The Ambassador class was the result of a study by Starfleet astronautical engineers to find a worthy successor to the Excelsior Class. Their goals called for larger lift capability and internal volume (thus a longer operating range and longer on-station time), and upgraded defense/weapons systems to deter the then-hostile Klingon Empire. The design teams from Starfleet and the warp drive experts at Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems set to work on the project. Some fourteen months later, the prototype, NX-10521, departed Earth Station McKinley on its shakedown cruise. The ship was christened USS Ambassador, and she was all that Starfleet had hoped for. The Ambassador was a true battleship -- her armament systems far surpassed any other ship's in Starfleet, in both power and number. Ambassador's hull was shielded with extra-thick duranium plate armor. Her sheilds could withstand much more punishment than than an Excelsior's and she was quicker, too. The Ambassador met Starfleet's defensive needs admirably, and Ambassador class starships (along with their counterpart, the New Orleans Class) still comprise the backbone of Starfleet's military wing.
Constellation Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2261
The Constellation class starship is a long range exploration research vessel. This vessel is equipped with six multipurpose research bays that allow various experiments and sensors to be exposed to space. This starship is able to maintain sustained warp speeds for extended periods of time through the use of four warp nacelles which phase shift through alternating pairs to reduce the stress to any one engine. The additional engines and redundant equipment allow the starship to explore areas away from Federation space where assistance may not be immediately available.
Constitution Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2220
The Constitution Class starship was a marvel of modern technology in its day although by modern standards it is consider to be prehistoric by designers. To the captains and crews of these Starships they proved themselves to be a trusted and reliable ship that somehow always held together. They were involved in some of the most pivotal roles of the 23rd century notably the beginning of peace with the Klingon Empire and defending the Federation from Romulan and Tholian incursions. From the designers point of view the Constitution class ships were nothing more than an experiments. Classified Starfleet documents state that the original design brief was for a long range exploration ship with numerous defensive capabilities. These documents only release recently also state that they were also to be the prototypes for a larger fleet of ships due to enter into production in the year 2270. This, of course never occurred due to the way the Constitution class performed in the field. Overall the ships were proved to be suitable for their role in protecting the Alpha Quadrant and also for exploration. However designers also proved that the ships were also pretty losey, hence the very reason Starfleet issued the new design briefs for the Excelsior class of Starship. Mistakes had been made and were learnt from with the Constitution class ships, much of the gathered details being fed into the Excelsior project which itself was proved to be a failure with reference to the doomed Transwarp Development project.
New Constitution Class Starship
This class is a modification of the old Constitution Class Starship
Daedalus Class Starship
The Daedalus Class Starship is no-longer used and replaced by the Olympic Class Starship which is similar in design.
Defiant Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2365
USS Defiant's history began after the USS Enterprise was hurled into system J-25 in the Delta Quadrant, where it encountered the Borg for the first time. The data that Enterprise collected on the Borg projected a grim shadow on the defense systems of the Federation. After the Enterprise presented its report on the capabilities of the Borg, Starfleet began a project to develop new technologies to combat the Borg threat. Design and research was nearing completion Stardate 43998.0, when the Borg invaded the Sol system. Unfortunately, the advancements made under Project Defiant were still only conceptual, with no working prototype at the time. Had production been completed, perhaps the incident at Wolf 359 could have been avoided. The Battle of Wolf 359 only clarified the need for better defensive weapons and sped up production. Less than one year after the Borg ship was destroyed, USS Defiant was completed in its secret construction facility at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Mars. The Defiant's weapons systems make it the most powerful warship in the Alpha Quadrant: twin fountain stream phaser cannons capable of destroying the shields of an enemy vessel and then devastating its hull, and new developments of photon torpedoes which remain classified. Added to these (and other classified systems), the Defiant is extremely maneuverable and quick -- the fastest sublight ship ever constructed. The Defiant is small and very automated, requiring a crew of 10-12, with a skeleton crew of only four. Not only is Defiant a technological marvel, it is also a diplomatic marvel -- the Federation was able to convince the Romulan Empire to fit it with a cloaking device. USS Defiant has now been stationed at Deep Space 9, under the command of Captain Benjamin Sisko, who was assigned to Defiant's enginnering team after his former ship, USS Saratoga NCC-31911, was lost at Wolf 359. Defiant currently is the only Federation ship assigned to explore the Gamma Quadrant. It is no longer the only ship of its class. (At the end of A Call To Arms, two other Defiant Class starships can be seen in formation with the fleet.) The advancements made during Project Defiant are currently being integrated into new ship class constructions which will see service in the next few years.
