specs

In 2359 a project was begun to develop a new breed of combat based, multi-sectional ships to boost Starfleet's combat role. Later named the Prometheus class, the ship was intended to be able to separate allowing the Science, Diplomatic, and Civilian population of a ship to warp out of a combat zone while the main force of the ships weapons and shields could move to intercept the threat. Taking advantage of features like the quantum torpedo, type-XII phaser arrays, and new shielding, the Prometheus class became Starfleet's premier deep space tactical ship.

The Prometheus is the culmination of several separate research projects which have been combined into one prototype testbed. Starfleet has long recognized that, all other factors being even, vessels with high maneuverability can gain a significant combat advantage. The physics of warp drive dictate that for a given engine capacity the least massive vessel will have the greatest maneuverability - but minimizing vessel size is at odds with the large number of scientific and diplomatic functions which a Starship must be able to perform. One obvious solution to this problem was to design ships that are able to configure themselves for the mission at hand, but the non-military nature of Starfleet gave research in this area a relatively low priority. However, the Galaxy Class did incorporate some of these ideas in that the saucer section was built to be easily separated and re-attached without outside support. Without the bulk of the saucer the stardrive section was much more maneuverable, in theory giving it a significant combat advantage over a saucer-equipped Galaxy. In practice, however, this operation is somewhat unwieldy on the Galaxy class and leaves the saucer ( which does not have an independent warp drive ) extremely vulnerable to attack. In addition, the saucer section contains the Galaxy's two longest phaser arrays and can provide a significant reserve of power from its fusion reactors. The Galaxy class has therefore not used this capability very often.

In 2359 Starfleet initiated a research project intended to explore the possibility of a true multi-section vessel. The requirement called for a vessel able to separate into at least two independent sections, each with a fully functional warp drive of its own. One would be capable of launching an attack with almost the full ships weaponry, at high speed and maneuverability. The other, comprising the scientific, diplomatic and accommodation sections, would clear the area at high warp carrying the civilian complement. Much of the technology being developed for the Intrepid class project was included in this design, with the result that the theoretical model finalized in 2363 bore a close resemblance to the Intrepid herself.

In 2364 Starfleet was considering moving to a production basis with the multi-section Starship. However, during this year contact with the Romulans was re-established when the USS Enterprise-D encountered a Warbird at the Neutral Zone. Since the Warbird appeared to outgun the Enterprise - then Starfleets most powerful ship - by a small considerable margin. Starfleet was confronted with what appeared to be a powerful and aggressive enemy. As part of their response Starfleet requested a complete re-design of the multi-section starship. The new requirement called for an almost totally re-designed vessel; the ship would be in three sections, each of which would have an independent warp core and drive system. The scientific and diplomatic sections were removed in favor of increased armament and power for the weapons.

During the development Starfleet also encountered both the Borg and the Dominion, both hostile and powerful enemies. This led to an ever-accelerating effort to turn the new ship into a pure combat vessel; much technology from other projects was put into what was now dubbed the "multi-vector assault Starship". In place of the type-VIII phaser arrays that the original ship had shared with the Intrepid class, the type-XII phaser arrays from the Galaxy Dreadnought project were included. The shield system was massively upgraded and, in light of the subsequent Borg attack, closely based on the auto-modulating shields of the Sovereign and Galaxy Dreadnought. The advanced warp engine design included many elements of the Sovereign class, while the ablative armor, high capacity structural integrity fields and quantum torpedo tubes developed for the Defiant project were also included.

This technology combined to make the new starship one of the most most massively armed and armored vessels of its size ever contemplated, let alone built. The small size combined with incredible speed and maneuverability when in multi-vector assault mode; when the prototype USS Prometheus was launched in late 2373 she was thought to have a combat capacity an amazing nine times that of the equally-sized Intrepid class, while her Type XII Phasers made her a formidable foe for any vessel in the alpha quadrant.

The performance of the Prometheus during this accidental live-fire trial exceeded all expectations for the ship. With Starfleet loosing ground against the Dominion, the Class was moved into production. Three semi-completed ships finished outfitting and were commissioned in late 2374. The four Prometheus class ships arrived in too limited numbers and too late to make an impact on the war. Full series production began in early 2375.

2359: Starfleet issues a general design brief for a Defense vessel capable of Combat, high speed, and able to separate to allow non-combatants to vacate the combat zone. The general idea is for a modular starship based around the most up-to-date design ideals and weaponry, mostly from the Intrepid project. One project brief is handed to Starfleet for the 'Multi-Vector Assault' ship. The design is approved.

