Bravo Fleet
Difference between pages "Typhon class" and "Prometheus Class"

Difference between pages "Typhon class" and "Prometheus Class"

From Bravo Fleet
(Difference between pages)
m (Forcing category updates. Removing unneeded categories. Adding in era specific category.)
 
m (Forcing category updates. Removing unneeded categories. Adding in era specific category.)
 
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{{icons|bfc}}
{{Specification
{{Specification
| image = [[Image:Typhon.jpg]]
| image = [[Image:Prometheusclass.png]]
| displayName = '''''Typhon'' Class'''
| displayName = '''''Prometheus'' Class'''
| name = Typhon
| name = Prometheus
| affiliation = [[United Federation of Planets]]
| affiliation = [[United Federation of Planets]]
| operator = [[Starfleet]]
| operator = [[Starfleet]]
| status =  
| status =  
| role = Carrier
| role = Heavy Escort
| type =  
| type =  
| precedingClass =  
| precedingClass =  
Line 15: Line 16:
| expectedDuration = 100 Years
| expectedDuration = 100 Years
| expectedRefit = 10 Years
| expectedRefit = 10 Years
| timeResupply = 2 Years
| timeResupply = 5 Years
| crewComplement = 300
| crewComplement = 195
| emergencyCap = 2,500
| emergencyCap = 550
| civilians =  
| civilians =  
| populationCap =  
| populationCap =  
| flightCrew =  
| flightCrew =  
| passengers =  
| passengers =  
| length = 350 meters
| length = 415 meters
| width = 125  meters
| width = 163 meters
| diameter =  
| diameter =  
| height = 85 meters
| height = 64 meters
| decks = 25
| decks = 15
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 7
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 8
| maxSpeed = Warp 9.2
| maxSpeed = Warp 9
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.5
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.975 (24 hours)
| energyWeapons = *8x Type-X pulse phaser cannons
| energyWeapons = *12x Type-XI phaser arrays (normal)
| torpLaunchers = *1 forward
*18x Type-XII phaser arrays (MVAM)
| torpLaunchers = *2 forward (normal)
*4 forward (MVAM)
*1 aft
*1 aft
| torpPayload = *50 Photon Torpedoes
| torpPayload = *150 Photon Torpedoes
*50 Quantum Torpedoes
*150 Quantum Torpedoes
| shields = Multi-Layered Shielding System
| shields = Multi-Layered Shielding System
| dockingfacilities =  
| dockingfacilities =  
| shuttleBays = 6
| shuttleBays = 1
| shuttles = 6
| shuttles = 4
| runabouts = 2
| runabouts = 2
| fighters = 24
| fighters =  
| aux =  
| aux =  
| msd =  
| msd =  
| playable = yes
}}
}}
Now often described as a solution looking for a problem, the '''''Typhon''-class carrier''' is a limited-production vessel that was developed during the Dominion War as a combat support platform, but which now has extremely niche applications within Starfleet. Sometimes classified as a mobile base, this relatively small starship carries two wings of [[Starfighters|fighters]] and is generally meant to serve as a command and control hub for an area of space beyond the normal range of a starbase, operating in support of other small starships.
One of the most advanced tactical vessels in the fleet, the ''Prometheus'' is a sleek, well-armed starship that has been handling Starfleet’s most dangerous missions since the late 2370s. Exceedingly rare due to their complexities, they rival the larger ''Sovereign'' due to their unique Multi-Vector Assault Mode capability, which allows the ''Prometheus'' to split into three escort-sized vessels.


== Science and Exploration ==
=== Science and Exploration ===
Though she is not intended for exploratory missions, the ''Typhon'' class has a full science department aboard to analyze anomalies in the field and to support reconnaissance operations. Thus, there is a limited contingent of general science labs aboard. Compared to other small starships, the ''Typhon'' has a full complement of probes designed to support its operations in fringe regions of space, with a large number of advanced sensor probes that can linger in systems for years at a time. The ''Typhon''’s greatest strength is its ability to secure areas of space for future exploration, rather than performing exploratory duties herself.
Unlike the smaller ''Defiant''-class, the ''Prometheus'' is fully capable of performing light to medium-intensity exploratory missions, with a full suite of science labs and advanced long-range sensor arrays, though these sensors are primarily tuned towards tactical applications. She is outclassed by other vessels in her size category, such as the ''Luna'' and ''Intrepid'', however, and generally, she is kept to missions of a purely defensive nature, as her capabilities in this area are so great that it makes sending her on scientific missions to be a waste of resources.  


