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The Sutherland-class research cruiser is a large science vessel derived from the Nebula-class heavy cruiser. It is intended to carry large scale instruments into the field with large crews of scientific personnel; it is by far the largest dedicated science vessel in service. Compared to the Nebula, many of its exterior features have been simplified and it is more lightly armed. These vessels can mainly be found making use of their vast scientific and research capabilities to perform extremely detailed studies of planets, celestial phenomena, anomalies and entire regions of space.
The ''Sutherland''-class research cruiser is a large science vessel derived from the Nebula-class heavy cruiser. It is intended to carry large scale instruments into the field with large crews of scientific personnel; it is by far the largest dedicated science vessel in service. Compared to the ''Nebula'', many of its exterior features have been simplified and it is more lightly armed. These vessels can mainly be found making use of their vast scientific and research capabilities to perform extremely detailed studies of planets, celestial phenomena, anomalies and entire regions of space.


=== Exploration and Science ===
=== Science and Exploration ===
While rarely being deployed at a long enough range to be on the truly cutting edge of space exploration, the Sutherland-class excels at the follow up. Fully customisable sensor palettes are designed to house a comprehensive suite of Starfleet’s most advanced particle detection technology. From quarks to chronitons, photons to quantum filaments; if it’s there, the Sutherland-class will sniff it out. As a result, the geo-imaging, cartographic and data collection capabilities of this class of ship are second to none.   
While rarely being deployed at a long enough range to be on the truly cutting edge of space exploration, the ''Sutherland''-class excels at the follow up. Fully customisable sensor palettes are designed to house a comprehensive suite of Starfleet’s most advanced particle detection technology. From quarks to chronitons, photons to quantum filaments; if it’s there, the ''Sutherland''-class will sniff it out. As a result, the geo-imaging, cartographic and data collection capabilities of this class of ship are second to none.    


Like its predecessor, the Nebula-class, the large internal volume of the Sutherland-class makes it something of a “mobile starbase” in terms of scientific output. Extensive laboratory complexes and specialist analytical facilities are networked with bio-neural computing power measuring in yottaFLOPS. Again, like the Nebula-class, there exists a large amount of vacant internal space available for upgrades, mission specific equipment and anything else that might be considered necessary for the wide variety of missions a Sutherland-class vessel might find itself assigned to.
Like its predecessor, the large internal volume of the ''Sutherland''-class makes it something of a “mobile starbase” in terms of scientific output. Extensive laboratory complexes and specialist analytical facilities are networked with bio-neural computing power measuring in yottaFLOPS. Again, like the ''Nebula''-class, there exists a large amount of vacant internal space available for upgrades, mission specific equipment and anything else that might be considered necessary for the wide variety of missions a ''Sutherland''-class vessel might find itself assigned to.


The sheer size and complexity of the scientific systems aboard the Sutherland-class have limited its ability to carry long range independent operations. While internal space and mission pods might be used for storage for deuterium and other provisions, the colossal energy requirements of these ships’ scientific and computational equipment make the deployment of the Sutherland-class to very far-flung regions of the galaxy both unlikely and inefficient. Starfleet has instead commissioned these ships to operate as massive data collection platforms, regularly returning to starbase to disseminate information and take on new mission critical equipment, materiel and personnel.
With a detachment of five runabouts and fourteen shuttlecraft, the ''Sutherland''-class has all it needs to act as a temporary base of operations for smaller manned missions. These range from observation of stellar phenomena from different vantage points to collection and cataloguing of bio-specimens during planetary surveys. Resources also exist aboard the Sutherland-class for the transportation of industrial replimat components planetside. While large, these replimats are limited to the production of field hospitals, emergency shelters, “duck blinds” and research outposts. The construction of any larger structures remains beyond the scope of a single vessel.  


The sheer size and complexity of the scientific systems aboard the ''Sutherland''-class have limited its ability to carry out long range independent operations. Although internal space and mission pods can be used for extra deuterium storage, the colossal energy requirements of maintaining the Sutherland’s scientific and computational prowess make its deployment to very far-flung regions of the galaxy both unlikely and inefficient. Starfleet has instead commissioned these ships to operate as massive mobile data collection platforms, regularly returning to starbase to disseminate information and take on new mission critical modules, materiel and personnel.  


