Avenger-class Grand Cruiser

The Avenger-class Grand Cruiser is a very old class, a purebred gunboat designed as a linebreaker during a time when the Imperial Navy's tactics were much different from what they are today. The Avenger's usage was fairly simple: it would deploy behind a screen of Escorts or Light Cruisers while closing with the enemy fleet, then accelerate to maximum speed and fly into the heart of an enemy fleet. Once there, it would sit and use its massive number of broadside weapons batteries to tear the enemy to pieces at point-blank range. While the Avenger would no doubt take severe damage in the process, there was little that could out-shoot the Avenger at close quarters. When using Avengers, the plan would usually call for two or three squadrons of the vessels to launch these brutal attacks simultaneously, causing so much damage and disruption that the enemy formation would simply shatter. What little survived the guns of the Avengers would then be easy prey for further waves to mop up.

Unfortunately for the Avenger class, tactical doctrine changed over the years, making the Avenger redundant in many Imperial fleets. For the most part, the Avenger class has been relegated from front-line duty, with many Avengers having been stripped for parts, especially their famous weapons batteries. Those that remain are mostly mothballed in reserve fleets, patiently awaiting the day when their mighty guns will once again be called upon to defend the Imperium.

Notable Avenger-class Grand Cruisers

 * Guardian of Aquinas - The Guardian of Aquinas is a famous ship of the Martian Reserve Fleet.
 * The Sword Infernus - The Sword Infernus is a famous ship of Battlefleet Corona.