The D-X programme is one of the most expensive in DDS history though has also drawn on development work from the Starscorpion and LCX work. The result is a ship slightly bigger than a Velocity and Isometric with twin engines and triple distributed power systems. Panther is the first production class designed to exceed 1000c (the target is 1100c though at the moment ships are only able to make around 1028c but work is continuing on optimisation).
Much of the Panther is dedicated to weapon systems. Panther is the first major combat ship built in the post-TPM universe and it is said the ship is designed around the need to fire as many TPMs as possible. Panther has twin quad-bank missile launchers and can carry up to 96 missiles (though at maximum firing rate that would only last 6 seconds!) A turreted Z5i cannon is also carried. The combat system of the Panther can simultaneously track and engage dozens of intercepts.
The Panther is not a flying missile launcher though, its a fighting ship. It has the highest thrust-mass ratio of any ship in the known galaxy (except the Neptune which was a research ship) and incredible agility. Panther is designed to be able to defeat anything the enemy can throw against it. Of course as yet the Panther has not yet been fully tested. It did not play a role in the Utrek War but the next time the DDS do have to fight Panther will be ready.
A multi-role version of Panther was considered at one stage but was later cancelled as it was felt the Panther is flexible enough to become multi-role itself instead of creating another class. Panther is the first 4th generation DDS ship meaning modularity is a big part of it's combat role though as yet the only module created for Panther is a reconnaissance module which has yet to be used. Panther is due to remain inservice until the middle part of this century and is sure to play a big role in the DDS' future adventures.
