The table below shows a typical loadout for a fleet carrier.

The first column, the wing normally used by the Concordia

and Jutland-class carriers, is the default loadout. The other two loadouts are fighter
complements of other major carriers in service that takes their slightly different fighter
capacity into account.
Concordia-class, Jutland-class
Lexington-class Confederation-class

(20) F-96B Arrow (30) F-96B Arrow (30) F-96B Arrow

(30) F-86C Hellcat V
(20) F-66A Thunderbolt VII
(20) F/A-76A Longbow
(20) R-Type Shuttle
- (05) Search and Rescue
- (05) Fuel Tanker
- (10) General Transport
Total: (90) Combat Craft
(20) Support Craft
(30) F-86C Hellcat V
(20) F-66A Thunderbolt VII
(20) F/A-76A Longbow
(20) R-Type Shuttle
- (05) Search and Rescue
- (05) Fuel Tanker
- (10) General Transport
Total: (100) Combat Craft
(20) Support Craft
(40) F-86C Hellcat V
(30) F-66A Thunderbolt VII
(20) F/A-76A Longbow
(20) R-Type Shuttle
- (05) Search and Rescue
- (05) Fuel Tanker
- (10) General Transport
Total: (120) Combat Craft
(20) Support Craft

Wake Island -class Ranger-class Eagle-class

(10) Arrow (10) Arrow (20) Arrow
(10) Hellcat V (10) Hellcat V (20) Hellcat V
(10) Strike Sabre (10) Thunderbolt VII (10) Thunderbolt VII

(10) Longbow (10) Longbow

N/A
(6) R-Type Shuttle (10) R-Type Shuttle (10) R-Type Shuttle
- (02) Search and Rescue - (02) Search and Rescue - (02) Search and Rescue
- (02) Fuel Tanker - (03) Fuel Tanker - (03) Fuel Tanker
- (02) General Transport - (05) General Transport - (05) General Transport
Total: (30) Combat Craft Total: (40) Combat Craft Total: (60) Combat Craft
(06) Support Craft (10) Support Craft (10) Support Craft

The Carrier Battle Group

Common sense dictates protecting the most valuable warships in your arsenal when they head into
unfriendly systems. This simple logic is the reason the Confederation's precious fleet carriers are placed in
battle groups. Aircraft carriers are useless unless they are actually carrying aircraft. But it takes more then
just airplanes to ensure a carrier’s survival. Yes aircraft can help protect the carrier, but having more
interceptors for defense simply means less attack fighters for offense. Less offensive power leads to less
power projection. And power projection is the entire purpose of a carrier.

The harsh reality is that any capital ship, no matter how big or well built, can be destroyed by Kilrathi
weaponry. Without some sort of escort, a fleet carrier is just one big opportunity for a Kilrathi to show his
suicidal praise to Sivar. Fighters can't remain on station around a carrier twenty four hours a day, seven
days a week; that's why capital ships are used to screen carriers. Capital ships have more staying power
then fighters and bombers and so can protect the carrier against threats, especially Kilrathi capital ships that
can turn a carrier into a charred burnt-out shell floating in space.

As they are the backbone force that protects the Terran homeworlds against Kilrathi intrusion, the main
carriers of the Confederation Navy are priceless and need adequate protection to ensure their survival. This
requires large resources of space fighters, capital ships, and firepower. Carrier battle groups have to be

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large because they exist for one thing: power projection. Unlike raider groups which generally strike where
they aren't expected, fleet carrier battle groups are required to stand their ground and fight. The battle group
is almost always centered around a single large Confederation carrier.

First, it is important to note that there really is no real definition of a carrier battle group. Carrier battle
groups are formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one may be different from another.
However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships. We will discuss the general concept behind the
organization and show a real-life application. In this case we will examine Task Force 34, the TCS
Kennedy battle group.

(warship outlines are not to exact scale)

One space carrier – Confederation, Lexington, Jutland, or Concordia-class. In this case it is the TCS
Kennedy, a Lexington-class CVN. The Kennedy has a complement of 100 fighters and bombers. The carrier
provides a wide range of options to the Terran Confederation government from simply showing the flag to
attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets. Because carriers operate in international galactic space, its
aircraft do not need to secure landing rights on foreign soil. These ships also engage in sustained operations
in support of other forces.