=== Diplomatic ===
=== Diplomatic ===
The ''Nebula''-class is one of the most commonly-used starships for diplomatic purposes, as it has extensive guest quarters, conference spaces, and recreational amenities to entertain dignitaries of any species. In addition, the large number of holodecks aboard further increases their ability to conduct diplomacy. Due to their combat strength, the ''Nebula''-class is considered a significant display of force for ‘show the flag’ patrols along the Federation’s borders, reassuring colonies and deterring enemies, and thus conducting diplomacy through indirect means.
The size of the ''Sutherland''-class makes it a viable option for hosting diplomatic functions, conferences and transporting large groups of dignitaries between destinations within Federation space. Such meetings and events often form part of Starfleet’s obligations under research sharing agreements negotiated between the Federation and other galactic powers. In such cases, the Sutherland-class may well find itself traveling beyond Federation borders in the name of scientific cooperation.  


''Nebula''-class ships are fully capable of conducting first contact operations, and many have done so on their extended deep-space missions outside of Federation space.  
Humanitarian aid is an area in which the ''Sutherland''-class excels. Reconfigurable space throughout the ship, along with mission pods containing hospital facilities, storage and emergency shelters, allow the Sutherland-class to assist with a whole host of mission types in this arena. Planetary evacuations, contagions, natural disaster and famine relief are all scenarios in which the ''Sutherland''-class would be a crucial responder.
 
It is uncommon, but not unheard of for ships of the Sutherland-class to engage in first contact missions. The most likely scenario here would be following on from initial discoveries made by scout ships without the means to establish meaningful diplomatic connections alone, such as ''Nova'' or ''Rhode'' Island-class vessels. More likely would be the involvement of the ''Sutherland''-class with second contact missions with civilisations known to be peaceful, possessing similar cultural interests to the Federation. In this situation, the Sutherland-class acts as an ideal showcase of Federation science and research technology.


=== Engineering ===
=== Engineering ===
While the original configuration of this class had more marked differences from the ''Galaxy''-class, a redesign in the late 2360s has resulted in them sharing over 90% of their components. The primary difference between the two classes is that the Nebula-class lacks an interconnecting dorsal hull between its elliptical saucer section and rounded engineering hull. The nacelles they use are identical, but they are inverted on the ''Nebula'' class, hanging under the ship’s superstructure rather than over it. In addition, the distinctive mission pod of this class gives it a significantly different profile.
The ''Sutherland''’s similar configuration to the ''Nebula''-class is where the similarities end. The matching profiles of the two classes belie the fact that every major component of the ''Sutherland'' has been designed from scratch. The ship is outfitted with state-of-the-art systems ready for service well into, and potentially even beyond the 25<sup>th</sup> Century.  


The class-seven warp drive aboard the ''Nebula'' gives the ship solid and impressive cruising speeds, though she does not have the same sprinting abilities that the ''Galaxy'' has, due to a slightly smaller warp core. The impulse engine systems are significantly different, as the ''Nebula'' uses exhaust diffusers to protect the pod’s superstructure from super-heated plasma. Instead, the ship relies entirely on its subspace driver coils and thrusters to maneuver at sublight.
The warp core aboard the ''Sutherland''-class is robust; powerful enough to provide for the needs of sprawling bio-neural computing nodes, subatomic spectral analysis modules and other starbase-level tools. This has, however, limited the ship’s cruising speed to warp 7. A sprinting speed of warp 9 also means that the ''Sutherland'' might not be the first ship in a given region to reach the site of an incident.  


This class uses standard isolinear computing systems, with two computer cores in the primary hull and a third in the secondary hull. There are provisions for a fourth core that is occupied by an inert ballast opposite the third core, but few Nebula-class ships have ever been equipped with them, and even then only for extremely special circumstances.  
Extensive hangar space provides ample space for the ''Sutherland''’s compliment of shuttles and runabouts. The largest of these, housing the majority of the support craft, can be found at the stern of the ship. A second auxiliary bay is located to the rear of the saucer section beneath the mission pod’s overhang. Cargo space also abounds, further highlighting the ship’s usefulness in emergency supply or evacuation missions. Twenty cargo bays can also be found lining either side of the rear ventral saucer section and twenty more are positioned on the underside of the secondary hull. All cargo bays have doors opening directly into space for direct resupply of bulky goods while docked.


The ''Nebula''-class has extensive cargo transport abilities and small craft hangers, with a large shuttle bay complex under the bridge, and another on the stern of the ship. In addition, there are cargo bays in the undercut of the secondary hull and on the lower levels of the primary hull, all with direct access through hatches to space.  
=== Tactical ===
When placed into a combat situation, the ''Sutherland''-class might be considered somewhat cumbersome from a tactical perspective. Nevertheless, four type XII phaser arrays allow the ship to defend itself adequately from potential harassment by smaller hostile vessels. In case of attack by a more threatening foe, one forward and one aft torpedo launcher can provide defensive cover as the ship beats a hasty retreat.


