Difference between pages "OCS Policy" and "Intrepid Class"

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The Office of the Chief of Staff (OCS) is the administrative arm of Bravo Fleet responsible for a wide variety of logistical activities in the fleet including awards, promotions, competitions, transfers, name changes, and overall management of the Bravo Fleet roster. The Office of the Chief of Staff is responsible for the timely execution of these duties as the primary facilitator of many facets of the fleet. Below you will find the key policies that the office operates through, with more detailed policies linked throughout. Any questions regarding these policies should be directed at the current Chief of Staff.
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{{Specification
 +
| image = [[Image:Intrepidclass.png]]
 +
| displayName = '''''Intrepid'' Class'''
 +
| name = Intrepid
 +
| affiliation = [[United Federation of Planets]]
 +
| operator = [[Starfleet]]
 +
| status =
 +
| role = Light Explorer
 +
| type = Light Explorer
 +
| precedingClass =
 +
| succeedingClass =
 +
| dateEntered = 2370
 +
| productionEnd = 2395
 +
| retired =
 +
| expectedDuration = 100 Years
 +
| expectedRefit = 10 Years
 +
| timeResupply = 3 Years
 +
| crewComplement = 170
 +
| emergencyCap = 500
 +
| civilians =
 +
| populationCap =
 +
| flightCrew =
 +
| passengers =
 +
| length = 344 meters
 +
| width = 133 meters
 +
| diameter =
 +
| height = 66 meters
 +
| decks = 15
 +
| propulsionSystem = M/AM Warp Drive
 +
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 7
 +
| maxSpeed = Warp 9.7
 +
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.975 (36 hours)
 +
| energyWeapons = *13x Type-X phaser arrays
 +
| torpLaunchers = *2 forward
 +
*2 aft
 +
| torpPayload = *40 Photon Torpedoes
 +
*20 Quantum Torpedoes
 +
| shields = Multi-Layered Shielding System
 +
| dockingfacilities =
 +
| shuttleBays = 1
 +
| shuttles = 6
 +
| runabouts = 1
 +
| fighters =
 +
| aux = [[Aeroshuttle]]
 +
| msd = [[File:IntrepidMSD.jpg]]
 +
| playable = yes
 +
}}
 +
The '''''Intrepid''-class light explorer''' is a fast and highly-capable independent research and exploration platform. First developed as a less crew-intensive complement to the [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy''-class explorer]], this class was the culmination of several experimental technologies for Starfleet in its efforts to launch a new generation of exploration type vessels in the late 2360s. As a testbed, the ''Intrepid'' was a decade in the making to offer the exploration and scientific capabilities of the ''Galaxy'' without the massive space frame or resources required to operate the much larger ''Galaxy''. The seven-year journey of the USS ''Voyager'' to return home from the Delta Quadrant only validated the versatility and endurance of the ''Intrepid'', making it a mainstay of Starfleet’s exploration arm. By the beginning of the 25th century, it remains useful but is beginning to show its age in comparison to the likes of the [[Luna Class|''Luna'']] and [[Vesta Class|''Vesta'']].
  
= Policy =
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=== Exploration and Science ===
== Section 1 - Awards & Promotions ==
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The ''Intrepid'' is solidly capable of long-term exploration missions without significant support, a capability proven by ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s seven-year mission in uncharted Delta Quadrant. In terms of pure science, she can handle anything ranging from logging gaseous anomalies to planetary analysis to scanning sub-quantum mass particulates. As an explorer, vessels of this class have been responsible for many first contacts.
* All promotion and award recommendations should be submitted through BFMS and include clear, concise language about what the member did and, if applicable, how they did it. Recommendations can include information about a person's personality and character, but should provide factual information on the things that they have done.
 
* All medals and promotions should be known and directed through (up and down) the chain of command appropriately so each leader knows what is being requested and can avoid instances of denial due to double dipping, or an award being recommended for the same thing within a short period.
 
* All awards and promotions should come directly from the source of which they’re being awarded. For instance, a merit award for work in the Lore Office should come from the Loremaster. A merit award for general activity activity should come from TF staff. If there is a grouping from different sources to complete an award or promotion recommendation, then there should be only one primary recommendation (usually from the TF staff) and as many supplemental recommendations as needed. If you think you may want to group up activities in different areas of Bravo Fleet for an award or promotion, ‘’reach out’’ to other leaders to have them add in!
 
* Awards and promotions, once granted, can only be revoked by the Magistrate’s Office. This does not apply to obvious administrative or technical errors, which can be administratively (rather than judicially) removed by the Office of the Chief of Staff.
 
* When in doubt, ask.
 
