Changes

The '''''Sword Class Frigate''' is a very old design, dating back to the earliest days of the [[Imperium]]. All its components have been redesigned, and refined to a high level. Its laser based [[weapons batteries]] provide equivalent fire power to those of the less reliable plasma based alternatives, and are able to fire to both sides, or forward with full strength. It's engines are powerful, yet simple enough to be maintained by an artificer with minimal training. It ' is a classic escort, and it is exceptionally rare to see an Imperial [[battleshipEscort]] with out at least two, if not more, Sword class ships by its sideship.¹

In ==Design== This class is a very old design, dating back to the earliest days of the [[Imperium]]. All its role components have been redesigned, refined to a high level,¹ tried and tested in innumerable engagements.²Its laser based [[weapons batteries]] provide equivalent fire power to those of the less reliable plasma based alternatives, and are able to fire to both sides, or forward with full strength. It's engines are powerful, yet simple enough to be maintained by an artificer with minimal training.¹ They are regarded as reliable even in extreme conditions.²Being an escort, the Sword is expected to come under fire, and so is designed with this in mind. Its bulkheads are thicker than would be expected, and the beams and supports that hold the ship together have redundant copies nearby, that will take the load if the primary beam or support fails. Due to this, the Sword can take more punishment than would be expected for a ship of its diminutive size.¹ ==Role and deployment== Escort class ships are meant to support heavier vessels during fights and cruises. It is is exceptionally rare to see an Imperial [[battleship]] without at least two, if not more, Sword class ships by its side. Sword Class Frigates are often seen fighting alongside [[Space Marine]] formations.¹Because of their performances, they are also valued by Rogue Traders who usually convert them in order to have their merchant needs suited.² ==Technical details== Sword Class Frigates are approximately 1.6 km long and 0.3 km abeam at fins. They usually weight 6 megatonnes and host a crew of about 26,000. Their maximum sustainable acceleration is 4.5 gravities. Compared to [[Tempest Frigate|Tempest Class Frigates]], they are more manoeuvrable and equipped with better turrets and detection devices, but their hull integrity and armour are slightly inferior, as long as the space designated for components.² ==Notable ships, squadrons and models==

*¹:[[Battlefleet Gothic Rulebook]] p113, p. 113*²:[[Execution Hour (Novel)Rogue Trader Rulebook]], p. 195*³:[[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]] p39, p. 39*⁴: [[Execution Hour (Novel)]], ''page number missing''