Like the ''Galaxy''-class, the ''Nebula''-class is capable of separating the primary and secondary hulls and reattaching them without starbase support. This functionality is intended to allow the saucer to take the majority of the ship’s company out of danger in an emergency, but some captains have used it in tactical situations as well. Given that the impulse engines are located in the saucer, the stardrive section must rely on thrusters and the warp engines configured to generate a subspace field akin to what the impulse engines’ subspace drivers coils do to sustain sublight flight. This is not particularly efficient and so it is rare for these vessels to separate.
If deployed as part of a Starfleet battle group the ''Sutherland''-class is often placed in a forward reconnaissance position, taking advantage of its long-range sensor capabilities. In such a situation, group commanders would be careful not to position the ''Sutherland'' too far beyond friendly forces as to risk the ship becoming cut off by a rapidly advancing enemy. A ''Sutherland'' might also be positioned towards the centre of a task group so as to be well defended on all sides.  


=== Tactical ===
Surveillance activities are also a potential tactical use of the ''Sutherland''-class’ powerful long range sensor suite. Captains may select mission pods equipped with subspace telemetry and signal interception hardware, enabling early threat detection and monitoring of poorly encrypted subspace communications.  
The Nebula-class is a solid ship-of-the-line with powerful shielding and large phaser arrays. With both forward and aft torpedo launchers in her stock configuration, she is a major threat to other ships of her size. This power can further be augmented by a mission pod, mounting additional torpedo bays or phaser arrays. During the Dominion War period, nearly all of these vessels were equipped with tactical pods that brought their combat potential to or beyond the ''Galaxy''-class explorer, but the long-range sensor pods have also proven useful in combat for ECM and ECCM duties.
 
Given her smaller profile than her larger cousin, the ''Nebula'' is highly maneuverable at sublight, but her firing arcs are more limited. Due to the position of the nacelles, certain angles from the primary phasers are restricted, and the ''Nebula'' lacks arrays that can fire directly aft. ''Nebula''-class captains are trained to favor head-on attacks and strafing runs, rather than relying on extensive phaser coverage through multiple arcs.


=== Mission Pods ===
=== Mission Pods ===
The ''Nebula''-class has several different module options, ranging from a long-range sensor pod, to a tactical pod containing extra torpedo launchers, to hospital pods, to colony pods, and scientific laboratory pods. The limit of this system is generally left to the imagination of her captains, though it can take several days to install a new pod correctly at a starbase, and several weeks for an entirely new pod to be fabricated in the first place.   
A wide variety of mission pods are available for captains to choose from depending on the needs of the mission at hand. Pods can be swapped out at starbases large enough to internally dock the ''Sutherland''-class. Commonly used pod loadouts are kept on hand by starbases for quick switching out. These include:  


Standard pods currently available are:
* Tactical pod: Contains an additional six forward and two aft photon torpedo launchers.
* Subspace telemetry and signal interception pod: Provides advanced warning of incoming threats and subspace communication monitoring abilities.
* Hospital pod: A 200 bed hospital along supplies for the construction of four field hospitals on a planetary surface.
* Hangar pod: Can carry an additional ten runabouts or twenty ''Valkyrie''-class fighters.
* Colony pod: A colony complex with space for 300 colonists. On reaching a destination world, the pod separates from the ship and lands on the surface. The pod then deploys itself into key structures, optimised for the climate and conditions of the target planet.
* Cetacean pod: A fully aquatic operations centre from which water dwelling crew can work freely, providing valuable scientific insight. Particularly important for the study of Class O worlds.
* Observation pod: Contains an array of scientific equipment and supplies with which to covertly construct “duck blinds” for the observation of pre-warp species. This pod can be manned and left in orbit in lieu of outpost construction.


* A long-range sensor pod that significantly increases the ship’s scanning range, but which lacks any extra defenses.
It should also be noted that captains have the option of designing custom mission pods to suit special assignment needs. All starbases with mission pods in storage also have the ability to retrofit them with new components. This will, however, take several weeks to accomplish as opposed to mere days required to fit a prebuilt pod.  
* A tactical pod containing six forward-firing torpedo launchers and an additional two aft-firing launchers with 200 photon torpedoes.
* A colony pod that can detach from the ship and land on a planet’s surface with two-hundred colonists and enough supplies to build a rudimentary colony.
* A medical pod with a 100-bed hospital and supplies to construct a further four field hospitals.
* A hanger pod, with a forward-aft through-bay that can carry up to eight runabouts or sixteen fighters.


