Flare Sci-Fi Forums: Conjectural history of the Constant and Polaris classes

This is topic Conjectural history of the Constant and Polaris classes in forum Designs, Artwork, & Creativity at Flare Sci-Fi Forums.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flare.solareclipse.net/ultimatebb.php/topic/7/869.html

Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :

Ok, this is based on the 'Constitution variant' from the DS9TM. At least half of it is...

Conjectural History of the Constant class Destroyer and Polaris class Scout.

By 2276 it had become clear that the Constitution (II) refit had been immensly successful; the Enterprise (NCC-1701), Constitution (NCC-1700), Hood (NCC-1707), Excalibur (NCC-1705), Yorktown (NCC-1704), Merrimac (NCC-1715), Exeter (NCC-1706), Wasp (NCC-1721), Kongo (NCC-1710), Bonhomme Richard (NCC-1712), Potempkin (NCC-1711) and Endeavor (NCC-1716) had all completed their refits and were out on either five year missions or fleet manouvers, apart from the Yorktown, which was assigned as the Academy training ship. In addition the remaining 14 Constitutions were either in refit or scheduled to be in ther the next 4 years. However, in fleet exercises and also in some border actions with, among others, the Klingons and Tholians had shown that the performance of the Saladin and Hermes classes had been shown to be less than satisfactory. The classes were actually slower than the refit Constitutions, an obvious disadvantage for what were intended to be faster, more manouverable destroyers and scouts. In addition, the single nacelle layout had shown to be less than satisfactory in terms of warp field stability and also the frequency with which the warp coils had to be replaced. Consequently Starfleet decided that two replacement classes would be built, based on the dsign of the Constitution refit. It was decided that the basic configuration would be the same as the Saladin/Hermes classes, but with two warp nacelles in place of the single one on those classes. The design required significant changes to be made to the internal layout of the Constitution refit’s saucer section and ‘neck’ to allow the warp core and fuel stores to be added. This was accomplished by removing almost all of the science facilities and relocating most of the facilities from the centre decks of the saucer section and replacing them with the warp core and antimatter/deuterium tanks. The designation Constant class was given to the destroyer and Polaris class to the scout. The Constant class would keep the full weapons complement of the Constitution class parts used, ie. 6 banks of two type VII phasers each and also two photon torpedo launchers. The Polaris, however, had the photon torpedo launchers replaced with a sensor and communications pod similar to that used on the Soyuz class. As the same propulsion systems were used as for the Constitution, both classes were significantly faster and more manouverable, due to their lower mass. The USS Constant (NCC-6000) was commissioned in early 2279 and the USS Polaris (NCC-6010) a few months later. Both classes were highly successful in service, being mainly used in fleet actions, although Constant/Polaris pairs were often used as a command element for groups of Perimeter Action vessels, along both the Klingon and Romulan Neutral Zones. The Polaris was gradually retired to make way for more modern scouts during the 2340s/50s however, the Constant class has continued in service up to the present day, with many, often extensive, refits and were involved in many of the major actions of both the Cardassian and Dominion wars.

Comments, opinions, etc.....

(If anyone wants to do a pic of the Polaris then they should feel free [Big Grin]

)

Posted by Dat (Member # 302) on :

This is much better that what Defiant gave out with his Ptolomy conjecture. I think next you should work up something with the Nova class. My personal view for that class is that the Mark I version (Equinox) is the replacement for the Oberth class while the Mark II (Rhode Island) is a supplement for the Defiant class. One variant a science ship, the other a destroyer if you will, both of the same class. The Mark II is faster than the Mark I with Warp 9.5 to 9.8 as the top speed as opposed the Warp 8 for the Mark I. [Cool]

Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :

Thanks, I think I'll do that with the Nova class. I agree about the two different marks and their useage, the Rhode Island would have to pack some pretty serious punch to even think about taking on those klingon cruisers...

Posted by Dat (Member # 302) on :

I totally forgot that the RI's number is lower than the Defiant, so I would surmise the Mark II came out after the Defiant, and some of the Mark I's were refitted to Mark II specs.

Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :

I forgot that too!! Have to start doing some research. Probably won't get around to doing it until Friday (31/5) 'cos I've got exams all next week [Frown]