This light warship is the watchdog of the Zaran fleet, capable of fending off attacks from fighters, obliterating corvettes and standing up to cruisers long enough for civilian ships to flee. The reactor at the heart of the ship is similar to earlier light escorts but a separate chassis for the weapon support equipment dominates the front of the hull and the ship is pushed by a very large engine that grants the vessel surprising agility. The modular hull design lends itself to modification although the E5554 is a balanced and versatile combatant as it is. While classed by Zamzara as an escort frigate, it is closer in size and function to corvettes fielded by other navies. The latest version of this ship is much lighter, cheaper and more nimble, and carries better shields at a cost of thinner armour.
The vessel’s primary weapon is a focused X-Ray emitter. This short ranged, powerful weapon can cut through hardened armour with ease and is accurate enough to score easy hits on fighters at close range - something that previous versions of this ship had trouble with. However, the beam’s dispersion makes it useless for engaging targets further than a kilometer away, and only pilots who relish close-quarters combat need apply. Four dorsal anti-ship missile tubes sit in a faring above the core and can be used to engage targets at long range, and the warheads have enough force behind them to blow craters through corvette-sized enemies.
The latest version of this ship is comparatively lightly armoured, although redundant internal plates contain missile explosions and protect the computer core from all but the most penetrating weapons. The shield grid is quite resilient and recharges rapidly. Two heavy point defence turrets cover the forward segment, and two smaller turrets provide missile protection to the sides and rear.
Modest accommodation aboard provides for a nominal crew of two and there is also a small cargo space, giving the ship enough supply capacity to form the core of a picket fleet if needbe. A pair of jump drives facilitate hit-and-run strikes away from a mothership fleet. There are two universal standard docks located either side of the bridge, as well as a small docking hardpoint on the tail. The ship has a set of running lights and high beams which can be separately toggled on and off. While not intended or equipped for terrestrial use, Wyvern can still lift off from planets under its own power.
Control panel one carries weaponry, activator, docking and jump drive settings. The effects computers, light switches and radar jammer are on panel two. Controls for the gas range and microwave are located beneath the extractor hood. Keep raw and cooked meat separate. No camembert is allowed on board.
The archive contains two ships - the E5554 and E5554A carried version, adapted for the Baltic class frigate tender.
