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|imagecap = Forward view
  
|imagecap = Forward view
 
|owner = [[Klingon Empire]]<br />[[Romulan Star Empire]]
  
|owner = [[Klingon Empire]]<br />[[Romulan Star Empire]]
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|operator = [[Klingon Defense Force]]<br />[[Romulan military]]
 +
|operator = [[Klingon Imperial Fleet]]<br />[[Romulan military]]
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|Type = [[Battle cruiser]], [[scout ship]]
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|Type = [[Battle cruiser]]<br/>[[scout ship]]
 
|Length = 228 m
  
|Length = 228 m
 
|Crew = 430
  
|Crew = 430
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|imagecap3 = Aft view
  
|imagecap3 = Aft view
 
}}
  
}}
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The '''D7 class''' [[battle cruiser]] was a [[23rd century]] [[warship]] originally designed and used by the [[Klingon Defense Force]], before being shared with the [[Romulan military]] during the late-[[2260s]].
+
The '''D7 class''' [[battle cruiser]] was a [[23rd century]] [[warship]] originally designed and used by the [[Klingon Imperial Fleet]], before being shared with the [[Romulan military]] during the late-[[2260s]].
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
−
The D7 class [[Klingon]] battle cruiser served as the backbone of the [[Klingon Imperial Fleet]] for several years during the [[23rd century]]. ({{TOS|Errand of Mercy}} ''remastered, etc.'') Among the mission profiles designated for this class was that of [[scout ship]]. ({{TOS|Friday's Child|A Private Little War}} ''remastered'')
+
The D7 class [[Klingon]] battle cruiser served as the backbone of the fleet for several years during the [[23rd century]]. ({{TOS|Errand of Mercy}} ''remastered, etc.'') Among the mission profiles designated for this class was that of [[scout ship]]. ({{TOS-R|Friday's Child|A Private Little War}})
   
 
By [[2267]], they were prominently featured in the [[Klingon Imperial Fleet]], where they posed a serious threat to the security of the [[Federation]] and [[Starfleet]]. ({{TOS|Elaan of Troyius}}; {{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
  
By [[2267]], they were prominently featured in the [[Klingon Imperial Fleet]], where they posed a serious threat to the security of the [[Federation]] and [[Starfleet]]. ({{TOS|Elaan of Troyius}}; {{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
   
−
The [[Romulan Star Empire]] later began using the same the design by [[2268]]. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
 +
The [[Romulan Star Empire]] later began using the same design by [[2268]]. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
   
 
{{bginfo|According to the ''[[Star Trek Chronology]]'' the line regarding a [[Romulan-Klingon Alliance]] was added to {{e|Reunion}} to explain the Romulan use of D7s.}}
  
{{bginfo|According to the ''[[Star Trek Chronology]]'' the line regarding a [[Romulan-Klingon Alliance]] was added to {{e|Reunion}} to explain the Romulan use of D7s.}}
   
−
The {{ShipClass|K't'inga}} battle cruiser began to replace the D7 class during the [[2270s]]. The D7 was finally "retired decades" prior to [[2377]]. ({{film|1}}; {{VOY|Prophecy}})
 +
The {{Class|K't'inga}} battle cruiser began to replace the D7 class during the [[2270s]]. The D7 was finally "retired decades" prior to [[2377]]. ({{film|1}}; {{VOY|Prophecy}})
   
 
Interest in these vessels by the Federation continued to appear well into the [[2370s]], as data on this class was commonly found within numerous Starfleet files. ({{TNG|The Naked Now|The Last Outpost|Conspiracy}}; {{VOY|Drone|The Voyager Conspiracy}})
  
Interest in these vessels by the Federation continued to appear well into the [[2370s]], as data on this class was commonly found within numerous Starfleet files. ({{TNG|The Naked Now|The Last Outpost|Conspiracy}}; {{VOY|Drone|The Voyager Conspiracy}})
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== Technical data ==
  
== Technical data ==
 
=== Physical arrangement ===
  
=== Physical arrangement ===
−
[[File:Constitution-D7_class_comparison.jpg|thumb|Overview comparison with a {{ShipClass|Constitution}} starship]] [[File:D7 class, Romulan variant.jpg|thumb|Romulan D7 profile]]
 +
[[File:Constitution-D7_class_comparison.jpg|thumb|Overview comparison with a {{Class|Constitution}} starship]] [[File:D7 class, Romulan variant.jpg|thumb|Romulan D7 profile]]
 
The D7 class was almost predatory in its appearance, with a spread-wing [[primary hull]], long neck and head-like command pod. The early [[Romulan]] variants had a large bird-of-prey design painted on the hull, identical to what was found on the [[Romulan Bird-of-Prey (23rd century)|Bird-of-Prey]]. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}}) Other Romulan D7s had red and yellow feather-like detailing painted on the upper wing and nacelle pylon. ({{TAS|The Survivor|The Practical Joker}})
  
