Difference between pages "Century Class" and "Diligent Class"

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{{Specifications
 
{{Specifications
| image = [[Image:Centuryclass.png|275px]]
+
| image = [[Image:Diligentclass.png|275px]]
| name = ''Century''
+
| name = ''Diligent''
 
| affiliation = Starfleet
 
| affiliation = Starfleet
| role = Explorer
+
| role = Frigate
| dateEntered = 2386
+
| dateEntered = 2376
| expectedLife = 100 Years
+
| expectedLife = 80 Years
| expectedRefit = 20 Years
+
| expectedRefit = 10 Years
| timeResupply = 7 Year
+
| timeResupply = 1 Year
| crewComplement = 500
+
| crewComplement = 120
| emergencyCap = 5,000
+
| emergencyCap = 250
| length = 715 meters
+
| length = 187.5 meters
| width = 282  meters
+
| width = 103.7 meters
| height = 90 meters
+
| height = 37.2 meters
| decks = 29
+
| decks = 8
 
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
 
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 8
+
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 7
| maxSpeed = Warp 9.5
+
| maxSpeed = Warp 9.2
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.9 (72 hours)
+
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.75 (12 hours)
| energyWeapons =*9x Type-XII phaser arrays
+
| energyWeapons =*11x Type-X Phaser Arrays
| torpLaunchers =*4 forward
+
| torpLaunchers =*2 forward
* 4 aft
+
* 3 aft
| torpPayload =*200 Photon Torpedoes
+
| torpPayload =*50 Photon Torpedoes
*100 Quantum Torpedoes
+
*50 Quantum Torpedoes
 
| shields =Multi-Layered Shielding System  
 
| shields =Multi-Layered Shielding System  
| shuttleBays =3
+
| shuttleBays =1
| shuttles =18
+
| shuttles =2
| runabouts =3
+
| runabouts =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Class Overview ==
 
== Class Overview ==
Representing a high degree of refinement of a number of systems first introduced in the 2370s, the ''Century''-class is a fast, efficient successor to the ''Galaxy''-class explorer that she has supplanted. Compared to her cousins the ''Sovereign'' and the ''Odyssey'', the ''Century'' is the smallest of the three modern explorer classes being built by Starfleet, in terms of both size and crew complement, but is the one most closely-aligned with Starfleet’s core exploration directive. They are a rare sight within the Federation, as they are almost always sent on long-duration exploration missions on the fringes of known space.
+
Developed after the ''Defiant-class'' had proven its quality, the ''Diligent'' class has demonstrated its success as the larger cousin. A short-range vessel designed primarily for combat, the ''Diligent'' still boasts further diplomatic and scientific capabilities. This makes her a flexible vessel for short-range missions, from escort and patrol duties, to reconnaissance even for exploratory or diplomatic assignments.
  
=== Science and Exploration ===
+
=== Exploration and Science ===
Other than a fully-staffed ''Olympic-''class research vessel, the ''Century'' is Starfleet’s most advanced scientific platform currently in service. Like the ''Galaxy'' before her, the ''Century'' has large amounts of mission-configurable space that can be adapted for whatever scientific mission she has been tasked with. In addition, there are specialized scientific labs for nearly every discipline and the capacity to embark up to 200 visiting scientists to supplement the ship’s own crew. With a smaller crew than other ships of her size, more space is given over to labs and scientific equipment than is possible on other designs.
+
With only one dedicated science laboratory, the ''Diligent'' lacks the resources for thorough or versatile exploratory missions. The ''Diligent’s'' limits are to conduct an initial survey and analysis to ascertain the value of sending a more dedicated vessel. It is most likely to be given such a mission due to its convenience as a first-response vessel, or if there exist tactical concerns.
  
Due to her high sustainable top speed, the Century is adept at missions that take her well beyond Federation space and is rated for up to seven years of independent operations when fully-supplied, while her cousins are only rated for five-year missions. This improvement in endurance is possible because of her much smaller crew and much lower maintenance requirements, compared to the ''Sovereign'' and ''Odyssey''.  
+
The laboratory itself is of a versatile design to allow a refit at starbase to suit any anticipated mission. It lacks the crew numbers, however, to support many scientific specialists, especially Academy-educated or commissioned science officers. Due to its combat applications, the ''Diligent'' does boast a robust sensor array, though it is particularly lacking when it comes to orbital scans or multi-spectrum analyses, and the ship contains only a limited number of simple probes. Overall, the ''Diligent'' by design under-performs in scientific duties compared to other Starfleet ships of its size.
  
