THE SULLIVANS-CLASS HEAVY TACTICAL FRIGATE
Class:
During her many years of service, the Belknap class strike cruiser performed an important role in guarding the Romulan Neutral Zone against incursions. With the “disappearance” of the Romulans, Star Fleet decided not to replace these aging ships with a new class, instead assigning Excelsior and Miranda class vessels. Considering the total lack of contact, this was an excellent cost-saving measure.
But then the Romulans have returned. And they showed a desire to return to their ways of old. The D’daridex class warbird seemed a match for even the Galaxy class, and hopelessly outguned the third-echelon Star Fleet forces. Vessels of the Akira and Steamrunner classes were assigned to the Neutral Zone to bolster defenses, operating in small squadrons of three to four ships, under the command of Nebula class cruisers in a SWACS (Spaceborne Warning and Control) configuration.
Such small task forces are effective, packing sufficient firepower (especially with the torpedoheavy Akira class as the centerpoint), but they draw off a large number of vessels. Therefore, development of a new class of tactical frigates was approved to provide a vessel capable of holding its own long enough to allow RDF ships to form to repel any serious incursion. Of the designs submitted, The Sullivans was the one that moved to the top and eventually approved for construction.
Classification:
The Sullivans class is classified as a tactical frigate due to its heavy weapons load.
Design:
The Sullivans class bears a rough resemblance to the Miranda class vessels it will be replacing on the Neutral Zone. Roughly the size of the old Constitution / Enterprise class heavy cruiser, The Sullivans places its emphasis on large hangar capacity and superior firepower. The ship is a single-hull design, with the back end being a massive “superhangar” capable of carrying the ship’s compliment of Peregrine fighters and other embarked craft. A large rollbar mounts two dual photon torpedo launchers, and two turrets extending above and below the ship on fins house Type XII megaphasers.
In addition to the massive hangar facilities, The Sullivans tactical frigate is designed to carry 100 marines, in addition to the standard crew of 79 officers and 280 enlisted. There is room for up to 50 additional personnel, mainly support people for specific missions.
Engineering:
The Sullivans class mounts the standard Leeding Energies LF-41 series of warp drive in a dual nacelle configuration. Additional fusion reactors have been fitted to assist in powering the megaphaser cannon.
Tactical:
Easily one of the most powerful vessels in existence, the ship mounts six Type XII megaphaser cannon, six Type X phaser strips, and eight Mk 80 photon torpedo launchers. The FSQ shield system is fitted as, for a ship this size, it offers incredible levels of protection. A odified version of the standard CETIS / TACAR fire-control system is fitted. Computer Systems: The M-15 Isolinear III found in most Class One starships is fitted.
Builders:
All ten vessels were constructed at Utopia Planitia. Prime contractor was Daimler-
Chrysler Aerospace.
Development and Construction History:
The Sullivans class underwent a thorough review at the ASDB starting in 2367 and was formally approved in 2369. Three vessels were approved, but only two began construction in 2370. They entered service in 2372 and were used to test the class’ systems and work out any bugs. Once they were certified, five additional vessels that had been ordered were laid down, though all were built with internal and systems modifications and were classified a Mk. II specification. Three additional vessels were approved, again with changes to a new Mk. III specification, though all entered service after the Armistice had been signed.
Current Specifications for The Sullivans class:
Displacement 1,485,000 mt
Overall Length 320 m
Overall Draft 80 m
Overall Beam 256 m
Propulsion:
Two LF-41 Mod 1 energized-energized antimatter warp drive units
Two FIG-5 subatomic unified energy impulse units
QASR-2 particle beam maneuvering thrusters
“Trentis IV” pulsed laser reaction control system
Velocity:
Warp 6.0 Standard Cruising Speed
Warp 9.0 Maximum Cruising Speed
Warp 9.6 Maximum Attainable Velocity
Duration: 5 years, standard
Complement:
79 Officers
300 Enlisted Crew
144 Flight Crew
100 Marines
0 Passengers (Normal – Up to 45 Maximum)
479 Total Crew (Standard)
Embarked Craft:
0 Danube Class Runabout
4 Type 6 Personnel Shuttle
4 Type 7 Personnel Shuttle
4 Type 9A Cargo Shuttle
6 Type 10 Combat Drop Shuttles
4 Type 16 Shuttlepod
20 Peregrine Class Fighter
2 3 Sentry SWAC Shuttle
Navigation:
RAV / ISHAK Mod 3 Warp Celestial Guidance
Computers:
M-15 Isolinear III with LCARS interface software
Phasers:
6 Type X Collimated Phaser Array
6 Type XII Megaphaser Cannon
Missiles:
8 Mk 80 Photon Torpedo Launchers
Defense:
FSQ Primary Force Field
Life Support:
MM6 Modular Gravity Unit
AL4 Life Support System
