Hannibal de'Zama-class Aerospacy Command Flagship

The Hannibal de'Zama-class Aerospacy Command Flagship is the single Hosluft-class ship that remained in the possession of the Aerospacy after the Sky Riders Aerospace Navy split from the Esper Union. It has since been heavily modified, essentially becoming its own class of ship (and in general, superior to the original Hosluft-class ships). It serves as the flagship of the entire Aerospacy, leaving individual fleet commands to the smaller Nikeah-class ships.

History

The Hannibal de'Zama had its frame laid in 34 WR, at Kohinglen Newpound. It was originally intended to be the replacement for the original Hosluft, but wound up being the first in a series of new Hosluft-class flagships. It was finished in time to fight in the Leviathan War, where it was one of the airships (and the only ship of its class) to be underneath the direct command of Halberg and the Returners Expeditionary Force. It proved instrumental in the Second Battle of Nikeah, where its Giga Merton bombardments destroyed two Scandian regiments. However, because of the close quarters fighting at the Second Battle of Hosluftgrad, the Hannibal de'Zama was forced to remain in reserve during the battle. It served as a command center for several regiments, and was parked in northern Hosluftgrad when Celiose Cole returned from Aryth.

At the end of the war, the split between the SRAN and the Esper Union was formalized. The captains of the other Hosluft-class ships went to the SRAN, but the Hannibal de'Zama remained under Esperian control. It was initially the head of the small fleet that remained with the Esper Union, and with the founding of the Aerospacy, became its flagship. It remained in service, patrolling the orbit of Esper III and numerous cities, until the first Nikeah-class ships went into service. It was then called to Space Fortress Eidolon, to undergo a significant refit in 40 WR.

The refit had two purposes. The first was to modernize the vessel, as the SRAN had taken their Hosluft-class ships and significantly improved upon them. The second was to differentiate it from the equivalent SRAN vessels, in part by making it considerably stronger. The result was a vastly different kind of battleship, boasting significantly more firepower. The refit was completed in 43 WR, and the vessel has since reentered active service as the flagship of the Esper Union Aerospacy.

Schematics

• Manufacturer: Fort Locke Research Group
• User: Esper Union Aerospacy
• Length: 4800 meters
• Crew: 456 officers, 3,958 enlisted
• Troops: 800 infantry (8 companies)
• Compliment:
  • 72 Shiva fighters
  • 72 Stray fighters
  • 60 KN Garrison mecha
  • 12 KN Garrison commando mecha
  • 48 Ramuh bombers
  • 5 Ranchmen shuttles
• Fixed Armament:
  • Giga Merton cannons x 4 (2 in the main hull, 1 per weapon arm)
  • 16-inch Merton guns x 18
  • 12-inch Flare guns x 36
  • 75mm gravitic point defense cannons x 144
  • Anti-warship torpedo racks x 32
  • Anti-fighter torpedo racks x 56
• Captain: Edward Avery

The Hannibal de'Zama, after its three year refit, is one of the deadliest ships in the Web of Worlds. It looks similar to a standard Hosluft-class ship. It is sleek and rises from a point to spread out behind it. The top of the vessel rises up to a graceful bridge tower in the rear, while the bottom contains two retractable components along the first half of the ship. These can be extended downward; each holds a large Giga Merton cannon. It is painted in the olive and red colors of the Aerospacy. However, it differs from other ships formerly in its class by the weapon arms attached to each side. These each hold another Giga Merton cannon, as well as additional weapon batteries. Each arm is closely attached to the side, roughly halfway down the length of the ship.

Beyond its impressive weaponry, the Hannibal de'Zama can act as a full fleet carrier. It boasts an extremely high number of fighters, bombers, and mecha, which allow it to act as a mobile airbase if need be. It also has numerous communications and sensor systems. The vessel was intended to coordinate the entirety of the Aerospacy fleet in combat operations, if necessary. Its war room is capable of directing a large war effort, including ground, naval, and aerospace units if need be. Because of this, it is exceedingly well-armored and protected.