Katana class

The Katana class was a class of light attack craft in service with the Grayson Space Navy and the Royal Manticoran Navy.

Specifically designed as a space superiority craft, the Katana was the Grayson answer to the Ferret class light attack craft, intended to preform all the roles a Ferret could except the anti-shipping role. From the beginning of modern LAC service, the Grayson realized that the primacy of the LAC in the anti-ship role was time-limited and began studying the creation of a space-superiority fighter with enhanced dogfighting capabilities. The cancellation of the RMN's own Space Superiority LAC program under the Second Janacek Admiralty made the Katana class the only functional space-superiority LAC in the Manticoran Alliance.

The Katana carried five high-speed launchers capable of launching either standard Mark 31 counter-missiles or the Mark 9 Viper anti-LAC missile, each launcher's off-bore capability allowing the Katana to launch its missiles into virtually any open aspect, including directly aft. With no provision to carry larger anti-shipping missiles, magazine level were increased to exceed even that of the Ferret. Additionally a Katana carried three heavy suoerdreadnought-grade point defense laser clusters forward, optimized for antimissile defense but powerful enough to be used against other LACs in close combat. In their after aspect, the Katana carried a standard ring of light point defense clusters like the Shirkes and Ferrets.

Slightly smaller and substantially more maneuverable than any other LAC variant, with improved electronic warfare capabilities as well as the two-phase "buckler" bow wall, the Katana's multipurpose launchers could launch the Viper missile, which can be used in either the counter-LAC or counter-missile mode. Used in the second mode, the Viper remains an extremely capable counter-missile, matching the antimissile performance of the cheaper dedicated Mark 31.

In addition to its dogfighting role, the GSN and RMN have recently begun to use the Katana to supplement fleet missile defense, especially in the kind of MDM environment Alliance have encountered in battle with Haven's new wall of battle post-Operation Thunderbolt. (Companion)

Service Record

While initially active solely in the service of the GSN, the RMN placed an order for several dozen squadrons of Katanas with Grayson shipyards following the resumption of hostilities with Haven in addition to placing the class into domestic production. Concurrently many Minotaur and Hydra class LAC carriers were refitted to carry squadrons of Katanas alongside their regular complements of Shrikes and Ferrets. (Companion)

In Grayson service, Katanas were carried by Covington-class LAC carriers. (HH10)