The D7 class was almost predatory in its appearance, with a spread-wing [[primary hull]], long neck and head-like command pod. The early [[Romulan]] variants had a large bird-of-prey design painted on the hull, identical to what was found on the [[Romulan Bird-of-Prey (23rd century)|Bird-of-Prey]]. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}}) Other Romulan D7s had red and yellow feather-like detailing painted on the upper wing and nacelle pylon. ({{TAS|The Survivor|The Practical Joker}})
 
{{bginfo|The D7 bird-of-prey paintings have only appeared in the D7s of the remastered version of "The Enterprise Incident".}}
  
{{bginfo|The D7 bird-of-prey paintings have only appeared in the D7s of the remastered version of "The Enterprise Incident".}}
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The bulk of the ships overall mass was incorporated in the [[aft]] section of the ship. The [[bridge]] was located on the bulbous head, which was separated from the aft section by a relatively thin neck that flared out into the wings. Jutting from below these wings were a pair of outboard [[warp nacelle]]s. The ship's [[impulse engine]]s were located on the caudal section of the ship. ({{TOS|Elaan of Troyius}})
  
The bulk of the ships overall mass was incorporated in the [[aft]] section of the ship. The [[bridge]] was located on the bulbous head, which was separated from the aft section by a relatively thin neck that flared out into the wings. Jutting from below these wings were a pair of outboard [[warp nacelle]]s. The ship's [[impulse engine]]s were located on the caudal section of the ship. ({{TOS|Elaan of Troyius}})
   
−
This design had evolved from a classic design lineage dating back well into the [[22nd century]] with the early [[D5 class]] battle cruisers. ({{ENT|Judgment}}) In terms of dimensions, it was comparable in size to the Federation's {{ShipClass|Constitution}} starship. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
 +
This design had evolved from a classic design lineage dating back well into the [[22nd century]] with the early [[D5 class]] battle cruisers. ({{ENT|Judgment}}) In terms of dimensions, it was comparable in size to the Federation's {{Class|Constitution}} starship. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
   
 
=== Tactical systems ===
  
=== Tactical systems ===
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During the mid-23rd century, the D7 class posed a significant threat to the Federation with the classes impressive armament consisting of two [[nacelle]]-mounted [[disruptor cannon]]s, a forward-mounted [[phaser emitter]], and a forward launcher capable of firing [[photon torpedo]]es, [[magnetic pulse]]s and disruptor blasts. ({{VOY|Prophecy}}; {{TOS|Errand of Mercy}}; {{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
 +
During the mid-23rd century, the D7 class posed a significant threat to the Federation with the classes impressive armament consisting of two [[nacelle]]-mounted [[disruptor cannon]]s, a forward-mounted [[phaser emitter]], and a forward launcher capable of firing [[photon torpedo]]es, [[magnetic pulse]]s and disruptor blasts. ({{VOY|Prophecy}}; {{TOS|Errand of Mercy|The Enterprise Incident}}; {{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
   
−
{{bginfo|Unlike [[Vorok's battle cruiser|preceding]] and [[K't'inga class|follow-on classes]], the D7 does not appear to have possessed an aft firing [[torpedo tube]].}}
 +
{{bginfo|Unlike [[Vorok's battle cruiser|preceding]] and [[K't'inga class|follow-on classes]], the D7 did not appear to possess an aft firing [[torpedo tube]].}}
   
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
 
File:D7 disruptors, remastered.jpg|Firing [[disruptor]]s
  
File:D7 disruptors, remastered.jpg|Firing [[disruptor]]s
⚫
File:D7 firing magnetic pulse.jpg|Firing [[magnetic pulse]]
  
 
File:D7 firing phasers.jpg|Firing [[phaser]]s
  
File:D7 firing phasers.jpg|Firing [[phaser]]s
  +
File:D7 firing a photon torpedo.jpg|Firing a [[photon torpedo]]
  ⚫
File:D7 firing magnetic pulse.jpg|Firing a [[magnetic pulse]]
 
File:Kohlars battle cruiser firing.jpg|Firing disruptor blasts <!-- In "Prophecy" this effect was identified as a disruptor blast in the dialogue -->
  
