Hermes-class signal relay ship

The Hermes-class signal relay ship was an auxiliary vessel class in service with the UNSC Navy. The sole purpose of the Hermes-class was to relay electronic communications between UNSC colonies, thus enabling superluminal communication between UEG colonies and facilitating delivery of orders and intelligence of all three services in the shortest possible time. Possessing no armour and a limited defensive armament, the Hermes-class was designed for the prioritisation of acceleration above all else, being capable of making slipspace journeys two to three times faster than a modern frigate and setting several long standing journey records. The only other method of faster-than-light communications employed by the UNSC military, the , existed on an experimental basis by 2550, with only three launcher and window generator arrays in existence. A simplified system, utilising magnetically fired capsules launched by ships in slipspace, was being developed as of 2552, but had yet to be used operationally.
Vessels or units on long range deployments, particularly prowlers, made use of smaller, unmanned drones to convey and receive information while underway. This was distinct from the COM launcher's unpropelled programmed message capsule.
Category:Auxiliary ship classes
Category:UNSC Ship Classes