Vol 3. Chapter 29: Ringo Recommends Researching the Destroyer Tree
“Let us develop a high-speed combat vessel.”
“What’s with the sudden suggestion?”
As Commander Eve was casually browsing the tech tree as usual, <Ringo> suddenly made the proposal.
“The current naval mainstay, the Alpha-Class Mark I, is designed for fuel efficiency and cruising stability. Although we’re currently finalizing the outfitting of the prototype cruiser for combat readiness, to be honest, the new cruiser design achieves far superior speeds.”
“...I see. So the destroyers, which are supposed to clear the path, are actually slower.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. Resource availability has greatly improved, so I believe it is time to advance the tree decisively. Also, with direct microwave power transmission from the cruiser, we can increase thruster output. We should begin fleet operation trials centered around power-supply ships.”
The Alpha-Class destroyer series currently handles cargo ship escort and coastal patrol operations.
Originally powered by turbine engines running on jet fuel, all units had now been upgraded to hydrogen gas turbines.
However, compared to jet fuel or diesel, output remained a weakness.
As a result, the Alpha-Class’s cruising speed hovered around 40 km/h—frankly, slow.
“Given their role escorting cargo ships, the low speed hadn’t been an issue.”
“True. Cargo ships are slow no matter what. But modifying the Alpha-Class would reduce the number of escort ships... New builds?”