(covers information from Vanguard universe)
this article was thought of and created by Maximus1925
Luna-class | |
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Luna-class Heavy Cruiser | |
Class: |
|
Type: |
Heavy Cruiser |
Affiliation: |
|
Status: |
Active |
Career | |
Yard: |
San Francisco Fleet Yards (standard) |
Launched: |
2378 (standard) |
Commissioned: |
2379 (standard) |
Dimensions | |
Length: |
450 meters |
Beam: |
200 meters |
Draft: |
81 meters |
Mass: |
3,000,000 metric tons |
Specifications | |
Decks: |
17 |
Complement: |
350 total: |
Speed: |
Via enhanced warp drive: |
Armament: |
Phasers: |
Defenses: |
- Enhanced, regenerative, redundant, reinforced, multiphasic, multispectrum, unimatrix defensive shields |
Shuttlecraft: |
- 2 Yellowstone-class runabout |
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Top view | |
- For additional meanings of "Luna class", please see Luna class (disambiguation).
The Luna-class was a type of Federation starship in service with Starfleet during the late 24th century. Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards was one of the sites this class was constructed at in 2378.

The Luna class Heavy Cruiser.
Overview[]
From stem to stern, the Luna-class starship was one of the most advanced starships in Starfleet, designed primarily for exploration and discovery. It was equipped with some of the most advanced features available in the Federation to Starfleet ships. The class employs a new, interchangeable mission pod that could be swapped out for different roles. The primary three were an additional set of science labs, a tactical pod replete with more weapons platforms, and an advanced long-range sensor system. Luna-class starships assigned to Vanguard Command use a hybrid tactical-sensor pod.
The Luna-class Heavy Cruiser was one of Starfleet's newer-generation long-range explorer-type vessels, a starship not specifically built for combat, but with the combat capabilities of a heavy cruiser. It was a vessel designed for long-term, multi-purpose missions into uncharted space. It had a recessed bridge design and a lower profile. Equipped with conventional tactical systems, the Luna-class ship also boasts state-of-the-art propulsion and cutting-edge scientific equipment, as well as being a test bed for experimental science and sensor technology not yet available on other classes of starships. Luna-class ships had the capability of being manned by the most varied multi-species crews in Starfleet history.
The ship’s shape takes cues from both the Intrepid-class and Akira-class, with a traditional primary and secondary hull, as well as large underslung warp engines. Above the main hull was a pod containing additional sensor arrays and the primary torpedo launchers.
Along the longest axis of the Luna-class, through the center of the primary hull, there was a single continuous corridor that almost ran the full length of the starship from bow to stern. Wider than normal, big enough that a ground rover could have traveled it with room to spare. The crews of the different Luna-class vessels assign them colloquial names.

A view of the Luna class Heavy Cruiser

Another view of the Luna class Heavy Cruiser

Master Systems Display of a Luna class
Onboard tactical systems[]
Ships of the Luna-class incorporate the latest in Starfleet weaponry and defensive technology.
Offensive capabilities[]
Luna-class vessels assigned to Vanguard Command were armed with 8 Type-XII phaser arrays, 6 Type-X phaser arrays, 2 Type-X phaser cannons and 4 variable-use torpedo launchers with the capacity to fire quantum and transphasic torpedoes. Each ship had a payload of 10 transphasic torpedoes, 30 quantum torpedoes and 70 high-yield photon torpedoes.
Defensive capabilities[]
The shield system of the Luna-class was equal to that of the larger Katana-class Command Battleship and was therefore among the most powerful found on any Starfleet ship. The ships were was outfitted with regenerative, multiphasic shield systems, and secondary shields. The regenerative features increase effectiveness against both high energy tractor beams and phased anti-muon (polaron) particles, measures clearly aimed at the Borg and Dominion respectively.
Under normal operations, the shield modulation frequencies were controlled by the ship's computer system, which continually evaluates incoming weapons fire and automatically re-modulates the shields to provide the most effective possible defense. It was thought that this system can also prevent beam-through by Borg transporter technology.
The Luna-class boasts of a hull that was made of overlapping and regenerative ablative hull armor that allows it to take many direct hits from enemy fire even with minimal shields. In addition, the Luna-class ships assigned to Vanguard Command were equipped with two separate armor generators that can deploy a thick layer made of ablative armor plating along the contours of the entire ship when activated. This can be done through the numerous armor plating emitters that were installed at different points on the ship's hulls. This coating covers the ship's phaser mounts, but torpedo launchers were not affected by it.