Cruisers, destroyers, and frigates represent the battlegroup's fighting vessels. They are always in vicinity of
the carrier itself.

Two to three cruisers – large multi-mission combatants, either Tallahassee or Savannah-class. In this case
Task Force 38 has two Tallahassee-class heavy cruisers, the TCS Agincourt and the TCS Bainbridge. Both
cruisers are equipped with menacing Anti-Matter Gun batteries for heavy firepower, with general purpose
heavy laser batteries. Missile weaponry includes CapShip missiles and Long Lance torpedoes for anti-ship
capability. These cruisers carry their own support fighters, each of them have five.

Three to six destroyers – multi-mission combatants that can be used for a wide variety of missions. They
are well suited for offensive and defensive missions alike. The TCS Kennedy has four Sheffield-class
destroyers, the TCS Arleigh Burke, the TCS Vengeance, TCS Gauntlet, and the TCS Hammer. All of them
have anti-matter and laser batteries, as well as a complement of torpedoes and cruise missiles.

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Two to three frigates - Task Force 38 has two Caernaven-class frigates, the TCS Talon and the TCS
Python. Both frigates have been refitted to serve as missile frigates, and serve as standoff cruise missile
platforms. In addition, both frigates can provides point defense screening for the carrier with their IFF
missile batteries.

The following ships are the support component of the battlegroup and are assigned on an "as needed"
basis, depending on the mission profile. These include corvettes, scout ships, minesweepers, and supply
vessels. They can be attached or detached from the battlegroup at any time, going where ever the war effort
sees fit.

One scout corvette – indirect support role. Corvette-size combatant. Task Force 34 has one Prowler-class
scout ship, the TCS Davy Crockett. The scout is used for primarily as a long range reconnaissance vessel,
jumping into a system and scanning the immediate surrounding before the rest of the task force can jump
in. They are packed with a wide variety of SWACS-gear that enables them to function as the watchdog of
the fleet.

Two electronic warfare corvettes - indirect support role. Corvette-size noncombatant. The Kennedy
carrier group has the TCS Pathfinder and the TCS Raven, both Venture-class corvettes which have been
heavily modified into Electronic Warfare vessels. They can jam enemy sensors and communications or
pinpoint and interpret electronic signals for any needs of the Task Force.

One minesweeper - indirect support role. Corvette-size noncombatant. Task Force 34 can use the services
of the TCS Hampton, a modified Clydesdale-class transport whose cargo hold now contains a vast array of
minesweeping equipment with the intention to demolish, clear, or disable enemy minefields. This
equipment includes anti-matter charges, EMP weaponry, frequency-detection systems, tractor beams and
remote controlled drones.

Four supply transports – indirect support role. These logistics vessels operate with the support element of
the battlegroup and supply the crew of the battlegroup with the logistics, food, supplies, and munitions that
a carrier needs in a war. The four logistics vessels assigned to the Kennedy are the Merchant Marine
transports Lacroia, Ark's Mountain, Ashuamaru, and Green Giant.

*********************************************************
The Main Fleet Support Group

With all of the systems in Terran Confederation control plus the systems being abandoned by Kilrathi
retreat, there isn't enough fleet carriers to cover every star system on the main front. But the recent re-
introduction of the venerable Ranger-class light carriers and our new Eagle-class light carriers to the Fleet
has proved to rectify this problem. In addition, they complement a fleet carrier's firepower in battling the
Kilrathi scum. Many of our light carriers have fought against the Kilrathi, in which the Kats have broke off
running.

The battle groups that are centered around Confed light carriers are known as Main Fleet Support Groups.
Their primary task is to give direct support to the fleet carriers along the main front. This can range from

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jumping into an nearby system to prevent Kilrathi reinforcements from entering a system the main fleet is
attacking, to providing a shipment of fighters to replace those lost on the front line, to escorting a convoy
along the main front, to occupying a newly freed system while the main task force jumps after retreating
Kilrathi. And of course, they can always link up with a larger carrier to eradicate the Kilrathi with one
devastating strike.

