Champion

Up to date for latest version, 0.97a.

Champion-class Heavy Cruiser
Midline Cruiser
125,000c
Logistical data
CR per deployment	12%
CR per deployment	12%
Recovery rate (per day)	4%
Recovery rate (per day)	4%
Recovery cost (supplies)	25
Recovery cost (supplies)	25
Deployment points	25
Deployment points	25
Peak performance (sec)	480
Peak performance (sec)	480
Ordnance points	165
Ordnance points	165
Maintenance (supplies/month)	25
Maintenance (supplies/month)	25
Cargo capacity	150
Cargo capacity	150
Maximum crew	300
Maximum crew	300
Skeleton crew required	200
Skeleton crew required	200
Fuel capacity	150
Fuel capacity	150
Maximum burn	8
Maximum burn	8
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	4
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	4
Combat performance
Hull integrity	10000
Armor rating	1250
Flux capacity	10000
Flux dissipation	550
Top speed	60
Systems
Defense	Front Shield
Shield arc	210
Shield upkeep/sec	220
Shield flux/damage	0.8
System	High Energy Focus
Mounts	1x Large Missile 1x Large Energy 2x Medium Hybrid 8x Small Energy

	The Champion-class heavy cruiser is a versatile warship featuring a range of powerful energy weapons; the crowning element is a heavy energy turret mounting, rare among midline ships. This offensive array is backed by a robust energy grid capable of supercharging the energy weapon loadout, increasing damage output to devastating levels. A heavy missile hardpoint complements the loadout by enabling the Champion to unleash a crippling strike without taxing flux levels. The Champion is a solid and capable contender, able to face capital ships on the battle-line. A relatively recent design, the Champion is a product of the historically recent "Cruiser School" naval revolution that never saw active service in the pre-collapse Domain Armada. Although prototypes were constructed and forge-ready specifications distributed to several battlegroups, the Champion was never cleared for active deployment due to an ongoing lawsuit between Altair Exotech and Orion Shipyards. Each megacorp accused the other of industrial espionage and inappropriately influencing the Armada officers overseeing the procurement process. The truth was more complex, inflaming longstanding rivalries in the officer corps as the investigatory committee called witness after witness. The Collapse prevented any sort of conclusive ruling from reaching the Persean Sector however, and now the entire matter is considered irrelevant. With the discovery of Champion plans on a Domain armaments courier, the warship was quickly put into service by the fleet of the Persean League, among others.
–In-game description

The Champion-class Heavy Cruiser is a Midline Cruiser commonly fielded by the Persean League and Independent fleets.

Overview

A Midline Cruiser, the Champion is a bruiser-type ship designed to take a beating and continue fighting. It is armed with a Large Missile hardpoint pointed forward, a Large Energy turret (130°) within the front-middle of the ship, 2 forward-facing Medium turrets (220°), 4 forward-facing Small Energy turrets (150°). 2 Small Energy turrets (150°) cover the middle of the Champion, and 2 more Small Energy turrets (210°) cover the ship's engines. To support these energy mounts, the Champion is also equipped with the High Energy Focus ship system.

For defenses, the Ship relies on a Front Shield that covers upwards to 210°.

Acquisition

The Champion is typically found in Persean League and Independent fleets and controlled territories, though the League requires a commission to purchase the Champion, the Independents only require friendly relations. The ship's blueprint is a Rare BP.

Strategy and tips

The following section contains user-submitted suggestions, these may be inaccurate or outdated.

The Champion is a Midline heavy cruiser suitable for both long-range stand-off and short range close-quarters fighting against heavier targets. The placement of all 8 of its frontal weapon mounts and frontal shield favor head-on confrontations, but leave its flanks and rear relatively vulnerable, especially given the lack of a built-in mobility system.

The single heavy energy mount allows it to deal explosive damage with the High Intensity Laser. Combined with two kinetic damage Graviton Beams or Hypervelocity Drivers in medium hybrid mounts, it can act very much like a ballistic ship, generating hard flux on enemy shields then punishing exposed armor.

Changelog

Patch 0.9.5a: Introduced into the game.