Lewis and Clarke Class Modular Corvette
Lewis and Clarke Class Modular Corvette with two supply modules
The Lewis and Clarke Class Modular Corvette was the first class of starship designed in the Democratic Colonies after the acquisition of faster than light travel technology. In order to prevent obsolescence in the face of rapid technological progress, as well as to give the newly starfaring Democratic Colonies Navy as much flexibility as possible, the Lewis and Clarke was designed as a modular vessel with a core of three modules, designated as the Command, Central Systems, and Propulsion and Power. These three core modules may replaced by newer, more advanced modules as new technologies became available.
In addition to the three core modules, the Lewis and Clarke was also designed to accept up to 4 mission modules that may be mounted through starboard, port, dorsal, and ventral connection ports built into the Propulsion and Power Module. Mission modules on the Lewis and Clarke class permit vessels to be easily and rapidly outfitted for a wide variety of specialist roles.
In combat operations, while not sufficiently powerful to deal with hostile capital ships, Lewis and Clarke Class Modular Corvettes serve a valuable role in supporting larger vessels by acting as a scouting and screening force. In independent operations without the presence of larger vessels, these corvettes capably perform routine patrol operations to protect areas against pirate activity and monitor space for any problems which might require greater attention.
Due to differences in terms of which type and revision of each module being used, Lewis and Clarke class starships often vary from one another in terms of tonnage, physical dimension, power output, and armament. In most configurations however, Lewis and Clarkes measure between 160 and 220 meters in length.
The generally small capacity for onboard stores and the resulting short range of the Lewis and Clarke class has resulted in a "squadron + mothership" approach in long range operations such as long range patrol or exploratory expeditions. In operations such as these, multiple Lewis and Clarke class vessels, typically numbering between 6 and 14, will be accompanied by a Surus Class Support Ship which will carry a great deal of supplies and fuel that will be used to support the Lewis and Clarke class vessels as required.
While newer, less modular vessels are in development or are already in service, the modular and flexible nature of the Lewis and Clark class means that it is guaranteed a place in the Democratic Colonies Navy for many years to come.
In addition to the three core modules, the Lewis and Clarke was also designed to accept up to 4 mission modules that may be mounted through starboard, port, dorsal, and ventral connection ports built into the Propulsion and Power Module. Mission modules on the Lewis and Clarke class permit vessels to be easily and rapidly outfitted for a wide variety of specialist roles.
In combat operations, while not sufficiently powerful to deal with hostile capital ships, Lewis and Clarke Class Modular Corvettes serve a valuable role in supporting larger vessels by acting as a scouting and screening force. In independent operations without the presence of larger vessels, these corvettes capably perform routine patrol operations to protect areas against pirate activity and monitor space for any problems which might require greater attention.
Due to differences in terms of which type and revision of each module being used, Lewis and Clarke class starships often vary from one another in terms of tonnage, physical dimension, power output, and armament. In most configurations however, Lewis and Clarkes measure between 160 and 220 meters in length.
The generally small capacity for onboard stores and the resulting short range of the Lewis and Clarke class has resulted in a "squadron + mothership" approach in long range operations such as long range patrol or exploratory expeditions. In operations such as these, multiple Lewis and Clarke class vessels, typically numbering between 6 and 14, will be accompanied by a Surus Class Support Ship which will carry a great deal of supplies and fuel that will be used to support the Lewis and Clarke class vessels as required.
While newer, less modular vessels are in development or are already in service, the modular and flexible nature of the Lewis and Clark class means that it is guaranteed a place in the Democratic Colonies Navy for many years to come.
Currently Fielded Modules
Core Module Type |
Most Recent Revision |
Description |
Command |
Perim Space Systems Mark III-B |
Contains the ship's bridge, navigational sensors, communications equipment, and basic defensive armament in the form of a single Defensive Output Laser. |
Central Systems |
Perim Space Systems Mark IV |
Contains crew quarters, emergency medical station, life support systems, food stores and other supplies, escape pods, and four Tesla-Beam Teleforce point defense emitters. |
Power and Propulsion |
Perim Space Systems Mark III Enhanced |
Contains power generation and distribution systems, engines, and associated control systems, stores expendable supplies as appropriate, and deflector shielding generation systems. |
Mission Module Type |
Most Recent Revision |
Description |
Combat Laser |
Perim Space Systems Mark III |
Defensive output laser with associated cooling systems and combat target/tracking systems |
General Purpose Launcher |
Marshal Anderson Group Mark I |
Launching system, magazine, and associated sensors for multipurpose drones as well as guided missiles. Missiles may carry nuclear, nuclear bomb-pumped laser, chemical, or anti-matter payloads. In the event of potential loss of containment of biological or anti-matter payloads, emergency jettisoning of the entire General Purpose Launcher mission module is possible.
While capable of carrying biological weapons, these types of munitions are considered Special Strategic Weapons and are generally not fielded on vessels of this type during peacetime. |
Enhanced Sensor |
Perim Space Systems Mark I Extended Range |
Long range, high sensitivity sensors. |
Supply |
ConAm Interstellar Mark I |
Storage of additional supplies and materials for voyages of longer than normal durations. |
Electronic Warfare |
Perim Electronics Mark I |
Electronic systems designsed to interfere with hostile sensors and communications. Electronic Warfare Modules must be properly configured for specific hostile threats in order to be effective. |
Astronomical Reserach |
ConAm Interstellar Mark II |
Dedicated scientific sensors and compact research facilities for the study of various astronomical matters. |
Colony Support |
ConAm Interstellar Mark I |
Supplies and materials as requested by colonists to be delivered for their usage. |
Small Craft Housing |
Marshal Anderson Group Mark I |
Housing for a single Quebec Class Transport or Artemis Class Gunship |
Faster Than Light Inhibitor (FTLi) |
Perim Space Systems Mark II |
A device generating a field that inhibits or impedes faster than light travel. Due to the power draw of the device, corvettes actively using this module are limited in their ability to conduct other operations. |