Earth Alliance Hermes Class Variants ## ## Hermes Class Variants Hermes Light Carrier (Rare): In an era when any idea would be tried because of desperation, the carrier variants of any EA ship was presented in prototype form to the Earth Alliance. The Carrier version of the Hermes was actually quite successful, though not as well recognized as other, larger ships. The Light Carrier version of the Hermes could carry two full squadrons of Starfuries in place of its cargo bays. The ship had the standard armament of the Hermes class transports. The ship was actually a welcome site, because it could jump in, deploy its fighters, then either hang around, or make a mad dash into battle. Many convoys were saved by the efforts of these ships and their crews. Hermes Class Light Carrier (Epsilon Model) SCS Hermes Light Scout (Delta Model) The Dilgar sent a Jonkur Spy Freighter into the Altar system during the early part of 2230. It was quickly found and captured by an Earthforce patrol. Admiral Cynthia Martin, the Commander of the Altair garrison, quickly saw the potential of the ship and re-fitted it to go out on patrol near Dilgar space. She also requisitioned a replacement sensor array and ELINT equipment for the Oracle Scout Didyma that was based at Altair. She planned to use the array to outfit a Hermes Transport for the same type of spy mission. Earthforce command was not fooled, but sent along a tech crew to 'assist' in 'repairing' the scout cruiser. Earthforce continued to modify a few Hermes to the Light Scout model and they saw their most active use during the Minbari war. Not many Hermes Light Scouts were made and they are a rare variant. Hermes Light Scout (Delta Model) Rare Hermes Escort Carriers (Gamma & Zeta, both Uncommon) By 2215 Earthforce had expanded its reach far from Earth and a large logistical network was set up. Of paramount importance was ferrying out replacement fighters to fleets that were fielding every increasing amounts of fighters. Earthforce was preparing to field both the Nova dreadnought and the Hyperion cruiser, which along with the Avenger Carrier would vastly increase fighter deployment on the fringes of Earth Alliance space. Freighter carrying crated fighters needed to be escorted and Earthforce wished to reduce the number of vessels on escort duty. A self-escorting ferry vessel was desired and the dependable Hermes Transport was assigned to fill this role. It already carried 6 fighters and by converting the cargo area it could carry 12 more, although in cramped hangers. It was intended that the fighters would be loaded aboard and then flown out when a rendezvous with a fleet was made. If trouble happened, the fighters could scramble, but would be hampered by the low hanger rate of the Hermes Escort Carrier. Also, due to cramped hanger conditions, rearming/refueling of fighters would take 3 times as long as normal. The Gamma model can only carry Aurora or earlier models of Starfury and the Zeta model can carry any fighter including Thunderbolts, but only has a 12 bay hanger. A Hermes Escort Carrier can only start a battle with one flight of fighters out of the hanger, unless allowed by scenario rules or all the players involved in the battle, to simulate the slow nature of fighter launch. Hermes Escort Carrier (Gamma Model) Rare Hermes Escort Carrier (Zeta Model) Rare