 
=== Diplomacy ===
 
=== Diplomacy ===
Like the other explorers, the ''Century'' is a capable diplomatic platform. Her facilities have been optimized for first contact scenarios, as she is often sent far from Federation space. While the ''Odyssey'' is the superior overall diplomatic platform, being paid a visit by a ''Century''-class ship would be considered a great honor by most races. There is a meeting hall, with several sets of diplomatic offices for use by Federation or alien diplomats, along with guest quarters that can be configured to nearly any atmospheric needs of visitors.  
+
With two sets of VIP quarters and a conference lounge, the ''Diligent'' is one of the smaller vessels capable of undertaking diplomatic duties between multiple parties. It also has access to amenities such as a gym, a galley, and a holodeck to provide greater comfort to such visitors. This has made her suitable for second or third contact missions, or to play a role mediating disputes with third parties.
 +
 
 +
However, the arrival of a ''Diligent'' is seen as a sign not only that Starfleet is prepared to defend itself, but that Starfleet chose to not send a more suitable diplomatic vessel, which can colour any negotiations. It is most commonly assigned when there is a need for swift transit or some threat is anticipated.
  
 
=== Engineering ===
 
=== Engineering ===
Nearly every system in use aboard the Century is a proven technology that has been refined first on another class of ship in service, with the goal of creating a starship that could comfortably explore outside of Federation space with minimal maintenance and support needs. These systems include the advanced Type-9 warp drive and bioneural computers pioneered aboard the ''Intrepid''-class, tactical systems taken from the ''Sovereign''-class, and shipwide holographic projectors and advanced automation protocols from the ''Prometheus''-class. The result of combining these technologies into a single spaceframe was a highly-advanced vessel that suffered hardly any teething problems during construction or early space trials, as the kinks had all been worked out on earlier vessels.
+
With a high top speed and sophisticated bio-neural interface, the ''Diligent'' is a success of efficiency as much as technology. Its innovations were developed from previous starships; the warp coils are based on a scaled-down ''Sovereign'' platform, while the warp core is a dilithium swirl chamber, based off the ''Intrepid'' class design, which allows for excellent power and speed.
 
 
Compared to other ships of her size, the ''Century'' requires a comparatively small engineering staff, as she was designed specifically to minimize maintenance and maximize automation. The Type-9 warp drive has been tuned to take advantage of the size increase from the Intrepid to allow for a larger reaction chamber, and thus a greater overall power output, which gives her an impressive top speed of Warp 9.99, which she can sustain for 72 hours.  
 
  
The ship has three shuttle bays, two in the saucer section and one on the stern, with an impressive complement of small craft designed to supplement the ship’s exploration capabilities, with three runabouts and eighteen shuttles.
+
The warp engines are mounted on variable orientation pylons. When not at warp the nacelles are held close to the ship, minimizing the ship’s target profile from the front and rear. This affords the nacelles some amount of protection since they are less exposed. Shortly before going to warp, the nacelles are deployed to help create a warp field that does not harm subspace, similar to the way an Intrepid Class vessel’s nacelles pivot upwards prior to engaging warp speeds.
  
 
=== Tactical ===
 
=== Tactical ===
Tactical systems on the ''Century'' are inspired heavily from the earlier ''Sovereign''-class, but with an emphasis on reliability and miniaturization. All-around defensive coverage is provided by the proven Type-XII phaser arrays covering every arc, and four torpedo launchers on both the forward and aft arcs. The shields have been modeled after the Sovereign as well, and represent the latest version of the regenerative shield system. This makes the ''Century'' a major threat to nearly any other spacecraft, though her phasers have been tuned to a lower overall output than the ''Sovereign'' and the ''Odyssey'' has overall higher shield power.
+
It is in tactical engagements that the ''Diligent'' truly shines, though in development and performance it is often compared to the ''Defiant-class''. It sacrifices the heavy pulse phaser cannons and greater maneuverability for a high top speed, and relies upon complete weapons arc coverage, hence the large number of phaser arrays incorporated into the design. In times of anticipated conflict, the probes may be replaced with additional quantum and photon torpedoes.
  