== Diplomatic ==
Prometheus-class science departments see the most work when the ship is sent on long-range tactical missions, which often affords them the opportunity to see things that other ships never get the chance to, behind hostile lines or in otherwise dangerous areas of space. The attitude among these crews is to get data when they can and make the most of wherever the ship happens to be at the time.
The ''Typhon'' class’s diplomatic capabilities are essentially non-existent, as the majority of the ship’s compact hull is packed with quarters for its pilots, engineering systems, and the hanger bays themselves. However, given their capability to serve as a remote forward outpost, these vessels serve as a link back to Starfleet Command and so can be used as an effective conduit for other starship captains to consult with headquarters during negotiations and first contact scenarios.


== Engineering ==
One exploratory advantage the Prometheus does have is its ability to separate into multiple sections, some of which have unique flight characteristics that have been exploited by their crews: the Alpha module for instance has been proven to handle atmospheric operations in gas giants particularly well, while the Beta module’s maneuverability in asteroid fields is unmatched.
The design of the ''Typhon c''lass has much more in common with bulk freighters than mainline Starfleet vessels, dispensing entirely with the traditional primary-secondary hull arrangement. The entire vessel is a roughly-rectangular, boxy monohull, which flares out amidships and narrows at the bow. The majority of the ship’s surface is covered in a substantial layer of ablative armor, though there is a lateral band of windows, sensor arrays, and defensive systems running around the hull.


This unusual hull geometry and a design brief that called for a minimized target profile requires four warp nacelles, mounted in pairs on either side of the ship’s aft section, where they are concealed from the front by the ship’s hull. The warp field is a unique four-lobed configuration that overcomes some of the inefficiencies inherent to the design, but limits the ship’s overall top speed to warp eight. This necessitated the inclusion of a series of docking latches on the dorsal surface which allows the ''Typhon'' to dock with large explorers to be transported to their deployments at higher speeds. Two large impulse engines give the carrier very respectable sub-light speeds.
=== Diplomacy ===
The ''Prometheus'' has since her inception served capably as a transport for flag officers and diplomats, thanks to her high top speed. She remains one of the fastest ships in the fleet and can comfortably get important people where they go with a minimum of fuss and without the need for an escort. Modest diplomatic quarters are located in the Alpha section and she has the facilities for small-scale diplomatic talks between multiple parties. A ''Prometheus''-class ship being assigned to mediate a talk can often be a statement in and of itself about how serious the Federation takes a situation.


== Tactical ==
As a diplomatic platform, the Prometheus has a unique ability to protect itself and to conceal its precise tactical capabilities, as the majority of her weapons systems are hidden between the ship’s separation planes and only become evident once she has engaged separated flight mode.
The ''Typhon c''lass is equipped with ten pulse phaser cannon turrets, two each port, starboard, and forward in the lateral trench and the remaining two on the ventral and dorsal surface of the hull, which provides comprehensive defensive coverage. While most ships of this size use phaser arrays, the turrets require less surface area and so allow the ship to have more armor to increase survivability. In addition, the individual turrets can be trained very effectively against small craft because of their faster firing time. The ship is also equipped with forward and aft torpedo launchers of the same design found aboard the Sovereign-class.


The ''Typhon'' is most effective in combat when being supported by its fighter group, and the two units work together in symbiosis to protect one another during engagements with other small craft. Critically, though, the ''Typhon'' is not meant to take down other capital ships, as it is difficult for it to bring enough firepower to bear on a single target to significantly weaken large vessels’ shields. Instead, it is typically accompanied by other starships or it must employ bombers. The ship’s heavy ablative armor and monohull design, however, makes it a tough nut to crack for all but the most determined attackers, so it can simply absorb fire until it has worn down the enemy or recovered its fighters so that it can retreat.
=== Engineering ===
As one would expect for three independent, warp-capable escort-class starships joined together, the ''Prometheus''-class is a maintenance-intensive vessel. Though she can be operated by a crew as small as four, she requires constant maintenance to keep her advanced tactical systems functioning. Outwardly, her design is roughly similar to contemporary designs, though the ''Prometheus'' is more angular than the ''Sovereign'' and ''Intrepid''. A large triangular primary hull (the Alpha Section) is joined to a long, flat secondary hull (the Beta Section), which is itself joined to a tertiary hull (the Gamma Section) containing the main deflector array. These sections are connected with sturdy docking latches and all have two warp nacelles, though those of the Alpha section are significantly smaller than the other two sections.