This triple redundancy feature of shields and armor on the Luna-class allows it to effectively counter Borg and Dominion firepower. However, due to the huge energy needed to deploy both the shields and the generated armor coating at the same time, the Luna-class can only use these simultaneously for a maximum of one hour. As a result, the shields and the generated armor coating were used alternately when the ship was in battle.
The hull of Luna-class vessels assigned to Vanguard Command was coated with microdiffracted carbon to absorb all visible radiation that fell upon it, making it as black as the space it moved through.
Standard auxiliary craft complement[]
There were two shuttlebays aboard Luna-class starships, supporting a variety of shuttlecrafts. Their shuttlebays were reminiscent of the old Constitution class shuttlebays, having a more rounded opening door. They also featured a longer "runway" for shuttles as they entered and exited the ship. The ships' main shuttlebay was located in the aft dorsal portion of the engineering section.
The Luna-class also features a complement of 14 auxiliary crafts of varying types with support facilities for all. Originally, the class had eight Type-11 shuttlecrafts, but for ships assigned to Vanguard Command four of these were swapped with Flyer-class heavy shuttlecrafts. They were:
- 1 Yellowstone-class runabout
- 4 Flyer-class heavy shuttlecrafts
- 4 Type-11 shuttlecrafts
- 6 Type-9 shuttlecrafts
Propulsion systems[]
The propulsion system onboard ships of this class were state-of-the-art. The class boasts of the best navigational sensors, and among the highest rated top speed of any Starfleet vessel. Main Engineering itself was located on Deck 17 and was an open-plan facility, directly accessible from the corridor. Consisting of two levels, it provided direct access to the vessel's warp core and primary engineering support systems. The corridor bulkhead housed the Master Situation Monitor. Inside the main section, the master systems display was the operational focus of the room. Beyond this, heading towards the warp core, the chief engineer's office and several support consoles were located on the left, and the assistant chief engineer's console on the right. These formed part of the bulkhead protecting the main part of engineering from the warp core. Access to the upper level, a circular area surrounding the warp core, was provided by a ladder to the left of the warp core or an elevator on the right. The upper level had access to other warp core maintenance systems.
Impulse drive[]
The impulse drive system of the Luna-class was among the most sophisticated model in production. Its impulse engines were equipped with impulse thrusters that provide superb sub-light maneuvering speed. This design, along with the new retro-thrusters and upgraded structural integrity fields, gives the ship high maneuverability.
Warp drive[]
The Luna-class’s matter-antimatter reaction assembly warp core was among the most powerful in Starfleet. The warp core spanned 8 decks of the Engineering Section. Its warp drive featured a tri-cyclic input manifold and was designed to operate for up to 5 years before refueling. The ship's warp engines were based on a new concept in warp drive design, one which eliminates subspace distortion effects inherent to standard warp drives. The reaction chamber was equipped with a compositor, which allowed recrystallization of dilithium. The deuterium tanks were above the core, while antimatter storage pods surrounded the base of the core.
Equipped with the enhanced warp drive of the Khronnians, the Luna-class can now easily attain and indefinitely sustain a normal cruise speed of Warp 8.5 and a maximum cruise speed of Warp 9.5. It can reach a top speed of Warp 9.99 for up to twelve (12) hours.
Quantum slipstream drive[]
The ships of this class assigned to Vanguard Command were installed with the latest quantum slipstream drive. This allows them to travel 300 light years in an hour. The systems installed as part of the slipstream drive included a quantum field focus controller at the front of the ship's main deflector and a chroniton integrator, the latter of which could be used to take sensor readings several seconds into the future when the ship was using its slipstream drive.
Computer systems[]
The Luna-class starship was equipped with some of the most advanced computer systems of the time. The computer system on board the Luna-class was an isolinear-bio-neural hybrid, with the bio-neural technology being the primary system in use for many of the scientific systems, while the isolinear technology handles the majority of the ship’s other systems. The ship was designed in this way to facilitate repairs underway, and the entire ship can be converted to isolinear circuitry if it was out of resupply range for too long. Computer systems were concentrated in a computer core, which was accessible through a maintenance room. Large areas of its superstructure were dedicated to sensor systems and running of 3 separate dedicated computer cores to support reconnaissance and intel gathering missions. These were also utilized in its advanced cyber warfare suites. Equipped with modest scientific resources and diplomatic facilities, the Luna proved to be a capable stand-alone deep space vessel.
