(covers information from Vanguard universe)
this article was thought of and created by Maximus1925
| Vesta-class | |
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| Vesta-class Command Cruiser | |
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Class: |
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Type: |
Command Cruiser |
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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: |
672 meters |
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Beam: |
195 meters |
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Draft: |
88 meters |
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Mass: |
3,321,630 metric tons |
| Specifications | |
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Decks: |
23 |
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Complement: |
750 total: |
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Speed: |
Via enhanced warp drive: |
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Armament: |
Phasers: |
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Defenses: |
- Regenerative and multi-phasic shielding |
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Shuttlecraft: |
- 4 Yellowstone-class runabouts |
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| Top view | |
- For additional meanings of "Vesta class", please see Vesta class (disambiguation).
The Vesta-class was a type of Federation starship in service with Starfleet in the late 24th century.
The class was designated as a multi-mission explorer and was a test-bed for a number of experimental technologies, including quantum slipstream drive. Ships of the class that were built after the first seven, particularly those assigned to Vanguard Command were re-designated as Command Cruisers and designed as hard hitting, long range, multi-purpose tactical vessels that could not only travel into uncharted space, but could also penetrate enemy defenses and strike strategic installations with little or no escort.
The Vesta class Command Cruiser.
Overview[]
Vesta-class ships featured several cutting-edge technologies tested on its sister ship, the USS Aventine, including the quantum slipstream drive. 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. The ship’s design also included landing gear for planetary landings.
Though not as wide as the Galaxy-class starship and only almost as long as the Sovereign-class starship, it was one of the most powerful Federation starship classes of recent times.
Together with the Sovereign-class, it was hailed as one of the best balances of exploration and tactical capability. The class boasts top-of-the-line navigational sensors and among the highest cruising speeds on a Starfleet vessel.
A Vesta class Command Cruiser
A Vesta class and a Sovereign class in orbit
Master Systems Display of the Vesta class
Onboard tactical systems[]
Ships of this class incorporated the latest in Starfleet weaponry and defensive technology. While standard Vesta-class multi-mission explorers were not as tactically powerful as the standard Sovereign-class multi-mission explorers, Vesta-class Command Cruisers of the Vanguard Fleet were comparable in firepower to the Sovereign-class Command Cruisers.
Offensive capabilities[]
The class’s state-of-the-art weapons systems made it one of the few ships in Starfleet able to mount even a moderate defense against the Borg. It included at least two experimental Mark XII pulse phaser cannons and a complement of quantum and transphasic torpedoes.
The Vesta-class was armed with 16 collimated Type-XII phaser arrays and 10 variable-use torpedo launchers with the capacity to fire quantum torpedoes and transphasic torpedoes. It also has 8 mini-torpedo phalanx arrays running along the top dorsal side of the engineering section, four at port side and four at starboard side. It has a payload of 25 transphasic torpedoes, 100 quantum torpedoes, 250 high-yield photon torpedoes, and 1,000 quantum mini-torpedoes.
Defensive capabilities[]
The shield system of the Vesta-class was equal to that of the larger Katana-class Command Battleship and was therefore among the most powerful found on any Starfleet starship. It 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 Vesta-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 has 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 Vesta-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 Vesta 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 Vesta-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 three shuttlebays aboard Vesta-class starships, supporting a variety of shuttlecrafts. The ships' main shuttlebay was located on deck twelve. Behind the shuttlebay was a large flight deck, allowing small craft too large for the shuttlebay to land; this area included a large deck lift that was lowered into a runabout bay.
The Vesta-class features a complement of 16 auxiliary crafts of varying types with support facilities for all, namely:
- 4 Yellowstone-class runabouts
- 2 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 systems, and among the highest rated top speed of any Starfleet vessel. Main Engineering itself was located on Deck 23 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 Vesta-class was among the most sophisticated models in production. Its oversized impulse engines were equipped with impulse thrusters that provide superb sub-light maneuvering speed, especially considering her size. This design, along with the new retro-thrusters and uprated structural integrity fields, gives the ship maneuverability equal to the size of a Steamrunner-class vessel.
Warp drive[]
The warp drive of the Vesta-class was among the most powerful in Starfleet. The matter-antimatter reaction assembly warp core spanned 10 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 that eliminates the subspace distortion effects inherent to standard warp drives. The reaction chamber was equipped with a compositor, which allowed the recrystallization of dilithium. The deuterium tanks were above the core, while antimatter storage pods surrounded the base of the core.
A secondary class 7 warp core was located aft of the primary warp core, spans 4 decks, and was brought online when the primary warp core was offline. This allows the ship to travel at a cruising speed of Warp 6 while the primary warp core was offline.
Equipped with the enhanced warp drive of the Khronnians, the Vesta-class can now easily attain and indefinitely sustain a normal cruise speed of Warp 9, a maximum cruise speed of Warp 9.9 and a top speed of Warp 9.995 sustainable for up to twelve (12) hours.
