The Berka Class is rapidly becoming one of the most frequently encountered small vessels in or near Zhodani Controlled Space . With the Naval Review that began in 1112 following the Fifth Frontier War, a re-evaluation of doctrine and construction of the small ships. It was a watershed event in Zhodani Naval Architecture and resulted with the introduction of the next generation of blieldliefr (Little ships) that have since been constructed. The Berka-class Fleet Frigate is one of the new generations of little ships to be seen on the frontiers of Zhodani Space. The heavy fleet corvette designation is a reflection of the particle accelerator barbette weapon system on board. In turn, this classification changes the dynamic of the doctrine employment of the Berka-class into a very aggressive role. They are nicknamed the SDB killer. Imperial Intelligence code word for them is the ‘Orca’ class Corvette. These small taunt ships are tasked with fleet/squadron escort, commerce protection, and patrol duties. The myriad of missions they perform is almost limitless. The crews are well trained and are noted for an esprit de corps that is called blieldliefr ibl, “little ship fever”, that is cultivated by the ship captains. Over 486 Berka class fleet corvettes are in commission presently with more being constructed on a yearly basis. In the Idar Nobsl Province provides the main shipyard construction centers for the little ships are.

Standard Zhodani Corvette Flotillas are composed of 2-4 Berka Corvettes, 2-4 Banya Corvettes; and 2-4 Bra’la Corvette Transports. The Flotilla Commodore also has an organic Fleet Corvette Tender that allows the flotilla conduct repairs and replenishment operations in forward areas and project soft power when capital ships would illicit both political and military heightened tensions bordering interstellar powers.

It is not uncommon to encounter task squadrons of two to three Corvettes working in tandem the configuration is determined by mission profile. Aggressive anti-piracy for instance would usually be two Berkas and a Banya providing forward screening with its fighters. Another example is a terrestrial showing of the flag or escort missions would be a combination of a two Banyas and Bra’la Corvette which would allow a platoon of ZNSLF and a flight of eight fighters for a soft show of force or soft intervention on frontier worlds.

EH-1001 Berkha (Berka Heavy Corvette Class Berka )

The BeRKA is a TL-14 800 ton needle/wedge hull starship with a jump drive-3, a maneuver drive-4, and a power plant-9 producing 72 energy points. It is capable of Agility-4.

Fuel tankage is 312 tons. It is equipped with fuel scoops and a purification plant.

A Model 7 computer is installed along with a bridge.

Weaponry consists of 1 battery of 1 single particle accelerator barbette, 2 batteries of 1 triple missile turret, 1 battery of 1 triple sand caster turret, 4 batteries of 1 dual beam laser turret.

Defenses consist of factor 2 armor, a nuclear damper-2.

Carried craft includes 2 Chidtl Class Zhodani Light Fighter s, 1 Zho Ships boat Class .

Ship’s vehicles include 1 Air/Raft.

There is a crew of 22 total, in 1 section of 22 crew. Ship’s troops consist of 10 troopers.

There is no provision for passengers.

Quarters consist of 17.5 staterooms, 6 low berths.

Cargo capacity is 10 tons.

Designator: EH-1001
Name: BeRKA
Class: Berka Heavy Corvette
Type: BeRKA
Tech Level: 14
Configuration: Needle/Wedge
Tonnage: 800

Jump Drive: 3
Maneuver Drive: 4
Power Plant: 9
Energy Points: 72
Agility: 4

Fuel Tankage: 312
Fuel Scoops: Yes
Fuel Purification: Yes

Computer Model: 7
Bridge: Yes

1 Battery of 1 Single Particle Accelerator Barbette
2 Batteries of 1 Triple Missile Turret
1 Battery of 1 Triple Sand Caster Turret
4 Batteries of 1 Dual Beam Laser Turret

Factor 2 Armor
Nuclear Damper: 2

Carried Craft (using launch facilities):
2 Chidtl Class Zhodani Light Fighters (10dt)
1 Zho Ships boat Class (30dt)

Ship’s Vehicles:
1 Air/Raft

Crew: 22 (1 section of 22 crew)
Officers Petty Officers Ratings
Command 2 0 0
Medical 0 0 1
Engineering 2 3 3
Gunnery 0 0 8
Flight 3 0 0

Ship’s Troops: 10 Troopers

Quarters:
17.5 Staterooms
6 Low Berths

Cargo: 10 tons