Bayonet-class Light Cruiser
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Frigate
(Backup) Class 10.0
(6) Laser Cannons
(2) Tractor Beam Projectors
(1) Planetary Probe
The Bayonet-class is a small cruiser design from before the clone Wars. It is classified as a frigate by modern classificationC and operates in patrol duties.
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Design
The many successes of the Bayonet are largely attributed to its design. During early conceptualization and planning, the engineering team responsible for the project hoped to achieve a more aggressive profile for a warship. The final product was the imposing, dagger-shaped frame for which the Bayonet-class was named. The main deck of the ship is flat and broad, well suited for mounting various weaponry. Above and below the main deck are additional decks that run nearly the length of the ship and contain all the primary support systems. Docking and hangar bays are also included and provide the Bayonet with fighter and vehicle support while on deployment. The command deck is elevated and positioned near the rear of the ship with a portion of the primary engines, having a greater panoramic view of the battlefield. At the time of development the Bayonet was revolutionary and turned the tide in many spatial battles.
History
This is an old, nearly obsolete light cruiser introduced by Republic Sienar Systems as an escort for Rendili StarDrive's Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruiser at least a century before Palpatine became Supreme Chancellor. Sienar Fleet Systems continued producing the Bayonet-class Light Cruiser (with the improved x1 hyperdrive) in the Rebellion era, but it now filled a much less glamorous role: interdiction, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.
Today the ship is however a little outdated as heavier ships have taken her place. It was also noticed that the placing of the command module on the bayonet was too close to the ships main ion drives, causing frequent disturbances in communication. Most captains overcame this problem by using one of the starfighters assigned to the ship to act as a relay. Doing this however soon turned out to be a suicide mission for the fighter pilots, as opponents discovered taking out that fighter was an excellent means of disrupting their enemies communication. However this does not mean that this is a ship to be trifled with. While it may no longer hold its own on the battlefield, it is still a serious threat to any freighter or starfighter. This is why the Bayonet-class today is mostly used by planetary governments to patrol relatively remote regions of space, in order to keep pirates and smugglers in check.
As is common with many Imperial designs, a number of Bayonet-class vessels have found their way into the hands of the Rebel Alliance. With some modification, the hangar systems that store and launch Imperial TIE Fighters in the original model can be adapted to deploy the more conventional Starfighters commonly utilized by the Rebellion.
Known Vessels
