ENTENTE-CLASS DREADNOUGHT
Class:
The fi rst modern dreadnought, the Entente Class, entered Fleet service in 2371 in a design competition with the Galaxy (II) Class Improved Large Exploratory Cruiser. The Entente Class was created by adding a third nacelle to the Galaxy Class spaceframe, as well as improvements in her tactical and shielding systems. As soon as the Entente entered service the extreme cost (close to 30% of a new-build vessel) dampened the prospects of additional vessels. Also, advances in weapons and shielding systems had made some of the newer vessels (like the USS Bright Star and the Sovereign class) almost their equal. However, tensions in the Gamma Quadrant with the Dominion made it seem prudent to continue development, and possible construction, of large combat vessels.
Classification:
The Entente class is designated as a dreadnought.
Design:
From a distance, both the Galaxy and Entente Classes look similar (sans the third nacelle). It is only when viewed from closer angles do the obvious differences between the classes become apparent. Modifi cations did need to be made, including the removal of Shuttlebays Two and Three (operations were considered too dangerous with the nacelle right there) and Shuttlebay One’s storage space was expanded 75% to make up for the loss of the other two bays.
Engineering:
The third LN-41 nacelle was mounted on a special strut extending up from the secondary hull. Only one warp core is installed with modifi cations to provide the additional reactants necessary to power three nacelles. The system maintenance penalty stands about 15% more than a Galaxy Class, though reactant consumption is close to double.
Tactical:
Initial plans were to add the Type XII phaser strip, but additional thought on the issue decided that sticking with improved-duration Type X units with sustained fi ring times increased to 35% over a standard Type X. Mounting of the FSS shield system proved impossible, and the FSQ/2 was fi tted. The Mk 95 photon torpedo system was fi tted to allow the fi ring of quantum torpedoes, but additional punch was wanted. Fitting additional photon torpedo launchers was not really an option, so it was decided to fi t a massive phaser cannon on the bottom of the saucer that extends back to the dorsal connector. This cannon is fed by special high-capacity plasma conduits, but still allows separated fl ight mode. Output is classifi ed, but it is rumored to be able to punch through the shields of any known starship. In addition, two narrow-beam phaser canons similar to those used on the Defi ant Class were fi tted to either side of the bridge to improve forward fi repower.
Both a Combat Information Center and Aegis are standard on the Entente Class. CETIS MK III with Type 225 TACAR II (Target Acquisition Center Accelerated Response) remain standard equipment, though the 42/ADA Countermeasures Support System has been added. The mounting hardware of the third nacelle allowed all three shuttlebays to remain in their original positions Embarked craft is about double that of a Galaxy, including a mix of runabouts, shuttles, and Peregrine fighters.
Computer Systems:
The Entente Class carries the same M-15 Isolinear III with LCARS system as the Galaxy Class with a tactical suite similar to that found on the U.S.S. Bright Star. The Aegis and other mission-specific computer hardware integrate directly with the onboard computer system, though multiple redundancies are in place to insure that they will continue to operate in case of primary computer failure.
Builders:
Shinohara Heavy Industries was chosen as the prime contractor due to their experience in large-scale starship designs, having worked on the Galaxy Class project. DaimlerChrysler Aerospace provided support, as they had built the Nebula class. All of the Entente Class vessels were built at Utopia Planitia.
Development and Construction History:
The ASDB fi nalized the design in December of 2364 and it was decided to use the two remaining partial Galaxy class hulls for construction. Once war with the Dominion had been declared, four more vessels were laid down. Construction on Entente (DN 73280) was completed in December 2372 and Ticonderoga (DN 73281) was completed in January 2373. Three additional vessels were approved in 2369 and 2370, with two in trials and one building.
Current Specifi cations for the Entente class:
Displacement: 5,520,000 mt
Overall Length: 643 m
Overall Draft: 195 m
Overall Beam: 464 m
Propulsion:
Three LF-41 Mod 1 energized-energized antimatter warp drive units with Continual Warp
Field Balance Generation
Two FIG-5 subatomic unifi ed energy impulse units
QASR-2 particle beam maneuvering thrusters
“Trentis IV” pulsed laser reaction control system
Velocity:
Warp 7.0 Standard Cruising Speed
Warp 9.5 Maximum Cruising Speed
Warp 9.9 Maximum Attainable Velocity
Duration:
5 years, standard
Complement:
90 Offi cers
575 Enlisted Crew
1000 Passengers (Normal – Up to 5000 maximum)
500 Marines (Normal – Up to 5000 maximum for short duration)
2165 Total Crew (Standard)
Embarked Craft:
1 Danube Class Runabout
4 Type 6 Personnel Shuttle
4 Type 7 Personnel Shuttle
6 Type 9A Cargo Shuttle
20 Type 10 Combat Drop Shuttles
10 Type 16 Shuttlepod
8 Peregrine Class Fighter
1 S-3 Sentry SWAC Shuttle
Navigation:
RAV / ISHAK Mod 3 Warp Celestial Guidance
Computers:
M-15 Isolinear III with LCARS interface software
Phasers:
12 Type X Collimated Phaser Array
2 Type XII Phaser Cannon
1 Type XIII Phaser Cannon
Missiles:
4 Mk 95 Photon Torpedo Launchers
Defense:
FSQ/2 Primary Force Field
Life Support:
MM6 Modular Gravity Unit
AL4 Life Support System