The ''Century'' is less powerful than the ''Sovereign'' but still managed to serve as a deterrent in her own right; a visit from a ship of this class is a signal that Starfleet is willing to commit an advanced tactical asset to put out a brushfire. With that being said, ''Century''-class ships are not routinely assigned to strictly tactical missions, as their strengths are in exploration not in combat.
+
Overall, the ''Diligent'' is fast enough and well-enough armed and armoured to face off against a range of enemies, especially under the command of an experienced tactician. This speed and versatility has served it well in both solo engagements and as a part of fleets, where its rapid deployment capabilities have been used to out-manoeuvre enemies of larger, slower vessels.
  
 
=== Shipboard Life ===
 
=== Shipboard Life ===
''Century''-class ships have crews of just 500, compared to 750 aboard the ''Sovereign'' and 2,500 aboard the ''Odyssey'', so serving aboard one is a much different experience than on the other two modern explorers. The long waiting list to serve aboard a ''Century''-class ship is because they are being assigned to some of the most exciting exploratory missions in Starfleet, and the officers that serve aboard her tend to be highly-collegial and interested in science.  
+
For its size, the ''Diligent'' provides a fairly pleasant shipboard life. Officers ranked Lieutenant Junior Grade and above have their own quarters; Ensigns and Chief Petty Officers share bunked quarters with one other person, while petty officers and below share quarters with three other crew. The starship is equipped with two holosuites, a gym, and a mess hall. While this provides comfort and amenities, the mess hall usually lacks the character of the dedicated lounge on larger starships, and official use of holosuites can limit access for recreation.
  
Accommodation standards are approximately equal to the much smaller ''Intrepid''-class, with crewman sharing quarters with three other people, ensigns and chiefs sharing with one other person, and officers lieutenant and above having their own quarters. This makes them comfortable but not luxurious, and the reason for this is that the space on this long-range ship is otherwise devoted to the life support systems that give her that high endurance and the scientific systems she is taking to the frontier. Eight holodecks and a dozen smaller holosuites are supplemented by an arboretum, numerous lounges along the leading edge of the saucer, a gymnasium, and a theater provide the crew with recreational opportunities.  
+
Because a ''Diligent'' would be unsuitable for any deep space assignments lasting longer than a year, more often it regularly comes into contact with starbases and Federation worlds, if it is not outright assigned to report regularly to a specific station. This, and the limited living space for most of the crew, means a ''Diligent'' is usually not treated as a long-term home by most personnel. There is no room aboard for family, and the limited privacy tends to keep romantic fraternisation amongst the crew low and casual.
  
Medical facilities aboard the ''Century'' are approximately equal to the Sovereign, with a large sickbay complex in the primary hull and a secondary facility near Main Engineering. Like other ships of her size, she is capable of using her holographic projectors and replicators to reconfigure guest quarters and cargo bays into medical facilities for emergencies, but the ''Odyssey''-class is the superior humanitarian platform.
+
However, the confined living space and often dangerous assignments of the ''Diligent'' can lead to very close bonds among the crew. It is inevitable that a ''Diligent'' crew together for some time will all know each other at least by face, and those working together have likely accumulated a wealth of intense experiences as well as the connections from living in close proximity.
  
 
== Class History ==
 
== Class History ==
Construction on the USS ''Century'' began construction in mid-2377 with the keel laid down at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. Construction of the vessel was slow and steady allowing room for trial and error to install and properly configure all the automated systems associated with her design. Since no Starfleet vessel beforehand was geared towards such high automation, and many of the ship’s vital systems were tied into this method, precision was necessary to ensure the ship functioned without a critical error after launch.
+
By 2376 the Dominion War was over and Starfleet was faced with the herculean task of rebuilding the fleet. While classes like the ''Akira'', ''Intrepid'', ''Saber'', ''Defiant'' and ''Steamrunner'' were being produced at record rates to bolster Starfleet’s numbers, it was decided that new designs were also needed to address gaps in functionality made apparent during the war.
 
