Dido class Exploration Cruiser Gunboat

thingiverse

This is an exact replica of the renowned exploration cruiser gunboats known as the Dido class. A total of 505 units were manufactured from 2455, and many continue to serve effectively today. Typically, this configuration involves equipping it with a small exploration vessel and a single triple laser beam turret. Designers found that they could utilize a triple laser instead of the standard double shorter ranged laser used on most ships by harnessing excess power normally allocated to operate four extra large sensor arrays and long range radar. In times of intense conflict, some ships employed two triple turrets in lieu of the scout ship, while for specific missions, two scout ships were carried in place of the turret. The ship features a single missile launcher that is also used to launch probes for its primary mission. A significant drawback of this class in combat situations is the lack of dedicated shields. It relies on bridge-generated shielding designed to deflect stray asteroids but is not equipped to engage alien or rival cruisers of similar size, despite its impressive firepower. The small scout ship has no offensive capabilities; however, at least one instance exists where they have been fitted with a missile launcher in the cargo area. Designed and produced by Titan-Milford Inc., these vessels have proven to be highly effective exploration tools.