(covers information from Vanguard universe)
this article was thought of and created by Maximus1925
| Merian-class | |
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| Merian-class Fast Frigate | |
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Class: |
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Type: |
Fast Frigate |
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Affiliation: |
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Status: |
Active |
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Yard: |
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Launched: |
2384 |
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Commissioned: |
2385 |
| Dimensions | |
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Length: |
218 meters |
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Beam: |
115 meters |
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Draft: |
46 meters |
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Mass: |
540,000 metric tons |
| Specifications | |
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Decks: |
10 |
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Complement: |
70 total: |
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Speed: |
Via (enhanced warp drive: |
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Armament: |
Phasers: |
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Defenses: |
- Regenerative, redundant, reinforced, multiphasic, multispectrum, unimatrix defensive shields |
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Shuttlecraft: |
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| Top view | |
- For additional meanings of "Merian class", please see Merian class (disambiguation).
The Merian-class starship were the latest frigate type vessels of Starfleet. It entered service with the purpose of performing multi-function roles in adjunct to a lead ship.
The Merian class Fast Frigate.
Overview[]
The Merian-class was a relatively small but fast, highly maneuverable, and well-armed starship. It was roughly based on the primary hull design of the Prometheus-class. The main purpose of the ship’s class was research and analysis, with the most finely tuned and integrated large sensor arrays, which was unparalleled in its application on Starfleet vessels. Though ships of this class were science vessels, they had a wide assortment of weaponry, allowing the vessel to handle many threats on its own.
Onboard tactical systems[]
A view of the Merian class
Another view of a Merian class
The shield system of the Merian-class was equal to that of the Defiant-class Tactical Frigates. It was outfitted with regenerative and 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 operation, the shield modulation frequencies were controlled by the ship's computer system, which continually evaluates incoming weapon fire and automatically re-modulates the shields to provide the most effective possible defense. It was thought that this system could also prevent beam-through by Borg transporter technology.
The Merian-class boasts 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 class had been equipped with an armor generator that could deploy a thick layer made of ablative armor plating along the contours of the entire ship when activated. This could 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 Merian-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 Merian could 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.
Command and senior staff[]
Merian-class Fast Frigates had Commanding Officers that hold the rank of Captain or Commander, while First Officers had the rank of Lieutenant Commander or Lieutenant.
Propulsion systems[]
Ships of this class were capable of cruising speeds of Warp 8.5, and sustained maximum speeds of Warp 9.5. Equipped with the enhanced warp drive of the Khronnians, Merian–class Fast Frigates assigned to Vanguard Command could now attain and sustain a maximum cruise speed of Warp 9.985.
The impulse drive system of the Merian-class was the most sophisticated model in production. Its impulse engines were equipped with impulse thrusters that provide superb sub-light maneuvering speed, especially considering her size. With this design, along with the new retro-thrusters and uprated structural integrity fields, the ship's maneuverability was equal to that of Defiant-class Tactical Frigates.
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 could simultaneously bring online a full Emergency Holographic Program Package composed of:
- 1 Mark-III Emergency Command and Conn Hologram (ECH)
- 1 Mark-III Emergency Security and Tactical Hologram (ESTH)
- 1 Mark-III Emergency Engineering Hologram (EEH)
- 1 Mark-IX Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH)
- 1 Mark-III Emergency Science Hologram (ESH)
Science facilities[]
Designed primarily as science vessels that had combat abilities, Merian-class ships were equipped with the most finely tuned and integrated large sensor arrays, which was unparalleled in its application on Starfleet vessels. The Merian-class features compact but full-featured science labs and an Astrometrics lab.
Medical facilities[]
The sickbay of the Merian-class contains three standard biobeds and one advanced biobed for surgeries. It was equipped with surgical facilities.
Crew facilities[]
Due to the small size of the Merian-class starship, crew comforts were limited.
Accommodations[]
Ships of this class had accommodation for a crew of 70 that was comparable to the Intrepid-class. It also had two holosuites, and separate quarters for commissioned officers of the rank Lieutenant, Junior Grade and above.
Mess lounges[]
One of the places for informal gathering was the single mess hall of the ship. Like all the equipment and materials aboard the ship, the mess deck was compact but comfortable and had two windows that afforded a view of the space outside. It also doubled as a makeshift meeting area.
Holodeck and other facilities[]
There were two holosuites onboard a Merian-class.
Vanguard Command[]
There were a total of 52 Merian-class Fast Frigates in the Vanguard Fleet, serving as escort vessels to larger vessels in the task force formations and providing scientific support to their explorations.
Related links[]
External links[]
- Merian class article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Merian class article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.