  
=== Awards ===
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The ''Intrepid'', at the time of its launch, had sensors on par with the equipment found aboard ''Galaxy''-class explorers and [[Nebula Class|''Nebula''-class heavy cruisers]], limited only by the smaller number of actual pallets it could mount. One advantage this class has over its elder sisters is a large forward sensor platform located on the forward dorsal of the primary hull, which is attuned to pathfinding operations. By the 25th century, regular updates to the ''Intrepid''<nowiki/>'s cutting-edge sensors have ensured that she keeps pace with newer explorer classes, though newer science vessels, such as the ''[[Pathfinder Class|Pathfinder]]'' (itself based on the ''Intrepid'' spaceframe) and the ''[[Sutherland Class|Sutherland]]'', now boast more sophisticated and specialized equipment. All ''Intrepid''-class ships are now equipped with an astrometrics lab based on the innovations created by Seven of Nine for ''Voyager'', and Borg-inspired sensor enhancements have been implemented across the class.
* Awards are split into two categories: merit and activity.
 
** Activity awards (ribbons) are given out, usually within their respective departments, for completing activities within Bravo Fleet.
 
** Merit awards are awards that recognize a member’s overall activity and contribution to the fleet and are typically given for the accumulation of activities either through activity ribbons, project work, leadership, or any other metric that can be tangibly tracked. Merit awards are further broken down into two categories:
 
*** Recognition Awards (Tier 1) — typically awarded for more standard activity.
 
*** Distinction Awards (Tier 2) — typically awarded for levels of activity and work for the fleet that go above and beyond.
 
* Awards cannot double dip activity within their respective category. Any activity, once recognized by an award, cannot be used toward future medals. For activity ribbons this is self explanatory in that once an activity is awarded for, it cannot be awarded again. For merit awards this is more prone to happening if a person writing a rec doesn’t read through previous merit awards to see what has already been awarded for. This, however, does not always apply to promotions, which tend to be focused on the total of accomplishments since a member’s last promotion. There has been confusion around these subjects, so example situations are listed below to provide further clarification:
 
**A member receives a Silver Palm for participation in a large-scale Task Force event. Four months later, that same member is recommended for a Star Cross for activity in the intervening period, as well as the participation in the large-scale Task Force event. That Star Cross will be rejected.
 
**Continuing from the above, if that member is instead recommended for a promotion (and assuming all guidelines and requirements are met), that would be acceptable.
 
**If a member is promoted appropriately (assuming all guidelines and requirements are met) for work only internal to their Task Force, and then is recommended for a recognition award for the completion of several projects for a Department — that award is appropriate.
 
**If a Task Force Commanding Officer is promoted for their long-term work for their task force to an admiralty rank, and then is recommended for a recognition award for work internal to the task force one month later, that medal will be rejected.
 
* All awards have a minimum position requirement for the nominator, but that isn’t the only award they can nominate for. For instance, the Star Cross must be nominated by at least a TFCO, but anyone above a TFCO can also nominate someone for it. Alternatively, if you are below TFCO and want to nominate someone for a Star Cross, talk to your TFCO!
 
  
=== Promotions ===
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By definition, a light explorer such as the Intrepid has its capabilities limited compared to larger explorers because of its limited available space. This was intentional, though, as it allows the ''Intrepid'' to perform similar missions to the ''Galaxy, [[Sovereign Class|Sovereign]],'' and ''[[Odyssey Class|Odyssey]]'' with a much smaller footprint. In practical terms, this means fewer labs, smaller fuel reserves, and fewer redundancies in staff; while a Galaxy captain could expect her crew to be able to staff four shifts in every lab, that is not so of an ''Intrepid'' captain. Because of size constraints, an ''Intrepid'' has fewer specialized labs compared to a large explorer, but they are very well equipped to be configured as needed; for example the botany lab has the equipment to handle agricultural science, microbotany, paleobotany, and astrobotany studies.
* Unlike awards, promotions are more a sum of the actions of a member since their last promotion. A promotion should include all of their activity, awards, and projects they’ve completed and this activity should be reasonably recent.
 
* Once promoted, all activity in the previous rank is “consumed” and cannot be used again for any promotion or medal. This, however, does not necessarily apply for department work or projects that may be long term and overlap through promotions as long as that work is not mentioned and used in a previous promotion.
 
* Promotions between ranks have time-in-rank requirements. These requirements are not absolute, and there may be extreme circumstances where it may be waived in the case of senior officer promotions, but this is highly unlikely, and the standard(s) of activity are significantly higher for rapid promotions.
 
  
== Section 2 - Transfers ==
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When designed, it was envisioned that the ''Intrepid'' may be able to complete three or four-year missions, as the ADSB believed that the increases in efficiency created by her advanced systems would be outweighed by her extensive maintenance demands and small fuel reserves. ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s ability to survive without Starfleet support for seven years proved this belief to be incorrect and lessons learned from this journey have streamlined ''Intrepid'' maintenance schemes and vessels of this class have engaged in five, six, and seven-year missions in deep space. Starfleet now prefers to limit this class to three-year missions, as those vessels that have been sent on longer journeys tend to arrive back in spacedock needing extensive work to put them back into service.
* Transfer requests are not a forum for argument or discussion. Problems with unit superiors should be addressed directly between the relevant members.
 
* Transfers between task forces may be held until such time that the OCS is satisfied with the reasons for the transfer.
 
