POLARIS - STAR CITIZEN

Roberts Space Industries (RSI) created the Polaris, a corvette-class capital ship, for the United Empire of Earth Navy (UEEN). The Polaris can carry out strike missions, general security patrols, and search and rescue missions. It was built to be used as a naval patrol ship and as the flagship of civilian militia operations. The Polaris may serve as a command center and provide refueling and repair capabilities from its single small fighter compartment, even though it is designed for combat scenarios.

Some of Polaris’ main features include:

• Torpedo Bays - With four torpedo launch tubes and a rotary feeder for seven Size 10 torpedoes apiece, the Polaris is built to engage large ships. For convenient reloading from stored torpedoes, these feeders are situated close to the cargo hold.
• Missiles - It also has 2 forward facing missiles racks that can each hold eight Size 3 missiles and a rear facing remote turret that can hold twelve Size 2 missiles.
• Guns - The ship is equipped with four manned turrets that can hold four Size 3 cannons each, as well as a manned turret that can hold two Size 6 guns. There are also seven point defense cannons (PDC) to intercept incoming missiles and torpedoes, and a remote-operated turret that can accommodate four Size 3 weapons.
• Hangar Bay - Designed to comfortably house one light fighter for combat support or utility vehicles for additional operational flexibility.
• Cargo Bay - The torpedo rotary feeder is easily accessible for speedy reloading, and the hold can contain 576 SCU of cargo, including armament munitions. Additionally, it has two freight elevators for hangar access and an internal Size 2 tractor beam.
• Medical Bay - The ship features a medical facility that includes four tier 2 beds, complemented by a dedicated monitoring station.
• Self Sustainable - Compared to most fleet options, the Polaris offers crew members superior living facilities, boosting morale and operational performance. It is a self-sufficient fighting platform built for extended deployments.
• Brig - The ship has a brig with two holding cells and a dedicated security station that can use closed-circuit television to keep an eye on the cells.

URGENCY

The Vanduul attack on the Vega System in 2945 accelerated the development of the Polaris. The RFP called for a first-response, smaller version of the Idris-class frigates that are now in service with the UEE Navy and private companies. The Polaris offer from Roberts Space Industries was chosen because it was the only one with a fully furnished small craft hangar and a variety of torpedo tubes that allowed it to outperform its class.

POLARIS’ AVAILABILITY

The Polaris is being made available to Citizens as part of the UEE Militia Mobilization Initiative so they can defend disputed and hazardous areas throughout the Empire. The Polaris will also serve as a regular patrol and picket ship for the UEE military, where it is anticipated to be particularly useful in assisting with bigger fleet operations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Polaris are allocated to ongoing relief and mobilization initiatives around the Empire.

Brochure Description

Within the Brochure, the Polaris has been described as “The Polaris Corvette-class patrol vessel represents the new tip of the spear for Humanity's defense. Able to insert itself into a situation, establish its authority and then quickly maneuver to safety, the Polaris possesses the perfect balance of power and speed”

DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

1. Initial Concept (2016): The Polaris was announced during a conceptual phase, aiming to fill the niche between sub-capital and capital ships.
2. Size and System Updates: Over the years, its size and systems evolved to better match its intended role. By 2020, it was confirmed to have capital-class systems.
3. Production Progress:
• 2023: The Polaris was announced to enter full production in 2024, and its near-finalized design was showcased at CitizenCon 2954.
• 2024: Currently in the greybox phase, it is on track for a release before the end of the year and is expected to be flight-ready for the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2954

DESIGN UPDATES

The Polaris has undergone several design updates:

Size Evolution: Initially suggested to be 100-120 meters, it expanded to 155 meters in 2016 and now measures approximately 166 meters.

Key Features: Equipped with torpedoes, turrets, capital-class shields, coolers, and a power plant, it combines offensive and defensive versatility.

Development Milestones:

By December 2020, its final internal layout was confirmed. In 2023, production was scheduled for 2024, with a planned release within 12 months. 

By January 2024, it reached the greybox stage, with modular components completed.

As of May 2024, it was set to receive weapon upgrades to bolster its capabilities against capital ships.The Polaris has undergone several design updates:

The Polaris is expected to be flight-ready for the 2954 Intergalactic Aerospace Expo and is slated for release before the end of 2024, marking its near-final production phase.