UNSC Ragnarok Article

I finally managed to dig out the article on UNSC from Ragnarok (the
SFSFW
journal). P.19-20 Issue 28.  Author Garry Milton.  By the way I
recommend
Ragnarok highly, it has some very interesting articles and scenarios for
all GZG line of games.	As well as minuatures and wargames.  A good
article
on ship repairs and maintenance in the last issue.

I'll just summarise what it says.  Formed on Feb 12th 2143 due to 1st
Solar
war which almost engulfed some of the Core systems in war.  

Major Roles :

1.	To prevent combat in Core systems
2.	To act as an independent peace keeping force in the Inner
Colonies
3.	To be responsible for customs inspection in the Core systems
4.	To undertake Exploration and research missions.
5.	To be responsible for rescue/medical duties throughout Terran
space.

Initially ships were loaned to them and fitted with IFF to identify
vessels.  These ships served with distinction during 2nd Solar War.  

Funding comes from various power blocs.  Decided to design UN ships
using
components from all powers.  NAC top sublight engines, FSE easily
maintained weapon systems, NSL leading freighter designs provided crew
modules.  Sections assembled in one of UNSC's 6 shipyards.

Crews initially provided by major powers on one year tour of duty. 
Worked
well until in 2165 NAC launched suprise attack against ESU using pulse
torpedo armed ships, a top secret UNSC weapon.	NAC lieutenant had
betrayed
UN at the end of his tour.  UN then provided all powers with pulse
torpedoes and recruited permanent crews.  BY 2171 all UNSC staff are
independent of major powers.  

UNSC ships non-standard designs to fulfill specialised duties.	

UNSC ship classes

Constable class customs cutter.
Knock class customs frigate.
Guardian class cruiser.
Defender class cruiser.
Peacekeeper class cruiser.
Geneva class carrier.
Thunderbird class rescue ship.
Samaritan class hospital ship.
Clarke class survey cruiser.

Presumably there are more ship classes.
--------------------
Niall Gilsenan,
DIT Cathal Brugha St,
Dublin 1,
Ireland.

ngilsena@indigo.ie
--------------------
The miscellany (Sci-Fi combat games)
http://members.tripod.com/~Cwintel/Scifi.html