* The direct recruitment of members from one unit to another with promises of medals, promotions, or other entitlements is forbidden and may result in disciplinary action. This does not include application periods for positions open to all of Bravo Fleet.
 
* Reserve hopping, wherein a member transfers to Reserve status before transferring to a new task force, is forbidden and may result in disciplinary action when discovered.
 
* Members accepting leadership positions in units to which they do not currently belong should first request a transfer to the appropriate unit with confirmation of the appointment given as reason.
 
  
== Section 3 - Competitions ==
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As with the ''Nova''-class surveyor designed contemporaneously, the ''Intrepid'' has the ability to land and take off from a planetary surface, this generation of Starfleet vessel being the first classes to do so as part of routine rather than emergency operations. The ''Intrepid''-class hull design allows for a smooth atmospheric entry and egress, while landing gear on the bottom of the vessel supports the starship firmly on the surface of a planet, allowing for all ships systems to be taken offline if necessary. Landing mode was a two-fold problem solver for Starfleet. It allows for both extensive repairs in the field that would otherwise require a spacedock (to increase her exploratory range), and also allows for easier transfer of equipment and personnel for any extensive planetary surveys.
* To avoid timing conflicts, members wishing to organize a competition must get approval from their unit leaders. All competitions must be approved by the OCS staff through administration on BFMS.
 
* All competitions must have clearly defined guidelines on how they will be judged.
 
* Competitions in Bravo Fleet are tiered based on their target audience, with the placement awards shifting in each situation. These are:
 
** Bravo Fleet-wide Fleet Action Events:
 
*** Starfleet Gold Star
 
*** Starfleet Silver Star
 
*** Starfleet Bronze Star
 
** Bravo Fleet-wide:
 
*** First Place: Action Medal with Galaxy Cluster
 
*** Second Place: Action Medal with Star Cluster
 
*** Third Place: Action Medal with Planet Cluster
 
** Task Force-wide:
 
*** First Place: Action Medal with Star Cluster
 
*** Second Place: Action Medal with Planet Cluster
 
*** Third Place: Action Medal with Moon Cluster
 
** Task Group-wide:
 
*** First Place: Action Medal with Planet Cluster
 
*** Second Place: Action Medal with Moon Cluster
 
*** Third Place: Action Medal with Comet Cluster
 
* A Fleet Action is a club-wide event consisting of several smaller events in phases. These smaller events fit into an overall storyline impacting multiple facets of Bravo Fleet canon. Fleet Actions are run by the Bravo Fleet Senior Staff at the direction of the BFCO and BFXO, and directly influence the direction of Bravo Fleet canon via the Loremaster.
 
* All competitions are expected to be judged and closed within (30) days of the end date. Competitions still open after this time will result in a warning email to the organizers.
 
** After 45 days, the OCS will take over judging the competition. At this point, an AWOL competition organizer may have their privileges to run competitions suspended by the OCS office.
 
* Competitions with valid participation are expected to place action medals accordingly, but there are always situations where no submission has met the subjective criteria for placement. Should this situation arise, the OCS must be notified of the situation and provided with the competition runner’s reasoning.
 
** Subjectively graded competitions (including but not limited to: fiction, graphics, poetry, caption contests, and other forms of creative activities) should not have ties when finalized, as there is always a method of discerning appropriate placements.
 
** Any competition that is likely to end in multiple ties should have clearly defined guidelines of how ties will be delineated so that there will only be one first, second, and third place finisher.
 
* Competition organizers and co-organizers are ineligible for placement in their competitions.
 
  
== Section 4 - Names & Usernames ==
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Finally, the ''Intrepid'' is equipped with an embarked runabout docked directly to the primary hull, the [[Aeroshuttle]]. This craft is based on the Danube-class design, though with an integrated hull design that provides lift in planetary atmospheres. It is designed for conducting scientific surveys and other away missions.
* Names of canon Star Trek characters are generally prohibited. If you are unsure if your character's name is in question, contact the OCS to work with you.
 
* Offensive names — while there is no formal list of names that are considered offensive, the Office of the Chief of Staff reserves the right to review potential or actually offensive names.
 
  
== Section 5 - Dossier Deletion ==
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=== Diplomacy ===
* Any member who wishes to leave Bravo Fleet in totality may do so by requesting their dossier be deleted by the OCS. Once a dossier is deleted it is done so in full and not retrievable.
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As with all explorers, ''Intrepid''-class starships are designed to be able to perform first contact missions. Her relatively small size led her designers to prioritize this type of mission over hosting large conferences or multi-party talks. Her guest quarters are small but well-appointed, and captains have several onboard briefing rooms and lounges to choose from for welcoming guests. ''Intrepid''-class captains must be well versed in the art of diplomacy, as the size of their vessels generally does not allow for a huge diplomatic support staff to be embarked.  
* Any awards, promotions, or recognitions that were on a dossier that has been deleted are not transferable to a new dossier created by the same member.
 
