Dictator-class Cruiser



Constucted from rebuilt Lunar-class Cruiser, the first Dictators had all the same technical specifications, weapons batteries, engines, torpedoes, shields and even armored prow of the Lunars'. The primary difference was the Lunar's lance weapons were removed and replaced with flight decks to allow a larger number of Attack Craft to be deployed from one ship.

Designed as a stop-gap method to deliver a large number of atmospheric craft for planetary invasions. Air superiority is key in these operations, but when invading an enemy planet it is rare to find a usable air strip that is not under enemy control. For this reason the Dictator-cruiser would descend into the lower atmosphere and deploy fighters and bombers directly from the ship to provide the first landing troops with vital air cover. It would continue to act as a mobile airfield in the sky to allow refueling and rearmament of friendly aircraft until a proper beachead can be established on the ground.

Originally underestimated by Imperial commanders as a mere stop-gap method for desperate situations, and considered just to be a varient of the Lunar-class, the Dictator would prove itself time and time again in warzones across the galaxy. Successive upgrades to its already impressive design would see this crusier graduate into a distinct class of ship in its own right. Capable of achieving air superiority over entire planets with only a handful of Dictators. In time the Dictator-class would find uses in space combat aswell as convoy escorts and long-range patrol vessels.

During the Gothic War, the Dictator-class would see intense usage to protect vital supply convoys across the sector. When the demand for attack craft in space actions far exceeded the supply, damaged Lunar-class crusiers would be stripped and converted into a new generation of Dictator-class cruisers until the end of the war.

Notable Dictator-Class Cruisers

 * Fortitude- Active during the Gothic War. Fought in several major battles of the conflict, but distinguished itself during the Imperial Navy's victory at Pirates' Haven. Later destroyed by a squadron of Eldar Hellebore frigates in the Picus Offensive.