Zamzara Shipyard "Wyvern" E5554

This upgrade of the popular Wyvern escort represents a significant departure from previous models - while the ship’s hull configuration is the same, its defense systems have been completely redesigned, it bears a new weapon and has had several general improvements. Wyvern is now also less expensive to build, making it easier for smaller Zaran communities to construct in less well developed shipyards with limited access to resources.

The triple-barreled chaingun has been replaced in this variant with a focused X-ray emitter. This short ranged, powerful weapon is significantly better against armored targets than the chaingun 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 sector away, and only pilots who relish close-quarters combat need apply. For long-range engagements, the medium anti-ship missiles have been upgraded with the latest anti-armour warheads. These fire vertically, giving them a better chance at avoiding point defense but also imposing a minimum range.

While the hull shape might look familiar, the defensive systems of Wyvern have been completely reworked. The armour is significantly lighter, at a cost of fully covering only critical systems. However the sacrificial plate on the nose is still in place and markedly increases the ship’s resistance to heavy weapons fire from the front. The shield grid has been enhanced, with over 50% better resilience and a much higher rate of regeneration. The more economical armour helps with speed. Wyvern now can outpace most escort-class vessels, making it capable of hit-and-run attacks on enemy formations in addition to its original role in defending civilian ships.

The archive contains two blueprints - the E5554, and E5554A carried version, adapted for the Baltic class frigate tender.

This is a minor update that replaces the small docking hardpoint on the rear of the craft with a retracting armature tipped with two rails of different orientations for maximum compatibility. The improved clearance allows larger fighters to make use of Wyvern's jump drives.

The exhaust ports of the main engines have been hardened and the plasma ducting reinforced to make them more resistant to fighter attacks from behind.

This is an improved version of the E5551 with a similar role but better survivability in combat against larger adversaries.

The bow section looks superficially familiar but has been redesigned with a layer of docked “sacrificial” armour. The armour preserves shield integrity by absorbing penetrating fire from the front, reducing the amount of energy that the ship’s shield grid must disperse. The docked chassis has a set of independent effects which should be engaged before battle commences to double its protective capability. This allows Wyvern to stare down powerful capital ships.

The point defence turrets have now moved in front of the docking clamps rather than behind them, reducing their profile and minimum range in front of the ship. The tradeoff is reduced coverage against attacks from behind.

The high beam headlights have been removed as the bulbs are no longer manufactured. The sacrificial armor plate can be extended for repairs in the field, controls for which are located in an alcove in the living quarters. Crew safety has been enhanced by replacing the microwave with a spatio-temporal hyperlative superfluous breadbin.