=== Shipboard Life ===
=== Shipboard Life ===
The Nebula-class is a comfortable, modern ship with all of the amenities one would expect from a ship of her size and age. With substantial recreational facilities and holodecks, there’s always something to do when off duty aboard a ship of this class. While an older vessel, it is still considered a prestigious assignment. It is especially popular among scientific personnel, as it offers a larger science department than even dedicated science vessels. While not sent on as long of missions as the large explorers, crews can still expect to be together for years on charting and survey missions, which leads to a strong sense of camaraderie for those on board.
''Sutherland''-class ships can be incredibly interesting and diverse places to serve aboard. Their considerable size makes for lively communities with plenty of activities available for those who wish to spend their downtime productively, or otherwise. Ships often possess arboretums, zoological centres, and stellar cartography domes along with the usual gamut of bars, lounges and library archives.  
 
The huge potential for cutting edge research and specialist equipment attracts some of Starfleet’s keenest scientists. The science departments on these ships are so large that each ship becomes a self-sustaining research community. Even when no specific events taking place, sub-department leads and area specialists will often give their own lectures and present their latest research findings to each other.


Because this is a very common ship, crews tend to go out of their way to make things unique by naming lounges, altering color schemes, and otherwise prizing the tiny differences between a class with over 300 members, which leads to cross-ship rivalries. This increases performance to a degree but sometimes can lead to integration difficulties when crewmembers transfer between ships of this class or join the midway through a mission.
Engineers make up the second largest department on board the ''Sutherland''-class. Keeping computer systems running optimally, fine tuning finicky scientific apparatus, transporting and building pre-replicated planetary structures are all potential situations an engineering officer may encounter. This environment favours officers who are jacks of all trades and who appreciate the fact that no two assignments will ever be the same.  


Captains of ''Nebula''-class ships run the gamut from those fresh out of Command School to experienced veterans. In particular, many of the captains of ships of this class are former ''Excelsior''-class captains, who have elected to continue in Starfleet following their original ship being decommissioned.
Commanding such a large ship is no easy task. This assignment involves a great deal of management skill when it comes to inter-departmental rivalries and egos that are liable to develop on a science vessel of this size. Captains must learn to balance the research needs of the scientific community with the practicalities of the engineers who make things happen. Friendly rivalries may develop into serious confrontations if not kept in check by a commanding officer with their ear firmly to the ground regarding shipboard goings on. Pilots and command personnel might feel detached from these conflicts and must themselves be careful to avoid appearing aloof.  


== Class History ==
== Class History ==
Though the venerable ''Miranda'' and ''Excelsior'' classes of starships had been serving Starfleet’s needs well, and the ''Ambassador'' class has provided Starfleet with an incredible long-range exploratory platform in the 2330’s, fleet modernization was on the admiralty’s mind by the early 2340’s. Based on innovations made through the ''Ambassador'' project, the Advanced Starship Design Bureau proposed several new designs to take Starfleet into the second half of the 24th Century. Four of these designs (the ''Springfield, Cheyenne, Challenger, and New Orleans'') were slated to begin construction in the 2340’s and 2350’s, to serve as test-beds of the technologies that would be showcased in the ''Nebula'' and ''Galaxy''-class explorers to be constructed in the late 2350’s, and they would eventually become companion vessels to their larger cousins.
In 2384, the Advanced Starship Design Bureau received instructions from Starfleet Command to draw up plans for a new type of science vessel. Growing tensions in the Beta Quadrant caused concern within Starfleet over its ability to continue its exploration mandate should large portions of its fleet need to be repurposed for conflict with the rapidly destabilising Romulan Star Empire. After two years of sifting through numerous design proposals, the ''Sutherland''-class was the Bureau’s eventual response.  
 
The ''Nebula'' design was authorized in 2343, along with the ''Galaxy'' design, and the design process continued in tandem until both designs were completed in 2350. The ''Nebula''-class starships were intended to be the more pragmatic sister of the ''Galaxy'', with a more compact design, and provisions to install a mission-specific module on a large pylon. This would give the class the ability to serve in a number of roles. While it also had the mission-specific configurable spaces within the hull, the changeover period was much better than the ''Galaxy'', while providing an external configurable space that the other class did not; tactical and sensor systems, for example, were more easily added in a pod than inside the ship’s hull.
 
