Whaleshark-class

The workhorse of the ESU fleet, Whaleshark-class ships compromise a hefty majority of the ESU’s long range groups. Dwarfing the size of most conventional ships, a Whaleshark-class requires on average around 5,000 individual crewmembers to man it to full efficiency. While it boasts medium to short range offensive and defensive equipment, its main claim to fame is its ZGA carrying capacity, being able to field around 60 efficiently.

Long and wide, the Whaleshark-class is over triple the length of an accompanying Beluga or Lionfish-class ship. Its bridge is located about 1/3rd of its length, hoisted onto a taller structure to allow for more effective view of the battlefield, but recent models have lowered the height of the bridge due to safety concerns. A row of armaments follow from the bow to the bridge, mainly an array of mid-range 2-barreled laser cannons, along with at least twenty anti-ZGA point guns and various chaff launchers. A large hull and slow maneuverability makes it an easy target for long-range torpedos and ballistic weaponry.

Its main claim to fame are the twin hangers which are located underneath the middle section of the ship, below the bridge. With a maximum capacity of 80 ZGAs, the Whaleshark-class may boast incredible operating range and combat ability depending on loadout. ZGAs are prepped into a hangar and fed into a magnetic ‘drop’ launch pad. In essence, they are quickly shot out the underside of the ship and into space, where they quickly adjust their direction and maneuver.

The rest of the body begins to thin out, eventually coming to a stop. Additionally guns are located on the back, facing away, but they are not as heavily armed compared to the front. Twin thrusters are located just under the ship, and push up against the side of the hull as it begins to thin out.