Gladius-class

The Gladius-class is a medium frigate in service with Trinova Technologies, designed solely by Trident leader Jake Lancia.
== Description ==
The Gladius is a parallel development with the larger Vanguard-class Assault Frigate, and as such shares the same frontal hull, armour plating, plasma cannon ports and turret placement. Where the ships differ are the aft hull sections and energy missile outputs.
The Gladius is a more defence-oriented vessel, and as such has more armour plating spread around the ship, in addition to different turret placement on the aft hull section, designed to better protect itself.
== History ==
Jake Lancia realised, in mid-2315, that the Trident fleet needed more larger ships if it was to survive in the changing times. Therefore he sketched some designs down, however none of these preliminary designs became a reality.
However in September, Jake revisited one of these designs; this was to become the Gladius. He also sketched up a version of it with a larger aft hull section, and decided he liked both versions.
Jake eventually began construction in October, after finalising the designs. The prototype Gladius and Vanguard both suffered the same problems; lack of power regeneration. Jake added a second battery to the Vanguard, to accompany the first; this largely removed the problem for the Vanguard, but the Gladius was too small to accept another battery, so it had been abandoned.
In November, both the Vanguard and Gladius underwent a major refit cycle, which included battery replacement to newer, more compact models that also produced more power. Therefore the Gladius was usable again, and the Vanguard had all of its problems removed too. Both vessels served side-by-side in the Trident fleet until the merger.
There are plans to refit both the Gladius and Vanguard to Trinova standards.
== Usage ==
The Gladius has, in addition to its standard role as defence frigate, been used in the following roles:
* General attack ship
* Picket ship
* Area denial
* Command ship
* Testbed
Category:Ships
Category:Frigates
Category:Trident Industries
Category:Inactive Ships