Editing Imperial Navy Escort (section)

==== Sword ====

[[File:BFGASword.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The reliable one.]]

Common and reliable, the ''Sword''-class is also armed simply, with two double barelled macro turrets to do the Emperor's work. These turrets are also unique in that they are able to fire to both sides, or forward with full strength. This class is a very old design, dating back to the earliest days of the Imperium. All its components have been redesigned, refined to a high level, tried and tested in innumerable engagements.

Being an escort, the Sword is expected to come under fire, and so is designed with this in mind. Its bulkheads are thicker than would be expected, and the beams and supports that hold the ship together have redundant copies nearby, that will take the load if the primary beam or support fails. Due to this, the Sword can take more punishment than would be expected for a ship of its diminutive size.

Although much bigger than the Cobra, it does the same sort of fleet duties, such as being outriders of bigger ships, or deterrents to incoming fighters or torpedoes. Sword-Class Frigates are often seen fighting alongside [[Space Marine]] formations. Because of their performances, they are also valued by Rogue Traders who usually convert them in order to have their merchant needs suited. Likewise, the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] also find value in them as a nice support Escort meant to protect their heavier Cruisers.

*'''Length:''' 1.6km
*'''Mass:''' 6 megatonnes; approx
*'''Crew:''' 26,000 crew; approx
*'''Acceleration:''' 4.5 gravities max sustainable acceleration

<gallery>
AdMech Sword.png|It is so reliable that even the AdMech likes to [[Blood Ravens|'borrow']] a dozen of them.
</gallery>