While all Commonwealth warships are built for long range combat, the Orion-class has no other purpose. These artillery ships are designed to be deployed behind the main battle line in order to support the more durable, less specialized ships of the fleet.
The Orion’s primary armament consists of 10 cruise missile launchers mounted on rotating turrets. These missiles have double the range of most antiship weapons, making them potent long range killers. Should enemy ships close to engagement range, the Orion has a single 400mm light gyro cannon to defend itself with, though it usually requires dedicated escorts.
For defensive measures, the Orion has eight point defense missile turrets and 30 60mm scatter cannons, capable of dealing with enemy fighters and missiles. The ship lacks shields, however, and only has a thin layer of armor plating. It was not meant to be within range of enemy ships, and therefore it was not deemed necessary to make it particularly durable.
The Orion is slow and ungainly for its size, with subpar engines and a bulky superstructure to make room for its massive missile magazines. Though it can use its jump drive for tactical maneuvers during battle, the vessel is very immobile at sub-lightspeed.
Despite its weaknesses, the Orion meshes well with Commonwealth ships and tactics. Its devastating long range punch allows Commonwealth fleets the ability to drown their enemies in a nigh endless stream of missiles. The ability to crush resistance from well outside standard weapons range is a valued ability to Earth Naval Command, and the popularity of these types of artillery ships is only increasing.