Munificent-class command, control, and communications frigate




The Munificent-class command, control, and communications frigate, frequently referred to as the Munificent-class Comms Frigate, or more concisely the C3 frigate, represented a specialized version of the standard Munificent-class star frigate. It saw action within the Confederacy of Independent Systems' naval branch during the period of the Clone Wars. Subsequently, these vessels were utilized by the Alliance to Restore the Republic's naval forces throughout the Galactic Civil War.

Characteristics

The Munificent-class command, control, and communications frigate, frequently called the Munificent-class Comms Frigate, or more simply the C3 frigate, was a specialized variant of the Munificent-class star frigate produced by Hoersch-Kessel Drive Inc.. Initially deployed during the Clone Wars by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the frigate's potential led to the development of several specialized versions. The C3 frigate distinguished itself from the base model by exchanging some of its offensive weaponry for enhanced sensors, advanced communication systems, and expansive hangars housing vulture droid starfighters. These C3 frigates boasted the cutting-edge C3 suite, considered state-of-the-art technology. This suite enabled the ship's commander and officers to disseminate real-time battlefield intelligence to allied starships and ground units.

Following its acquisition by the Alliance to Restore the Republic, the C3 frigate underwent extensive modifications. Droid systems were replaced, and pressurized, gravity-controlled compartments suitable for organic lifeforms were installed. Consequently, the ship was manned by a crew of 1,100 officers, pilots, and enlisted personnel, with the capacity to accommodate up to 850 troops and support staff, depending on the specific configuration. It was equipped with a class 1 primary hyperdrive, supplemented by a class 10 backup, and integrated with a navigation computer. Its capabilities were further enhanced by a long-range sensor array. Typical complements ranged from twelve to thirty-six starfighters, contingent on the configuration, along with various shuttles. The frigate could sustain itself for two years with onboard consumables and had a procurement cost of 12,300,000 credits.

Concerning the armament of Rebel-operated C3 frigates, the vessel was equipped with two forward-facing turbolasers, two forward-facing long-barrelled ion cannons, thirteen twin light turbolasers on both the port and starboard sides, ten turret-mounted ion turbolasers on both the port and starboard sides, four medium flak cannons on both the port and starboard sides, and forty turret-mounted retractable light laser cannons distributed equally across the dorsal, ventral, port, and starboard sections.

Role

Due to the extensive C3 suites they possessed, Munificent-class Comms Frigates were utilized as rapid reconnaissance platforms, advanced warning sentinels, fleet communication hubs, and command ships for smaller CIS Navy formations. For the Alliance Fleet, these frigates offered crucial communication and command capabilities, which were greatly needed by the resource-constrained Alliance, allowing the frigates to maintain their value despite decades of service.

History

Clone Wars

During the initial stages of the Clone Wars, Munificent-class star frigates were fielded by the Confederacy of Independent Systems against the Galactic Republic. As the ship's utility became increasingly clear, the Munificent-class Comms Frigate was introduced, undertaking a range of duties within the CIS Navy. Despite their deployment, the majority of these frigates saw limited direct engagement in combat. It is recorded that at least one instance of a frigate firing its weapons at a target ahead of it took place during the conflict.

Galactic Civil War

During the Galactic Civil War between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, only a limited number of standard Munificent-class star frigates remained in service, with the C3 variant being the most prevalent. The Comms Frigates serving within the Alliance Fleet underwent significant overhauls and fulfilled essential command and communication roles within the Alliance's naval forces.

Sources

  • Lead by Example (First mentioned)
  • GenCon Online 2020: Fantasy Flight Games In-Flight Report on the Fantasy Flight Games YouTube channel (backup link)
  • Conquer the Galaxy on Fantasy Flight Games' official website (backup link)
  • Star Wars: Armada — Separatist Alliance Fleet Starter (Card: Munificent-class Comms Frigate)

Notes and references

Appearances