File:Kohlars battle cruiser firing.jpg|Firing disruptor blasts <!-- In "Prophecy" this effect was identified as a disruptor blast in the dialogue -->
  ⚫
File:D7 firing projected stasis field.jpg|Emitting three [[projected stasis field]]s
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
⚫
While the D7 cruiser was often viewed as a threat to a ''Constitution''-starship, under certain circumstances, it was possible for a ''Constitution'' to destroy a single D7 with a barrage of phaser fire. Following such an instance at the outbreak of the [[Federation-Klingon War (2267)|Federation-Klingon War]] in [[2267]], the USS ''Enterprise'' encountered a fleet of eight D7s, which was considered by [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk]] to have superior odds. Despite these odds, [[Hikaru Sulu]] was confident the ''Enterprise'' could have defeated them. ({{TOS|Errand of Mercy}} ''remastered'')
  
−  
⚫
[[File:D7 firing projected stasis field.jpg|thumb|Firing a [[projected stasis field]]]]
  
 
In [[2269]], the Klingons developed a [[prototype]] weapon, described as a [[projected stasis field]], which was first encountered on the {{IKS|Gr'oth}} by the Federation. The field could be projected in up to three different directions at one time. The weapon, which was extremely powerful, was capable of completely paralyzing an enemy vessel, including all its vital systems. It was however equally crippling to the firing ship itself. Ultimately, it was determined by the Federation that this was so impractical in standard combat, that it posed no real threat. ({{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
  
In [[2269]], the Klingons developed a [[prototype]] weapon, described as a [[projected stasis field]], which was first encountered on the {{IKS|Gr'oth}} by the Federation. The field could be projected in up to three different directions at one time. The weapon, which was extremely powerful, was capable of completely paralyzing an enemy vessel, including all its vital systems. It was however equally crippling to the firing ship itself. Ultimately, it was determined by the Federation that this was so impractical in standard combat, that it posed no real threat. ({{TAS|More Tribbles, More Troubles}})
   
  ⚫
While the D7 cruiser was often viewed as a threat to a ''Constitution''-starship, under certain circumstances, it was possible for a ''Constitution'' to destroy a single D7 with a barrage of phaser fire. Following such an instance at the outbreak of the [[Federation-Klingon War (2267)|Federation-Klingon War]] in [[2267]], the USS ''Enterprise'' encountered a fleet of eight D7s, which was considered by [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk]] to have superior odds. Despite these odds, [[Hikaru Sulu]] was confident the ''Enterprise'' could have defeated them. ({{TOS-R|Errand of Mercy}})
⚫
By the late [[24th century]], these vessels were considered rather antiquated, and were identified as being inferior in firepower to a Federation {{ShipClass|Intrepid}} starship. ({{VOY|Prophecy}})
  
  +
  ⚫
By the late [[24th century]], these vessels were considered rather antiquated, and were identified as being inferior in firepower to a Federation {{Class|Intrepid}} starship. ({{VOY|Prophecy}})
   
 
=== Cloaking device ===
  
=== Cloaking device ===
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=== Propulsion systems ===
  
=== Propulsion systems ===
 
[[File:D7 engine room.jpg|thumb|Engine room, with a giant [[tribble]] colony]]
  
[[File:D7 engine room.jpg|thumb|Engine room, with a giant [[tribble]] colony]]
−
Some Klingon ships in the [[23rd century]] were equipped with an [[S-2 graf unit]], which was roughly equivalent to the [[warp drive]]s in the Federation's {{ShipClass|Constitution}} [[starship]]s. The warp drive of the D7 enables it to catch up with a ship traveling at the speed of [[warp factor|warp 9]]. ({{TAS|The Time Trap}}; {{TOS|Elaan of Troyius|The Enterprise Incident}})
 +
Some Klingon ships in the [[23rd century]] were equipped with an [[S-2 graf unit]], which was roughly equivalent to the [[warp drive]]s in the Federation's {{Class|Constitution}} [[starship]]s. The warp drive of the D7 enables it to catch up with a ship traveling at the speed of [[warp factor|warp 9]]. ({{TAS|The Time Trap}}; {{TOS|Elaan of Troyius|The Enterprise Incident}})
   
 
{{bginfo|The only glimpses we have seen of the D7's [[warp core]] were briefly shown in "More Tribbles, More Troubles".}}
 
{{bginfo|The only glimpses we have seen of the D7's [[warp core]] were briefly shown in "More Tribbles, More Troubles".}}
   
−
In addition, D7s [[impulse drive]] consisted of four-port engines, presumably giving the ship enhanced maneuverability at [[sublight]] speeds. ({{TOS|Elaan of Troyius}} ''remastered'')
 +
In addition, D7s [[impulse drive]] consisted of four-port engines, presumably giving the ship enhanced maneuverability at [[sublight]] speeds. ({{TOS-R|Elaan of Troyius}})
   
 
=== Other systems ===
  
=== Other systems ===
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=== Main bridge ===
  
