IF - Islamic Federation

This information was originally posted at http://mysite.verizon.net/laserlight/ft/if.htm but that site is now down.
The miniatures in the pictures were painted by Dick McGee and you can see more pictures and his version of the stats for the IF fleet at his blog Broken Stars & Burning Ships

The Islamic Federation: Bringing the Sixteenth Century To A Planet Near You!

This history of the Islamic Federation is based on that found in the GZG rulebooks, with some unofficial interpretation.

• 2027 - The State of Israel is destroyed by terrorist attacks employing nuclear and biological weapons. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, seeing an opportunity to turn world opinion to their benefit, pledge to bring rogue Arab nations under control. They launch attacks against Libya, Yemen and Iraq.

• 2043 - From Morocco to Pakistan, the Arab states have either joined or surrendered to the Saudi/Egyptian alliance. A unified government is formed for al-Itiheed al-Islami--the Islamic Federation.

• 2062 - Federation forces engage Pan African Union formations in a dispute over water rights in northeastern Africa. The Eurasian Solar Union imposes an official truce. Low intensity fighting continues, with guerrilla and special forces from both sides raiding along the border.

• 2070 - The Federation builds its first interstellar vessel with the assistance of European Commonwealth contractors. Islamic colonies are soon founded on several of the Core worlds.

• 2075 - The IF purchases survey data from an enterprising EC company and lays claim to the planets which it names Arabiya Jadid and Misr Jadid.

• 2123 - An overzealous ESU governor launches an anti-Islamic pogrom in the Indian sub-continent. The IF protests with limited military action, cross-border shelling and raids. UN diplomatic efforts prevent full-scale escalation, and the ESU executes the official who initiated the massacres.

• 2127 - New Israeli special forces begin launching attacks on IF facilities in the Core worlds.

• 2128 - IF and PAU forces fight several significant actions in a dispute over outer colonies. Pressure from the FSE brings about a truce, but the basic problem is unresolved.

• 2130 - Led by Mullah Saeed ibn Amir, Shi'ite radicals on the colonies of Abu Haman and Sad al Bari revolt and declare independence from the Islamic Federation. A Federation division is sent to control the situation, but a cabal within the division staff arranges the murder of the senior officers after planetfall and the division switches sides. The Federation is militarily overextended due to mercenary commitments, continuing tension on the PAU border, and the risk of further Shi'a subversion; the government decides that suppressing the rebellion would cost more than it is worth. The IF officially recognizes the Saeed government, and salvages what it can of the situation by pressing for "self-determination" by the Muslim colonies of the PAU.

• 2137 - 2142 The First Solar War

• 2145 - 2157 The Second Solar War. The IF takes advantage of the opportunity to expand at the expense of the overextended PAU.

• 2163 - Islamic fundamentalists murder the Sa'udi royal family and seize power in New Riyadh. Loyalist forces fight a two year civil war, but the NAC eventually withdraws support and the counterrevolution collapses.

• 2165 - The Third Solar War.

• 2173 - IF-sponsored agents assassinate ESU and NAC diplomats at the Sumani IV peace conference. The agents' origin is successfully concealed; the NAC and ESU blame each other for the attack, leading to the continuation of the Third Solar War.

Note: dates are Anno Domini for convenience. The IF, of course, counts dates from the Hegira, so AD2195 is in the sixteenth century AH.

The most significant point about the Islamic Federation is the internal infighting. Most functions are divided between several different groups--for example, the army consists of the Guard, the Regulars and the local militias, and there are at least eight agencies involved in intelligence and security. The Sultan plays off one faction against another, while the ministers (viziers or wazirs) and provincial governors (emirs) continually plot against each other and the Sultan, always seeking to expand their own power and independence. They will pull together in the face of a foreign attack; however, they take up their feuds again the instant the danger is past.

The design philosophy of the Islamic Federation Navy (al-Bahriyeh al-Itihiid al-Islaam) takes different approaches depending on the size of the ship. Smaller vessels are relatively fragile and are intended to provide a concentrated missile barrage from long range. Heavy cruisers and larger classes are intended to be able to dish out heavy damage at close to medium ranges.