 
What would have been a standard production timeline for a prototype of the Century’s nature was significantly extended, due to needing to test and re-test these systems before being brought fully online. In late 2378, the ship’s computer came online, and in a matter of months had become self-aware. With the assistance of the automation protocols in place, the rest of the construction and outfitting continued unabated. The high level of automation cut an estimated six months off the outfitting and construction process.
 
 
 
In mid-2379, the class’ namesake and prototype had finished construction and outfitting. The plaque was put in the place of honor, and a crew was selected for the shakedown cruise. With such lofty goals as had been put in place for this new class, the criterion for the cruise were extensive. In addition, the Admiralty wanted to ensure beyond a shadow of a doubt that the automation systems installed wouldn’t cause a cascade system-wide failure.
 
  
The Century performed admirably, and exceeded all of the Admiralty’s expectations, though the full shakedown of the prototype took the better part of two years. In 2382, the USS ''Century'' was officially commissioned, and another Century class vessel, the USS ''Constitution'', was put into production. Eventually, by 2385, Starfleet Command was satisfied with the overall performance, automation and computer systems of their two ''Century''-class vessels and ordered a batch of six starships to begin production in 2386 with others to follow.
+
The ''Defiant-class'' design, for instance, demonstrated vividly the difference between a vessel designed primarily for exploration and one designed primarily for combat. While the war was over and diplomatic and scientific discovery needed to resume, Command decided it was not about to grow lax and so-called for a vessel with a compact design and significant combat capabilities, like the ''Defiant'', that also had the capacity to execute scientific, diplomatic and explorative missions on a small scale, when larger explorers were not required.
  
Full-scale production of the ''Century''-class called an end to production of the Galaxy-class design, with the last one leaving McKinley Station in 2385. With the ''Sovereign''-class and ''Odyssey''-class ships also in production as more specialized vessels, production was set at a ratio of three ''Century''-class ships to two ''Sovereign''-class ships to one ''Odyssey''-class ship in the 2390s, setting the ''Century'' up to be the leading explorer for the 25th Century.
+
The ''Diligent'' class was the resulting proposal. Equipped with the latest technology, including bio-neural circuitry, new sensor suites and propulsion systems, at the expense of being somewhat larger, it represented an overall improvement over the smaller ''Defiant-class'' in terms of non-combat mission interoperability, while still maintaining nearly the same combat potential.  
  
 
== In Play ==
 
== In Play ==
  
* While the Sovereign and Odyssey are specialized for tactical and diplomatic/humanitarian duties respectively, the Century is suited for long-duration exploration missions, thanks to its high endurance. So, while you might see a Sovereign patrolling a border, or an Odyssey sent to solve a medical emergency, you’re less likely to see a Century doing this kind of thing because most of them are out past Federation space exploring.
+
* The Diligent is a small, combat-capable starship that is still larger and more comfortable than a Defiant class. It is also considerably more capable of undertaking its own, independent missions. However, the Diligent will still most often operate either within or in close proximity to Federation borders.
* People join Starfleet because they want to explore space, so getting posted to a Century-class ship on a long-duration mission is a dream job for a lot of officers.
+
* Scientific missions upon a Diligent are more likely to be accidents that the crew stumble upon, or reconnaissance and data-gathering ahead of a more dedicated scientific ship’s assignment to the same anomaly.
* Century-class ships are incredibly prestigious commands, as their missions call for their captains to be out of regular contact with Starfleet for extended periods, and thus they need to be capable of handling important decisions on their own.
+
* If a Diligent has been assigned to a diplomatic mission, there is some anticipated threat to the proceedings. Due to this, its presence in diplomacy may be interpreted as a threat, limiting even beyond its size the nature of diplomatic missions it can reasonably undertake.
 +
* Where the Diligent excels on its own is in patrol duties, pirate hunting, escort missions, or hit-and-run assaults against enemies in times of war. It is a robust combatant able to hold its own against larger ships, and is swift enough to contend with multiple enemies or chase them down.
 +
* While a Diligent is a good assignment for a relatively new commanding officer, it is best suited for a captain with the combat experience to know both how to use the Diligent’s firepower effectively, and when to deploy it. A Diligent captain is likely either a younger, up-and-coming officer who has a chance to prove themselves in an early command, or a more seasoned captain content with duties unlikely to take them often out of unfamiliar space.
 +
* NPC Diligent class starships should be relatively common, especially as patrol boats in Federation territory or borders, or as starships assigned to starbases in need of additional combat capacity. However, they are most likely to appear in places where their firepower and rapid response capabilities are or might be needed, rather than peaceful parts of the galaxy.
  