=== Embarked Craft ===
All three sections are equipped with a class-nine warp drive, using the same dilithium swirl chamber in use aboard the ''Intrepid''-class, though only the Beta and Gamma sections are capable of reaching the ship’s full Warp 9.99 maximum speed alone. The Alpha section can maintain such speeds if it separates while still at high warp but is otherwise limited to a more modest Warp 8. Main Engineering, located in the Gamma section, and Secondary Engineering, located in the Beta section, each contain a traditional vertical warp core, while the Alpha section has a horizontal core. When integrated, the ship relies on the warp core in the two engineering sections to feed the primary warp nacelles, with the saucer core remaining on hot standby until the ship separates, though the ship is capable of using all three at once if necessary.
The primary function of the ''Typhon'' class is to deliver fighters and other small attack vessels into combat. A typical loadout is 26 ''Valkyrie''-class fighters, though for strike missions it can instead carry 12 fighters and 6 ''Apsara''-class bombers. A standard complement of a half-dozen shuttles and two runabouts is also available.


To accommodate this large number of small craft, the ''Typhon'' has multiple hanger bays to handle a wide variety of embarked craft. The ship’s main hanger is located in the center of the ship, and this is where its squadrons are stored, repaired, armed, and refueled. Craft exit the ''Typhon'' through a number of different avenues depending on the mission parameters; ''Valkyrie''-class fighters are capable of using four lateral launch channels that connect directly to the main hanger, while larger vessels are deployed through eight underslung launch bays, which are housed in a retractable structure on the ventral side of the ship. The ventral hanger retracts for warp and certain combat situations, occupying the space within the center of the ship that is otherwise used to raise and lower craft via tractor beam down into the launch bays.
The complexity of this engine system far outstrips any of the other systems aboard the ship, and keeping the engines running consumes enormous amounts of time. This is helped by automation in other areas of the ship, but the ''Prometheus'' must often spend at least a week in port between assignments while her warp cores are detailed.


Retrieval is primarily handled through two large bays on the stern of the ship, which connect all the way through to the central hanger. These bays also handle general small craft activity, such as launching and retrieving shuttles and runabouts.
=== Tactical ===
The ''Prometheus''-class is an unparalleled combat vessel in Starfleet’s arsenal. Though she doesn’t have as much raw power as the ''Sovereign'' or quite as much concentrated firepower as the ''Defiant'', her unique ability to split into three escort-type vessels allows her to overpower much larger targets thanks to the maneuverability of the sections in concert. Integrated, the ship is still an extremely capable vessel as well.  


== Shipboard Life ==
While only the Alpha bridge needs to be manned for most operations, all three sections have their own bridge which can be used to command each section independently. In general, the ship’s movements are computer-controlled, and the secondary and tertiary bridges are mainly used to provide manned support in case of an emergency. In situations where the captain anticipates a battle, command is sometimes transferred to the Beta section, as its position deep within the hull during integrated flight mode is more defensible.
Life aboard a ''Typhon''-class carrier is quite different than aboard any other Federation ship, both in terms of the day-to-day routine and the ship’s command and control arrangement. While a standard bridge is used to control the ship itself, there is a second flight control center located above the bow which coordinates the movement of the ship’s fighters and other small craft.


Given how stressful piloting small spacecraft can be, the accommodations aboard the ''Typhon'' are comfortable. Pilots and other flight crew all have their own quarters, with generous lounges, gymnasia, and an arboretum available for rest and relaxation. The ship also has eight holodecks. A further four holosuites are reserved for pilot training exercises. Medical facilities are top-notch and significantly larger than other medium-sized ships. These crew support facilities both ensure that the ''Typhon''’s crew is well taken care of, but also allow it to serve as a forward operating base for small starships like the Defiant and Saber-class, so that their crews can relax and recuperate between missions.
The ''Prometheus''-class is equipped with ablative armor, Type-XII phaser arrays, and quantum torpedoes, which is to be expected for a class with her role. In addition, each section is equipped with a specialized weapons bay that can be used to mount unique weapons for specific missions or to test new systems for Starfleet. Often, these are used to mount double Type-XII phaser canon banks, though they can be swapped out at a starbase in a week or so.
 