The IF uses standard Human drives and four-row hulls. A Heavy Missile is an updated More Thrust missile; these usually come on Heavy Missile Racks (HMR).

Due to budget, doctrine, or general fractiousness, amirate squadrons often require a weapons fit different from that specified by the Sultanate fleet. To accommodate them, most ships are designed to accept a variety of weapons in 8-mass blocks. Any block can be selected at time of construction; however, these are not the same as OU modules and cannot easily be changed once installed. On most SSDs, blocks are designated by a rounded rectangle. Common blocks are: 4x HMR or 2x SMR or 4x B2(3) or 2x B2(6) plus 1x B2(3); examples are shown to the right.

Heavy Missiles (Beta test rules)

These missiles are larger than individual Salvo Missiles, and have either longer endurance or a more powerful warhead.

Heavy Missiles have a primary movement range, like fighters, except that it is always 18mu for HMs. HMs have an endurance factor of 1 to 5 (depending on type), similar to the combat endurance factor of fighters. Unlike fighters, HMs must burn 1 point of endurance to make a primary move.

HMs are launched during Phase 4) LAUNCH ORDNANCE. After their first turn of flight, HMs are moved at the BEGINNING of Phase 3) MOVE FIGHTER GROUPS, i.e. before the fighters move. This means that fighters will be able to use their free primary movement to intercept heavy missiles, except on the turn the missile is launched.

HM attacks are allocated during Phase 6) ALLOCATE ORDNANCE AND FIGHTER ATTACKS. Any HM may expend one endurance point to make a secondary move of 6mu (3 in vector)--typically this is done to get more range, or to move so that the "closest target" is the one the player wants his HM to attack. After completing any secondary movement, a HM within 6mu (3mu in vector) of an enemy target will attack the nearest enemy target, just like a salvo missile.

A fighter group may attempt to intercept a HM as if it were a salvo missile salvo with only 1 missile (see Fleet Book 1, p. 6).

Heavy Missiles can be defended against using point defense fire during Phase 7) POINT DEFENCE FIRE. A single PDS can destroy 1 HM a roll of 4+ on 1D6. A Kra'Vak Scattergun or Sa'Vas'Ku Interceptor Pod will automatically kill 1 HM. Screening fighters or Class-1 Beam Batteries or K-guns will kill 1 missile on a roll of 5+ (any re-rolls are irrelevant since the missile is killed by the first hit anyway).

Any HMs that survive phase 7 now attack their targets, inflicting damage that depends upon the missile type. Half of the damage is scored on ARMOUR (round up), while the remainder is scored on HULL (or the next armour layer in, for layered shells). After the attacks have been resolved, any HMs that have exhausted their endurance factors and are out of attack range of any viable targets are removed from play.

EMP missiles do not cause hull damage but can temporarily disable ship systems. For each HM-EMP that attacks, roll 1d6, subtract the target's screen level, and divide by two (round down). The result is the number of "EMP hits" done by that missile. The maximum effect for any number of HM-EMP attacks on one target in one turn is three EMP hits. Roll for EMP effects as per the EMP beam (this link opens a new window).

Heavy Missile launch systems come in two types: externally carried one-use launch racks (termed HM Racks, or HMR), or reloadable launching tubes. There are two options for the later version: either Heavy Missiles have their own, specific launcher system (denoted a HM Missile Launcher, or HML), or they can be launched from standard Salvo Missile Launchers (Fleet Book 1, p.9). The former option is probably more realistic, while the latter option allows for the use of HMs with existing, SML-equipped, designs. If HMLs are used, the launcher itself takes 2 MASS and costs 6 points. For either of the reusable launcher options (SML with HMs or HML), each HM carried in the internal magazine takes up 1 MASS and costs 3 points. An external HMR takes 2 MASS for the complete rack plus missile, and costs 6 points.
 

al Shaulah class Strikeship

FT-1022

TMF 10, NPV 37 CPV 28
Hull Integrity 1
Crew Factor: 1
Armament: 2 Heavy Missiles or 1 SMR or 2 Needle beams
Defenses: luck
Sensors: Standard sensors, 1 Fire-control system
Drives: Thrust 6, FTL