 
[[Category:Federation starship classes]]
 
[[Category:Federation starship classes]]
[[Category:Explorers]]
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[[Category:Escorts]]

Revision as of 12:20, 19 January 2021

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''Diligent''
Information
Affiliation

Starfleet

Role

Frigate

Date Entered Service

2376

Expected Refit Cycle

10 Years

Time Between Resupply

1 Year

Crew Capacity
Standard Complement

120

Emergency Capacity

250

Dimensions
Length

187.5 meters

Width

103.7 meters

Height

37.2 meters

Decks

8

Propulsion
Propulsion System

Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive

Cruising Speed

Warp 7

Maximum Speed

Warp 9.2

Emergency Speed

Warp 9.75 (12 hours)

Armaments
Energy Weapons
  • 11x Type-X Phaser Arrays
Torpedo Launchers
  • 2 forward
  • 3 aft
Torpedo Payload
  • 50 Photon Torpedoes
  • 50 Quantum Torpedoes
Shields

Multi-Layered Shielding System

Auxiliary Craft
Shuttle Bays

1

Shuttles

2


Class Overview

Developed after the Defiant-class had proven its quality, the Diligent class has demonstrated its success as the larger cousin. A short-range vessel designed primarily for combat, the Diligent still boasts further diplomatic and scientific capabilities. This makes her a flexible vessel for short-range missions, from escort and patrol duties, to reconnaissance even for exploratory or diplomatic assignments.

Exploration and Science

With only one dedicated science laboratory, the Diligent lacks the resources for thorough or versatile exploratory missions. The Diligent’s limits are to conduct an initial survey and analysis to ascertain the value of sending a more dedicated vessel. It is most likely to be given such a mission due to its convenience as a first-response vessel, or if there exist tactical concerns.

The laboratory itself is of a versatile design to allow a refit at starbase to suit any anticipated mission. It lacks the crew numbers, however, to support many scientific specialists, especially Academy-educated or commissioned science officers. Due to its combat applications, the Diligent does boast a robust sensor array, though it is particularly lacking when it comes to orbital scans or multi-spectrum analyses, and the ship contains only a limited number of simple probes. Overall, the Diligent by design under-performs in scientific duties compared to other Starfleet ships of its size.

Diplomacy

With two sets of VIP quarters and a conference lounge, the Diligent is one of the smaller vessels capable of undertaking diplomatic duties between multiple parties. It also has access to amenities such as a gym, a galley, and a holodeck to provide greater comfort to such visitors. This has made her suitable for second or third contact missions, or to play a role mediating disputes with third parties.

However, the arrival of a Diligent is seen as a sign not only that Starfleet is prepared to defend itself, but that Starfleet chose to not send a more suitable diplomatic vessel, which can colour any negotiations. It is most commonly assigned when there is a need for swift transit or some threat is anticipated.

Engineering

With a high top speed and sophisticated bio-neural interface, the Diligent is a success of efficiency as much as technology. Its innovations were developed from previous starships; the warp coils are based on a scaled-down Sovereign platform, while the warp core is a dilithium swirl chamber, based off the Intrepid class design, which allows for excellent power and speed.

The warp engines are mounted on variable orientation pylons. When not at warp the nacelles are held close to the ship, minimizing the ship’s target profile from the front and rear. This affords the nacelles some amount of protection since they are less exposed. Shortly before going to warp, the nacelles are deployed to help create a warp field that does not harm subspace, similar to the way an Intrepid Class vessel’s nacelles pivot upwards prior to engaging warp speeds.