Excelsior Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2288
This class of starship was potentially a very useful and adaptable design, capable of a number of missions -- ambassadorial, transport, defense, command -- without any modification. Indeed the Excelsior has proved so successful a design that there are more of this class in service now -- almost 90 years after its design -- than any other class of starship. The Excelsiors are so well-liked that many admirals use them for their personal fleet flagships. While no longer a formidable foe in combat with its original outfitting, the Excelsiors now serve other roles, often as courier ships and diplomatic envoys. Even though the design is very old, Excelsiors' brilliant engineering have allowed them to remain a vital part of Starfleet through periodic systems upgrades and modifications. Thanks to overhaul programs, it is unlikely that these graceful ships will vanish from the spacelanes any time soon.
Galaxy Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2343
The Galaxy Class Starship was designed and constructed at Utopia Planitia, Mars, as a replacement for the venerable Ambassador Class. Having been procured in an era of political tension, the Ambassador's configuration more closely resembles that of a battleship, whereas the Galaxy's are luxurious, stately emmisarial vessels. However, the Galaxy's are far from unarmed; they have three photon torpedo tubes and a full spherical array of phaser banks. As an emmisarial ship, the Galaxy class has a large internal volume to accomodate foreign delegations and to assist in emeregency evecuations. This design feature coupled with advances in computer technology allows a previously unheardof situation -- the families of the crew members are allowed to live on-ship. Since crew workload is light, the number of required duty stations is greatly reduced, thus the Galaxys can be manned by fewer crewers. This taken with the large internal volume and the ambassadorial mission of the vessel allows the crew's families to live on board and still have vast space. With civilians on board, the ship was designed so that the saucer section could detach itself from the star drive section to remove them from harm's way in the event of an emergency. This feature saved the entire crew of USS Enterprise when its core breached above Veridian III. Six Galaxy class starships have been constructed, the names and designations of the last two are unknown. A possible seventh class ship is under construction to as a replacement for one of the three known losses. It is likely that at least one more Galaxy class ship was lost at Wolf 359, since if there was one within a several parsec radius of Terra, it would have been ordered to accompany the fleet. Due to the great expense and complexity of the Galaxys and their tendency to explode, the class's future is in doubt. It is uncertain whether more Galaxy class starships will be constructed or whether a newer class starship will be procured in its place. Even though the Galaxy class is only ten years old, it no longer represents the pinnacle of technology, and Starfleet may opt for an altogether different platform for its next flagship class.
Maximum Warp:Warp 9.6
Crew:760 + 252 non-Starfleet
Weapons:Phasers, Photon Torpedoes
Modified Galaxy Class Starship
The modifications on the Galaxy Class include a third warp nacelle, added maneuvering vanes, and a powerful new beam weapon extending from the front of the stardrive section to just forward of the former location of the Captain's yacht, which was removed during the modifications. The Galaxy Modifications also include the phase/cloak device developed secretly on the USS Pegasus. The Galaxy Modification also has been fitted with a new warp drive system (perhaps a derivitive of the new organic warp core installed in the Intrepid Class) which propels this class of ship at a cruising speed of warp 13. Some have speculated whether this class will ever be produced, since "All Good Things" is an alternate timeline. It is not improbable that the remaining Galaxy class starships will undergo this transformation or one similar.
Intrepid Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2361
This new class of ships represents new advances in technology and ship construction. Many new systems were developed for this class under the new design philosophy pervading Starfleet technicians. The Interpid class is capable of sustained warp travel at warp 9.975+ and can attain this without warp-field damage to the surrounding space. This is due to the Intrepids' new organic warp core and variable-geometry warp nacelles. Additionally, its designers integrated bio-neural circuitry into the Intrepid class computer systems, allowing instantaneous computer response time. The Intrepid class ships are small; only fifteen decks, with a full crew-complement of 141. These ships were designed as small explorer/combat vessels, and they fill their role well. Intrepids are extremely quick and maneuverable at impulse speed, and unmatched at warp speed. Starfleet investigated the disappearance of USS Voyager with great concern for the class design, but now it seems the Intrepid class has been deemed safe in spite of the unexplained loss of Voyager. Production still continues on the Intrepid line, and most likely will for several years, as this class has proved most capable.
Crew Complement: 150
Maximum Warp:Warp 9.
