Nova Class

Nova-class
Class Information
Role:	Explorer / Science Vessel
Status:	Active
Date Entered Service:	2370
Basic Stats
Decks:	8
Cruising Speed:	Warp 5
Total Compliment:	85
Tactical Systems
Energy Weapons:	11x Type-IX phaser arrays
Torpedo Launchers:	3 Launchers
Shields:	Regenerative Shielding System

Class Description

The Nova class was designed as a modern replacement for the long serving Oberth class science vessel. As such, what was called for was a small, yet modern ship capable of making relatively short duration missions. Starfleet intended to use these ships in the large and still unexplored areas between Federation controlled space. Missions would typically be staged out of Starbases and last up to one year, though usually less.

The design of the Nova class vessel was based on the Defiant Pathfinder (one of the proposed designs for the Defiant Class). The design was of the right size and employed the latest warp field/hull geometry and propulsion technology. Starfleet replaced the warp core with a far less powerful version, which limited the top speed to Warp 8 but greatly extended the operating life of the warp coils, reducing the ships refit schedule and making it easier to operate. The heavy weaponry was also removed, creating extra space for sensor arrays and scientific labs.

A Nova-Class ship explores the Gamma Quadrant.

One of the unique features of the Nova class vessel is its specially designed runabout, the Waverider Class. Based on the Intrepid class designs, this runabout is housed in part of the saucer section. This craft was designed solely for atmospheric travel and is incapable of Warp speeds, however it still adds versatility to the Nova. Also like the Intrepid, the Nova Class is capable of making planetary landings if necessary.

The Nova Class, although small, serves very adequately in its role of scientific surveyor and explorer. First produced in 2369, the Nova Class is now a workhorse of the fleet and their small drain on resources makes them ideal to continue detailed explorations and analyses started by larger and more critical ships, such as those of the Galaxy and Sovereign classes.

Although the class line in general has not seen heavy combat use, Nova Class vessels have been able to hold their own in a fight. The 11 Type-IX Phaser arrays and graviton shielding system give the ship enough defense capability to match or even defeat numerous threats, although they still remain more vulnerable craft than their larger counterparts.

Construction of the Nova class was suspended shortly before the Dominion war in favor of more combat capable vessels. After the end of the War, construction resumed at three ships per year, which is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Ship Specifications

Specifications
Basic Information	Role: Explorer / Science Vessel Dimensions: 165 meters (L) x 62 meters (W) x 34 meters (H) Decks: 8 Expected Duration: 65 years Time Between Resupply: 1 year Expected Refit Cycle: 5 years	Crew Complement	Total Crew: 85 25 Officers 60 Enlisted 0 Marines Number of Civilians: 20 Emergency Capacity: 200
Propulsion	Thrusters: RCS Thrusters Sublight Speed: 0.5c Warp Speed Cruising Speed: Warp 6 Maximum Warp: Warp 9.2 Emergency Warp: Warp 9.4 (for 20 hours)	Offensive Systems	ENERGY WEAPONS 11x Type-IX Phaser Arrays TORPEDO LAUNCHERS 2 Forward 1 Aft PAYLOAD 60 Photon Torpedoes 20 Quantum Torpedoes 5 Tricobalt Torpedoes
Defensive Systems	Shields: Multi-Layered Shielding System	Primary Systems	Transporters: 2 Personnel Transporter Range: 45,000 meters Sensor Range: 18 lightyears Communications Range: 20 lightyears
Auxiliary Craft	SHUTTLEBAYS: 1 SUPPORT CRAFT: Shuttles: 3 Runabouts: 1	Other	CREW AMENITIES: Crew Lounge Holosuites STARSHIP FEATURES: Duranium/Tritanium Double Hull Planetary Landing System Advanced Sensor Systems
Notes

Deck Listing

Main Ship

Deck	Details/Specifications of Deck
Deck 1	Bridge Captain's ready room Crew quarters Escape pods (4)
Deck 2	Mess hall Crew quarters Computer core (upper) Cargo bays (upper) Impulse drive reactor Transporter room Escape pods (2)
Deck 3	Deuterium tanks Computer core (mid) Cargo bays (lower) Transporter room Escape pods (14)
Deck 4	Sickbay Waverider access Crew quarters Computer core access (lower) Auxiliary deflector Torpedo launchers (2,front) Shuttlebay
Deck 5	Warp core Docking ports
Deck 6	Warp core Crew quarters
Deck 7	Warp core Crew quarters Torpedo launchers Main deflector Engineering Warp core access Main deflector Tractor beam emitters
Deck 8	Warp core Warp core ejection hatch Antimatter storage Landing struts Boarding Ramp