Salamis Kai-class
Modified light cruiser with integrated mobile suit hangar and launch capability.
The Salamis Kai-class was a post-One Year War refit of the original Salamis-class cruiser. These modifications transformed the vessel from a conventional space cruiser into a dedicated mobile suit carrier, addressing the Earth Federation Forces’ urgent need for vessels capable of deploying mobile weapons effectively.
History
During the One Year War, the original Salamis-class cruiser served as one of the mainstays of the Earth Federation Forces fleet. However, as part of the 70s Armament Reinforcement Plan, these vessels predated the creation of mobile suits and thus featured no dedicated storage space for the new weapons. The war had demonstrated the critical importance of mobile suit deployment capability, making the original design obsolete for post-war operations.
After the One Year War, many ships were extensively refitted to the Salamis modified configuration. This comprehensive refit programme addressed the fundamental limitation of the original design by adding a mobile suit launch deck and a hangar capable of storing up to four mobile suits. The modification programme transformed existing vessels into effective mobile suit carriers without requiring complete replacement of the fleet.
During the Gryps Conflict of UC 0087, the Salamis modified was commonly used by multiple factions. The regular Earth Federation Forces, the Titans, and the AEUG resistance group all operated vessels of this class. The widespread use of the type demonstrated its effectiveness and the critical importance of mobile suit carrier capability in space combat.
The Salamis modified remained in service with the Earth Federation Forces for many decades following the Gryps Conflict. These versatile vessels continued to serve the Federation fleet as late as UC 0153 during the Zanscare War, demonstrating the longevity and adaptability of the design.
Notable operations
Several vessels of the class played significant roles during the Gryps Conflict. The Bosnia, under Captain Chan Yar, participated in operations against AEUG forces. During one engagement, the vessel launched RMS-117 Galbaldy β mobile suits in pursuit of the AEUG ship Argama.
The Mont Blanc served alongside AEUG forces and was lost during combat operations. The vessel went down after taking heavy enemy fire whilst protecting the evacuation of other AEUG ships.
Design
The Salamis modified retained the basic hull structure of the original Salamis-class whilst incorporating extensive modifications to support mobile suit operations. The most significant addition was the mobile suit hangar bay and launch deck, which fundamentally altered the vessel’s operational capability.
The modification programme required significant internal restructuring to accommodate the mobile suit hangar whilst maintaining the vessel’s combat effectiveness. Engineers successfully integrated the mobile suit facilities without compromising the ship’s defensive armament, though some weapons systems were relocated or modified to make space for the new equipment.
Like the original Salamis-class, the modified version retained the re-entry capsule mounted beneath the bow. This feature allowed for atmospheric entry operations and could serve as an emergency escape craft for the crew.
Mobile suit facilities
The most significant enhancement of the Salamis modified was its integrated mobile suit capability. The vessel featured a dedicated hangar capable of storing and maintaining four mobile suits, along with a single launch catapult for rapid deployment.
The hangar bay was equipped with mobile suit maintenance equipment and ammunition storage, allowing the vessel to conduct extended operations without returning to port. This self-sufficiency made the Salamis modified particularly valuable for patrol and escort duties where immediate mobile suit response was required.
The single launch catapult was positioned to provide clear launch trajectories for mobile suits whilst minimising interference with the ship’s weapons systems. This design allowed the vessel to launch mobile suits even during combat operations.
Armaments
The Salamis modified retained substantial defensive armament despite the addition of mobile suit facilities.
Main guns
The vessel mounted seven main guns of varying configurations. Two twin-barrelled main guns provided heavy firepower, whilst five additional single-barrelled main guns offered flexibility in target engagement. These weapons maintained the vessel’s ability to engage enemy ships and provide fire support for mobile suit operations.
Secondary guns
Ten secondary guns supplemented the main armament. Six twin-barrelled secondary guns provided concentrated firepower against medium threats, whilst four single-barrelled secondary guns offered additional defensive capability. This comprehensive secondary armament made the vessel effective against mobile suits and smaller craft.
Missile launchers
Eight missile launchers distributed across the hull provided additional firepower and anti-mobile suit capability. These launchers could engage multiple targets simultaneously and offered tactical flexibility in various combat scenarios.
Ships
The Salamis modified class comprised numerous vessels, reflecting the extensive post-war refit programme. Notable ships included:
Bosnia
The Bosnia was commanded by Captain Chan Yar during the Gryps Conflict. The vessel operated in support of Federation/Titans operations and participated in engagements against AEUG forces. The ship served as a mobile suit carrier, deploying RMS-117 Galbaldy β units in combat.
Mont Blanc
The Mont Blanc was an AEUG vessel that served alongside the Argama during operations against the Titans. The ship provided mobile suit support with RGM-79 GM II units but was ultimately lost during combat when it was overwhelmed by superior enemy forces.
Behind the scenes
The Salamis Kai-class was designed by Fujita Kazumi for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. The design represented the practical evolution of space combat vessels, showing how military forces adapted existing platforms to meet new operational requirements.
The extensive list of ship names reflects both real naval vessels and fictional designations, maintaining the series’ tradition of drawing inspiration from historical warships whilst creating an expansive fictional fleet.
Appearances
See also
External links
- Salamis Kai-class on the Gundam Wiki
- Salamis Kai-class on MAHQ