Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier

Overview

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier (BBCVGN-761) was developed to meet the evolving operational needs of the Confederate States Marine Corps, integrating land, sea, and air assets into a cohesive platform. Commissioned in response to the necessity for a vessel that could deliver both firepower and logistical support, it serves as a vital component in the Marine Corps' strategy to project power and ensure maritime security.

Primarily designed as an anti-piracy deterrent and a naval support vessel, the Lexington-Class is capable of transporting Marine Corps units and their equipment efficiently across vast distances. Its VTOL deck enables the launch of various aircraft, enhancing its versatility in combat operations and providing critical air support during amphibious assaults. The carrier's armament and defensive systems further reinforce its role as a formidable presence in naval operations, ensuring the protection of maritime interests while facilitating rapid response to emerging threats.

With a legacy of being constructed from updated Iowa-class hulls, the Lexington-Class represents a blend of tradition and modern capability, maintaining relevance in contemporary maritime warfare while fulfilling the comprehensive needs of the Marine Corps.

Description

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier was conceived as a nuclear-powered platform to enhance the operational capabilities of the Confederate States Marine Corps. Despite initial objections regarding the necessity of such an advanced vessel, the Marine Corps advocated strongly for its development, providing initial funding that garnered further Congressional support.

Designed for versatility in modern naval warfare, the Lexington-Class features a formidable array of armaments that blend historical legacy with contemporary enhancements. Initially equipped with traditional gun platforms from the Great War, these vessels have since been upgraded to include powerful naval artillery for long-range engagements, as well as advanced missile systems for precise strikes against both land and naval targets.

The carrier is now armed with an impressive combination of heavy-caliber guns and modern missile systems, ensuring it can deliver devastating firepower while also maintaining robust defensive capabilities against aerial threats. Additionally, it boasts a Fleet Link Communications Suite, which facilitates seamless coordination among Anagonian naval and military maritime assets, enhancing its effectiveness in joint operations.

Through its advanced design and upgraded systems, the Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier remains a vital asset in the Confederate States Navy's fleet, exemplifying a commitment to maintaining a modern and capable maritime force that supports amphibious operations and deters piracy in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

Specifications

Lexington-class Battlecarrier; Side and top-down view

• Length: 280.3 meters (919.6 feet)
• Beam: 38.2 meters (125.3 feet)
• Draft: 9 meters (29.5 feet)
• Displacement: 62,000 tons

• Propulsion:
  • 3 × Furlington Nuclear Reactors; 100,000 HP each
  • Top Speed: 31.6 knots

• Armor:
  • 16 inches on the main turrets
  • 8 inches on the superstructure
  • 6 inches on the hangar
  • 4 inches on the rest of the hull

• Armament:
  • 6 × 16-inch (406 mm) / 50 cal. Mark 7 guns
  • 12 × 5-inch / 38 cal. Mark 12 guns
  • 30 × Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun emplacements
  • 30 × BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles
  • 18 × RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles
  • 8 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS

• Complement:
  • 90 × Airwing Personnel
  • 26 × Air & Rotary Aircraft
  • 20 × Vehicles (Stored Internally)
  • 10 × Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)
  • 400 × Marines
  • 1,250 × Crew

Airwing Complement

Confederate Marines refuel a MV-22 Osprey on the deck of the BBCVGN-764 CSS Dreadnought; Anagonian Ocean; Circa 2031 CE

The airwing of the Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier is designed to provide versatile support for a range of operational scenarios, ensuring that the carrier can effectively project power and maintain air superiority. The standard complement includes various aircraft, each serving specific roles to enhance operational flexibility.

Aircraft are stored below deck, allowing for efficient use of space and protection from the elements. The carrier features a primary elevator located starboard fore of the flight deck, which facilitates the rapid movement of aircraft between the hangar and the flight deck. Additionally, a maintenance door at the fore of the deck, located at the aft of the deck structure, enables the deployment of equipment, supplies, and troops directly onto the flight deck. This design ensures that the carrier can quickly respond to operational needs, supporting both combat operations and logistical functions.

The airwing typically includes a mix of fighters, tilt-rotary aircraft, and helicopters, all configured to support the diverse mission requirements of the Confederate States Marine Corps. By maintaining a robust airwing, the Lexington-Class enhances its capability to conduct a wide array of operations, from air support to troop transport and reconnaissance.

The standard airwing complement includes:

Multi-Role Fighters

Aircraft	Number	Description	Link
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II	x10 on board	Multirole short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter with advanced sensor fusion and electronic warfare capabilities, adaptable to various combat scenarios.	F-35B Lightning II

Close Air Support

Aircraft	Number	Description	Link
McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II Plus	x5 on board	Vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support and precision strikes.	AV8B Harrier II Plus

Tilt-Rotor

Tilt-Rotary Aircraft	Number	Description	Link
Boeing MV-22 Osprey	x2 on board	Multi-role tilt-rotor assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, capable of operating from ships or expeditionary airfields ashore.	MV-22 Osprey

Attack Rotary

Attack Rotary Aircraft	Number	Description	Link
Bell AH-1Z Viper	x5 on board	Attack helicopter featuring advanced avionics and precision weaponry.	AH-1Z Viper

Rotary

Rotary Aircraft	Number	Description	Link
CH-46 Sea Knight	x1 on board	Medium-lift transport helicopter used for troop transport and logistics.	CH-46 Sea Knight
CH-53 Sea Stallion	x1 on board	Heavy-lift transport helicopter capable of carrying large cargo and personnel.	CH-53 Sea Stallion
UH-1N Huey	x2 on board	Utility helicopter used for troop transport, medevac, and logistical support.	UH-1 Huey

The airwing is capable of executing a variety of missions, including ground support, troop transport, and reconnaissance, enhancing the operational flexibility of the Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier.