Emergency holographic complement[]
This class was equipped with holo-emitters on every deck to allow emergency holographic programs a higher level of access and free movement around the ship. The ship’s computer systems can simultaneously bring online a full Long-term Holographic Program Package composed of:
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Command and Navigation Hologram (LCNH)
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Security and Tactical Hologram (LSTH), a Pahkwa-thanh
- 2 Mark-III Long-term Engineering Holograms (LEH)
- 1 Mark-IX Long-term Medical Hologram (LMH)
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Health Care Hologram (LHCH)
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Science Hologram (LSH)
Astrometrics & stellar cartography[]
The Luna-class features one Astrometrics lab and a Stellar Cartography Department, which was not only dedicated to the science and practice of charting space but could also be used for long-range communications purposes or even, as a workplace for easy access to sensor information. It features a holotank, which allows a person to gain a 360° panoramic view of an area using holographic technology. There were a series of control panels to manipulate the screen. The area below the screen and in front of the control panels could be used as a stage during presentations. Astrometrics also includes eight additional workstations on the side walls.
Medical facilities[]
There was one sickbay onboard this ship class, and it was located in Deck 7. It was equipped with 8 standard biobeds and 2 surgical biobeds covered by large overhead sensor clusters and capable of hook-up to a surgical support frame. A small lab used for routine analysis of patients was attached to the medical officer’s office. The room itself was considered to be general purpose and was often the location of regular crew physicals, appointments, and various medical emergencies; it could effectively handle the majority of situations that a crew would face.
Crew facilities[]
The Luna-class features standard crew quarters and recreation facilities for its 350 crew complement.
Accommodations[]
This class does not have families or non-Starfleet personnel aboard. Most crew quarters located in the ship's saucer section. However, the Engineering Hull also contained crew quarters, generally containing engineering personnel.
As was common on Starfleet vessels, the living accommodations for senior officers and VIPs were larger than standard crew quarters and lined the edge of the saucer section. They were generally reserved for lieutenant commanders and above. Captain's quarters were similar to the officers' quarters but were slightly larger. The captain had a large desk area and work terminal. VIP and diplomatic guest quarters shared the same layout.
Officers' quarters usually included a living area in the center of the dwelling, which held a personal workstation, couch, replicator, and a small dining area. Connected to this was a bedroom that featured a double-sized bed and room for personal belongings. The bedroom would be connected by a half-bathroom with wash basin, mirror, toilet, several drawers, and a sonic shower.
Junior officers' quarters were small-unit quarters located on the interior of the ship and lacked windows. They were comprised of a living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Crew members of lieutenant junior grade were given their own quarters; ensigns and non-commissioned officers were required to share quarters. The living area contained a replicator terminal and was customizable with a variety of furniture and decorations.
Mess lounges[]
There were 2 large mess halls and one senior officers’ mess lounge onboard, all served by windows that offered a spectacular view of space outside. Eating accommodations were provided by a slew of tables and chairs. The mess areas had a very relaxed and congenial air about them. At the head of the hall were open slots that served as dispensers for the replicators. The mass-use replicators were able to produce other food and non-alcoholic beverages with an extensive recipe listing from over two hundred worlds for the crew to enjoy in this relaxed social setting. The most notable accessory to each of the mess areas was a modest-sized bar area, offering a wide selection of synthetic and alcoholic. To conserve replicator rations, the mess halls’ menu was supplemented with food stocks of vegetables cooked by the mess officers, along with food obtained from trading and scouting missions. In addition, the mess halls can double as large meeting areas that could be used to conduct crew briefings and mission profiles. A tall screen panel located on one of the walls can be used as a visual aid to display graphics.
Recreational facilities[]
The Luna-class featured 2 medium-size holodecks. The ship’s 1 gym contained a variety of recreational equipment for a variety of sports. They were not overly spacious, but were well outfitted. The facilities include variable weight machines, isometric machines, and calisthenic machines and a sparring ring configured for Anbo-Jytsu but easily modified and/or expanded for other practices. All equipment was equipped with the ability to variate gravity for those species that were physically biased toward higher or lower than standard gravity.
Command and senior staff[]
Luna-class starships had Commanding Officers that held the rank of Captain, while Executive Officers hold the rank of Commander.
Vanguard Command[]
There were 15 Luna-class Heavy Cruisers assigned to the Vanguard Fleet. They usually assume the role of lead ships of "mission groups" of the task forces they were a part of.
Related links[]
External links[]
- Luna class article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Luna class article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Luna class article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.
Luna-class starships | |
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Federation: USS Jadzia Dax • USS Titan • | |
Vanguard universe: USS Titan • USS Triton • USS Oberon • USS Charon • USS Io • USS Kratos • USS Telesto • USS Mimas • USS Sycorax • USS Caliban • USS Phobos • USS Deimos • USS Thalassa • USS Gallatea • USS Proteus • USS Neso • USS Callisto • USS Europa |