Following the success of the experimental Atlantis program, the Johannesburg class was designed around an entirely new hull created for the specific requirements of battlecruisers. Its primary armament is a pair of huge quad UF-6400 mass driver turrets, a more potent array of this calibre than a Beijing class battleship. It also features launch capacity equivalent to a Seattle class Fleet Carrier. In combination with the speed necessary to keep up with cruisers, it is a superlative and flexible killing machine.

The Perth class dispenses with the largest mass drivers in favour of an enormous Viper super-heavy anti-ship laser, one of the largest weapons ever to be mounted to a UCM vessel. This colossal weapon takes up over half the ship’s length. It is devastating if unsubtle when fired and fully capable of neatly slicing a cruiser in two. The Viper’s obvious energy signature necessitates use by a skilled captain if enemy retribution is to be eluded. The massive generators and power storage facilities needed to feed this beast of a weapon precludes the launch bays featured in the Johannesburg, although the Perth compensates by doubling the UF-4200 mass driver armament of its sister class