Internal Vehicle Storage

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier is designed to accommodate an internal vehicle complement, enhancing its operational versatility during amphibious and logistical missions. The carrier features a dedicated hangar area that serves as the storage and deployment location for various ground vehicles and equipment.

Vehicles are deployed through the hangar door located on the flight deck, allowing for rapid access to essential transport and support units. An internal elevator, positioned beneath the tower structure, facilitates the efficient movement of vehicles from the hangar to the flight deck or directly to the operational area.

Additionally, the carrier is equipped with a well deck at the rear, enabling the launch and recovery of amphibious vehicles and craft directly into the water. This feature allows for rapid deployment of troops and equipment during amphibious operations, ensuring that the carrier can respond quickly to dynamic mission requirements while effectively projecting power and maintaining operational readiness.

Traditional Mission Compliment

Confederate Marines sweep the internal vehicle storage deck of the BBCVGN-767 CSS Neptune; Circa 2024 CE

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier is designed to accommodate a versatile internal vehicle complement, typically holding around 26 vehicles to support a range of operational scenarios. While the exact configuration may vary based on mission requirements, a traditional complement for general operations could include:

Vehicle Type	Quantity	Description
Amphibious Assault Vehicles	6 × AAVP7A1 RAM/RS	Troop transport and rapid response vehicles designed for amphibious operations.
Infantry Fighting Vehicles	6 × Main article: M2101 Infantry Fighting Vehicle	Vehicles for troop transport and direct fire support during engagements.
Light Attack Vehicles	5 × Main article: M2102 AMC Mortar System	Indirect fire support systems providing rapid artillery capabilities.
Light Attack Vehicles	5 × Main article: M2103 Light Armoured Gun	Lightweight vehicles optimized for reconnaissance and quick strike operations.
Utility Vehicles	4 × Main article: LUV-80 Light Utility Vehicle	Compact vehicles for reconnaissance and support tasks.

This configuration ensures that the Lexington-Class can effectively respond to a variety of missions, providing essential support to Marine Corps operations while maintaining flexibility for future engagements. The carrier's design includes a dedicated hangar area for vehicle storage, along with a well deck for rapid deployment of amphibious vehicles when necessary.

Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)

A Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIBs) being lowered from the BBCVGN-766; Anagonian Ocean; Circa 2030 CE

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier is equipped with ten Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), strategically positioned in dedicated holding bays along the starboard and port aft sides of the carrier deck. These versatile vessels are designed for a variety of operational roles, including reconnaissance, troop transport, and quick response to maritime threats.

The RHIBs are nestled into the hull, ensuring they are securely stored while not in use. Each boat can be rapidly deployed using cranes located at the aft of the carrier, allowing for swift access to the water during critical missions. This configuration enhances the carrier's operational flexibility, enabling it to conduct amphibious landings, search and rescue operations, and support Marine Corps units in various maritime environments.

With their lightweight construction and high maneuverability, the RHIBs can operate effectively in shallow waters and rough seas, making them essential assets for the carrier's overall mission capabilities. Their presence on board underscores the commitment to maintaining a robust and adaptable maritime force.

Currently Active Vessels

The Lexington-Class Battleship Carriers have undergone a significant evolution since their inception. The first vessel was refitted in 1971 and completed in 1973, marking the beginning of the class's modernization. The most recent vessel, BBCVGN-774 CSS Ultimatum, was completed in 2032, showcasing ongoing advancements in technology and capability.

Vessel	Description	Type
BBCVGN-761 CSS Enterprise	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Northwestern. A versatile battlecarrier supporting amphibious operations.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-762 CSS Odyssey	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Gulf. Designed for rapid deployment and naval support.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-763 CSS Lexington	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Triumphant. Equipped for both air and naval operations.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-764 CSS Dreadnought	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Dreadnought. Provides heavy firepower and logistical support.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-765 CSS Olympus	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Courageous. Supports Marine Corps operations with integrated air assets.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-766 CSS Yorktown	Refit from the Iowa-class hull USS Guardian. A frontline battlecarrier with upgraded systems.	Recycled, Refit
BBCVGN-767 CSS Neptune	Newly constructed battlecarrier, equipped with advanced technology for modern naval warfare.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-768 CSS Jupiter	Newly constructed battlecarrier, designed for versatility and operational support.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-769 CSS Mars	Newly constructed battlecarrier, built to enhance the fleet’s operational capabilities.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-770 CSS Venus	Newly constructed battlecarrier, featuring state-of-the-art systems for amphibious warfare.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-771 CSS Mercury	Newly constructed battlecarrier, integrating modern armament and communications technology.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-772 CSS Pioneer	Newly constructed battlecarrier, designed for extended deployments and versatility.	Constructed, New
BBCVGN-773 CSS Constitution	Recently completed battlecarrier, incorporating the latest advancements in naval technology.	Newly Constructed
BBCVGN-774 CSS Ultimatum	Recently completed battlecarrier, built to support ongoing operations of the Marine Corps.	Newly Constructed

Planned Vessels

None