Polaris

The Polaris is a corvette-class capital ship developed by Roberts Space Industries (RSI) for the United Empire of Earth Navy (UEEN). Designed for use as both a naval patrol ship and to serve as the flagship of civilian militia operations, the Polaris has the capacity to perform search & rescue operations, strike missions and general security patrols. While intended for combat situations, the Polaris can also operate as a command center while providing refuel and repair capabilities from its single small fighter bay.

Brochure description
"The Polaris Corvette-class patrol vessel represents the new tip or 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."

Specifications
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Features

 * Torpedo Bays: Capable of firing 4 capital ship killer torpedoes simultaneously and holding a stockpile of 28 in total, the Polaris is not to be underestimated, even by the largest of ships.
 * Medical Bay: The Polaris is equipped with a small medical bay.
 * Hangar: Capable of housing one light fighter for combat support or utility vehicles for additional operational flexibility. The Hangar floor elevates to create a landing platform.
 * Bridge: RSI incorporated their iconic high visibility bridge allowing for increased situational awareness.
 * Engines: Two main and four auxiliary thrusters provided the Polaris enough power to chase down fleeing outlaws and evade hostiles looking to achieve target lock.
 * Self-sustainable: Designed to be a self-sustaining combat platform, the Polaris is capable of extended deployment without resupply, while still providing crew members with higher quality of life standards than most currently available fleet options. Allowing for enhanced morale and combat effectiveness while on assignment, the Polaris is truly a first class vessel that will add a much needed dimension to the Empire's fleet.
 * Mess: The mess doubles as a recreation room to ensure not only physical well-being, but mental health, allowing the crew to operate with peak performance while on an extended voyage.

Rooms not listed in the brochure include an armory, brig, captains quarters, and secondary quarters for the fighter pilot or second in command.

Lore
The Polaris was fast-tracked for development following the 2945 Vanduul attack on the Vega System. The request-for-proposal specified a smaller, first-response alternative to the Idris-class frigates currently serving with both the UEE Navy and private concerns. Roberts Space Industries' Polaris bid was selected due to its unique combination of a fully equipped small craft hangar and an array of torpedo tubes that let it punch above its weight class.

As part of the UEE Militia Mobilization Initiative, the Polaris is being made available to Citizens so they can protect contested and dangerous regions around the Empire. The UEE military will also utilize the Polaris as a standard patrol and picket ship, where it is expected to be especially effective supporting larger fleet movements. A percentage of funds from the Polaris sale is used to support continued mobilization and relief efforts across the Empire.

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Development
During the production phase of the Aegis Idris, the ship grew in size significantly. This left a void between larger capital sized ships and non-capital ships. It was decided to create a brand new ship to fill this gap. And so the Polaris was born. the Polaris will be a Corvette.

It was said in 10 FTC episode 77 (question 9, 29 Feb 2016) that Corvettes will fill a role between capital and sub-capital ships. As such, the Polaris will be more economical in their role. It won't be a massive carrier but will feature the ability to dock a ship and hold its own while fighting fighters or bigger ships. It was also said that a group of Corvettes could cause problems for bigger ships such as a frigate or a destroyer.

During Bensday with Batgirl & Ben episode 45 (9 Mar 2016), Ben Lesnick commented that they were leaning towards a length of 100 to 120 meters. On October 12, 2016, the Polaris Q&A showed an increase of size to 155m. During a live steam Q&A on December 12, 2020, John Crewe stated that the ship had grown but remained in the 100s of meters range. (156-199m).

During Inside Star Citizen: Finding the North Star (1 Dec 2022), Mark Gibson, John Crewe and Ben Curtis do a 3D Studio Max mesh walk though of the model. In this episode, they talk about finalizing the interior layout with some minor changes. Mark Gibson also confirms that the ship is getting capital size shields, coolers and power plant.

On May 26, 2023, Polaris is announced to be scheduled for production in 2024.

Trivia

 * Traditionally, Polaris-class ships are named after historical figures and military heroes (for example UEES Reilly).
 * Development of this ship was accelerated as a part of the Militia Mobilization Initiative (2946), after which a limited number of Polaris were made available for purchase on the civilian market.