Bellatoravia Class Battleship

**This article, Bellatoravia Class Battleship, was written by Cornish Moose. It may be linked to any page without asking for the author's permission.**

## Bellatoravia class Battleship

Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of a Bellatoravia class

## Specifications

### Standard armament

Triple Heavy Macrocannon Turrets
Lance Turrets
Macrocannon Turrets
Light Macrocannon Turrets

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The **Bellatoravia class Battleship** is the designation of a rare class of Battleships that have been in limited production for at least several millennia, possibly longer. While nowhere near as prevalent or famous as the Retribution or Emperor class Battleships, the Bellatoravia is nonetheless a formidable warship, with enormous turrets that can shred lesser vessels with ease.

## Background

Confirmed reports of the Bellatoravia class date back to the early 38th millennium, though some earlier sources have been identified as possibly referring to the vessels. Based upon an STC that is jealously guarded by the handful of Forge Worlds that possess it, the Bellatoravia class is an even rarer sight than the already scarce Retribution class that is the mainstay of Imperial capital ships. A number of these vessels have been lost due to poor tactical use by their captains, thanks to unfamiliarity with the different doctrine of these ships, which focus on long range engagements over close combat. Those captains that can adjust their fighting style however, have grown to greatly appreciate the capabilities of the class against opponents that likewise focus on sniping at range.

### Design

Slightly longer at 8.5km but also slimmer than a Retribution class Battleship, the Bellatoravia's design is dominated by the four triple turrets, with three arranged in a superfiring formation on the spine of the ship. Multiple, spacious hangar bays line the sides of the vessel, giving it a potent strike wing and storage for Astra Militarum regiments if needed. Several Fabricator-Generals have noted in their analyses that the ships possess a number of similarities to the obscure Courageous Class, such as a similar plasma drive and bridge superstructure, which lends credence to the class being much longer lived than records would suggest. The armour thickness is comparable to other Imperial warships.

#### Weapons

The Bellatoravia class is built around four triple gun turrets, each one housing macrocannons significantly larger than those normally found on battleships. Three of these turrets are positioned along the spine of the warship, the rear two superfiring over the first in an arrangement unusual to Imperial capital ships, which usually need to angle their hulls for full effect. Advanced firing computers and rangefinders allow these weapons to hit at ranges unheard of for projectile weapons of this size. This gives the class excellent long ranged firepower on the comparatively narrow cross-section of a forward facing vessel. The final turret is mounted on the rear of the bridge superstructure, giving additional firepower in broadside and covering the rear arcs. Unlike other battleships, there are no broadside batteries of Macrocannons, instead there are a number of turrets mounting macrocannons and light macrocannons. This is supplemented by a comprehensive network of point defence turrets. As a result the class is vulnerable in close range engagements, as it lacks the same close in firepower of its counterparts. Though this is somewhat offset by the fact that most foes cannot withstand the withering fire of the main turrets as they attempt to close. A large number of fighter and bomber squadrons are carried in the hangars, giving a formidable strike wing. In addition the class houses several *lachesis* class support dropships, which can be outfitted with a long range support pod. This pod can be used as a mobile hangar, enabling small strike wings to operate at a greatly extended range thanks to its refuelling capabilities.

#### Void Shields

Like other battleships, the Bellatoravia class has a strong array of void shields, with multiple overlapping layers providing excellent defence against incoming fire.

#### Propulsion

The class possesses powerful engines, boosted by the potent *Theta* class plasma drive. It is capable of slightly higher acceleration and cruising speed compared to other comparable warships.