  
== Section 6 - Other ==
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Because of their high speed, Intrepid-class starships have been popular as couriers for flag officers and diplomats, most notably the USS Bellerophon's use by Admiral William Ross to travel to Romulus during the Dominion War. This assignment is rare, because these ships are better used on the frontier, and newer vessels like the [[Manticore Class|''Manticore'']] can perform the task more quickly and with more security.
* No ranks, medals, or awards from any other Star Trek club are transferable to Bravo Fleet.
 
  
[[Category:OCS Policy]]
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=== Engineering ===
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Upon its launch, the ''Intrepid'' was the testbed for experimental, cutting-edge technology that later became standard issue on all ships ahead of it. The most significant of these advances were the class-9 warp drive, variable-geometry warp nacelles, integrated bio-neural circuitry, and the Emergency Medical Hologram system. Maintenance advances have improved efficiency over the years, but these finely-tuned systems remain a major challenge for any engineering team. Indeed, the class retains a very similar configuration to the original design because of how closely all of its systems are integrated, limiting the possibilities for radical overhauls.
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The ''Intrepid'' was the first design to implement the new class-9 warp drive which allowed it to top speeds of warp 9.975, which made it the fastest Starfleet vessel at the time of its launch. Additionally, it was the first Starfleet vessel to field variable-geometry warp nacelles. The nacelles, when at warp velocities, pivot up at an angle. These two things combined made it the most subspace-friendly vessel that Starfleet had fielded to date with concerns of subspace damage due to extensive warp use spreading across the Alpha Quadrant. It also allowed the ''Intrepid'' to sustain much higher warp speeds for much longer periods of time than any vessel before it. With three decades of service history logged on these engines, they are now extremely reliable and some daring engineers have managed to coax a few more points of speed out of them. This design went on to be used in the ''Odyssey'' and [[Rhode Island Class|Rhode Island]] classes as well, and led to the class-10 in the ''[[Vesta Class|Vesta]].''
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[[File:IntrepidBeauty.jpg|alt=A forward view of an Intrepid-class starship, showing off her sleek but traditional design.|thumb|A forward view of an ''Intrepid''-class starship, showing off her sleek but traditional design.]]
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One of the most important innovations developed for the ''Intrepid'' was its integrated bio-neural circuitry. As a supplement to the traditional isolinear circuitry, the bio-neural gel packs act as a nervous system throughout the Intrepid. The bio-neural gel packs allows the ''Intrepid''-class computer core and systems to process information more efficiently, using more instinctive data processing, speed up probability calculations, and cutting down on the amount of crew needed to maintain its systems. The Intrepid also proved as a steep learning curve for the bio-neural systems. While far more robust and durable than traditional circuitry systems, and therefore requiring far less maintenance, they proved to require just as much previously unforeseen medical monitoring as they do engineering monitoring. This system has now been implemented widely across Starfleet, and maintenance protocols have made it much less susceptible to the biological threats encountered by ''Voyager'', but such failures remain a possibility.
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Finally, as a supplement to the ship’s medical facilities, the ''Intrepid'' was one of the first to also field the Emergency Medical Hologram. Utilizing the holographic emitters in the ''Intrepid''’s sickbay, the program was meant to supplement medical staff in the case of an emergency, allowing a holographic doctor to help diagnose, triage, and treat patients. In the case of at least one starship, it was able to completely replace the ship's entire medical staff with several expansions to its program. Overall, the technology proved to be incredibly useful to Starfleet vessels, particularly those ''Intrepid''-class starships on the frontier, and has been supplemented, enhanced, and improved across multiple Starfleet classes since the first implementation on the ''Intrepid''. Ships of this class now have ship-wide holographic projectors, and many now carry additional emergency or long-term holograms, but not at the fidelity of more modern ships.
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=== Tactical ===
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[[File:IntrepidTypeX.jpg|alt=Voyager using her phaser arrays against a Borg probe.|thumb|''Voyager'' using her phaser arrays against a Borg probe.]]
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Initially classified officially as a “light cruiser”, the ''Intrepid'' boasts a comprehensive but modest array of weaponry in its arsenal. Though easily out-classed by medium-sized threat vessels like the ''[[Valdore Class|Valdore]] or [[Vor'cha Class|Vor'cha]]'', the ''Intrepid'' has impressive phaser array coverage with very few blind spots. Her 13 phaser arrays are originally shared from the original Type-X system designed for the ''Galaxy'' class. Her overall firepower is substantially more limited than the ''Galaxy'' because of her much smaller power generation capabilities, putting out only a fraction of the firepower the ''Galaxy'' can while at peak operating power. Design studies were conducted to upgrade the arrays to Type-XII standards in parallel with the [[Rhode Island Class|''Rhode Island''-class scout]], but the ADSB could not solve power generation shortfalls such an upgrade would create without completely redesigning the warp engine systems as well, and it was deemed non-essential for an exploratory vessel. The ''Intrepid'' also sports two forward and two aft torpedo launchers, all of which are capable of firing both photon and quantum torpedoes as needed. The launchers can also be configured to fire probes and tricobalt devices if mission priorities require it.