In their base configurations, the ''Galaxy'' is the superior tactical platform, as the ''Nebula'' class lacks in all-around phaser coverage, due to the position of the pod. This armament limitation was deemed an acceptable trade-off for mission versatility. In addition, the ''Nebula'' would have very similar but not identical hull components, with a narrower secondary hull and a primary hull that traded crew quarters and other support systems for extensive cargo bays around the perimeter of the hull.
 
Construction on the prototype began in mid-2350 at the Beta Antares Fleet Yards. A further 15 units were authorized, for an initial production run of 16. Construction completed in 2356 on ''Nebula'', with ''Honshu'' following closely behind her. Shakedown operations ran successfully through 2358, with the class fully-commissioned and in regular service starting in the spring of 2359. By 2363, all 16 units had been completed, with a further 20 ordered, at a rate of five per year. They were popular with their crews, and served with distinction in many capacities. Despite this, the Battle of Wolf 359 dealt the fleet a devastating blow, and Starfleet scrambled to find ways to improve the fleet’s tactical readiness.
 
In 2367, all of the ''Nebula''-class ships on active duty were recalled to starbase for refit. In studies of the class’ performance over the years, it was discovered that the bifurcated pylon structure that held the mission modules was lacking in stability. All units were modified, instead to use a larger, more robust pylon that was better-designed to withstand warp and combat stresses. This new pylon blocked direct access to the main shuttlebay from the stern, so new approach and departure protocols were developed. The impulse systems were redesigned, with covers installed over the exhaust systems to mask their ion trails and to protect the superstructure from superheated plasma. This refit was completed in record time, thanks to the fervor in the fleet after the Borg invasion, by 2369.
 
Furthermore, it was decided to standardize the ''Nebula'' and ''Galaxy''-class production lines, with additional Galaxy-class ships now being ordered. As such, ''Nebula''-class ships built after 2367 have a secondary hull without the narrow undercuts that the original model did, as well as a saucer identical to the ''Galaxy''-class other than the impulse engine mounts. Further modules were developed, with the most heavily-deployed version being the new Tactical Pod It combined some of the sensor ability of the old sensor pod, with eight forward-firing torpedo launchers, and two rear torpedo launchers, that made the ''Nebula''-class capable of being outfitted as a gunship, while retaining the ability to explore.


At the start of the Dominion War, there were 52 ''Nebula''-class ships in the fleet,. The class served primarily in combat roles, though some units were equipped with medical or troop pods to support the war effort. Several were destroyed and others were heavily damaged, but the vessels served with remarkable combat performance, especially compared to their ''Excelsior''-class cousins. Following the war, they remained in service, with the majority of the ''Nebula'' fleet transitioned back to exploratory roles.
The design was favoured above all because of its versatility. The chosen spaceframe borrowed heavily from the proven Nebula-class design concept. However, where the ''Nebula'' had been a generalist, involved in the full spectrum of combat operations, first contact missions and diplomacy, the ''Sutherland'' would become a specialist. Indeed, the ''Sutherland'' was expected to be a “Swiss army knife” of Starfleet’s scientific operations. The ship is larger than its predecessor with even more internal modularity. This provides room for the kind of specialised science laboratories and research facilities that up until now has only been found on static Starfleet installations.  


Upgrades were scheduled to be completed for the class by the end of 2390, with twenty more units ordered to bring the fleet up to a round 100 units by 2395, making the ''Nebula'' class a Starfleet mainstay well into the 25th Century, with every sign of being just as venerable as the ''Excelsior''-class ships that she replaced.
A wide range of large, customisable mission pods would be made available, further boosting the ''Sutherland''’s ability to step into various logistical support roles throughout the fleet. Additions like the tactical pod provide captains with some limited combat capability should the need arise. As of 2400, however, the ''Sutherland''’s main role remains as a scientific follow up vessel for points of interest identified by initial surveys undertaken by Starfleet’s scouts and explorers. The ship has lived up to its design brief of being a one stop shop for identifying, analysing and disseminating research findings while remaining adaptable to the needs of the mission at hand.  


