USS Saratoga WIP 3

Some updates.
Added the Wildcards Squadron patch. Tweaked the Kennedy Class logo, and added a quote from McQueen. I've also changed to ship registration/classification SCVN to SCVF to reflect that the Saratoga is a fusion powered vessel, not a nuclear powered vessel.

Included the first draft of the new CIWS turrets. They need some more work. I imagine they're some sort of laser cannons.

As for the main missile turrets and addressing the ability to reload, I had trouble devising a system that would allow the turret to reload while still maintaining the box launcher and a full range of mobility. That being said, if the box launcher is loaded from the rear, then depending on where you place the pivot point, there is the possibility that the turret could rotate 90 degrees upward , allowing for a small gap between the back of the box launcher and the base of the turret. In this position, a system could be devised that would pass missiles up through the base of the turret and into the box launcher, effectively reloading the turret.

Additionally turrets may be the wrong way to go. An internal missile system, similar to the VLS tubes used aboard modern missile cruisers would likely be more practical as a main offensive weapon to compliment the various laser turrets, leaving the turrets for light defensive purposes.

Also, I'm thinking of leaving the three heavy turrets where they are, to give it that classic WW II stepped turret look. I'll probably move the missile turrets though to a lower position, so the main turrets can fire straight ahead over the bow.

That's it for now. A few of the main components are left and then it's time to focus in on the details.

8/4/12: small update...
8/6/12: A few updates
8/28/12: A few updates...added one more of the medium turrets and snagged a few details from Kelso's Colonial Carrier: [link]

I'm still not happy with the smaller turrets, not the CIWS turrets, but the corner mounted turrets. I eventually want to take another shot at redrawing them in order to get some more detail in there, but for now it will have to do.

I'm generally pleased with how it's turned out and aside from the few changes I've mentioned earlier and whatever I might think of down the road, I'm thinking it's pretty much done. I still want to get a silhouette of the top view completed to go in the background however, similar to the silhouette of the side view located in the bottom corner. I haven't had time to do it yet though.

At some point, I'd like to take a crack at drawing an ISSCV as well as redoing my drawing of the Hammerhead. I haven't been in much of a drawing mood lately though....add them to the list of things to do I suppose.