K'el Ri'anda class

The K'el Ri'anda-class (a.k.a. the Fat Man-class, alphanumeric designation L13-class) was a Klingon class XI battleship in Imperial Defense Force service in the 23rd century, becoming active on reference stardate 2/1306. Some 21 of these vessels were eventually produced at Taamar, in three models.

The L13A model was the Empire's first attempt at building a battleship. However, after four ships had been completed and another four under construction, it became evident the design was no more effective than existing cruisers and frigates (not to mention it could only cruise at warp 4 and reach a maximum of warp 6). The first attempted revision, the L13B, failed during tests and was never put into production. Much more successful was the L13C, launched on reference stardate 2/1502, with 50% more warp power, stronger shields, and a more effective suite of disruptors. The final model, the L13D, was introduced on reference stardate 2/2009 to counter upgrades in Federation and Romulan ships. Modifications in the D included increased power efficiency, the addition of photon torpedo tubes, and in some ships a cloaking device. (RPG sourcebook: Klingon Ship Recognition Manual)

The name k'el ri'anda is literally translated from Klingonaase as "the dangerous fat man". The ship's relatively poor performance and bloated appearance has led to it being the brunt of jokes among Starfleet officers, referring to it as "the fat man" or "the turtle".


 * Ship statistics in the sidebar are for the L13D.