Tactical

It is in tactical engagements that the Diligent truly shines, though in development and performance it is often compared to the Defiant-class. It sacrifices the heavy pulse phaser cannons and greater maneuverability for a high top speed, and relies upon complete weapons arc coverage, hence the large number of phaser arrays incorporated into the design. In times of anticipated conflict, the probes may be replaced with additional quantum and photon torpedoes.

Overall, the Diligent is fast enough and well-enough armed and armoured to face off against a range of enemies, especially under the command of an experienced tactician. This speed and versatility has served it well in both solo engagements and as a part of fleets, where its rapid deployment capabilities have been used to out-manoeuvre enemies of larger, slower vessels.

Shipboard Life

For its size, the Diligent provides a fairly pleasant shipboard life. Officers ranked Lieutenant Junior Grade and above have their own quarters; Ensigns and Chief Petty Officers share bunked quarters with one other person, while petty officers and below share quarters with three other crew. The starship is equipped with two holosuites, a gym, and a mess hall. While this provides comfort and amenities, the mess hall usually lacks the character of the dedicated lounge on larger starships, and official use of holosuites can limit access for recreation.

Because a Diligent would be unsuitable for any deep space assignments lasting longer than a year, more often it regularly comes into contact with starbases and Federation worlds, if it is not outright assigned to report regularly to a specific station. This, and the limited living space for most of the crew, means a Diligent is usually not treated as a long-term home by most personnel. There is no room aboard for family, and the limited privacy tends to keep romantic fraternisation amongst the crew low and casual.

However, the confined living space and often dangerous assignments of the Diligent can lead to very close bonds among the crew. It is inevitable that a Diligent crew together for some time will all know each other at least by face, and those working together have likely accumulated a wealth of intense experiences as well as the connections from living in close proximity.

Class History

By 2376 the Dominion War was over and Starfleet was faced with the herculean task of rebuilding the fleet. While classes like the Akira, Intrepid, Saber, Defiant and Steamrunner were being produced at record rates to bolster Starfleet’s numbers, it was decided that new designs were also needed to address gaps in functionality made apparent during the war.

The Defiant-class design, for instance, demonstrated vividly the difference between a vessel designed primarily for exploration and one designed primarily for combat. While the war was over and diplomatic and scientific discovery needed to resume, Command decided it was not about to grow lax and so-called for a vessel with a compact design and significant combat capabilities, like the Defiant, that also had the capacity to execute scientific, diplomatic and explorative missions on a small scale, when larger explorers were not required.

The Diligent class was the resulting proposal. Equipped with the latest technology, including bio-neural circuitry, new sensor suites and propulsion systems, at the expense of being somewhat larger, it represented an overall improvement over the smaller Defiant-class in terms of non-combat mission interoperability, while still maintaining nearly the same combat potential.

In Play

  • The Diligent is a small, combat-capable starship that is still larger and more comfortable than a Defiant class. It is also considerably more capable of undertaking its own, independent missions. However, the Diligent will still most often operate either within or in close proximity to Federation borders.
  • Scientific missions upon a Diligent are more likely to be accidents that the crew stumble upon, or reconnaissance and data-gathering ahead of a more dedicated scientific ship’s assignment to the same anomaly.
  • If a Diligent has been assigned to a diplomatic mission, there is some anticipated threat to the proceedings. Due to this, its presence in diplomacy may be interpreted as a threat, limiting even beyond its size the nature of diplomatic missions it can reasonably undertake.
  • Where the Diligent excels on its own is in patrol duties, pirate hunting, escort missions, or hit-and-run assaults against enemies in times of war. It is a robust combatant able to hold its own against larger ships, and is swift enough to contend with multiple enemies or chase them down.
  • While a Diligent is a good assignment for a relatively new commanding officer, it is best suited for a captain with the combat experience to know both how to use the Diligent’s firepower effectively, and when to deploy it. A Diligent captain is likely either a younger, up-and-coming officer who has a chance to prove themselves in an early command, or a more seasoned captain content with duties unlikely to take them often out of unfamiliar space.
  • NPC Diligent class starships should be relatively common, especially as patrol boats in Federation territory or borders, or as starships assigned to starbases in need of additional combat capacity. However, they are most likely to appear in places where their firepower and rapid response capabilities are or might be needed, rather than peaceful parts of the galaxy.