Effectively, this vessel is an escort squadron all on its own, though with greater overall capabilities than three smaller vessels would be alone, as they are able to share resources between them and avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities between sections. The ''Prometheus'' is also capable of planetary landings and this feature can be used to gain a tactical advantage.
 
=== Shipboard Life ===
Though the ship has lots of automated systems to improve efficiency on things like life support, structural integrity, sensor arrays, and computers, she still has a larger crew than the similarly-sized ''Intrepid''-class because of the complexity of her engines and tactical systems. A posting to this vessel requires both high technical acumen and top-secret security clearance, making every ''Prometheus''-class an elite unit. Percentages of science and medical personnel skew lower in favor of security, tactical, and engineering personnel. Many ''Prometheus''-class ships have full-time intelligence sections onboard as well.
 
Accommodations are roughly the same as the ''Intrepid''-class, though more crew have to share quarters than on the ''Intrepid''. The majority of the crew quarters are located in the Alpha section, but both of the other two sections have contingency bunk rooms to accommodate crew members in the rare situations where the ship is separated for long enough to need them. Medical facilities and two holodecks are also located in the Alpha section, while the other two sections must rely on smaller aid stations and the ship’s EMH in separated flight mode.
 
A unique aspect about serving aboard a ''Prometheus''-class ship is that communications are monitored and censored much more often than on other Starfleet vessels due to the nature of her sensitive missions. People who serve on these vessels must develop the ability to avoid discussing the specifics of their missions, lest they find themselves reassigned to a lesser posting, or worse: cause their ship’s movements to be known to opposing forces.


== Class History ==
== Class History ==
Developed after the disastrous encounter between the USS ''Odyssey'' and the Jem’Hadar, the ''Typhon'' was originally envisioned as a combat starship that would completely eliminate the structural vulnerabilities common to Federation starships, namely the connections between various hull components, such as the interconnecting dorsal and nacelle pylons. Based off of design elements more common to bulk freighters than to Starfleet vessels, the original space frame design was boxy and angular, studded with phaser arrays and left with open space to accommodate new weapons designs. It would be slow and ungainly, so it would be delivered into battle by other starships. However, early on in the design process, Starfleet managed to solve the problem that made the Dominion’s polaron weapons so effective against Federation shields, and so the need for an armored starship became less pressing. Indeed, the new Sovereign-class starships coming online in the early 2370s were markedly superior in terms of armament.
First ordered following the Battle of Wolf 359, the ''Prometheus''-class was originally designed simply to be a faster, more tactically-oriented version of the ''Intrepid''-class already under development, but as the design process continued the brief shifted to a vessel that would be the fastest, most heavily-armed medium starship in Starfleet’s arsenal.


Instead of an assault vessel, the ''Typhon'' was redesigned to repurpose the space that the designers had left over for experimental weapons into large hangar bays, to deploy two squadrons of experimental ''Valkyrie''-class fighters, when it was seen that existing starship designs were ill-equipped to deploy and support starfighters with standard shuttle bays. The design was further altered to add command and control systems, as well as scientific and medical facilities that would allow it to serve as a mobile outpost in support of Starfleet’s smallest vessels, many of which were not being built up to full spec anyway during the run-up of production for the war.
While the ''Defiant''-class project was showing promise, Starfleet was concerned with the class’s obvious deficiencies in terms of range and independence. While an escort-sized starship had many advantages as a warship—something that the Klingon Bird of Prey had long since proven—it was difficult to pack any sort of real long-range capabilities into a space frame of that size. To answer this, the ''Prometheus''-class design was altered to incorporate three separate sections that could operate together as a unit in combat, which combined an escort’s size and maneuverability with the long-range capabilities of a larger starship, because the three sections could share fuel, crew, and consumables without overburdening any one section with too much mass.