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Ships of this class are generally not assigned to purely tactical missions, but their defensive capabilities make them well-suited to operating independently in moderately dangerous areas. Indeed, production of this class was limited during the Dominion War because of the comparative waste of resources it would be to use them ''en masse'' in battle situations. An ''Intrepid'' can out-run nearly any threat, and this is usually the preferred alternative to conflict. With large numbers of similarly-sized ''[[Prometheus Class|Prometheus]]'' and [[Manticore Class|''Manticore''-class heavy escorts]] now in service, along with the large fleet of [[Inquiry Class|''Inquiry''-class heavy cruisers]], Starfleet is able to keep the ''Intrepid'' assigned to the role it is best at: exploration.
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=== Shipboard Life ===
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[[File:Stargazer.png|alt=An Intrepid-class ship departing a planet after a survey.|thumb|An ''Intrepid''-class ship departing a planet after a survey.]]
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While smaller than the ''Galaxy'', the ''Intrepid'' was built to a similar standard of crew comfort, as her crew is also proportionally smaller. The ''Intrepid'' does not employ residential hallways, and crewmen at the most are two to a room and two rooms to a shared living area and head. Lieutenants and above have their own quarters, and the ship's senior officers have quarters with very large viewports. The ship's captain has an impressive suite on deck 3. Even in the 25th century, these accomodations are considered quite comfortable, and they have kept up with improvements in holography that allow for on-the-fly furniture and decor reconfigurations. The ''Intrepid'' is more limited in terms of the number and type of recreational facilities available, though, which means that the whole crew tend to see each other in places like the mess hall on deck 2 and the more intimate lounge on the stern.
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Relying more on holodecks than larger ships, the Intrepid was launched with the most advanced standard of holodeck available. Over the years, some vessels of this class have been equipped with additional holosuites to help meet crew demand, but this is always a balance between crew comfort and mission capabilities. Medical facilities are compact but state-of-the-art; many ships of this class have had their sickbays increased in size substantially, thanks to lessons learned from ''Voyager''. Improvements in holography also allow for spaces within sickbay to be reconfigured for specialized procedures.
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Ships of these class almost always have fewer than 200 crew members aboard, and their extended mission profiles mean that crew members will get to know each other very well during their time together. It's not quite so close quarters that folks don't have any privacy at all, but a small ship means that scuttlebutt will quickly uncover any secrets or drama. This remains a sought-after assignment for nearly any career path, and ''Intrepid''-class captains continue to be among Starfleet's best and brightest.
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== Intrepid Class History ==
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The ''Intrepid''-class was an astonishing feat of technological innovation that began its development in the midst of the launch of the ''Galaxy''-class platform. As Starfleet pined for larger, more multi-mission starships in lieu of the ''Constitution''-class starships a century before, there were some in Starfleet Command who wanted to bring forward a new line of smaller, faster, less resource-intensive exploration vessels; essentially bringing the ''Galaxy''-class down into a starship with a crew no more than 200. In order to do so, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers would have to bring to life technologies that were only thoughts in the imagination.
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The hull design for the ''Intrepid''-class was simple and sleek, returning to the ''Constitution''-class ethos in size, but it was the internal mechanisms that took over a decade to develop. When the ''Intrepid''-class launched in the early 2370s it was believed to be a sufficient supplement to Starfleet’s exploratory wing. During the Dominion War, several ''Intrepid''-class starships proved to be invaluable assets because of their incredible speed and extensive sensor suite. But it wasn’t until 2378 when the starship ''Voyager'' returned to the Alpha Quadrant after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant for 7 years that Starfleet finally knew it had a robust workhorse exploratory vessel that could withstand the rigors of deep space for extended periods of time.
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''Voyager'' herself was analyzed with a fine-tooth comb, and was disassembled over the course of a year-long after-action report, leading to design innovations for many other classes, as well as a comprehensive refit program for the ''Intrepid''. Indeed, Starfleet had been on the fence about continuing production of the class, but this sentiment evaporated when the true range and endurance of the design were revealed. Production continued steadily over the 2380s, though at a slower pace than tactically-oriented designs, and there are now many of these ships in service. Production ended in 2395 after a 25-year run. By the 25th century, regular refits have kept this design up to modern standards, but it is starting to show its age, especially in terms of her tactical capabilities and maintenance demands.
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== The ''Intrepid'' In Play ==
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* Made famous by Star Trek: Voyager, the ''Intrepid'' is (relatively) small, fast, and smart. This ship can do a lot of the things larger explorers like the ''Galaxy'' can but with a much smaller crew. This allows you to tell stories where you can hit all of the standard ''Star Trek'' beats, but there's a much more credible danger and peril in the story, as it's 170 people versus the world and not a thousand.
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* By the 25th century, this is an older design, but it's still extremely capable. While probably not as numerous as the ''Excelsiors'' ever were, they remain a useful frontline explorer after decades in service like they did. It wouldn't be accurate to describe them as run-down or second-rate, as they have been kept at the front of Starfleet's upgrade priorities, but they're not at the front of the pack anymore either.
 +
* ''Intrepid''-class ships are very well balanced, which offers you a lot of story possibilities with them.
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{{clear}}
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[[Category:Federation Starship Classes (2368-2375)]]

Revision as of 00:35, 25 April 2023

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.









