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MC40a light cruiser

The MC40A Light Cruiser, also known as the MC40a cruiser or simply as the MC40A and MC40a, was a class of light cruiser active during the Imperial Era and served in the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Characteristics

The MC40A Light Cruiser, also known simply as the MC40a cruiser or MC40a, was a class of light cruiser built by Mon Calamari Shipyards at a production cost of 15,500,000 credits.Measuring between 500 and 600 meters in length,the MC40a resembled the MC80A Star Cruiser in both design and function. Its clamshell-like keel was identical to that of the MC30C Frigate, but the vessel was instead designed as a well-rounded and versatile craft. The MC40a carried a class 1 primary and class 15 backup hyperdrive, along with long-range sensors and a navigation computer, and had sufficient consumables for two years.Despite its size, the MC40a was equipped with exceptionally strong deflector shield generators, although its speed was considered below average for its class and other vessels could outpace it. To offset this limitation, the MC40a featured a robust array of redundant systems that protected against system failures during combat and stressful maneuvers, enabling it to absorb substantial damage. Its armament consisted of fourteen turret-mounted medium turbolasers distributed evenly along the port and starboard sides of the hull, two forward-mounted concussion missile launchers, and eighteen medium ion cannons. Four of these ion cannons were positioned aft, another four at the bow, and five each on the port and starboard.The MC40a also carried six heavy tractor beam projectors: one in the aft section, one in the forward section, and two each on the port and starboard sides. These weapons enabled the MC40a to engage similar vessels and defeat smaller Star Destroyers. A common tactic was to use tractor beams to hold a Star Destroyer in place, then move to the vessel's vulnerable aft section.In combat, the MC40a commonly employed standoff tactics, firing its turbolasers from long range to batter hostile craft. MC40as often approached with their bows facing the target, giving their weapon systems a clear line of fire. When MC40as faced engagements in which they were outgunned, a standard strategy was to close with the enemy vessel so the MC40a could use its missiles, ion cannons, and tractor beams to pin ships and reach their exposed arcs. During this maneuver, the MC40a depended on its starfighter squadron for anti-starfighter defense, since it often had to redirect its shields toward the primary target.The MC40a cruiser carried a complement of twelve starfighters and was operated by3,723to 3,770 officers, pilots, and crew. A further 650 soldiers, or nearly a battalion, were stationed aboard the vessel.

Role

The MC40a served as a command ship for a small attack fleet, demonstrating the might, ingenuity, and creativity of Alliance Fleet shipyards by enabling a small fleet to attack large enemy formations. The MC40a also supported special forces operations, served as a diplomatic escort, and provided a base of operations for a starfighter squadron. It was also a well-suited all-around fleet support ship.

History

Following the beginning of the invasion of Mon Cala by the Galactic Empire and the escape of the Mon Calamari Exodus Fleet, the Mon Calamari and their ships formed a core component of the Rebel Alliance's naval forces.Eventually, the MC40a cruiser entered active service with the Alliance Fleet and took part throughout the Galactic Civil War against the Empire.

Behind the scenes

The MC40A Light Cruiser was initially mentioned in the 2020 Fantasy Flight Games supplement Starships and Speeders.It formerly belonged to Star Wars Legends, making its first appearance in Star Wars: TIE Fighter.

Notes and references

Related Categories:- MC40a light cruisers

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