Omni Scale General Small Auxiliary Cruiser SRZ

These ships were freighter hulls modified to carry "military" systems and function as cheaper and less capable starships. Most were used as local defense units in planetary systems; a few served temporarily as convoy escorts but the maintenance load precluded this as a regular role. While the more specialized auxiliaries (commando, carrier, etc.) were used by the fleet (which lacked enough special-mission units built on military hulls) virtually all of the auxiliary cruisers operated away from the fleet as they really had nothing special to contribute and regular warships were much more effective in combat roles.

In the Federation, many were operated by National Guard units or Planetary Guards, and some by the police. The intention of the design was to produce a "capable starship" at a lower cost by using a civilian hull, accepting the limitations of low speed, short range, and limited firepower. (Called an auxiliary cruiser, this ship could reasonably expect to fight an enemy frigate.) As such ships would not have to endure the tough service life of warships, this was a cost-effective solution used by most empires. Indeed, auxiliary cruisers spent most of their time in orbit conducting simulator drills and waiting for a pirate or enemy raid. (They also trained local people in skills that would allow them to volunteer for fleet duty.)

The auxiliary cruiser was based on a new pod containing support systems, the drive unit of a military-class auxiliary freighter, and a new "front end" mounting a pair of heavy weapons. The weapons varied considerably from planet to planet and empire to empire, and in point of fact the owning planet used
whatever it could afford and obtain. These ships, once built, rarely changed to other weapon types.

The ship is available in a variety of materials. Ships are unpainted, use standard flight stands available from many sources, and, while designed for gaming, make fine display pieces.