CLASS II SUPPORT SHIPS GAGARIN CLARKE SHILOH OBERTH FISHER ASMODEUS During the 2250 s and well into the 2260 s, the Federation and Starfleet experienced tremendous growth both in terms of territory and infrastructure as well. This so-called golden era of exploration and expansion was facilitated by the development and deployment of an almost unfathomable amount of starships to fulfill nearly every conceivable role, from exploration and scientific study (Constitution, Hermes), to offense/defense (Akula, Saladin, Marklin, Kearsarge), to general support (Surya, Coventry). Starfleet even established a quasiindependent arm devoted specifically to logistical matters (Starfleet Transport Command) and fleshed it out with a variety of transport-tugs (Ptolemy, Dolland, Montojo), conventional transports (Cochrane, Aaken, Edward) and freighters (Independence, Huron, Sherman). Moving into the 2270 s, these two segments gradually received Linear-Warp makeovers and even expanded into new sub-segments. However much depth Starfleet added to its Destroyer and Frigate lines, it did nothing to address the gulf that slowly formed between its mainline ship classes and the various support vessels operated by Transport Command. Specifically, Starfleet lacked a viable light support capability corvettes, cutters, scouts, gunboats and the like, dedicated to performing missions and fulfilling the roles for which a larger Destroyer, Frigate or Cruiser would not be required and for which the current crop of small craft were wholly inadequate for. The design brief the ASDB was issued in 2271 called for not just the development of a single starship class, but for a flexible multi-mission platform that could serve as the basis for a number of specialized classes. That part proved surprisingly easy. A small form-factor hull was developed, dominated by a circular section forward and Kloratis FWB series warp nacelles (roughly the same size as Cochrane Warp Dynamics PB-32-S series). Three hardpoints (from which the base design derived its flexibility) were featured 1 along the centerline and then 1 more each under the engines. Codenamed Gagarin (CO 472), the base design measured in at 102m in length, displaced 63,496 metric tons and was rated for a compliment of 70
officers and crew. Despite its miniscule size and limited power, a single Type VII Phaser Bank was installed at the forward ventral location along with a standard Deflector Shield System (capable of dissipating a maximum of 164,145 TerraJoules). Rather than immediately put Gagarin into production, the ASDB took the unusual step of completing the development cycle of its 5 variants/sub-classes, intending to introduce them into fleet service concurrently. The first variant to be developed was the Clarke (CU 100) class. Developed as a dedicated diplomatic/vip courier, it featured an additional two warp nacelles mounted underneath the existing ones (utilizing the outer two hardpoints) enabling the class to sustain a nominal cruise speed of Warp 7.7 and a maximum burst speed of Warp 9.4. Internal accommodations were modified in kind (reducing the compliment to 61 officers + crew) while defensive/offensive systems remained unchanged. Next to be developed was the Shiloh (BG 100) class Gunboat. It featured a third warp nacelle at the centerline hardpoint location, while pulse phaser cannons were attached directly to the two existing nacelles. Though the single Phaser Bank remained, Shiloh featured a stronger Deflector Shield System (capable of dissipating a maximum of 243,000 TerraJoules). Following Shiloh was arguably the most famous Gagarin class variant, the Oberth (ST 630) class Scout. Rather than supplanting existing and planned scout classes (the bulk of which were based off of existing Destroyer designs), Oberth was intended to support her larger cousins. The only modification was the most notable a large sensor/survey pod slightly larger than the ship itself, slung underneath the main hull and utilizing the outer two hardpoints. When combined with the expanded laboratory facilities installed, Oberth rivaled her larger compatriots in this capacity. The Fisher class Transport-Tug came next, intended to supplant the earlier Montojo (TT 1590) class in the light transport/supply tender role. Substituting Oberth s large sensor/survey pod for a tow pad, Fisher was capable of towing 1 container at a maximum speed of Warp 5 and 2 containers at Warp 