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.