2363: Theoretical proposals closely resemble the Intrepid class. Defense parameters are approved and the class is made into a working computer model. Primary design is approved and briefs for the propulsion, computer, spaceframe, and separation parameters are sent out to Starfleet Design agencies for consultation. Weapon and Shield designs taken from Intrepid project. Propulsion, computer, spaceframe, and separation designs updated with new technology advancements.

2364: Design work resumes after Romulan encounter of that year. Since the new Romulan ships appeared to out gun current Starfleet ships, even in the new Galaxy Class, redesign work leans more toward combat then over all exploration. New M/ARA design is standardized for the class. Spaceframe Design is approved and full specifications are forwarded to the Antaries Fleet Yards for designations. The new requirement called for an almost totally re-designed vessel; the ship would be in three sections, each of which would have an independent warp core and drive system. The scientific and diplomatic sections were removed in favor of increased armament and power for the weapons. Design on separation mechanisms arrive from the the Vulcan Construction agency Galaxy Class Weaponry viewed to be ineffective against. New weapon design, quantum torpedoes, used for Defiant Class integrated into the class.

2365: Production begins on the Prototype ship with a projected 6 year turnover. Section #1 nears 30% chassis completion as sections #2 and #3 near 28%. Computer cores are delivered for fitting work.

2366: Work continues on habitat and outer hull. Type-XII phaser arrays from the Galaxy Dreadnought project integrated. Sections #1-#3 near 100% completion. Computer cores are activated and ship functions begin to be transferred from Station Control to ship control.

2367: Sections #1-#3 complete and connected. Computer system now operating at 45% of maximum. System expected to become self aware early next year. Warpcores begins primary testing. Auto-synchronization systems borrowed from the Carrier Class installed, all three warp cores synchronized. Ablative Armor designed for the Defiant Class integrated. Bridge module attached to Primary hull.

2369: Ship undergoes inspections as reviews. The class is moved forward. Warp Cores passes Review Three and is tested to 95% peak. Umbilical from the station are cut as the ship becomes self sufficient. Impulse systems pass Review Three and being autonomous low level power control. Secondary Back up Generators are shut down and become Auxiliary system control. The ship leaves Dry Dock for primary testing which lasts 6 months.

2371: Ship and project now named Prometheus. USS Prometheus returns to Antaries late in year and Warp Stress Coating is applied as is final exterior markings and paint. Ship undergoes additional review for the 'Multi-Vector Assault Mode'

2373: USS Prometheus begins deep space assessments. During test, the ship is captured by rogue Romulans, but recovered by ships of the 4th Fleet, Bravo Fleet. USS Prometheus returns to the Antaries. On 3, May 2373 the USS Prometheus is officially commissioned by Starfleet during a brief Ceremony. Bridge Plaque is put in pride of place and Captain Shay Given takes command of the ship. USS Prometheus is ordered to the Dominion lines.

          Technical Specifications for USS Challenger-E

Expected Duration: 80 years
Time Between Resupply: 5 years
Time Between Refit: 10 years
Class Type: Explorer/Attack Cruiser
*Able to split into 3 warp cabable sections, Multi-Vector Assult Mode*

Speed:
Cruising Speed: Warp 6.4
Maximum Speed: Warp 9.91
Emergency Speed: Warp 9.97 ( For 18 hours )

Personnel:
Officers: 50
Enlisted Crew: 120
Marines: 146
Passengers: 40

Auxiliary Craft:
Shuttle Bays: 1
Shuttles: 2 Type 9 Shuttles
             2 Type 11 Shuttles
Fighters: 3 Razor Class
             1 Redemption Class
Runabouts: 1 Venture Class Runabout
                 1 Delta Flyer

Weaponry:
Phasers:
14 type-XII phaser arrays ( separated )

Launchers: 3
1 Forward Lower Engineering Hull
1 Aft Lower Engineering Hull
1 Forward Upper Saucer
Torpedoes:
Hellfire: 40
Photon: 250
Quantum: 200
Transphaisic: 6
Tri cobalt: 20

Shields:
Ablative Armor
MLSS
Klingon Cloaking Device: hull conformal

Dimensions:
Height: 50 meters
Width: 130 meters
Length: 365 meters
Decks: 14