The USS ''Typhon'' was launched in early 2375, just in time to participate in some of the most crucial battles of the war, but by the time her sister ship, ''Prophyrion'', left the yards, the Treaty of Bajor had been signed and the war was over. There were orders for an additional four units that were completed, as Starfleet was wary of how lasting the peace would be, but the majority of these vessels were held in reserve at shipyards rather than deployed on active service. The Typhon herself acquitted herself very well in combat situations, but her low top speed and lack of versatility meant that she was relegated to frontier areas that needed both her fighters and her fleet support capabilities.
In 2374, the prototype ''Prometheus'' was undergoing its shakedown operations, when it was seized by the Tal Shiar. It was stolen back by a pair of EMH programs, who were able to inflict heavy damage on three Romulan D’Deridex-class warbirds (not to mention the Starfleet rescue force) even in an uncrewed and unfinished state. This served as an immediate proof-of-concept, though it was too late in the war for the members of this class to be able to make much of a difference. ''Prometheus'' herself did participate in several pivotal battles in the final months of the war, though.


During the 2380s, the ''Typhon''-class carriers were deployed to protect refugee ships during the evacuation of Romulus, as well as to support the vast fleets of runabouts and shuttles that were in use for those missions. One vessel, the ''Theodamos'', was destroyed during the attack on Mars in 2385. Following the destruction of Romulus, they were switched to a defensive posture along the Romulan border to ensure that the chaos roiling in their space did not spill over into the Federation.
In the 2370s, production of this class continued at a rate of one unit per year, as priorities shifted back to peacetime goals of exploration and diplomacy. When they can be found, though, they are a favored tool of Starfleet Command for long-range tactical missions, and otherwise serve very capably in defensive and diplomatic roles.


By the 2390s, the ''Typhon'' class remains in service, but is seen as an unusual design that lost much of its utility when the conflict it was built for ended. However, they remain extremely valuable in situations where Starfleet needs to deploy a force of small craft that can be supported independently.
== In Play ==


== The Typhon Class in Play ==
* The Prometheus is a small fleet in and of itself, forming a squadron of escort-type vessels when it enters into Multi-Vector Assault Mode. This makes it an incredibly useful asset, but also one that is very time-intensive to construct and maintain. They’re a very rare sight.
* The ''Typhon'' class is an unusual design and it’s an extremely rare sight. You’re not often going to see them in the core of the Federation, as the ones that are in service are in frontier areas, and the rest are laid up in shipyards.
* This class of ship is wasted on anything other than long-range tactical missions or transporting important diplomats or flag officers. These ships just aren’t assigned to milk runs.
* This class has a very different feel than other starships; it’s much more like serving on a starbase or an outpost than an explorer, though they are comfortable ships.
* Unlike a Galaxy or Odyssey-class ship, the Prometheus isn’t meant to fly separated for long periods of time. The sections rely on each other for shared resources and consumables, as well as facilities. The entire crew could fit into any of the three sections, but they’d likely be cramped and hungry in one of the engineering sections!
* The ship itself is unlikely to be doing any knife-fight range combat of its own, as that’s what its fighters are for. ''Typhon'' captains must resist allowing the carrier itself to get caught up in the fray, and instead stay out of the battle and support their fighters with torpedo salvos. The phaser cannons are for point-defense purposes.
* It would be unusual for a captain of a vessel like this not to have experience with fighters, either as a pilot themselves or in some other capacity.


{{clear}}
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[[Category:Federation Starship Classes (2368-2375)]]
[[Category:Federation Starship Classes (2368-2375)]]

Revision as of 23:37, 22 April 2023

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.









Prometheusclass.png
Prometheus Class
Information
Affiliation

United Federation of Planets

Role

Heavy Escort

Service
Operator

Starfleet

Entered Service

2375

Endurance
Expected Design Life

100 Years

Expected Refit Cycle

10 Years

Expected Resupply Cycle

5 Years

Crew Capacity
Standard Complement

195

Emergency Capacity

550

Dimensions
Length

415 meters

Width

163 meters

Height

64 meters

Decks

15

Propulsion
Propulsion Systems

Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive

Cruise Speed

Warp 8

Maximum Speed

Warp 9

Emergency Speed

Warp 9.975 (24 hours)

Armaments
Energy Weapons
  • 12x Type-XI phaser arrays (normal)
  • 18x Type-XII phaser arrays (MVAM)
Torpedo Launchers
  • 2 forward (normal)
  • 4 forward (MVAM)
  • 1 aft
Torpedo Payload
  • 150 Photon Torpedoes
  • 150 Quantum Torpedoes
Shields

Multi-Layered Shielding System

Small Craft
Shuttlebays

1

Shuttles

4

Runabouts

2

Template:Specification

One of the most advanced tactical vessels in the fleet, the Prometheus is a sleek, well-armed starship that has been handling Starfleet’s most dangerous missions since the late 2370s. Exceedingly rare due to their complexities, they rival the larger Sovereign due to their unique Multi-Vector Assault Mode capability, which allows the Prometheus to split into three escort-sized vessels.

