from Klingon Ship Recognition Manual, 2nd Edition, FASA
Design by Forest G. Brown
Graphics by Dana Knutson

NOTES:
        Known Sphere Of Operation: Federation and Romulan Borders
Data Reliability: C
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence

        The L-13 was the first attempt by Klingon ship designers to construct a battleship. After the completion of four ships, with four more in various stages of production, it was discovered that the vessels were no better in combat than some of the existing cruisers and frigates.
        On Stardate 2/1502, the first successful modification was commissioned, with the L-13C models superior in every respect. Their warp capabilities increased by 50%, allowing them to travel at Warp6. The KWE-2 gave them more efficient power for maneuvering and additional power for the weapons systems. The old KD-7 and KD-10 disruptors were replaced with the more effective KD-9, and the shields were improved and superstructure strengthened.
        As the Federation and Romulans continued to upgrade their vessels, the Klingons did likewise. The L-13D, introduced on Stardate 2/2009 with the commissioning of two vessels, is equipped with the KWE-3 warp engine and KIF-2 impulse drive, highly efficient engines that give the ships even more power for maneuvering and weapons. Though the disruptor arrangement remains the same as the C model, the KP-6 torpedo has been added in both the fore and aft positions. This model also mounts more efficient shields and has an increased superstructure strength. The KCD cloaking device is reported to have been mounted on two of the four ships produced to date.
        On Stardate 2/1403, an L-13A escorted by six D-11D’s attacked a group of Romulan ships near the Triangle. The Romulan force consisted of a Type I V-6 (Gallant Wing) class cruiser and three Type 7 T-2 (Death Talon) class destroyers. The Klingon commander, confident with his new ship, pressed the attack, only to find the Romulan cruiser his equal. After several exchanges of fire, the Klingon force had suffered the loss of 3 D-11’s, and serious damage had been done to the L-13. The Romulan cruiser had received moderate damage and one destroyer had been eliminated. The Klingons, fearing the loss of the battleship, began to withdraw from the battle. The Romulan commander decided to counterattack the retreating Klingons. The huge battleship still had plenty of fight left and was able to disable another of the Romulan destroyers. At this point, both sides disengaged; the Klingon ships withdrew to Klingon space while the RomuIan commander returned to the area of the battle and salvaged what he could of his ships, taking in tow a disabled D-11. This skirmish proved to the Klingon Imperial Command that the L-13 needed improvements. The B model was not successful during its tests and was therefore never put into production.
        Of the 21 L-13’s built, 20 remain in active service, and one A model is missing and presumed lost. The facilities for constructing the L- 13 are located at Taamar and are estimated to produce up to two per year.
        The class, named for the Klingon "k’el ri’anda", translates to "the dangerous fat man". The brunt of many jokes about being more dangerous to their Klingon crews than the enemy, the L-13 is known to Star Fleet officers as 'the fat man" and as "the turtle".