Constellation class

The Constellation-class was a type of starship in service with the Federation and Starfleet in use from the late 23rd century and all through the 24th century, classified as a star cruiser.

These ships were among the mainstay of Starfleet's exploratory and defence efforts through the early part of the 24th century, some commanded by the same captain for up to twenty years or more.

History
The Constellation-class starship was named in memory of the original USS Constellation, which was in battle in 2267.

The first ship of this class, the USS Constellation NX-1974, was commissioned under experimental status in the year 2275. The Constellation was soon followed by the USS Sempach and the USS Speedwell, with construction begining soon thereafter on the USS Stargazer and a sister ship.

Appearance
The Constellations also mounted twin Constitution-style photon decks at the T-joints of each nacelle assembly, above and below the level of the saucer. This gave the Constellation class four forward photon tubes, each capable of firing a two torpedo spread for a very respectable total salvo of eight torpedoes.

The underside of the Constellation class saucer featured many fairings that marred her otherwise clean lines. These pallets contained special sensor equipment that befitted her role as a deep-space explorer, most of which could be exhanged for mission specific equipment at a starbase, and could be accessed from the deck above.

Phase-Out
By the 2330s, construction of new Constellation-class vessels were limited to two-a-year as new starship designs, such as the Ambassador-class, came into service. (ST short story: "Hour of Fire")

These "old-style" vessels were on the verge of being phased out of front-line service in the 2360s, regarded as being "overworked and underpowered". Many had already been entirely decomissioned and rendered "warp inactive", which included removing all antimatter but did not include removing the warp core. Those that were still in service in the 2360s and 2370s were engaged in support roles within the Fleet, such as transport duties and search and rescue missions.

Vanguard Command
In 2384, extensive work began on several mothballed Constellation class Star Cruisers underwent extensive refitting, overhauling and upgrades to possess Defiant class warp drives, Defiant type hulls and armor platings, Defiant type accommodations and amenities, and Defiant type computer and weapon systems. With these changes, the modified Constellation class ships became almost as powerful as a Defiant class starship and as almost as fast as an Intrepid class starship.