Science and Exploration

Unlike the smaller Defiant-class, the Prometheus is fully capable of performing light to medium-intensity exploratory missions, with a full suite of science labs and advanced long-range sensor arrays, though these sensors are primarily tuned towards tactical applications. She is outclassed by other vessels in her size category, such as the Luna and Intrepid, however, and generally, she is kept to missions of a purely defensive nature, as her capabilities in this area are so great that it makes sending her on scientific missions to be a waste of resources.

Prometheus-class science departments see the most work when the ship is sent on long-range tactical missions, which often affords them the opportunity to see things that other ships never get the chance to, behind hostile lines or in otherwise dangerous areas of space. The attitude among these crews is to get data when they can and make the most of wherever the ship happens to be at the time.

One exploratory advantage the Prometheus does have is its ability to separate into multiple sections, some of which have unique flight characteristics that have been exploited by their crews: the Alpha module for instance has been proven to handle atmospheric operations in gas giants particularly well, while the Beta module’s maneuverability in asteroid fields is unmatched.

Diplomacy

The Prometheus has since her inception served capably as a transport for flag officers and diplomats, thanks to her high top speed. She remains one of the fastest ships in the fleet and can comfortably get important people where they go with a minimum of fuss and without the need for an escort. Modest diplomatic quarters are located in the Alpha section and she has the facilities for small-scale diplomatic talks between multiple parties. A Prometheus-class ship being assigned to mediate a talk can often be a statement in and of itself about how serious the Federation takes a situation.

As a diplomatic platform, the Prometheus has a unique ability to protect itself and to conceal its precise tactical capabilities, as the majority of her weapons systems are hidden between the ship’s separation planes and only become evident once she has engaged separated flight mode.

Engineering

As one would expect for three independent, warp-capable escort-class starships joined together, the Prometheus-class is a maintenance-intensive vessel. Though she can be operated by a crew as small as four, she requires constant maintenance to keep her advanced tactical systems functioning. Outwardly, her design is roughly similar to contemporary designs, though the Prometheus is more angular than the Sovereign and Intrepid. A large triangular primary hull (the Alpha Section) is joined to a long, flat secondary hull (the Beta Section), which is itself joined to a tertiary hull (the Gamma Section) containing the main deflector array. These sections are connected with sturdy docking latches and all have two warp nacelles, though those of the Alpha section are significantly smaller than the other two sections.

All three sections are equipped with a class-nine warp drive, using the same dilithium swirl chamber in use aboard the Intrepid-class, though only the Beta and Gamma sections are capable of reaching the ship’s full Warp 9.99 maximum speed alone. The Alpha section can maintain such speeds if it separates while still at high warp but is otherwise limited to a more modest Warp 8. Main Engineering, located in the Gamma section, and Secondary Engineering, located in the Beta section, each contain a traditional vertical warp core, while the Alpha section has a horizontal core. When integrated, the ship relies on the warp core in the two engineering sections to feed the primary warp nacelles, with the saucer core remaining on hot standby until the ship separates, though the ship is capable of using all three at once if necessary.

The complexity of this engine system far outstrips any of the other systems aboard the ship, and keeping the engines running consumes enormous amounts of time. This is helped by automation in other areas of the ship, but the Prometheus must often spend at least a week in port between assignments while her warp cores are detailed.

Tactical

The Prometheus-class is an unparalleled combat vessel in Starfleet’s arsenal. Though she doesn’t have as much raw power as the Sovereign or quite as much concentrated firepower as the Defiant, her unique ability to split into three escort-type vessels allows her to overpower much larger targets thanks to the maneuverability of the sections in concert. Integrated, the ship is still an extremely capable vessel as well.

While only the Alpha bridge needs to be manned for most operations, all three sections have their own bridge which can be used to command each section independently. In general, the ship’s movements are computer-controlled, and the secondary and tertiary bridges are mainly used to provide manned support in case of an emergency. In situations where the captain anticipates a battle, command is sometimes transferred to the Beta section, as its position deep within the hull during integrated flight mode is more defensible.