== In Play ==
== In Play ==


* The Nebula-class is a robust ship of the line. Even after the Galaxy-class stopped production, this remained in service and is essentially the Excelsior-class of the 25th century. With a large crew complement and well-rounded systems, she is fit for most missions.
* The ''Sutherland''-class is a very large ship. There are lively communities of scientists, engineers and support personnel on board. Much like the ''Galaxy''-class, the ''Sutherland'' has the feeling of being a “city in space”.
* Being a common sight in Starfleet, this makes a good NPC ship when you need reinforcements or a rescue. Alternatively, you could be the one escorting them.
* While larger and more modern than the ''Nebula''-class, the ''Sutherland'' is not as equipped for combat situations. Manoeuvring such a bulky ship is not easy, and often a captain’s best course of action is often to retreat. Tactical pods can level the playing field somewhat, and it is not unheard of for ''Sutherlands'' so equipped to act as intelligence gathering units or reconnaissance patrols.
* The mission pods are a major selling point of this class, as they allow the ship to take on the role of a specialist ship with only a few days of change-over. This can allow you to run a game with wildly different missions from episode to episode, with the right amount of planning.
* Mission pods give the ''Sutherland'' a great deal of flexibility in the kinds of missions it can participate in. These allow the ship to instantly specialise to meet the needs of your story.
* A Nebula-class ship is a large and serious threat to many other vessels in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, but it is not as threatening as the large explorers. For some, this will be an advantage as it will mean that they can avoid being seen as a threat, but for others not being seen as a threat may lead to combat.
* A ''Sutherland'' is not an explorer in the strictest sense of the designation. Despite this, it is still a prestigious an interesting assignment for any captain, scientist or engineer looking to further develop the galaxy’s knowledge of new life and new civilisations.  


[[Category:Federation starship classes]]
[[Category:Federation starship classes]]
[[Category:Heavy Cruisers]]
[[Category:Heavy Cruisers]]

Revision as of 03:01, 14 April 2022

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.








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Sutherland class aftb.png
Sutherland
Information
Affiliation

Starfleet

Role

Heavy Cruiser

Date Entered Service

2398

Expected Refit Cycle

10 Years

Time Between Resupply

3 Years

Crew Capacity
Standard Complement

900

Emergency Capacity

12,800

Dimensions
Length

580 meters

Width

520 meters

Height

180 meters

Decks

45

Propulsion
Propulsion System

Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive

Cruising Speed

Warp 7

Maximum Speed

Warp 9

Emergency Speed

Warp 9.8 (12 hours)

Armaments
Energy Weapons
  • 4x Type-XII Phaser Arrays
Torpedo Launchers
  • 1 forward
  • 1 aft
Torpedo Payload
  • 100 Photon Torpedoes
  • 100 Quantum Torpedoes
Shields

Multi-Layered Shielding System

Auxiliary Craft
Shuttle Bays

2

Shuttles

14

Runabouts

4

Template:Specifications


The Sutherland-class research cruiser is a large science vessel derived from the Nebula-class heavy cruiser. It is intended to carry large scale instruments into the field with large crews of scientific personnel; it is by far the largest dedicated science vessel in service. Compared to the Nebula, many of its exterior features have been simplified and it is more lightly armed. These vessels can mainly be found making use of their vast scientific and research capabilities to perform extremely detailed studies of planets, celestial phenomena, anomalies and entire regions of space.

Science and Exploration

While rarely being deployed at a long enough range to be on the truly cutting edge of space exploration, the Sutherland-class excels at the follow up. Fully customisable sensor palettes are designed to house a comprehensive suite of Starfleet’s most advanced particle detection technology. From quarks to chronitons, photons to quantum filaments; if it’s there, the Sutherland-class will sniff it out. As a result, the geo-imaging, cartographic and data collection capabilities of this class of ship are second to none.  

Like its predecessor, the large internal volume of the Sutherland-class makes it something of a “mobile starbase” in terms of scientific output. Extensive laboratory complexes and specialist analytical facilities are networked with bio-neural computing power measuring in yottaFLOPS. Again, like the Nebula-class, there exists a large amount of vacant internal space available for upgrades, mission specific equipment and anything else that might be considered necessary for the wide variety of missions a Sutherland-class vessel might find itself assigned to.

With a detachment of five runabouts and fourteen shuttlecraft, the Sutherland-class has all it needs to act as a temporary base of operations for smaller manned missions. These range from observation of stellar phenomena from different vantage points to collection and cataloguing of bio-specimens during planetary surveys. Resources also exist aboard the Sutherland-class for the transportation of industrial replimat components planetside. While large, these replimats are limited to the production of field hospitals, emergency shelters, “duck blinds” and research outposts. The construction of any larger structures remains beyond the scope of a single vessel.  