Intrepidclass.png
Intrepid Class
Information
Affiliation

United Federation of Planets

Type

Light Explorer

Role

Light Explorer

Service
Operator

Starfleet

Entered Service

2370

Production Ended

2395

Endurance
Expected Design Life

100 Years

Expected Refit Cycle

10 Years

Expected Resupply Cycle

3 Years

Crew Capacity
Standard Complement

170

Emergency Capacity

500

Dimensions
Length

344 meters

Width

133 meters

Height

66 meters

Decks

15

Propulsion
Propulsion Systems

M/AM Warp Drive

Cruise Speed

Warp 7

Maximum Speed

Warp 9.7

Emergency Speed

Warp 9.975 (36 hours)

Armaments
Energy Weapons
  • 13x Type-X phaser arrays
Torpedo Launchers
  • 2 forward
  • 2 aft
Torpedo Payload
  • 40 Photon Torpedoes
  • 20 Quantum Torpedoes
Shields

Multi-Layered Shielding System

Small Craft
Shuttlebays

1

Shuttles

6

Runabouts

1

Auxiliary Craft

Aeroshuttle

IntrepidMSD.jpg
Template:Specification

The Intrepid-class light explorer is a fast and highly-capable independent research and exploration platform. First developed as a less crew-intensive complement to the Galaxy-class explorer, this class was the culmination of several experimental technologies for Starfleet in its efforts to launch a new generation of exploration type vessels in the late 2360s. As a testbed, the Intrepid was a decade in the making to offer the exploration and scientific capabilities of the Galaxy without the massive space frame or resources required to operate the much larger Galaxy. The seven-year journey of the USS Voyager to return home from the Delta Quadrant only validated the versatility and endurance of the Intrepid, making it a mainstay of Starfleet’s exploration arm. By the beginning of the 25th century, it remains useful but is beginning to show its age in comparison to the likes of the Luna and Vesta.

Exploration and Science

The Intrepid is solidly capable of long-term exploration missions without significant support, a capability proven by Voyager's seven-year mission in uncharted Delta Quadrant. In terms of pure science, she can handle anything ranging from logging gaseous anomalies to planetary analysis to scanning sub-quantum mass particulates. As an explorer, vessels of this class have been responsible for many first contacts.

The Intrepid, at the time of its launch, had sensors on par with the equipment found aboard Galaxy-class explorers and Nebula-class heavy cruisers, limited only by the smaller number of actual pallets it could mount. One advantage this class has over its elder sisters is a large forward sensor platform located on the forward dorsal of the primary hull, which is attuned to pathfinding operations. By the 25th century, regular updates to the Intrepid's cutting-edge sensors have ensured that she keeps pace with newer explorer classes, though newer science vessels, such as the Pathfinder (itself based on the Intrepid spaceframe) and the Sutherland, now boast more sophisticated and specialized equipment. All Intrepid-class ships are now equipped with an astrometrics lab based on the innovations created by Seven of Nine for Voyager, and Borg-inspired sensor enhancements have been implemented across the class.

By definition, a light explorer such as the Intrepid has its capabilities limited compared to larger explorers because of its limited available space. This was intentional, though, as it allows the Intrepid to perform similar missions to the Galaxy, Sovereign, and Odyssey with a much smaller footprint. In practical terms, this means fewer labs, smaller fuel reserves, and fewer redundancies in staff; while a Galaxy captain could expect her crew to be able to staff four shifts in every lab, that is not so of an Intrepid captain. Because of size constraints, an Intrepid has fewer specialized labs compared to a large explorer, but they are very well equipped to be configured as needed; for example the botany lab has the equipment to handle agricultural science, microbotany, paleobotany, and astrobotany studies.

When designed, it was envisioned that the Intrepid may be able to complete three or four-year missions, as the ADSB believed that the increases in efficiency created by her advanced systems would be outweighed by her extensive maintenance demands and small fuel reserves. Voyager's ability to survive without Starfleet support for seven years proved this belief to be incorrect and lessons learned from this journey have streamlined Intrepid maintenance schemes and vessels of this class have engaged in five, six, and seven-year missions in deep space. Starfleet now prefers to limit this class to three-year missions, as those vessels that have been sent on longer journeys tend to arrive back in spacedock needing extensive work to put them back into service.

As with the Nova-class surveyor designed contemporaneously, the Intrepid has the ability to land and take off from a planetary surface, this generation of Starfleet vessel being the first classes to do so as part of routine rather than emergency operations. The Intrepid-class hull design allows for a smooth atmospheric entry and egress, while landing gear on the bottom of the vessel supports the starship firmly on the surface of a planet, allowing for all ships systems to be taken offline if necessary. Landing mode was a two-fold problem solver for Starfleet. It allows for both extensive repairs in the field that would otherwise require a spacedock (to increase her exploratory range), and also allows for easier transfer of equipment and personnel for any extensive planetary surveys.