Weapons:Phasers, Photon Torpedoes
Miranda Class Starship. First Submitted: 2268
The Miranda class starships were designed and built as a follow-up class to the Constitution Class starships, and introduced in the late 23rd century to supplement the capabilities of the Constitutions. Many components of the Mirandas are pulled from the Constitution class: the saucer and the warp nacelles, most obviously. These ships, being smaller and slightly less-capable than the Constitution class, were procured as a less expensive production line to project Federation presence and power into more areas than could be accomplished with the existing Constitution fleet.
Nebula Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2349
The Nebula class is an offshoot of the Galaxy Class. Intended as a cheaper, less cost-intensive platform than the Galaxy, the Nebula was designed to supplement the Galaxys' limited numbers in the upgrade of the venerable Ambassador Class and New Orleans Class ships. Many parts of the Nebula are ripped directly from the Galaxy class: the saucer, the warp nacelles, and the warp core, along with a few of the computer systems. However, there are many more differences. For instance, the saucer section cannot seperate on the Nebula class. Many systems which are hard-locked into the Galaxys' design are included in the Nebula only as plug-in components. The large modules above the stern contain different systems and are installed modularly dependent on the Nebula's current mission. There are several different modules, each installed for a specific mission profile, for instance, for an exploration mission, a sensor suite would be installed; for an evac mission, extra living quarters would be installed; for a combat mission, a weapons array would be installed, etc. While this feature makes the Nebula class more mission-specific, it also allows for greater adaptability. Future modifications can be made with very little structural reworking or cost. While the Nebulas are seemingly less capable than the Galaxys, their adaptability and success have made them a powerful platform whose projected service will cover nearly a century.
New Orleans Class Starship
New Orleans Class is named after New Orleans on Earth.
Oberth Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2260
In the late twenty-third century when hostilities with the Klingon Empire were escalating, Starfleet decided that it could no longer dedicate its starships solely to scientific missions. As a result, the Oberth class was created. The Oberth was a smaller, less expensive ship made primarily for scientific research. The small dish contains living quarters, ship controls, and several labs. The lower region of the ship contains cargo holds and labs for potentially dangerous experiments where they would pose less danger to the rest of the ship. The Oberth was given a less powerful warp drive than the Constitution and an ineffective offensive system since she was never meant to see combat. Her shields, however, are the same since they are sometimes needed for dangerous expeditions.
Sovereign Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2357
In 2369 at Starfleet's San Francisco Shipyards, started the construction of a new class of starship which was to become the flagship of Starfleet. These vessels, christened Sovereign class, are intended to become the successors to the celebrated Excelsior class. The Sovereign is capable of very high warp speeds, in excess of warp 9.98, and is extremely agile for a ship of its size. The Sovereign's mission is the same as its predecessor - deep space exploration and diplomacy. However, the Sovereigns are also armed to the teeth. They are equipped with powerful phaser arrays and fore and aft quantum torpedo launchers, and are protected by Starfleet's new double-redundant quick-charging shields. This new shielding system builds a back-buffer shield in addition to the primary shield. When sufficient damage is taken to the primary shield, the back-buffer is phased through to replace the primary while it is recharged within the protection of the new primary. This new system consumes a good deal of energy, which is supplied by half a dozen fusion reactors arrayed near the shield emitters. Production of the Sovereigns is proceeding at a relatively slow rate, due in part to the complexity of the new shielding system, and in part to the enormous building project in which Starfleet is currently engaged. Because of the Dominion War, Starfleet presently is diverting much of its resources to the construction of smaller strike vessels, which can be produced more rapidly and at less expense. However, the recent successes of this class have prompted Starfleet to step up production and get more Sovereigns into active fleet duty as soon as possible. It remains to be seen whether or not the Sovereign class will have the success and longevity of its predecessor, but one thing is apparent - the Sovereign is in a class of its own.
Maximum Warp:Warp 9.975
Crew Complement: 500
Weapons:Spread:Quantum Torpedoes,MarkII Quantum Torpedoes, Photon Torpedoes, Phasers, Personal Type II Phasers
Soyuz Class Starship
While Soyuz class ships are often mistaken for Miranda Class ships, the differences are more numerous than obvious. The aft cargo hold and shuttle bay of the Soyuz class is considerably larger than the Miranda class. The Soyuz's shields were also upgraded to make it a more formidable warship. Most notably, the Soyuz class has large weapon suites protruding both above and below the aft quarterdeck. These added weapons give the Soyuz an advantage over the Miranda class in its firepower.