The Prometheus-class is equipped with ablative armor, Type-XII phaser arrays, and quantum torpedoes, which is to be expected for a class with her role. In addition, each section is equipped with a specialized weapons bay that can be used to mount unique weapons for specific missions or to test new systems for Starfleet. Often, these are used to mount double Type-XII phaser canon banks, though they can be swapped out at a starbase in a week or so.

Effectively, this vessel is an escort squadron all on its own, though with greater overall capabilities than three smaller vessels would be alone, as they are able to share resources between them and avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities between sections. The Prometheus is also capable of planetary landings and this feature can be used to gain a tactical advantage.

Shipboard Life

Though the ship has lots of automated systems to improve efficiency on things like life support, structural integrity, sensor arrays, and computers, she still has a larger crew than the similarly-sized Intrepid-class because of the complexity of her engines and tactical systems. A posting to this vessel requires both high technical acumen and top-secret security clearance, making every Prometheus-class an elite unit. Percentages of science and medical personnel skew lower in favor of security, tactical, and engineering personnel. Many Prometheus-class ships have full-time intelligence sections onboard as well.

Accommodations are roughly the same as the Intrepid-class, though more crew have to share quarters than on the Intrepid. The majority of the crew quarters are located in the Alpha section, but both of the other two sections have contingency bunk rooms to accommodate crew members in the rare situations where the ship is separated for long enough to need them. Medical facilities and two holodecks are also located in the Alpha section, while the other two sections must rely on smaller aid stations and the ship’s EMH in separated flight mode.

A unique aspect about serving aboard a Prometheus-class ship is that communications are monitored and censored much more often than on other Starfleet vessels due to the nature of her sensitive missions. People who serve on these vessels must develop the ability to avoid discussing the specifics of their missions, lest they find themselves reassigned to a lesser posting, or worse: cause their ship’s movements to be known to opposing forces.

Class History

First ordered following the Battle of Wolf 359, the Prometheus-class was originally designed simply to be a faster, more tactically-oriented version of the Intrepid-class already under development, but as the design process continued the brief shifted to a vessel that would be the fastest, most heavily-armed medium starship in Starfleet’s arsenal.

While the Defiant-class project was showing promise, Starfleet was concerned with the class’s obvious deficiencies in terms of range and independence. While an escort-sized starship had many advantages as a warship—something that the Klingon Bird of Prey had long since proven—it was difficult to pack any sort of real long-range capabilities into a space frame of that size. To answer this, the Prometheus-class design was altered to incorporate three separate sections that could operate together as a unit in combat, which combined an escort’s size and maneuverability with the long-range capabilities of a larger starship, because the three sections could share fuel, crew, and consumables without overburdening any one section with too much mass.

In 2374, the prototype Prometheus was undergoing its shakedown operations, when it was seized by the Tal Shiar. It was stolen back by a pair of EMH programs, who were able to inflict heavy damage on three Romulan D’Deridex-class warbirds (not to mention the Starfleet rescue force) even in an uncrewed and unfinished state. This served as an immediate proof-of-concept, though it was too late in the war for the members of this class to be able to make much of a difference. Prometheus herself did participate in several pivotal battles in the final months of the war, though.

In the 2370s, production of this class continued at a rate of one unit per year, as priorities shifted back to peacetime goals of exploration and diplomacy. When they can be found, though, they are a favored tool of Starfleet Command for long-range tactical missions, and otherwise serve very capably in defensive and diplomatic roles.

In Play

  • The Prometheus is a small fleet in and of itself, forming a squadron of escort-type vessels when it enters into Multi-Vector Assault Mode. This makes it an incredibly useful asset, but also one that is very time-intensive to construct and maintain. They’re a very rare sight.
  • This class of ship is wasted on anything other than long-range tactical missions or transporting important diplomats or flag officers. These ships just aren’t assigned to milk runs.
  • Unlike a Galaxy or Odyssey-class ship, the Prometheus isn’t meant to fly separated for long periods of time. The sections rely on each other for shared resources and consumables, as well as facilities. The entire crew could fit into any of the three sections, but they’d likely be cramped and hungry in one of the engineering sections!
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