Finally, the Intrepid is equipped with an embarked runabout docked directly to the primary hull, the Aeroshuttle. This craft is based on the Danube-class design, though with an integrated hull design that provides lift in planetary atmospheres. It is designed for conducting scientific surveys and other away missions.

Diplomacy

As with all explorers, Intrepid-class starships are designed to be able to perform first contact missions. Her relatively small size led her designers to prioritize this type of mission over hosting large conferences or multi-party talks. Her guest quarters are small but well-appointed, and captains have several onboard briefing rooms and lounges to choose from for welcoming guests. Intrepid-class captains must be well versed in the art of diplomacy, as the size of their vessels generally does not allow for a huge diplomatic support staff to be embarked.

Because of their high speed, Intrepid-class starships have been popular as couriers for flag officers and diplomats, most notably the USS Bellerophon's use by Admiral William Ross to travel to Romulus during the Dominion War. This assignment is rare, because these ships are better used on the frontier, and newer vessels like the Manticore can perform the task more quickly and with more security.

Engineering

Upon its launch, the Intrepid was the testbed for experimental, cutting-edge technology that later became standard issue on all ships ahead of it. The most significant of these advances were the class-9 warp drive, variable-geometry warp nacelles, integrated bio-neural circuitry, and the Emergency Medical Hologram system. Maintenance advances have improved efficiency over the years, but these finely-tuned systems remain a major challenge for any engineering team. Indeed, the class retains a very similar configuration to the original design because of how closely all of its systems are integrated, limiting the possibilities for radical overhauls.

The Intrepid was the first design to implement the new class-9 warp drive which allowed it to top speeds of warp 9.975, which made it the fastest Starfleet vessel at the time of its launch. Additionally, it was the first Starfleet vessel to field variable-geometry warp nacelles. The nacelles, when at warp velocities, pivot up at an angle. These two things combined made it the most subspace-friendly vessel that Starfleet had fielded to date with concerns of subspace damage due to extensive warp use spreading across the Alpha Quadrant. It also allowed the Intrepid to sustain much higher warp speeds for much longer periods of time than any vessel before it. With three decades of service history logged on these engines, they are now extremely reliable and some daring engineers have managed to coax a few more points of speed out of them. This design went on to be used in the Odyssey and Rhode Island classes as well, and led to the class-10 in the Vesta.

A forward view of an Intrepid-class starship, showing off her sleek but traditional design.
A forward view of an Intrepid-class starship, showing off her sleek but traditional design.

One of the most important innovations developed for the Intrepid was its integrated bio-neural circuitry. As a supplement to the traditional isolinear circuitry, the bio-neural gel packs act as a nervous system throughout the Intrepid. The bio-neural gel packs allows the Intrepid-class computer core and systems to process information more efficiently, using more instinctive data processing, speed up probability calculations, and cutting down on the amount of crew needed to maintain its systems. The Intrepid also proved as a steep learning curve for the bio-neural systems. While far more robust and durable than traditional circuitry systems, and therefore requiring far less maintenance, they proved to require just as much previously unforeseen medical monitoring as they do engineering monitoring. This system has now been implemented widely across Starfleet, and maintenance protocols have made it much less susceptible to the biological threats encountered by Voyager, but such failures remain a possibility.

Finally, as a supplement to the ship’s medical facilities, the Intrepid was one of the first to also field the Emergency Medical Hologram. Utilizing the holographic emitters in the Intrepid’s sickbay, the program was meant to supplement medical staff in the case of an emergency, allowing a holographic doctor to help diagnose, triage, and treat patients. In the case of at least one starship, it was able to completely replace the ship's entire medical staff with several expansions to its program. Overall, the technology proved to be incredibly useful to Starfleet vessels, particularly those Intrepid-class starships on the frontier, and has been supplemented, enhanced, and improved across multiple Starfleet classes since the first implementation on the Intrepid. Ships of this class now have ship-wide holographic projectors, and many now carry additional emergency or long-term holograms, but not at the fidelity of more modern ships.

Tactical

Voyager using her phaser arrays against a Borg probe.
Voyager using her phaser arrays against a Borg probe.

Initially classified officially as a “light cruiser”, the Intrepid boasts a comprehensive but modest array of weaponry in its arsenal. Though easily out-classed by medium-sized threat vessels like the Valdore or Vor'cha, the Intrepid has impressive phaser array coverage with very few blind spots. Her 13 phaser arrays are originally shared from the original Type-X system designed for the Galaxy class. Her overall firepower is substantially more limited than the Galaxy because of her much smaller power generation capabilities, putting out only a fraction of the firepower the Galaxy can while at peak operating power. Design studies were conducted to upgrade the arrays to Type-XII standards in parallel with the Rhode Island-class scout, but the ADSB could not solve power generation shortfalls such an upgrade would create without completely redesigning the warp engine systems as well, and it was deemed non-essential for an exploratory vessel. The Intrepid also sports two forward and two aft torpedo launchers, all of which are capable of firing both photon and quantum torpedoes as needed. The launchers can also be configured to fire probes and tricobalt devices if mission priorities require it.

