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A '''cataphract''', sometimes referred to as ''Spearhead'', ''Iron Fist'' or ''The Boot'', is a weapon used in space combat. It is a large structure comprised of mostly metal that is typically mounted onto the bow of a [[spaceship]]. The cataphract earned infamy due to its pivotal role in the [[Battle of the Forge|Battle of the Forge]], where its use by [[Interplanetary Republic of Sol|republican]] forces helped them achieve a pyrrhic victory against the [[The Coalition|Coalition]]. |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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A cataphract is a large metal structure typically mounted onto the bow of a spaceship. The most basic form consists of a pyramid shape sitting on a rectangular base. The form of the base, length, width, height and weight as well as the composition of materials used in its construction all depend on the type of ship it is constructed for as well as the manufacturer and intended usage. For example: Cataphracts used by the Republican Navy after 2260 are usually longer/higher with less dense alloys in order to prioritize penetration and cost effectiveness while legacy models were rather short with much more dense alloys which had a devastating effect on impact but were easily outmaneuvered and very expensive, which is why they are mostly seen on decommissioned ships nowadays. |
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The insides of a cataphract contain up to four engines that power the thrusters located on the outside. Typically, there is one large main thruster at the bottom of the base to provide forward thrust, with 4, 8 or sometimes up to 16 side thrusters for semi-complex maneuvers. Most models place the fuel storage in the middle or even the front part of the cataphract, which is sometimes even filled with other combustible materials. The intention behind this design is to cause significant damage inside the ship, should the impact alone not be enough. There are some variants of cataphracts that use either a timed or manual detonation mechanism to control this effect, however, in most cases the impact provides enough force to ignite the fuel reserves and materials, resulting in fires and sometimes even causing the hit ship to be split apart. |
The insides of a cataphract contain up to four engines that power the thrusters located on the outside. Typically, there is one large main thruster at the bottom of the base to provide forward thrust, with 4, 8 or sometimes up to 16 side thrusters for semi-complex maneuvers. Most models place the fuel storage in the middle or even the front part of the cataphract, which is sometimes even filled with other combustible materials. The intention behind this design is to cause significant damage inside the ship, should the impact alone not be enough. There are some variants of cataphracts that use either a timed or manual detonation mechanism to control this effect, however, in most cases the impact provides enough force to ignite the fuel reserves and materials, resulting in fires and sometimes even causing the hit ship to be split apart. |
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The name ''Cataphract'' stems from the armoured heavy cavalry of the same name used in ancient warfare. These were used as a sort of "shock troops" and often |
The name ''Cataphract'' stems from the [[wikipedia:Cataphract|armoured heavy cavalry]] of the same name used in ancient warfare. These were used as a sort of "shock troops" and often incurred a devastating blow during the initial attack. The same principle applies to its modern day counterpart. Despite its position, form and use, a cataphract should not be confused with a [[wikipedia:Naval_ram|naval ram]]. The key difference here is the mass and momentum in modern day space battles compared to ancient naval warfare. Should a spaceship use the cataphract and its own mass to ram another ship, it would most likely result in both the rammed and ramming ship sustaining massive damage due to the impact. This exact effect, combined with the manufacturing cost, are the main reasons why a cataphract is widely regarded as a "last resort" rather than just another type of weaponry. |
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== Usage == |
== Usage == |
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Revision as of 09:55, 4 March 2025
A cataphract, sometimes referred to as Spearhead, Iron Fist or The Boot, is a weapon used in space combat. It is a large structure comprised of mostly metal that is typically mounted onto the bow of a spaceship. The cataphract earned infamy due to its pivotal role in the Battle of the Forge, where its use by republican forces helped them achieve a pyrrhic victory against the Coalition.
Description
A cataphract is a large metal structure typically mounted onto the bow of a spaceship. The most basic form consists of a pyramid shape sitting on a rectangular base. The form of the base, length, width, height and weight as well as the composition of materials used in its construction all depend on the type of ship it is constructed for as well as the manufacturer and intended usage. For example: Cataphracts used by the Republican Navy after 2260 are usually longer/higher with less dense alloys in order to prioritize penetration and cost effectiveness while legacy models were rather short with much more dense alloys which had a devastating effect on impact but were easily outmaneuvered and very expensive, which is why they are mostly seen on decommissioned ships nowadays.
The insides of a cataphract contain up to four engines that power the thrusters located on the outside. Typically, there is one large main thruster at the bottom of the base to provide forward thrust, with 4, 8 or sometimes up to 16 side thrusters for semi-complex maneuvers. Most models place the fuel storage in the middle or even the front part of the cataphract, which is sometimes even filled with other combustible materials. The intention behind this design is to cause significant damage inside the ship, should the impact alone not be enough. There are some variants of cataphracts that use either a timed or manual detonation mechanism to control this effect, however, in most cases the impact provides enough force to ignite the fuel reserves and materials, resulting in fires and sometimes even causing the hit ship to be split apart.
The name Cataphract stems from the armoured heavy cavalry of the same name used in ancient warfare. These were used as a sort of "shock troops" and often incurred a devastating blow during the initial attack. The same principle applies to its modern day counterpart. Despite its position, form and use, a cataphract should not be confused with a naval ram. The key difference here is the mass and momentum in modern day space battles compared to ancient naval warfare. Should a spaceship use the cataphract and its own mass to ram another ship, it would most likely result in both the rammed and ramming ship sustaining massive damage due to the impact. This exact effect, combined with the manufacturing cost, are the main reasons why a cataphract is widely regarded as a "last resort" rather than just another type of weaponry.