Gulami-class Frigate

The Gulami-class is a family of armored frigates manufactured by the Hisuuani Caliphate. Built of steel rolled over an iron-frame work it is an extension of developmental adventures in the caliphate's merchant-marine and navy in large-scale iron and steel working in the production of ships. Equipped predominately for anti-air, the ship is designed as a deterrent and reaction at the introduction of airships by the Old Voldranian nations into the current region.
Though equipped for sale, the ships rely predominately on coal-heated steam engines driving propeller turbines.
== Design ==
=== Development ===
The design of the Gulami-class is an extension of eighty-years of naval development since the arrival of the Voldranians. With the introduction of new regional competitors and weapons Caliph Khodor ibn-Samun al-Michindi commissioned the Jarnawid and Zifafid families to pursue development into projects to maintain a competitive maritime edge. Between the development of high-speed sailing yachts proposals were made and developed on for the sheathing of hulls in copper or brass. Although expensive it streamlined existing water-craft, reducing their maintenance; although it could only be enjoyed by the richer independent merchants or members of either family's private navies.
Hull plating and armoring was practiced on and off in the decades following given the fluctuations of the price of metal. After the death of Khodor, Caliph Yahya extended and expanded his father's commission, offering financial backing from the royal coffers for pursuits in hull armoring. The project lingered and drifted over his reign as the contractors of either family fought over how to maintain the right weight ratio, and which composition of metal to use to prevent excessive rust damage.
The end results produced steel-plated vessels, often reinforced at the bows to lend in ramming capabilities and to lessen the impact of enemy guns on an already narrow target profile. The engineering and metallurgical principles learned in the project changed over towards the dream of a completely steel-hulled ship with the complexities of propulsion and weight being the ultimate hurdle for the task.
Through to the early reign of Harun engineers in any family competed over contracts or in the construction of the means to propel a heavier maritime platform. On re-purposed wooden ships off-side wheel motors were built to test the principle of fire-fueled systems. In 4927 (corresponding Voldranian Years: 82-83) the Sumanid family won the contract of royal support for a coal-burning turbine and two-shaft engine.
=== Equipment ===
==== Propulsion ====
* x2 two-piston engine blocks, coal powered
* Sail plan: Frigate-rig/Half-rig
==== Armor ====
* 4.5in steel hull
* Water-sealed steel-reinforced wooden bulkheads.
* Fractal-nullifiers
==== Armament ====
* x4 twin-gun anti-airship gun mounts
* x1 31lb, 4-inch high-angle forward canon for sea-land, sea, or sea-air engagement
==== Crew ====
* 110. Sleep shifts.
== Individual Ships ==
# The Mameluke
Category:New Voldrania Category:Haisonuuna Category:Science and Technology