Ships of this class are generally not assigned to purely tactical missions, but their defensive capabilities make them well-suited to operating independently in moderately dangerous areas. Indeed, production of this class was limited during the Dominion War because of the comparative waste of resources it would be to use them en masse in battle situations. An Intrepid can out-run nearly any threat, and this is usually the preferred alternative to conflict. With large numbers of similarly-sized Prometheus and Manticore-class heavy escorts now in service, along with the large fleet of Inquiry-class heavy cruisers, Starfleet is able to keep the Intrepid assigned to the role it is best at: exploration.

Shipboard Life

An Intrepid-class ship departing a planet after a survey.
An Intrepid-class ship departing a planet after a survey.

While smaller than the Galaxy, the Intrepid was built to a similar standard of crew comfort, as her crew is also proportionally smaller. The Intrepid does not employ residential hallways, and crewmen at the most are two to a room and two rooms to a shared living area and head. Lieutenants and above have their own quarters, and the ship's senior officers have quarters with very large viewports. The ship's captain has an impressive suite on deck 3. Even in the 25th century, these accomodations are considered quite comfortable, and they have kept up with improvements in holography that allow for on-the-fly furniture and decor reconfigurations. The Intrepid is more limited in terms of the number and type of recreational facilities available, though, which means that the whole crew tend to see each other in places like the mess hall on deck 2 and the more intimate lounge on the stern.

Relying more on holodecks than larger ships, the Intrepid was launched with the most advanced standard of holodeck available. Over the years, some vessels of this class have been equipped with additional holosuites to help meet crew demand, but this is always a balance between crew comfort and mission capabilities. Medical facilities are compact but state-of-the-art; many ships of this class have had their sickbays increased in size substantially, thanks to lessons learned from Voyager. Improvements in holography also allow for spaces within sickbay to be reconfigured for specialized procedures.

Ships of these class almost always have fewer than 200 crew members aboard, and their extended mission profiles mean that crew members will get to know each other very well during their time together. It's not quite so close quarters that folks don't have any privacy at all, but a small ship means that scuttlebutt will quickly uncover any secrets or drama. This remains a sought-after assignment for nearly any career path, and Intrepid-class captains continue to be among Starfleet's best and brightest.

Intrepid Class History

The Intrepid-class was an astonishing feat of technological innovation that began its development in the midst of the launch of the Galaxy-class platform. As Starfleet pined for larger, more multi-mission starships in lieu of the Constitution-class starships a century before, there were some in Starfleet Command who wanted to bring forward a new line of smaller, faster, less resource-intensive exploration vessels; essentially bringing the Galaxy-class down into a starship with a crew no more than 200. In order to do so, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers would have to bring to life technologies that were only thoughts in the imagination.

The hull design for the Intrepid-class was simple and sleek, returning to the Constitution-class ethos in size, but it was the internal mechanisms that took over a decade to develop. When the Intrepid-class launched in the early 2370s it was believed to be a sufficient supplement to Starfleet’s exploratory wing. During the Dominion War, several Intrepid-class starships proved to be invaluable assets because of their incredible speed and extensive sensor suite. But it wasn’t until 2378 when the starship Voyager returned to the Alpha Quadrant after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant for 7 years that Starfleet finally knew it had a robust workhorse exploratory vessel that could withstand the rigors of deep space for extended periods of time.

Voyager herself was analyzed with a fine-tooth comb, and was disassembled over the course of a year-long after-action report, leading to design innovations for many other classes, as well as a comprehensive refit program for the Intrepid. Indeed, Starfleet had been on the fence about continuing production of the class, but this sentiment evaporated when the true range and endurance of the design were revealed. Production continued steadily over the 2380s, though at a slower pace than tactically-oriented designs, and there are now many of these ships in service. Production ended in 2395 after a 25-year run. By the 25th century, regular refits have kept this design up to modern standards, but it is starting to show its age, especially in terms of her tactical capabilities and maintenance demands.

The Intrepid In Play

  • Made famous by Star Trek: Voyager, the Intrepid is (relatively) small, fast, and smart. This ship can do a lot of the things larger explorers like the Galaxy can but with a much smaller crew. This allows you to tell stories where you can hit all of the standard Star Trek beats, but there's a much more credible danger and peril in the story, as it's 170 people versus the world and not a thousand.
  • By the 25th century, this is an older design, but it's still extremely capable. While probably not as numerous as the Excelsiors ever were, they remain a useful frontline explorer after decades in service like they did. It wouldn't be accurate to describe them as run-down or second-rate, as they have been kept at the front of Starfleet's upgrade priorities, but they're not at the front of the pack anymore either.
  • Intrepid-class ships are very well balanced, which offers you a lot of story possibilities with them.