3. She also held the distinction of being the last transport-tug class to be designed and commissioned. The last variant to be designed was the Asmodeus (CU 200) class. Like Oberth and Fisher, she utilized the outer two hardpoints only, having a self-contained, low-profile torpedo pod slung underneath her hull. Shiloh s Deflector Shield System was utilized again and the internal arrangement was modified to accommodate up to a platoon (60) of troops if needed. Entering service in 2275, these 5 classes had an immediate impact, helping Starfleet to implement a more aggressive deployment strategy that highlighted force projection and rapid response across the entire multi-mission spectrum. Gagarin and Clarke took on many localized/in-system responsibilities, freeing up larger starships for other more important duties. Shiloh & Asmodeus complimented Gagarin and Clarke--filling the colony defense and in-system policing roles while also complimenting larger Destroyers and Frigates on the Perimeter Action/Rapid Response scene. Oberth provided Starfleet Command with an additional option to fulfill scientific and exploratory objectives while Fisher helped bolster Starfleet s logistical capabilities (as part of Transport Command). Production of all 5 classes continued until approximately 2305. Oberth was the longest serving of the series retired at the close of the Dominion War in 2376 in favor of the Nova (ST 72380) class Scout. Gagarin and Clarke served until 2369, supplanted gradually by the smaller Danube (CU 72000) class Runabout. Shiloh and Asmodeus were supplanted in large part by the Defender and later Norway Destroyer classes beginning in 2325, while Fisher was retired in 2305. Transport Command evolved slower than the rest of the fleet, presenting something of a quandary. Initially, the class was replaced by the larger Ostoris (FG 2600) class Freighter which was already in service, finally receiving a true replacement in the form of the Deneva (FG 6200) in 2310. Despite the exemplary service record of these classes, their legacies suffered early on development of small craft/fleet auxiliaries not accorded the proper attention until the latter half of the century, finally being made complete with the introduction of the Danube and Pulsar class Runabouts/Cutters (in 2368 and 2396) as well as the Pegasus and Proxima class Corvettes (both in 2395).
ification Number Active Gagarin Corvette 2275-2369 0 102m 103m 20m 5 63,496 metric tons 70 total capacity 164,145 TerraJoules
ification Number Active Clarke Cutter 2275-2369 0 102m 103m 40m 10 77,804 metric tons 61 total capacity 164,145 TerraJoules
ification Number Active Shiloh Gunboat 2275-2369 0 102m 103m 40m 10 40,619 metric tons 75 2 Pulse Phaser Cannons total capacity 243,000 TerraJoules
ification Oberth Scout 2275-2376 Number Active 0 151m 87m 41m 10 94,000 metric tons 80 total capacity 243,000 TerraJoules
ification Number Active Cargo Capacity Fisher Light Transport-Tug 2275-2305 0 107m 81m 39m22 66,517 metric tons 50 Variable; Up to 2 containers of varying types total capacity 164,145 TerraJoules
ification Number Active Asmodeus Cutter 2275-2325 0 102m 103m 40m 10 67,996 metric tons 86 4 2 nd Torpedo Launchers total capacity 243,000 TerraJoules
Editor s Annotations Like my previous Loknar-centric publication, this originally started out as one that was focused solely on the Oberth class. However. In reviewing a lot of my trusty background sources (including Ex Astris Scientia), I came across a detailed examination of Oberth s size and whether or not the bottom section is habitable/can be accessed (check it out here). The conclusion stated that the support pylons lacked the necessary volume for a turbolift car and that in the absence of windows or other tell tale signs, it was likely uninhabited. Thus, that opened the door to the multi-class /ship family format that I ve gone ahead and used.
Bibliography Logos Kristian Reverend Trigwell (Gallery @ Star Trek Minutiae) Viperaviator (DeviantART) Gagarin Design David Schmidt Blueprints Starship Schematic Database Clarke Design David Schmidt Blueprints Starship Schematic Database Shiloh Design Eric Jackill Kristiansen Blueprints Starship Schematic Database Oberth Design David Carson, Nilo Rodis-Jamero et al. Orthographic Views Unknown Fisher Design Eric Jackill Kristiansen Blueprints Starship Schematic Database Asmodeus Design David Schmidt Blueprints Starship Schematic Database