Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier
 Lexington-Class Battleship Carrier (BBCVGN-761)
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Lexington National Shipyards |
| Operators: | Confederate States Marine Corps |
| Cost: | D$2.5 Billion (refit variant) / D$950 Million (New Variant) |
| Built: | 1971–present |
| In commission: | 1973-present |
| Planned: | 14 |
| Building: | 0 |
| Completed: | 14 |
| Cancelled: | 0 |
| Active: | 14 |
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
- 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
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
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 × | Vehicles for troop transport and direct fire support during engagements. |
| Light Attack Vehicles | 5 × | Indirect fire support systems providing rapid artillery capabilities. |
| Light Attack Vehicles | 5 × | Lightweight vehicles optimized for reconnaissance and quick strike operations. |
| Utility Vehicles | 4 × | 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)
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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, the BBCVGN-761 CSS Enterprise, 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