Summary

The Paternia-class is a class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVN) built for the Paternian Navy.

PRN Paternia (CVN-21) underway near Krakabloa Island dock.

Development History

The Paternia-class CVN came around the rapid development of the Paternian Navy to develop their own types instead having to draw from IRL types. The first elements of this rapid expansion included the construction of large numbers of surface combatants, notably frigates as well as various support vessels. The Paternian Navy would host a wide variety of ships to fit an expeditionary doctrine.

A desire for a suitable aircraft carrier for this expeditionary doctrine started in earnest. Dosnian State Shipyards were vital to the construction of many of the Paternian Navy's larger surface vessels, and were a preferred contractor.

The first aircraft carrier procured from DSS was a helicopter amphibious assault ship, the Guam-class. Over a dozen were delivered, and the type proved quite successful. While it would principally operate helicopters and STOVL types, it had the provisions to operate as a STOBAR carrier if need be.

However, the Paternian Navy really wanted a CATOBAR carrier. While more expensive to build and maintain, they could launch a wider variety of heavier aircraft that are either too large or too under-powered for use in a STOBAR carrier.

Thus, Dosnian shipyards, working in the Paternia, were contracted to build the Pioneer-class, a 340+ meter supercarrier that could host a large and diverse air fleet. However, the project fell behind schedule severely due to technical and labor issues.

The Paternian Navy decided to develop its own aircraft carrier, the Paternia-class as an alternative in case the Pioneer was cancelled. However, it soon ran into the same difficulties as their Dosnian counterparts, with several accidents causing delays to the construction. As a result, the Ocean-class light aircraft carrier was developed as a stopgap measure.

It was quickly realized the Ocean-class was inadequate for the needs of the Paternian Navy. However, delays in both the Pioneer-class and Paternia-class meant it had to bear the brunt of the Iridian and Simplelandian wars. The lighter Paternian carriers were invaluable, but left much to be desired.

However, they will soon no longer have to bear the brunt of fighting; the Paternia-class will be launched tomorrow on 26 July 2018 at 1600 HST, or 4:00PM Hawaii Standard Time.

Overview

The Paternia-class CVN is a proper supercarrier in its own right, with unmatched speed, endurance, and capability.

Mobility

The Paternia-class is powered by a pair of azipods at the stern, which propel the ship to a healthy 35 knots. The azipods, in combination with a bow thruster, give the type unparalleled maneuverability in tight spaces, useful at port.

Powering these azipods is a pair of 800MW KRIEG A1K fusion-type nuclear generators, necessary to drive not only the ship, but also to operate the Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS. The

Self-Defense

While aircraft carriers are considered high-value and relatively-vulnerable targets, they have some firepower to help defend itself from threats that manage to penetrate the screens of escorting destroyers and frigates.

Weapons

The Paternia-class can mount eight different powered weapons mounts in sponson positions. As depicted, the PRN Paternia (CVN-21) is armed with four Mk 29 Box Launchers and four Mk 85 30mm Remote Weapons Systems. These systems are more than capable of defending it against a variety of aerial as well as light surface threats. Heavier surface threats are dealt with by the escorts.

The ship can also mount various pintle-mounted machine guns, such as the M60 and M2 Browning. It can also fit Phalanx-based CIWS, including directed energy weapon derivatives.

Armor

Aircraft carriers are among the few armored warships in the Paternian Navy, although this armor is limited. Aside from the normal splinter protection across most of the ship, the Paternia-class features an armored flight deck, hangar deck, and reactor spaces. Command and control centers are protected by multiple Kevlar layers.

The armor is intended help resist and contain damage from explosions, a likely possibility with thousands of kilograms of ordnance and fuel present along the flight and hangar decks.

Air Wing

The Paternia-class can embark up to 80 aircraft, with many stored on deck to maximize the force's potential. A list of approved types for catapult launch via EMALS and arrested recovery include:
- E-2 Hawkeye
- C-2 Greyhound
- MQ-192 Overwatch II
- F-45CN Barracuda
- F/A-17 Wasp

It also carries a complement of helicopters and tiltrotors for search and rescue as well as anti-submarine warfare. Types approved include:
- SH-90 Lynx
- CH-40 Heron
- CH-48 Pelican
- MV-28 Vulture

Other types can easily be adapted if need be.