|
Ships
MC-80a Star Cruiser
Craft: |
Mon Calamari MC-80a Star
Cruiser |
Type: |
Converted Star Cruiser |
Length: |
1,200 meters |
Weapons: |
44 Turbo Lasers |
16 Ion Cannon |
4 Tractor Beam Projectors |
2 Warhead Launchers |
|
Crew: |
5,156 |
Top Speed: |
10 MGLT |
Troop Capacity: |
1,200 |
Cargo Capacity: |
20,000 Metric Tons |
Starfighters: 36 Fighters |
24 Bombers |
4 Shuttles |
|
Passengers: |
1,200 |
The MC-80A is
the most oftenly seen of the Alliance Starcruisers, making it the workhorse of the fleet.
With its beautiful "swept-wing" look, and graceful, "organic" lines,
its elegance belies its offensive power. Slightly smaller than the MC-85, but equally
powerful, the MC-80a serves as the capital starship for the Alliance and as flagship to
many task forces. Tragically, it was the MC-80a Liberty that was destroyed first by the
Death Star's superlaser.
It was not until the entry of the Mon Calamari into the Rebellion that the Rebel forces
gained capital starships with which to combat the Star Destroyers of the Empire. The huge
battle cruisers of the Mon Calamari are modified versions of the deep-space exploration
vessels their builders have for decades used to increase their understanding
of the
universe around them.
Admiral Ackbar of the Mon Calamari, seeing the valiant struggle taking place between the
Rebels and the evil Empire that had laid claim to the worlds of Old Republic, convinced
his people that the best use of their great technologies would be to help in this great
fight for freedom. Several of the immense cruisers were immediately slated for
modification, and fortification of their shielding and weapons systems began. Each Mon
Calamari Cruiser is Unique, with artistically-designed hull contours. Many on Mon Calamari
mourned the addition of sensor equipment and weapons emplacements along the normally
smooth hulls of the ships they were donating to the noble cause of the Rebellion. Many of
these great vessels, once modified, were given to the Rebel Forces to do with as they saw
fit.
Rebel crews from across space staff Mon Calamari cruisers, but the actual flight control
duties fall exclusively to Mon Calamari crew members. This is primarily because of the
fact that the Mon Calamari optic arrangement differs greatly from that of humanoid
species, and the holo-navigational, battle graphic displays and optical targeting systems
of the cruisers are designed for use by Mon Calamari operators. Also, many of the
cruiser's flight control systems are keyed through the highly-specialized, swiveling
operators' seats and are controlled by subtle movements of arms, legs and feet, leaving
hands free for other tasks. Humanoid operators find these controls motions difficult if
not impossible to duplicate. This has proven a blessing for the Rebellion, for the Mon
Calamari have a great, innate talent for starship piloting and are able to get amazing
speed and maneuverability out of vessels that would normally be considered cumbersome in
battle situations.
The shielding system of the Mon Calamari cruiser is approximately equal to that of the
Imperial-class Star Destroyer. While the Mon Calamari ship has fewer weapons batteries
than its Imperial counterpart, the great skill with which the Mon Calamari control their
fire nearly brings the fire power of the ships into parity.
Back to
Capital Ships
|
|