The potential for refits

[Mikey]

The New Orelans has three forward tubes, all of which appear to be a single-casing-at-a-time, load-and-shoot type (judging by the narrow assembly and external barrels.) Besides, the ship's small overall size means it wouldn't have a magazine anywhere near the size of a capital ship - saying it fills the same bombardment role as the Akira is quite a stretch. Unless you mean a MUCH weaker bombardment, for a VERY short period of time.

[Deepcrush]

At the time of the New Orleans the UFP was still trying to avoid looking tough or dangerous. The Akira is a natural step up from that during war time (ie the DW). Improved all around yet the basic idea remains the same.

[Mikey]

I think the huge difference in potential torpedo output and sustained bombardment mean that the idea isn't the same.

[Sionnach Glic]

The only real way in which they're similar is that they both have torps as their main armament.

[Deepcrush]

So then tell me why they aren't similar. What was the difference?

[Mikey]

So then tell me why they aren't similar. What was the difference?

Ummm... OK:

The New Orelans has three forward tubes, all of which appear to be a single-casing-at-a-time, load-and-shoot type (judging by the narrow assembly and external barrels.) Besides, the ship's small overall size means it wouldn't have a magazine anywhere near the size of a capital ship - saying it fills the same bombardment role as the Akira is quite a stretch. Unless you mean a MUCH weaker bombardment, for a VERY short period of time.

[Deepcrush]

I already pointed that a larger and newer ship based on the same role would have newer and larger equipment. The fact remains that the New Orleans Class and Akira Class fill the same need. The major difference is the Akira is 3 times the size but 5 times as powerful.

[Mark]

But the New Orleans still has MANY uses left to it. She would make an ideal escort ship for convoys, police runs, counter smuggling ops, and the like.

[Deepcrush]

But the New Orleans still has MANY uses left to it. She would make an ideal escort ship for convoys, police runs, counter smuggling ops, and the like.

Maybe but sooner rather then later the ship should be retired or put under a major refit. Though the cost of a refit you'd be better off building an Akira.

As for escort and police duties. I would much rather the Defiant Class. The cloak ability is a very handy tool for such.

I think that the New Orleans would be the ideal escort until Defiant numbers can be built up.

[Reliant121]

personally, I think the New Orleans would be better used as a policing ship. It's small, supposedly pretty fast, and very well armed for its size to tackle small time raiders and pirates. Maybe upping the phaser power, or modifying the hull to take on a few much smaller phaser batteries may help to deal with multiple pirate fighters. The sensors might need a refit too.

I think the Steamrunner could do with a refit. Not sure what i'd change though.

[Sionnach Glic]

A New Orleans could probably function pretty well as a system defence ship. Deploy them in small packs of three or four in a system, and they should be able to police it pretty well.

[Teaos]

Wolf packs?

But then the question is. Is it a better use of resources to make 3-4 New Orleans class ships or one larger ship, could probably build an Akira for that amount.

[Sionnach Glic]

When acting as a system defence unit, several small, fast ships would be better than one large ship. The smaller ships can be in more places at once, respond quicker to distress signals, and are better able to run down criminals. Unless there's a war on or the system borders another power, there'd be no real need for full, dedicated warships. Wolfpacks would work just as well.

[Mikey]

Which is why I mentioned that such things were the probable designed role of the New Orleans. The contention that because both the New Orleans and Akira have torpedo tubes means that they're designed for the same role is outlandish. It's not just a question of the Akira being a more modern version; PT boats carried torpedos, but would you call them older versions of the SeaWolf? The differnece in the output of the tubes alone is enough to see that they're not made for the same role.

[Deepcrush]

personally, I think the New Orleans would be better used as a policing ship. It's small, supposedly pretty fast, and very well armed for its size to tackle small time raiders and pirates. Maybe upping the phaser power, or modifying the hull to take on a few much smaller phaser batteries may help to deal with multiple pirate fighters. The sensors might need a refit too.

I think the Steamrunner could do with a refit. Not sure what i'd change though.

I wouldn't bother with upgrading the New Orleans unless they're stationed at a local starbase. I wouldn't waste anything that might need a drydock. I'd rather have them turning out Defiants to support and then later take over police duty.

The Steamrunner is just an extra ship in the fleet. It really doesn't serve any great use. Those resources are better spent elsewhere.