Cognizant-class fRIGATE
While smaller and sporting less armament than most other frigates, the Cognizant-class nonetheless lives up to its name using creativity characteristic of Astrojinx.
Cognizants carry powerful and advanced sensor arrays as well as Zipp-drive inhibitors. This, coupled with their speed, multi-layered shielding, and maneuverability allows Cognizants to avoid direct fire while scanning for enemy weakpoints.
Upon isolation of a high-value target, the Cognizant's sensor arrays retract, allowing full reign of the plasma cannons for overwhelming enemy shields and stripping armor. Then, with pinpoint accuracy supplied by the sensor readings, coilguns are able to eliminate crucial systems, even as their target tries to retreat.
The articulating armored wings and spindly antenna have resulted in the nickname of "chicken-class".
Class: Cognizant
Size Rating: Frigate
Manufacturer: Astrojinx
Dimensions: 300m
Impulse: 2
Maneuvering: 2
Range: 6
Hull Stress: 2
Heat: 6
Fuel: 8
The Cognizant's armored wings can be adjusted to protect systems such as engines, weapons, or hangar bays. The sensor equipment can be retracted as well. These adjustments help to reduce the craft's profile during combat. This is most frequently used during acceleration maneuvers, pursuit, or a focused assault.
The Cognizant's deck layout has been described as "a stack of pancakes" due to its dense vertical layers. This has been criticized for offering less interior space than comparable designs, and reliance on internal transportation lifts. However, it has proven effective in running cables, and leads to an increase in overall effectiveness should a single deck be depressurized. In the cognizant, the systems, engineering, and holds occupy the aft deck stacks, crew and passenger accommodations are found on decks running lengthwise down the neck, while command and operations decks are housed in the armored bow.