Notes: Squadrons of ash Shaulah stingboats now form the standard Islamic Federation outer system patrol. Prototypes were armed with submunition packs; however, simulations determined that these would have difficulty surviving long enough to get within striking range. Most production vessels are fitted with missile racks, carrying a pair of heavy missiles when these are available, otherwise a single flight of salvo missiles. Variants replace the racks with a single-arc Beam-3, or in a few instances, a pair of needle beams. As these ships were based on the FSE Requin class, they have more comfortable crew quarters than most IF ships, and service aboard al Shaulahs is popular; however, crew morale is notably higher on those examples which are armed with longer-ranged weapons.
Variant: System Defense - delete FTL, increase Main Drive to Thrust 8.

Khabar class Corvette

FT-1003

TMF 14, NPV 50, CPV 38
Hull Integrity: 2
Crew Factor: 1
Armament: 1 SMR or 2x Heavy Missile or 1 x Beam 3 (F)
Defenses: none
Sensors: Standard sensors, 1 Fire-control system
Drives: Thrust 9, FTL

Notes: the Khabar is what an al Shaulah wants to be when it grows up.

al Hawar class Frigate

FT-1004

TMF 24 NPV 81 CPV 63
Hull Integrity 5
Crew Factor: 2
Armament: 2 x B2(6) or 1xB2(3) and 1 SMR
Defenses: Grade 2 Armor, 1 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: 1 Fire-control system
Drives: Thrust 6, FTL

Saladin (Yusuf Salah-ed-Din ibn Ayyub) class Destroyer

FT-1005
TMF 34 NPV 114 CPV 92
Hull Integrity 7
Crew Factor: 2
Armament: 2 B2(3) and 2 HMR (or some other 8-mass block)
Defenses: Grade 3 Armor, 2 Point Defense System
Sensors: 1 Fire-control system
Drives: Thrust 6, FTL

Saladin (Yusuf Salah-ed-Din ibn Ayyub) class Heavy Destroyer 0ption

FT-1005

TMF 44 NPV 148 CPV 123
Hull Integrity 10
Crew Factor: 3
Armament: 2 HMR, [2x B2(6) + 1 B2(3)]
Defenses: Grade 2 Armor, 2 Point Defense System
Sensors: 1 Fire-control system
Drives: Thrust 6, FTL

Notes: This class must be considered one of the more successful IF designs, in terms of numbers produced. This class includes Imad ed Din Zenghi, Shirkuh, Nur ed Din, Qutuz, Mahmud the Great, Alp Arslan, Suleiman and others named for Muslim conquerors.

Ashraf class Light Cruiser

FT-1006

TMF 54 NPV 179 CPV 154
Hull Integrity 14
Crew Factor: 3
Armament: [4 HMR], 1 B2(6)
Defenses: Grade 4 Armor, 2 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 2 Fire-control systems
Drives: Thrust 6, FTL

Notes: Based on an expanded Salah-ed-Din hull. This class is named for personal characteristics; ship names include Ashraf, Amin, Alim, Akil, Afif, Basil, Labib, Hani, Ghalib, Sahir, Fawwaz and others.

Sahaabah class Patrol Cruiser

FT-1007

TMF 64 NPV 217 CPV 194
Hull Integrity 17
Crew Factor: 4
Armament: 1 x B2(6), [4 HMR], [2x B2(6) + 1 B2(3)]
Defenses: Grade 5 Armor, 2 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 2 Fire-control systems
Drives: Thrust 4, FTL

Hattin class Heavy Cruiser

FT-1008

TMF 84 NPV 287 CPV 274
Hull Integrity 22
Crew Factor: 5
Armament: [1 B3(5)] [2 B2(6) 1 B2(3)], 1x B2(6)
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 6 Armor, 4 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 2 Fire-control systems, 1 Area Defense system
Drives: Thrust 4, FTL

Notes: The workhorse of the Islamic Federation and the amirate fleets, the Hattin is the type most often seen outside IF space. The Admiralty has a high risk tolerance where a Hattin is concerned, and this makes the class a favored assignment for glory-hunters. Ambitious officers regard a tour on a Hattin as a prerequisite for higher command. The class is named for Muslim battlefield victories and includes Khartoum, Manzikert, Ain Jalut, Mansura, Mohacs and others.

