x SAMs in two or four launchers 2x side-angled 20" torpedo tubes (used in ASW role)
Aircraft carried:	52 (Kiravian CAG) 46 (Fhainnin CAG)
Aviation facilities:	Primary ramped arrested landing deck with optional catapult assisted launch Secondary abbreviated catapult-assisted launch deck

Design and Construction

The Respoblachds' most novel feature is their flight deck layout, with a total of three possible launch angles: two off the primary bow deck and one off the side deck. This configuration combines aspects of STOBAR and CATOBAR configurations, as only one of the primary bow launch positions has a catapult, with aircraft staged in an order of PC (primary catapulted), SC (secondary catapulted), and SR (primary ramp-assisted or tertiary). The tertiary launch position is incapable of carrying a similar payload to the first two, and the first position places extreme strain on the landing gear and crew during takeoff. The primary advantage provided with this deck configuration is a variety of launch options more suitable for rapid wartime or less attritive peacetime launches, as well as theoretically making launches on the primary ramp during rougher seas marginally more practicable; however, it also increases airframe wear during intensive combat operations significantly and bears a higher inherent risk of for aircraft launching from the PC position.

In terms of detection and munitions, the class was built to fit approximately fifty fixed-wing or rotor aircraft, depending on the size and type of each as well as stowage and space preferences, which varied between the two procuring militaries. CIWS and SAM systems were fitted to four support decks set below the flight surfaces, while the Fhainnin variants removed some deck storage in exchange for a small battery of vertical-launch anti-shipping missiles. Both types of the class were built with native electronics and RADAR/SONAR systems to avoid issues which had presented on earlier joint programs due to differing operating systems and system architectures.

While jointly designed, Faneria and Kiravia built their own carriers in their respective shipyards; however, Kiravian and Cartadanian engineers joined the design team which developed and installed the nuclear plants aboard the Fhainnin vessels. While Faneria had previously built nuclear submarines, the new carriers would be the first nuclear-powered surface warships floated by the Fhainnin navy and required substantially more infrastructure to fit and maintain.

Operational History

Fhainnin Navy

All three Fhainnin Respoblachd class carriers (Respoblachd, Cananach, and Bacain) were constructed by Sae Breach Lahan's facilities in Rihsport, Gleathan Province. During trials, it was discovered several positions on the ships, including pilots in the forward catapult slot and crew aboard the forward port support deck, were particularly undesirable for crew, while the catapult arrangement made simultaneous launches and recoveries difficult. These concerns were discussed and considered acceptable on the Respoblachd, although Cananach and Bacain both had their bow ramp angles reduced by several degrees. Recovery during launches could be performed safely only if the 2 and 3 positions were empty during landing, but Fhainnin naval doctrine already emphasized massive, simultaneous strikes in both the anti-ship and fire support roles expected of a carrier group supporting the Army.

Respoblachd conducted a round-the-world tour after its shakedown cruise in 1996 before being based in Rihsport as part of the Kilikas defense squadrons, while Cananach was based in Eilada until the Final War of the Deluge, during which it served in combat operations before returning to Faneria for a refit. Bacain is the only one of the three in Fhainnin service to have not yet received its midlife refit, which is planned for 2035; its service has consisted of joint practice deployments with Capetian, Caphirian, Kiravian, and Burgundine forces as well as antipiracy operations.