USS Buran
- "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. "
- —Arthur C. Clarke - Ship's Dedication Quote
USS Buran is a Rhode Island-class scout assigned to the Fourth Fleet. She has a storied history that spans multiple decades in each of the last three centuries, establishing its enduring legacy in Starfleet. Originating in the 2250s as a Cardenas-class starship, it was the first in a line of vessels to bear the name. The current iteration, the third USS Buran, belongs to the sleek and agile Rhode Island-class, reflecting its versatility and adaptability in the ever-changing cosmos.
Commissioned in the year 2380, the USS Buran has been designed to excel in various roles. Its remarkable speed and agility make it a prime candidate for fast exploration missions, enabling rapid mapping of uncharted territories. Simultaneously, the vessel boasts powerful sensor platforms, making it a formidable tactical scout capable of identifying potential threats with precision.
Recently relaunched from Avalon Fleet Yards following a minor refit, which coincided with the conclusion of Frontier Day, the USS Buran is now once more on active duty within Fourth Fleet.
Mission Objectives
With its increased armament and warp capabilities, the Rhode Island-class is considered a Scout/Escort Type Vessel in which their mission objects include all of the standard Nova-class, along with a few extra:
- Provide a platform for extended scientific survey and scouting missions.
- Provide autonomous capability for full execution of Federation defensive, cultural, scientific, and explorative policy in deep space or border territory.
- Serve as a frontline support vehicle during emergencies and a platform for the extension of Federation diplomacy and policy.
- Provide non-critical functions such as transport of personnel and cargo when necessary, extended aid, and short-range patrol.
- Provide a multi-mission mobile platform for a wide range of scientific and explorative research, and diplomatic projects.
- Provide autonomous capability for full execution of Federation defensive, cultural, scientific, and explorative policy in deep space or border territory.
Technical Configuration
Main Article: Rhode Island-class Scout
Key Location Data
- Main Article: Buran deck listing
- Main Article: Tour of the Buran
With only 8 decks and short term missions to complete, the 90 crew of the Buran have a relatively comfortable standard of living, despite the close quarters they share.
Bridge
Modelled on the successful layout of other small vessels such as the Nova and Saber-class starships, the bridge of the Buran has a slightly altered colour scheme and a much-changed console layout across the bridge. Making the most of a variety of technological advancements, such as holoprojectors, holographic communications, in-built weapons lockers and three-dimensional computer displays in places, the Rhode Island-class bridge module is one of the most advanced in the pre-2400 fleet. Perhaps one of its most charming features is the glass MSD on the back feature wall which is entirely customisable and interactive.
In a move away from more recent styles, and harking back to the traditional layouts of yesteryear, the Buran has a single center command seat for the commanding officer allowing the occupant a full view of all stations. Directly ahead of them, down a few steps and between the commanding officer and the holographic viewscreen, two consoles have been merged into one single station, serving as duty stations for Operations (port) and Flight Operations (starboard). Surrounding the bridge, an additional four duty stations make up the rest of the command center's capacity. On the starboard bulkhead, two stations are dedicated to science (forward) and mission operations (aft), while on the port bulkhead, stations are reserved for tactical operations (forward) and engineering (aft).
Around the command center, two doors provide access to and from the bridge. On the starboard bulkhead, access is available to the ready room, observation lounge and the rest of deck 1 (including an emergency turbo lift to engineering and sickbay), whilst the port door grants access to the rest of the ship.
Auxiliary Craft
Shuttlebay
Due to the small size of the Buran, she has a single shuttlebay aft of the ship that houses just one runabout and two shuttles, all named after locations or ships used as part of the Russian Buran Spacecraft Project.
Type 12 Shuttles
Baikonur, Ptichka
Volga-class Runabouts
Aelita
Historical Data Records
Commissioned in the later years of the 24th century, the USS Buran, a Rhode Island-class scout and science vessel, stands as a testament to Starfleet's commitment to exploration, scientific advancement, and defense. Her construction took place between 2380 and 2383, during a period marked by significant technological innovation in starship design. Launched in 2383, the Buran embarked on a journey that would be defined by its contributions to knowledge, discovery, and service to the United Federation of Planets.
The sleek and versatile design of the Buran, typical of the Rhode Island-class, made her a versatile asset within Starfleet's fleet. This starship was equally proficient as a fast and agile exploration platform, capable of swiftly charting unexplored territories, and as a scientific vessel, equipped with cutting-edge sensor arrays and research laboratories for conducting groundbreaking experiments and studies.
In the year 2401, the USS Buran found herself in Avalon Fleet Yards for minor repairs and upgrades. This maintenance period followed the conclusion of Frontier Day, a pivotal event that tested the mettle of Starfleet's starships and crews. It was during this time that the Buran's command was reassigned to Captain Romaes Anjin, a seasoned officer known for his leadership and strategic prowess. Joining him was Commander Tharia sh'Elas, whose expertise in scientific endeavours made her a valuable addition to the command team.
The transfer of the USS Buran to Lakota Squadron of Task Force 47, the Pathfinders task force, marked a new chapter in her history. Task Force 47 was renowned for its missions at the forefront of exploration and discovery, making it a fitting assignment for a vessel with the Buran's capabilities.
The Buran Lineage
Like many starships in the Federation fleet, the Buran name has endured long after the first ship to bear the name left dock for the first time. Information about past incarnations includes:
- USS Buran — Cardenas-class fast cruiser — NCC-1422
- 2250—2256 (Destroyed - Battle of Priors World)
- USS Buran — Challenger-class scout — NCC-57580
- 2355-2366 (Destroyed - Battle of Wolf 359)
- USS Buran — Rhode Island-class scout — NCC-81711
- 2380—Present (In Service)
Commanding Officer Lineage
Notable crewmembers include:
- 2401 - 2401: Captain Romaes Anjin, (Bajoran Male)