Khartoum class Attack Cruiser

FT-1008A

TMF 90 NPV 306 CPV 297
Hull Integrity 23
Crew Factor: 5
Armament: [1 B3(5)] [2 B2(6) 1 B2(3)], [4 HMR] 
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 6 Armor, 3 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 2 Fire-control systems 
Drives: Thrust 4, FTL

Notes: This is a very recent design, just now showing up in select amirate fleets.  The addition of missiles on a ship this large has been a deadly surprise.

Sword of Islam (Saif ed Din) class Battleship

FT-1010

TMF 124 NPV 424 CPV 454
Hull Integrity 31
Crew Factor: 7
Armament: 2x [B3(5)], 2 x [2x B2(6) 1x B2(3)]
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 9 Armor, 4 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 3 Fire-control systems, 1 Area Defense system
Drives: Thrust 4, FTL 

Notes: The Saif ed Din was hastily designed and funded in response to continuing Pan African naval expansion, and specifically the newly purchased Rostovs. Ship names include Asad ed Din, Nasr ed Din, Baha al Din, Husam al Din and others.

Jibrail class Heavy Battleship

FT-1011

TMF 154 NPV 527 CPV 610
Hull Integrity 39
Crew Factor: 8
Armament: 2x[PTorp(5)], 1 [B3(5)], 2 x [2x B2(6) 1x B2(3)]
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 10 Armor, 5 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 4 Fire-control systems, 1 Area Defense system
Drives: Thrust 4, FTL
Variant: delete one FCS, add Enhanced Sensors

Notes: Named for angels

Arabiya class Dreadnought

FT-1012

TMF 204 NPV 694 CPV 906 plus Remora Scouts
Hull Integrity 54
Crew Factor: 11
Armament: 2 x B3(4), 2 x B3(3), 2 x PTorp(4), 2 x B2(6), 4 x Beam 2(3)
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 12 Armor, 6 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 4 Fire-control systems, 1 Area Defense system
Drives: Main Drive 4, FTL (tow capacity 6 mass)

Notes: The Arabiyah was designed after the Madinah, but despite this (or because of it) has proven quicker to produce. FTL-tow capacity is typically used to carry scouts and weasel boats. Other ships in this class include Misr, Pakistan, Arabiya Jadid and Suriyah.
Variant: delete one B2(3), add enhanced sensors and 1 mass of passenger space for admiral's staff.

Scout Remora

TMF 3 NPV 10
Hull Integrity 1
Crew Factor: 1
Armament: none
Defenses: Grade 1 armor
Sensors: Enhanced sensors
Drives: Main Drive 9, no FTL
Variant: Weasel - delete armor, add weasel systems
Variant: Recon - delete armor, add enhanced sensors.

Madinah class Battle Carrier

FT-1013

TMF 184 NPV 633 CPV 596 + fighters
Hull Integrity 42
Crew Factor: 10
Armament: [B3(5)], 2x [2 x B2(6) + 1 x B2(3)]
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 10 Armor, 4 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 2 Fire-control system, 1 Area Defense system
4 Fighter Bays
Drives: Main Drive 4, FTL

Notes: Other ships in this class are Makkah, Riyadh Jadid.

Notes: With the weapons of a heavy cruiser and the defenses of a light dreadnought, this carrier is intended to launch its fighters and follow them into the fray.

Madinah class Heavy Carrier

CVH option six-bay variant

FT-1013

TMF 184 NPV 632 CPV 509 + fighters
Hull Integrity 42
Crew Factor: 10
Armament: 2x B2(6)
Defenses: Screen-1, Grade 10 Armor, 5 Point Defense Systems
Sensors: Standard sensors, 1 Fire-control system, 1 Area Defense system
6 Fighter Bays
Drives: Main Drive 4, FTL