Sanchin-class Carrier

The Sanchin-class heavy carrier is a new JEAF design, optimized for for mobile sector defense and fleet support. Its first drafts were commissioned early in the administration of Shau'ghun Keito Kaijus, but design finalization and construction only began after the Jade Empire was unified. Like most advanced JE ships, the design draws from the technological base of multiple civilizations: the Sandian Imperial League, the Black Star Confederacy, the Kartanin Dominion, the Xen'Chi, the Isen Star Empire, the Republic of United Systems, the original Jade Worlds, the Joyite civilization and the Uul'ba-Rai.

Sacrificing heavy weapons for greater fighter capacity, the Karatedo-class is, by itself, somewhat less capable of a one-on-one slugging battle than other ships in its class. It is, in effect, a highly mobile fighter base, designed to achieve maximum deployment speed for maximum starfighter numbers. Its use of a Clan Sandpanther quantum/biotech navicomputer and dual backup hyperdrives means it is capable of rapid microjumps; a 'chainwhip' in Shau'ghunate Guard parlance.

Although optimized for Jade Worlds and Sandian starfighters, its bays are uniquely configurable to allow for support of any fighter in service with the Jade Empire Armed Forces, from Xenovore Starfighters to TIE series craft.

As of late 17 ABY, only one of the cost-prohibitive ships had been constructed. The Overwatch is now under the command of Admiral Jita Hangetsu.