Akira Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2368
The Akira Class of Starship is one of the new breed of Post Wolf 359 ships. Much like the Galaxy and Nebula Class it is a multi mission starship capable of transport, Deep Space Assignments and Combat missions. Originally designed and ordered in the early 2350's the project was part of Starfleet cut backs and was officially put on hold as the more universal Galaxy Class project which spawned several varients, proved to Starfleet command to be the modular Design. The Five space frames that were underway at Utopia Planitia's orbital facility were towed to the Saturn Storage zone and left until further notice. The Akira Class takes the modular Design to the limit featuring interchangeable modules that can be fitted within a matter of hours at a Starbase Facility which keeps a standard 10 modules ready to be fitted to each vessel. The Akira class is infact superior to the Nebula Class, however thanks to the Univeral nature of the Nebula Class the Akira was official put on hold. This proved to be a major advantage when the project became active again as all of the latest Federation Technology was used in the constuction of the ships. As a warship the craft extremely well equipped carrying nearly 400 Quantum, 600 Photon and 12 Tri-Cobalt Torpedos. It is fitted with the new Type XII Phaser array and is highly maneuverable.
Norway Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2357
The Norway Class of Starship was originally designed as a Diplomatic vessel designed to carry and protect federation Ambassadors. As with most Diplomatic ships the Norway is armed to the teeth and features advanced sheilds. Generally the ships is quite unremarkable. It is small, features one warpcore, has a small secondary hull to which to Nacelles pylons are attached at 45 degree angles and is very well armed. In addition the ship normally has 5 Peragine Class raiders which act as an escort. Its only unusual feature is the rapid fire photon launcher which is capable of launching 5 photon Torpedos per second. The ship, due to the nature of its missions is not fitted with Quantum or Tri-cobalt torpedos.
Streamrunner Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2369
The Steamrunner Class of Starship is another of Starfleet's latest warships. Like the Defiant class it is officially dubbed an Escort vessel. The design of the Steamrunner class is revolutionary in its field with its rather odd (some even say grotesque) looks. One thing cannot be denied though - The Steamrunner class does its job with extreme precision. During the recent Borg attack on sector 001 the USS Steamrunner managed to do heavy damage, and it had less that 40% of this systems operational. It joined the fight at the last minute having left Utopia Planitia with much of its systems not yet complete. Starfleet, desperate for ships ordered the Steamrunner out of spacedock incomplete and against the wishes of the Fleetyard commander. However, the ship proved itself beyond a shadow of a doubt to be the best warship in the fleet as it proceeded to destroy the cube alongside its fellow starships in the late hours of the battle. The Steamrunner class features triple type three warpcores (although during the battle with the Borg only warpcores 1 and 3 were operational at 34% of norm) and it is armed to the teeth with starfleets latest weaponry.
Sabre Class Starship. Project First Submitted - 2363
The Sabre Class of Starships was originally designed alongside the Intrepid class to be an advanced scout vessel. Unlike the Intrepid though the Sabre class was designed for combat situations, nothing more, nothing less. Starfleets breif was vague when it came to the Sabre with the only definate point being a scout vessel which incorporates the latest technology. The ships design was what could only be described as blind. The only thing definate was the overall body work. The design team specifically built the Sabre so that it could be retrofitted with ease. Warpcore design, computer systems and weapons systems were all modular. The test bed ship was fitted with Galaxy Class computer cores, warp engines and warp coils so initial subspace and testing could take place. As new technology became available the ship steadily became more and more advanced until the ship you see today evolved. At this current moment the Sabre class is fitted with two type three MARA engines is capable of sustaining warp 9.990 for a period of seven days, has advanced rear shielding and heavy weapons cluster at the rear of the ship. The Sabre is fitted with the most advanced weaponary to date including one forward launching tube and type XII phaser arrays. The general design of the ship is similar to the Sovereign, but on a much smaller scale. Warp Nacelles are attached to the saucer section of the ship with a third accellerator coil bedded into the secondary hull. The rear of the secondary hull has a multiple weapons module attached which is armed with photon, Quatum and Tri-cobalt torpedos.
Olympic Class Starship
The Olympic Class Starship is the next step up from the Daedalus Class as it has the same spherical shape at the front unlike the saucer section of other Starships.
Peregrine Class Starship
The Peregrine Class of Starship was originally designed to be a light escort vessel / Courier for use on diplomatic missions in potetial war situations. Usually found along boarder colonies with hostile neighbours and used in escort missions the Peregrine class has proven itself to be a fast and manouverable vessel which hold a fair amount of firepower for a ship its size. More recently though the ship has been used by the Maquis against the Cardassians and has become something of an embarrasment to the Federation. This class of ship has been used alot during Dominion War.