First, it is important to note that there really is no real definition of a main fleet support group. These
groups are formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one may be different from another.
However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships. We will discuss the general concept behind the
organization and show a real life application. In this case we will examine Task Group 84, the
TCS Ticonderoga group.

(warship outlines are not to exact scale)

One light carrier – Ranger-class or Eagle-class. In this case it is the TCS Ticonderoga. Her carrier air
wing boasts a total of 50 fighters, bombers, and utility craft. The light carrier provides alot of combat
options to the Navy for supporting the fleet carriers. She's small and compact enough to be suitable for
support roles, yet she is big enough to be a powerful force to any Kilrathi group she engages.

One cruiser – large multi-mission combatant, either Tallahassee or Savannah-class. In this case Task Unit
84 has one Tallahassee-class heavy cruiser, the TCS Dominion. It has heavy firepower with her Anti-Matter
and heavy laser batteries. She also has CapShip missiles and Long Lance torpedoes for anti-ship capability.
Plus the Dominion has 5 fighters for close up support.

Two destroyers – multi-mission combatants that can be used for a wide variety of missions. They are well
suited for offensive and defensive missions alike. Task Unit 94 has two Sheffield-class destroyers, the TCS
Spurance and the TCS Simms. Both have anti-matter and laser batteries, as well as a complement of
torpedoes and cruise missiles.

One to two frigates - defensive mission combatant. Task Unit 94 has one Caernaven-class frigate, the TCS
Reuben James. The frigate provides point defense screening for the carrier with its IFF missile batteries.

***********************************************************
The Recon-In-Force Group

Combat is not just on the front lines between two warring carrier task forces. Deep behind enemy territory
and away from the main front, many Kilrathi bases and facilities exist that keep the Imperial Navy running.
They are safely tucked away from the front because of their importance. These include supply convoys,
supply bases, shipyards, fighter construction facilities, industrial facilities, and other rear echelon targets.

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To hit these targets require not brute strength, but speed, agility, and cunning to strike fast when
unexpected, and retreat when expected. This job falls to the daring Recon-In-Force groups.

Recon-In-Force groups are autonomous guerilla units that are tasked to go behind enemy lines and
autonomously attack anything in their way. Well-armed and formidable but not too large to be unwieldy,
this raider group forges around and away from the main front and operates independently for as long as
possible. They actively seek out rear echelon, supply, logistic, and construction facilities and destroy
whatever they can find in their way.

First, it is important to note that there really is no real definition of a raider group. Recon-In-Force groups
are formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one may be different from another. However, they
all are comprised of similar types of ships. We will discuss the general concept behind the organization and
show a real-life application. In this case we will examine the 15th Autonomous Corps.

(warship outlines are not to exact scale)

One escort carrier – Wake Island-class. In this case it is the TCS Okinawa. She has an air wing of 30 scout
fighters, interceptors, and fighter-bombers. The escort carrier provides a diverse range of options to the
Navy that escorting convoys, transporting fighters to the main fleet, and supporting amphibious landings.
She is also the one carrier type that is most suited to run deep-penetration raids. It should be noted that light
carriers such as the Ranger-class and the Eagle-class can be substituted for this role.

One light cruiser – large multi-mission combatant. In this case Task Group 94 has one Savannah-class
light cruiser, the TCS Andromache. It is the only cruiser-size vessel in the Confed Fleet that is able to keep
pace with the escort carrier's fast speed. She has a formidable array of weaponry including Anti-Matter
Guns, heavy laser batteries, CapShip missiles and Long Lance torpedoes. She also has a half-squadron of
five fighters.

One destroyer – multi-mission combatants that can be used for a wide variety of missions. They are well
suited for offensive and defensive missions alike. Task Unit 94 has one Gilgamesh-class destroyer, the TCS
Duncan. Geared for offensive firepower, she has a heavy complement of anti-matter batteries and
torpedoes. One of the faster destroyers in the Fleet, she is also adept in making quick supply runs.

Two corvettes - Small escort combatants. Task Unit 94 has two Venture II-class corvettes, the TCS Dagger
and TCS Blade. Both have been configured and refitted to serve as raiders and can attack enemy convoys
with CapShip missiles.