The sheer size and complexity of the scientific systems aboard the Sutherland-class have limited its ability to carry out long range independent operations. Although internal space and mission pods can be used for extra deuterium storage, the colossal energy requirements of maintaining the Sutherland’s scientific and computational prowess make its deployment to very far-flung regions of the galaxy both unlikely and inefficient. Starfleet has instead commissioned these ships to operate as massive mobile data collection platforms, regularly returning to starbase to disseminate information and take on new mission critical modules, materiel and personnel.  

Diplomatic

The size of the Sutherland-class makes it a viable option for hosting diplomatic functions, conferences and transporting large groups of dignitaries between destinations within Federation space. Such meetings and events often form part of Starfleet’s obligations under research sharing agreements negotiated between the Federation and other galactic powers. In such cases, the Sutherland-class may well find itself traveling beyond Federation borders in the name of scientific cooperation.  

Humanitarian aid is an area in which the Sutherland-class excels. Reconfigurable space throughout the ship, along with mission pods containing hospital facilities, storage and emergency shelters, allow the Sutherland-class to assist with a whole host of mission types in this arena. Planetary evacuations, contagions, natural disaster and famine relief are all scenarios in which the Sutherland-class would be a crucial responder.

It is uncommon, but not unheard of for ships of the Sutherland-class to engage in first contact missions. The most likely scenario here would be following on from initial discoveries made by scout ships without the means to establish meaningful diplomatic connections alone, such as Nova or Rhode Island-class vessels. More likely would be the involvement of the Sutherland-class with second contact missions with civilisations known to be peaceful, possessing similar cultural interests to the Federation. In this situation, the Sutherland-class acts as an ideal showcase of Federation science and research technology.

Engineering

The Sutherland’s similar configuration to the Nebula-class is where the similarities end. The matching profiles of the two classes belie the fact that every major component of the Sutherland has been designed from scratch. The ship is outfitted with state-of-the-art systems ready for service well into, and potentially even beyond the 25th Century.

The warp core aboard the Sutherland-class is robust; powerful enough to provide for the needs of sprawling bio-neural computing nodes, subatomic spectral analysis modules and other starbase-level tools. This has, however, limited the ship’s cruising speed to warp 7. A sprinting speed of warp 9 also means that the Sutherland might not be the first ship in a given region to reach the site of an incident.

Extensive hangar space provides ample space for the Sutherland’s compliment of shuttles and runabouts. The largest of these, housing the majority of the support craft, can be found at the stern of the ship. A second auxiliary bay is located to the rear of the saucer section beneath the mission pod’s overhang. Cargo space also abounds, further highlighting the ship’s usefulness in emergency supply or evacuation missions. Twenty cargo bays can also be found lining either side of the rear ventral saucer section and twenty more are positioned on the underside of the secondary hull. All cargo bays have doors opening directly into space for direct resupply of bulky goods while docked.

Tactical

When placed into a combat situation, the Sutherland-class might be considered somewhat cumbersome from a tactical perspective. Nevertheless, four type XII phaser arrays allow the ship to defend itself adequately from potential harassment by smaller hostile vessels. In case of attack by a more threatening foe, one forward and one aft torpedo launcher can provide defensive cover as the ship beats a hasty retreat.

If deployed as part of a Starfleet battle group the Sutherland-class is often placed in a forward reconnaissance position, taking advantage of its long-range sensor capabilities. In such a situation, group commanders would be careful not to position the Sutherland too far beyond friendly forces as to risk the ship becoming cut off by a rapidly advancing enemy. A Sutherland might also be positioned towards the centre of a task group so as to be well defended on all sides.  

Surveillance activities are also a potential tactical use of the Sutherland-class’ powerful long range sensor suite. Captains may select mission pods equipped with subspace telemetry and signal interception hardware, enabling early threat detection and monitoring of poorly encrypted subspace communications.

Mission Pods

A wide variety of mission pods are available for captains to choose from depending on the needs of the mission at hand. Pods can be swapped out at starbases large enough to internally dock the Sutherland-class. Commonly used pod loadouts are kept on hand by starbases for quick switching out. These include:

  • Tactical pod: Contains an additional six forward and two aft photon torpedo launchers.
  • Subspace telemetry and signal interception pod: Provides advanced warning of incoming threats and subspace communication monitoring abilities.
  • Hospital pod: A 200 bed hospital along supplies for the construction of four field hospitals on a planetary surface.
  • Hangar pod: Can carry an additional ten runabouts or twenty Valkyrie-class fighters.
  • Colony pod: A colony complex with space for 300 colonists. On reaching a destination world, the pod separates from the ship and lands on the surface. The pod then deploys itself into key structures, optimised for the climate and conditions of the target planet.
  • Cetacean pod: A fully aquatic operations centre from which water dwelling crew can work freely, providing valuable scientific insight. Particularly important for the study of Class O worlds.
  • Observation pod: Contains an array of scientific equipment and supplies with which to covertly construct “duck blinds” for the observation of pre-warp species. This pod can be manned and left in orbit in lieu of outpost construction.

