Freedom-Class Light Cruiser

The Freedom-Class Light Cruiser was designed in May 2183, with an initial trial run of four ships built and launched on January 30th, 2184 at the Morgunson Arms Martian Dockyard. Conceived primarily as a "Super Destroyer Leader," the Freedom Class shares several design characteristics with the Super Destroyer used by the Helldiver Corps, and many consider it a direct upgrade of that vessel. The original plan called for an extended trial period to evaluate the design, but the project was tabled and the four prototypes mothballed shortly after commissioning when a cost analysis found that the Freedom Class delivered the operational capability of roughly 1.5 Super Destroyers at more than five times the price. Later in the war, these ships were reactivated and assigned to the 597th Apocalypse Drop Regiment to offset Super Destroyer losses following the Menkent Line.

Armed similarly to the Super Destroyer, the Freedom Class carries an improved orbital strike package and enhances the Helldiver's ability to engage in ship-to-ship combat when the situation demands it. The class retains the 380mm triple turret and the ATLAS Orbital Precision Cannon, but trades the Orbital Gatlings for upgraded twin-mounted 120mm cannons. The most significant change is the replacement of the turreted railcannon with a more powerful spinal-mounted "Vindicator" railcannon. While this sacrifices the Helldiver's ability to call down an Orbital Railcannon Stratagem, it allows the ship to punch well above her weight against hostile warships. Most notably, three dual-purpose "Liberty" twin-railcannon turrets have been added to the ventral hull, giving the Freedom Class an additional arc of fire against enemy ships and a credible defense against lighter vessels or strike craft during low-orbit Helldiver operations. Increased reactor output provides additional speed and powers six "Bulwark" point-defense lasers, scaled-down versions of the Directed Energy Projector used in Orbital Laser fire, intended to intercept enemy missiles and fighters. The class retains the two Vanguard Missile turrets found on the standard Super Destroyer.

Where the Freedom Class truly shines is in support of Helldiver operations. Equipped with six Hellpod tubes and space for two Eagle strike fighters and one Pelican dropship, the Freedom excels in its role as a Super Destroyer Leader, with its enhanced capabilities acting as a potent force multiplier during Helldiver deployments. The class's ship-to-ship capability has also seen these vessels assigned as destroyer leaders for the 597th Naval Strike Element's Lance-Class Destroyers, though the Lance Class remains better suited to direct fleet engagements.

Production rights have recently been licensed to Hellsing Heavy Industries for construction of these ships on behalf of the Freedom Alliance, largely on the strength of the 597th's success with the platform. Owing to the 597th's membership in the Freedom Alliance, Morgunson Industries has agreed to let Hellsing Heavy Industries produce additional hulls for Freedom Alliance service, with an eye toward determining whether the class should be brought into wider production for standard SEAF units and Helldiver Corps formations alike.