The Contemptor-class is designed for the sole purpose of destroying other capital ships. It is a blunt instrument with one specific role, compared to its larger and significantly more complex cousin, the Terminus-class.
At 5,000 meters in length, the Contemptor is much smaller than even primitive human battlecruisers. As such, even with its thick armor and powerful shields, it is not quite as durable as full-sized ships of the line, but its raw firepower helps to make up for this. It is armed with 48 dual plasma cannons, and four fusion cannons, giving it heavy broadside capability. In addition, it carries a spinal plasma shell cannon that allows it to bombard enemy vessels from well outside their weapons range.
The Contemptor has limited point defense, made up of only 200 quad pulse laser mounts. It must rely on surrounding vessels to provide coverage, while it concentrates on dishing out heavy capital fire. In addition, it is very slow, with a maximum acceleration of only 4 G’s, just barely faster than most battleships, and even slower than the more advanced battleships and carriers of the rai and the kellar.
While it is not as powerful or versatile as the Terminus, it is significantly less expensive to build, and therefore has become a popular option for increasing the firepower of Republic fleets for less cost. It serves its purpose well, giving the usually cautious Verran Republic the option to use a hammer instead of scalpel, if the situation calls for it.