It should also be noted that captains have the option of designing custom mission pods to suit special assignment needs. All starbases with mission pods in storage also have the ability to retrofit them with new components. This will, however, take several weeks to accomplish as opposed to mere days required to fit a prebuilt pod.

Shipboard Life

Sutherland-class ships can be incredibly interesting and diverse places to serve aboard. Their considerable size makes for lively communities with plenty of activities available for those who wish to spend their downtime productively, or otherwise. Ships often possess arboretums, zoological centres, and stellar cartography domes along with the usual gamut of bars, lounges and library archives.  

The huge potential for cutting edge research and specialist equipment attracts some of Starfleet’s keenest scientists. The science departments on these ships are so large that each ship becomes a self-sustaining research community. Even when no specific events taking place, sub-department leads and area specialists will often give their own lectures and present their latest research findings to each other.

Engineers make up the second largest department on board the Sutherland-class. Keeping computer systems running optimally, fine tuning finicky scientific apparatus, transporting and building pre-replicated planetary structures are all potential situations an engineering officer may encounter. This environment favours officers who are jacks of all trades and who appreciate the fact that no two assignments will ever be the same.

Commanding such a large ship is no easy task. This assignment involves a great deal of management skill when it comes to inter-departmental rivalries and egos that are liable to develop on a science vessel of this size. Captains must learn to balance the research needs of the scientific community with the practicalities of the engineers who make things happen. Friendly rivalries may develop into serious confrontations if not kept in check by a commanding officer with their ear firmly to the ground regarding shipboard goings on. Pilots and command personnel might feel detached from these conflicts and must themselves be careful to avoid appearing aloof.

Class History

In 2384, the Advanced Starship Design Bureau received instructions from Starfleet Command to draw up plans for a new type of science vessel. Growing tensions in the Beta Quadrant caused concern within Starfleet over its ability to continue its exploration mandate should large portions of its fleet need to be repurposed for conflict with the rapidly destabilising Romulan Star Empire. After two years of sifting through numerous design proposals, the Sutherland-class was the Bureau’s eventual response.

The design was favoured above all because of its versatility. The chosen spaceframe borrowed heavily from the proven Nebula-class design concept. However, where the Nebula had been a generalist, involved in the full spectrum of combat operations, first contact missions and diplomacy, the Sutherland would become a specialist. Indeed, the Sutherland was expected to be a “Swiss army knife” of Starfleet’s scientific operations. The ship is larger than its predecessor with even more internal modularity. This provides room for the kind of specialised science laboratories and research facilities that up until now has only been found on static Starfleet installations.

A wide range of large, customisable mission pods would be made available, further boosting the Sutherland’s ability to step into various logistical support roles throughout the fleet. Additions like the tactical pod provide captains with some limited combat capability should the need arise. As of 2400, however, the Sutherland’s main role remains as a scientific follow up vessel for points of interest identified by initial surveys undertaken by Starfleet’s scouts and explorers. The ship has lived up to its design brief of being a one stop shop for identifying, analysing and disseminating research findings while remaining adaptable to the needs of the mission at hand.

In Play

  • The Sutherland-class is a very large ship. There are lively communities of scientists, engineers and support personnel on board. Much like the Galaxy-class, the Sutherland has the feeling of being a “city in space”.
  • While larger and more modern than the Nebula-class, the Sutherland is not as equipped for combat situations. Manoeuvring such a bulky ship is not easy, and often a captain’s best course of action is often to retreat. Tactical pods can level the playing field somewhat, and it is not unheard of for Sutherlands so equipped to act as intelligence gathering units or reconnaissance patrols.
  • Mission pods give the Sutherland a great deal of flexibility in the kinds of missions it can participate in. These allow the ship to instantly specialise to meet the needs of your story.
  • A Sutherland is not an explorer in the strictest sense of the designation. Despite this, it is still a prestigious an interesting assignment for any captain, scientist or engineer looking to further develop the galaxy’s knowledge of new life and new civilisations.
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