Quantum slipstream drive[]
The ships of this class were installed with the latest quantum slipstream drive located adjacent to the warp 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 Vesta-class starship was equipped with some of the most advanced computer systems of the time. The computer system on board the Vesta-class was bio-neural based. Computer systems were concentrated in a computer core, which was accessible through a maintenance room. Each Vesta-class vessel carried two independent computer cores, one located in the saucer section and one in the engineering section. The main computer processor was capable of simultaneous access to 47 million data channels, transluminal processing at 575 trillion calculations per nanosecond, and operational temperature margins from 10° to 1790° Kelvin. The bio-neural circuitry sped up the computer's data functions and improved overall performance.
Transporter systems[]
Vesta-class starships had 20 transporter rooms located throughout the vessel, including four cargo transporters and six emergency evacuation transporters.
Emergency holographic complement[]
This Vesta-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:
- 2 Mark-III Long-term Command and Navigation Holograms (LCNH)
- 3 Mark-III Long-term Security and Tactical Holograms (LSTH); 1 Hirogen, 1 Gorn, 1 Pahkwa-thanh
- 3 Mark-III Long-term Engineering Holograms (LEH)
- 2 Mark-IX Long-term Medical Holograms (LMH)
- 2 Mark-III Long-term Health Care Holograms (LHCH)
- 2 Mark-III Long-term Science Holograms (LSH)
Science systems[]
Also designed to go for extensive periods on deep space exploratory duties, the Vesta-classs was equipped with cutting-edge scientific equipment.
Astrometrics & stellar cartography[]
The Vesta-class boasts two large Astrometrics labs like the one created by Seven of Nine on USS Voyager, 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 include 8 additional workstations on the side walls. The class had the same top-of-the-line sensors as the Luna-class.
Science laboratories[]
There were 20 science labs on the Vesta-class and they were among the largest and most advanced science labs onboard a Federation starship. 12 were non-specific labs were easily modified for various scientific endeavors including Bio/Chem, and Physics tests and/or experiments. 8 were specific labs on Planetary Development, Geologic Studies, Languages/Archaeology, XT (extra-terrestrial) analysis, Eugenics, Biologics Laboratories, Atmospheric Physics experiments, and High-Energy Physics. There were also five smaller labs which can be configured for astrophysics/astrometrics and stellar cartography studies. Science Department crews rotate often among these laboratories. The Chief Science Officer's office was attached to this bank of labs.
Medical facilities[]
There were two sickbays onboard the Vesta-class. Both were 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. Sickbay 1, located on the portside of the ship, was home to the Chief Medical Officer's office, while Sickbay 2, located on the starboard side of the ship, was where the second-most senior medical officer’s office was located. A small lab used for routine analysis of patients was attached to each 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 Vesta-class features standard crew quarters and recreation facilities for its 750 crew complement.
Accommodations[]
The Vesta-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 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 2 smaller mess lounges onboard that were equipped with full bar and kitchen facilities each managed by a Mess officer, with a private captain's dining room just behind the mess lounge located at the forward section, all served by windows that offered a spectacular view of space outside. Eating accommodations were provided by a slew of tables and chairs. The larger mess halls can occupy 100 diners at a time, while the mess lounges can occupy 32 diners at a time. Each mess area has a very relaxed and congenial air about it. 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 foods 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 beverages. To conserve replicator rations, the mess halls’ menu was supplemented with food stocks of vegetables cooked by the mess officers from the airponics bay and hydroponics bay, along with food obtained from trading and scouting missions. In addition, the mess lounges 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 Vesta-class features 10 holodecks scattered all over the ship. The ship’s two gyms contained a variety of recreational equipment for a variety of sports. They were not overly spacious, but they were well outfitted. The facilities include variable-weight machines, isometric machines, 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 vary gravity for those species that were physically biased toward higher or lower than standard gravity.
Command and senior staff[]
Vesta-class starships have Commanding Officers that hold the rank of Captain, while Executive Officers and Second Officers hold the rank of Commander.
Vanguard Command[]
Vesta-class starships assigned to the Vanguard Fleet were re-designated as Command Cruisers. There were fourteen of them. Their specific assignment was to act as primary interdictors or “mission specialist” of their respective task forces. They were generally not part of the standard task force formations established by Vanguard Command. They usually lead a force of five Steamrunner-class Heavy Frigates called the "Wolf Pack." Their specific tasks include coming to the aid of smaller starship squadron formations whenever there was a need to show the flag more strongly, deter hostile ships from attacking the squadrons, and provide stronger defense to their home space station or starbase. The Vesta-class only joins the task force formations during Condition Red-2.
Related links[]
External links[]
- Vesta class article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Vesta class article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Vesta class article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.
| Vesta-class starships |
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| Federation: USS Aventine • USS Quirinal • USS Vesta • USS Esquiline • USS Viminal • USS Capitoline • USS Palatine |
| Vanguard universe: USS Actium • USS Coral Sea • USS Essex • USS Midway • USS Perseverance • USS Kitty Hawk • USS Pearl Harbor • USS Freedom • USS Independence • USS Relentless • USS Diligent • USS Man-o-War |