(covers information from Vanguard universe)
this article was thought of and created by Maximus1925
| Steamrunner-class | |
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| Steamrunner-class Heavy Frigate | |
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Class: |
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Type: |
Heavy Frigate |
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Affiliation: |
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Status: |
Active |
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Yard: |
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards (standard) |
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Launched: |
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Commissioned: |
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| Dimensions | |
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Length: |
356 meters |
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Beam: |
262 meters |
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Draft: |
59 meters |
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Mass: |
899,000 metric tons |
| Specifications | |
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Decks: |
13 |
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Complement: |
200 total: |
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Speed: |
Via enhanced warp drive: |
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Armament: |
Phasers: |
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Defenses: |
- Enhanced, regenerative, redundant, reinforced, multiphasic, multispectrum, unimatrix defensive shields |
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Shuttlecraft: |
- 1 Flyer-class heavy shuttlecraft |
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| Top view | |
- For additional meanings of "Steamrunner class", please see Steamrunner class (disambiguation).
The Steamrunner-class was a class of Federation starship in active service to Starfleet during the late 24th century. Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards was one of the sites this class was constructed at in 2371.
The Steamrunner class Heavy Frigate.
Overview[]
The Steamrunner-class of starships was the quintessential utility vessel of Starfleet. The class was originally designed as a replacement for the elder statesman of the fleet, the Miranda-class. The Steamrunner-class was given the profile of a tactical operations escort, designed to undertake escort duties but was powerful enough to handle a fight. It additionally was created with interception and electronic warfare in mind, while its speed and combative nature gave it a great use as a surveillance craft in hostile areas. Ships of the class assigned to Vanguard Command were designated as Heavy Frigates.
When the class was launched and quickly slipped into the role of exploration and, working in tandem with the Saber-class, assigned to missions that would dart into dangerous territory, grab scans and intelligence and escape again, fighting their way out if needed.
The Steamrunner-class featured a large saucer section, and a detached secondary hull, not completely unlike the design employed in the Oberth-class but was joined at the aft to the ship's nacelles. The nacelles themselves were directly attached to the saucer section by large cowlings.
A view of the Steamrunner-class.
Another view of the Steamrunner-class.
Master Systems Display of the Steamrunner-class.
Onboard tactical systems[]
Ships of this class incorporate the latest in Starfleet weaponry and defensive technology.
Offensive capabilities[]
The Steamrunner-class was armed with 6 Type-XII phaser arrays, 4 Type-X phaser arrays, and 4 variable-payload torpedo launchers with the capacity to fire quantum torpedoes. Steamrunner-class starships attached to the task forces of Vanguard Command were additionally outfitted with 2 Type-X phaser cannons. Each ship had a payload of 40 quantum torpedoes and 80 high-yield photon torpedoes.
Defensive capabilities[]
The shield system of the Steamrunner-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 Steamrunner-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 class had been 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 Steamrunner-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 Steamrunner 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 Steamrunner-class's hull 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 Steamrunner-class starships, supporting a variety of shuttlecrafts. The ships' main shuttlebay was located on deck six.
The Steamrunner-class also features a complement of 7 auxiliary crafts of varying types with support facilities for all, namely:
- 1 Flyer-class heavy shuttlecraft
- 2 Type-11 medium shuttlecrafts
- 4 Type-9 light shuttlecrafts
Propulsion systems[]
The propulsion system onboard ships of the Steamrunner-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 13 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 Systems Display. 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 Steamrunner-class was among the most sophisticated model in production. Its impulse engines were equipped with impulse thrusters that provide superb sub-light maneuvering speed. With this design, along with the new retro-thrusters, and uprated structural integrity fields give the ship high maneuverability.
Warp drive[]
The Steamrunner-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 Steamrunner-class can now easily attain and indefinitely sustain a normal cruise speed of Warp 8.5 and a top sustained speed of Warp 9.5. It can reach a top speed of Warp 9.99 sustainable 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 allowed them to travel 300 light years inside of 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 Steamrunner-class starship was equipped with some of the most advanced computer systems of the time. The computer system on board the Steamrunner-class was bio-neural based. 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 Steamrunner proved to be a capable stand-alone deep space vessel.
Emergency holographic complement[]
The Steamrunner-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 Holograms (LCNH)
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Security and Tactical Holograms (LSTH); 1 Gorn
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Engineering Holograms (LEH)
- 1 Mark-IX Long-term Medical Holograms (LMH)
- 1 Mark-III Long-term Science Holograms (LSH)
Astrometrics & Stellar Cartography[]
The Steamrunner-class boasts of one Astrometrics lab and a small 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 include 8 additional workstations on the side walls.
There were also 6 non-specific science labs that could be easily modified for various scientific endeavors.
Medical facilities[]
There was one sickbay onboard the Steamrunner-class. It was equipped with 4 standard biobeds and 1 surgical biobed 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 majority of situations that a crew would face.
Crew facilities[]
The Steamrunner-class features standard crew quarters and recreation facilities for its 200 crew complement.
Accommodations[]
This class does not had 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 mess halls onboard, both served by windows that offered a spectacular view of space outside. Eating accommodations were provided by a slew of tables and chairs. Each can occupy 32 diners at a time. Both mess halls 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 the lounge 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 Steamrunner-class featured 3 holodecks scattered all over the ship. 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[]
Steamrunner-class starships had Commanding Officers that held the rank of Captain, while First Officers hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Vanguard Command[]
The specific assignment of Steamrunner-class Heavy Frigates was to act as primary interdictors, rapid response force, and mission specialists of their respective task forces, forming what was called a "Wolf Pack" led by a Vesta-class Command cruiser. They were generally not part of the standard task force formations established by Vanguard Command. Their specific tasks include coming to the aid of smaller squadron formations of their assigned task forces whenever there was a need to show the flag more strongly, intimidate hostile ships from attacking the squadrons, and provide stronger defense to their home space station or starbase.
Related links[]
External links[]
- Steamrunner class article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Steamrunner class article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Steamrunner class article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.
| Steamrunner-class starships | |
|---|---|
| Prime universe: USS ... • USS .... • | |
| Vanguard universe: USS Hatamoto • USS Buccaneer • USS Corsair • USS Blackbeard • USS Hornigold • USS Tachi | |