Epoch-class heavy carrier

The Epoch-class heavy carrier (hull classification symbol: CV) is a warship class in service with the UNSC Navy.

Overview
The heaviest variety of carrier in service behind only the immense supercarriers, the Epoch class' tonnage exceeds that of both the Poseidon and the Orion classes. Often forming the core of most UNSC fleets, the heavy carrier is capable of taking extreme damage in combat. It is one of the most lauded designs in SinoViet Heavy Machinery's fleet.

Design details
Measuring 2,563 metres at its longest point, the Epoch continues the traditional carrier design with large slanted wings that run across the ship's length. It is roughly divided into three parts, making it reminiscent of the ; however, as a military warship, it has been contracted and has the slab-sided, industrial feel of the UNSC. It has an open ventral hangar in the front, capable of holding a large complement of fighters and ground troops.

Armament
The Epoch's primary armament lies is its 56A2F9 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, a rapid-fire variant of the MAC normally mounted on. The Epoch often lent its firepower in coordinated volleys, despite the 56A2F9's intended use as a purely defensive weapon. The MAC is supplemented by two Mark 15 Breakwater naval coilguns on the prow. To defend against fighters and smaller attack ships that usually break through its escorting battle group, the ship possesses twelve M66 Sentry autocannons and M870 Rampart point defense guns, although these are ineffective against larger Covenant warships. Supplementing the Ramparts are twenty M810 Helix point defense guns. Seventy M58 Archer missile pods are fitted onto the hull for attacking strikecraft and larger ships, while a further twenty pods of Bident missiles are mounted on the wings. Although normally intended for use against other starships, the standard nuclear-pumped X-ray laser warhead can be replaced with kinetic rod bundles or fusion warheads ideal for surface bombardment.

Crew and Complement
All Epoch-class heavy carriers have an embarked complement of both aerospace and ground units, which are crucial to their operation in UNSC battle groups. Eight hundred UNSC Marines - a full battalion - are designed to be accommodated on these capital ships. Twelve hangars are also fitted, each of which holds three Pelican dropships and two space fighters. Spacecraft which are too large to be stored in these, such as the C709 Longsword, can dock to the ship using a series of clamps and access umbilicals. An Epoch-class heavy carrier is capable of projecting UNSC naval power by dominating a planet's orbit, and then deploy its strike fighters and troop transports to high-value areas on the surface.

1,300 naval personnel are needed to effectively man an Epoch-class carrier. Like all UNSC carriers, their flight crews are made up of a combination of UNSC Navy and Marine Corps servicemen, which are administratively divided into 'blue' and 'green' sides, respectively. While working within the hangar and supporting flight operations, they wear colored jerseys to distinguish their occupation. For example, red is for ordnance handlers, white is for safety personnel, and green is for technicians.

Service history
The Epoch-class entered service in the UNSC Navy in 2475, prior to the outbreak of the Insurrection. It served as a lynchpin of the Navy's expeditionary forces throughout the conflict and well into the Human-Covenant War. One Epoch-class heavy carrier helped defend Alpha Corvi II from the Covenant on December 2525. A ship of the line was assigned to Battlegroup Leviathan at some point during the Human-Covenant War.

Ships of the line

 * – Lead ship of the class
 * - Conducted a funeral for the deceased participants of the augmentation procedures on the SPARTAN-IIs.

UNSC Epoch Heavy Carrier
This element includes a single Epoch-class heavy carrier.

UNSC Supported Epoch Heavy Carrier
This element includes an Epoch-class heavy carrier and one Paris-class heavy frigate.

UNSC Defended Epoch Heavy Carrier
This element includes an Epoch-class heavy carrier and two Halberd-class destroyers.

Production notes
The Epoch-class heavy carrier was created for Halo: Fleet Battles. Its design is based on concept art for Halo 2, Halo Wars, and Halo 4, as well as concepts from Blur Studio. The carrier went through more revisions than any other ship designed for the game. The Epoch deliberately combines features from various UNSC ships to document a transition between wartime and post-war UNSC vessels. The general structure of the hull is clearly influenced by the, albeit with a more martial aesthetic. Its telescoping prow and overlapping armor panels are meant to evoke the contemporary Halcyon and Marathon-class cruisers, while its paneling and overall length foreshadow the.

List of appearances

 * Halo: The Fall of Reach
 * Halo: Helljumper
 * Halo: Fall of Reach
 * Boot Camp
 * Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series
 * Halo: Fleet Battles
 * Halo Mythos
 * Halo: Collateral Damage