Classification: Long-Range Explorer
Commissioned: 2382 - present
Unit Run: 15 vessels ordered, first batch under construction
(2382-2387), second batch orders pending
Production: 3 completed per year, two year construction period for each
vessel.
U.S.S. Horizon* NX-83000
U.S.S. Venturer NCC-83009
U.S.S. Resolution NCC-83016
U.S.S. Cook NCC-83132
U.S.S. Asimov NCC-83140
U.S.S. Clarke NCC-83200
U.S.S. Chekhov NCC-83206
U.S.S. Forrest NCC-83521
U.S.S. Archer NCC-83523
U.S.S. Magellan NCC-83534
U.S.S. Columbia NCC-83591
U.S.S. Discovery NCC-83621
U.S.S. Atlantis NCC-83625
U.S.S. Solaris NCC-83636
U.S.S. Excelsior NCC-2000-A
*Prototype re-commissioned as U.S.S. Horizon; NCC-75026-A
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Length: 481 meters Beam: 204 meters
Height: 90 meters
Mass: 1,890,000 metric tons
Decks: 16
Personnel: 362 (112 officers, 250 enlisted)
Passenger/family accommodations: 180
Emergency Evacuation Limit: 1,850
Cruise Velocity: warp 9.4
Maximum Cruise Velocity: warp 9.9
Emergency Velocity: warp 9.99 for 36 hours
Range: 16,000 L.Y. Mission Duration: 6 years
Refit Schedule:
6 years - minor
18 years - major
Expected Hull Life: 90 years
Shield Output: 4,150,000 TJ
Phasers: 3 Type X arrays; 4 Type VIII arrays
Torpedo System: 2 Pulse-fire Photon Torpedo launchers
2 Standard Photon Torpedo launchers
250 casings, 150 probe casings
(Interchangeable system with quantum torpedoes)
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Originally intended to incorporate technology from existing ships, the Horizon class' Sovereign-inspired spaceframe was ultimately able to install sensor and computer systems that were top-of-the-line, and her sensor capacities are significantly greater than either the existing Galaxy or Intrepid classes on which the sensor suite was based. Likewise, the science laboratories are top-of-the-line, as are diplomatic and crew accommodations. In keeping with the tradition of the Luna class, it is the intention of the designers that Horizon and her sister ships are fully capable of supporting any life form imaginable.
As mentioned before, the technology needed to create Sovereign standard tactical systems was not be utilized at the time of development, so the first batch of starships is equipped with various existing weapons and defense systems. The space freed up by the advanced computer and sensor systems allowed the installation of a higher grade of shields than a vessel of her size could normally expect. This gives the Horizon an appreciable ability to defend herself (and escape from overwhelming situations) if needed, a very important attribute in unknown space, as demonstrated by the experiences of the Luna class.
Thus appointed, the U.S.S. Horizon (NCC-75026-A) was launched in mid 2382, only a few months behind the original schedule. The Horizon completed space-worthiness trials with flying colors, and has since embarked on her first mission of exploration beyond the established borders of the Federation. The other fourteen vessels of the class are expected to be completed by 2377, at a rate of three per year. The Horizon class is expected to supplement the Luna class at the forefront of exploration for decades to come.
This was just the basic idea. Again, that is my hypothetical situation for it. The history is not terribly great, so the stats are more important.
the write-up follows here...
Basically, I ran the stats you see below through the DITL calculator! I had to fudge a little (there isn't a "pulse fire photon torpedo" setting, so I used the Type 1 Burst fire instead - basically the same rate of fire, only photons.) I also tried to calculate the power of an individual type X and type VIII phaser array, and put them together in the number described.
Without further ado, here is the DITL rating for the Horizon based on the specifications that follow...
Beam Weapon Output: 15575 TW
Torpedoes: 2 x "Type 1 Burst Fire Torpedo Tube"*, 2 x standard photon torpedo tubes.
Defense: Auto-modulated shield system, total capacity 4,150,000 TJ, Standard Duranium/Tritanium single hull, 10cm high-density armour, standard level SIF.
Maximum Warp Factor: 9.99 (36 hours)
And the strength indices:
Beam firepower - 312
Torpedo firepower - 950
Weapon range and accuracy - 1400
Shield strength - 1537
Hull/armour - 1050
Speed - 4125
Combat maneuverability - 4000
Overall strength index - 1172
A fairly defensively oriented ship, which I think is ideal for the kinds of engagements an explorer would face (small skirmishes, evading threats, and escaping dangerous opponents).
"With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably."
Jean-Luc Picard, quoting judge Aaron Satie