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One or two scout ships – indirect support role. Task Unit 94 has a single Prowler-class recon ship, the
TCS Jim Bowie. She is used primary as a scoutship, jumping into a system and scanning the immediate
surroundings before the rest of the raider group can jump in.

**************************************************
Close Action Groups

Carrier groups are not the only forces Confed have throughout the front. There are many other capital ships
scattered throughout the galaxy. Because Confed warships that are not carriers are far easier to construct,
there are many more of them in service. It is logical to deduce that they also operate by themselves in
battle.

Close action groups are various task units that do not have a carrier as its center element. These groups that
are centered around numerous cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. They mainly operate independently from a
carrier group, but they can also act as a support element. Many larger Confed warships carry their own
assortment of fighters, but close action groups can also get fighter support from the many Home Defense,
Militia, and In-System Security squadrons that are scattered throughout Confederation space. Close action
groups can do virtually anything. They can escort convoys, stand picket over jump points, bombard planet-
based installations to prepare for a Marine interplanetary assault, and of course, battle other Kilrathi
warships up close and personal.

First, it is important to note that there are many, many, different close action groups. These groups are
formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one is almost always different from another.
However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships. And the number of capital ships in a close action
group normally does not exceed a half-dozen, anymore would make the group unwieldy, large, and clumsy
enough to be a tempting target for Kilrathi bombers. We will discuss five real life applications and relate
their makeup to the specific mission role.

Task Unit 15 - This close action group consists of the Tallahassee-class heavy cruiser, the TCS
Agamemnon, and her Sheffield-class destroyer escort, the TCS Tyson. The Agamemnon is one of the Fleet's
most powerful non-carrier warships and boasts heavy firepower and armor with a half-squadron of
supporting fighters to boot. The Tyson plays a support role to the Agamemnon: it can scout ahead and
search out targets, or remain in close and defend the cruiser with her multiple laser batteries. Or during
ship-to-ship actions, it can dash towards an enemy capital ship at full velocity and fire a spread of
torpedoes, distracting it for a few crucial moments for the Agamemnon's heavy anti-matter batteries to
vaporize the warship into space dust.

Task Unit 27 – This unit consists of a pair of Tallahassee-class heavy cruisers, the TCS Dover and the TCS
Juneau. This "dual cruiser" approach has proven to be very effective; their firepower and armor enables
this fighting pair to take on even the largest Kilrathi cruisers and win. If allowed to get in close to a Kilrathi
carrier, they stand a very good chance of destroying it; even fleet carriers are not built for ship-to-ship
slugfests. In addition, they have more then enough firepower for issues such as planetary bombardment, or
directly attacking orbital installations. For scouting and interceptor support, each cruiser has a half-
squadron detachment of five fighters each.

Task Unit 24 – This task unit is made up of the Savannah-class light cruiser TCS Alabama, and the
Gilgamesh-class destroyers TCS Sam Adams and TCS Buttrell. Usually used for small raids against
transport convoys, supply depots, and small squadrons of Kilrathi light capital ships, Task Unit 24 features
maximum firepower and maximum speed, which enables it to outgun whatever it can't outrun and outrun
whatever it can't outgun. This unit's main firepower is centered around the numerous anti-matter batteries
on the three capital ships, which speeds doom for any Kilrathi target.

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Task Unit 64 – This is actually a small squadron of five destroyers, Destroyer Squadron 64. It consists of
the Sheffield-class destroyers TCS Fanning, TCS Nicholson, and TCS Livermore, plus the Gilgamesh-class
destroyers TCS Emmons and TCS Hobbson. This unit is geared towards lightning-fast raids against Kilrathi
transports and fuel tankers, as well as ganging up on larger capital ships such as heavy cruisers. They all
have anti-matter and laser batteries, and a complement of anti-ship torpedoes.

Task Unit 85 – This task unit is normally used to defensive purposes. It consists of the Sheffield-class
destroyer, the TCS Aquinus, and two Caernaven-class frigates, the TCS Aurora, and TCS Nebula. This unit
can be seen escorting convoys, or forming a parameter around and providing point defense for numerous
supply depots. The Hector, already a famed Kilrathi capship killer, is relied on to make any strikes against
other warships with her batteries and torpedoes, and the frigates generally provide defense against fighters
with their IFF missile batteries.