=== Main bridge ===
−
Referred to by the Romulans as "Control Central", the [[bridge]] was the nerve center of the D7 class. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
+
Referred to by the Romulans as "Control Central", the [[bridge]] was the nerve center of the D7 class. ({{TOS|The Enterprise Incident}})
  +
  +
{{bginfo|For {{film|1}}, the Klingon bridge was constructed on a six-level set to facilitate piece-by-piece removal of parts, for placement of blue screens which allowed "front to back" vaporizing of the bridge to be depicted. ({{STM|49|39}})}}
   
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
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== Ships commissioned ==
  
== Ships commissioned ==
  ⚫
[[File:IKS Groth and DS-K7.jpg|thumb|The IKS ''Gr'oth'' orbiting [[Deep Space K-7]] in [[2268]].]]
−
;Named
  
−
:
  
 
* {{IKS|Gr'oth}}
  
* {{IKS|Gr'oth}}
 
* {{IKS|Klothos}}
  
* {{IKS|Klothos}}
−  
−
;Unnamed
  
−
:
  
 
* [[Unnamed D7 class starships]]
  
* [[Unnamed D7 class starships]]
−
** [[Kang's battle cruiser (2268)|Kang's battle cruiser]]
  
−
** [[Kohlar's battle cruiser]]
  
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** [[Kuri's battle cruiser]]
  
   
 
== Appendices ==
  
== Appendices ==
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** {{e|The Last Outpost}} (LCARS graphic)
  
** {{e|The Last Outpost}} (LCARS graphic)
 
** {{e|Conspiracy}} (LCARS graphic)
  
** {{e|Conspiracy}} (LCARS graphic)
  +
** {{e|Peak Performance}} ([[model]])
  +
** {{e|Booby Trap}} (model)
 
* {{DS9}}
  
* {{DS9}}
 
** {{e|Trials and Tribble-ations}}
  
** {{e|Trials and Tribble-ations}}
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=== Background information ===
  
=== Background information ===
 
==== Name origins ====
  
==== Name origins ====
−
The term "D7" remained the speculated designation for the Klingon battle cruiser for many years, with origins rooting to an incident [[Gene Roddenberry]] recalls in ''[[The Making of Star Trek]]'', which is linked to how he likened the cast's relationship to that of a family:
 +
The term "D7" remained the speculated designation for the Klingon battle cruiser for many years, at the time simply referred to as the "Klingon Battle Cruiser" in production sources, with origins rooting to an incident [[Gene Roddenberry]] recalls in ''[[The Making of Star Trek]]'', which is linked to how he likened the cast's relationship to that of a family:
   
 
<blockquote> I went to the stage one day, and they were all ready and waiting for me, because they knew I was really exhausted from some long rewrite sessions. As soon as I walked up to the set, [[William Shatner|Bill]] and [[Leonard Nimoy|Leonard]] blew a scene, but they blew it on purpose and began arguing very violently. Bill was shouting at the top of his voice, "''Leonard! What do you mean saying this is a D-7 Klingon ship! It's a D-6!''" Leonard shouted back, "''No, you idiot, the D-6 has four doors over here and the D-7 only has two!''" Bill immediately shouted back, "''No, no, no &ndash; it's the other way around. You've got it all wrong.''"</blockquote>
  
<blockquote> I went to the stage one day, and they were all ready and waiting for me, because they knew I was really exhausted from some long rewrite sessions. As soon as I walked up to the set, [[William Shatner|Bill]] and [[Leonard Nimoy|Leonard]] blew a scene, but they blew it on purpose and began arguing very violently. Bill was shouting at the top of his voice, "''Leonard! What do you mean saying this is a D-7 Klingon ship! It's a D-6!''" Leonard shouted back, "''No, you idiot, the D-6 has four doors over here and the D-7 only has two!''" Bill immediately shouted back, "''No, no, no &ndash; it's the other way around. You've got it all wrong.''"</blockquote>
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==== Studio models ====
  
==== Studio models ====
  +
:see: [[D7 class model|''D7''-class model]]
−
Though only introduced in the [[TOS Season 3|third season]] of the ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Original Series]]'', the [[Klingon]] {{ShipClass|D7}} [[battle cruiser]], despite its limited number of appearances, has captured the imagination of the audiences, and went on to become one of the most signature ship designs of the franchise. Ironically, the model was not commissioned by the producers for the show who had to contend with severe budget cuts during the third season, but resulted firstly from the wish of kit producer [[American Model Toy Corporation|Aluminum Model Toys]] (AMT) to do a follow-up of their highly successful {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} [[Star Trek model kits|model kit]], as Jefferies himself revealed in {{mag|name=STTM|vol=2|iss=9}} (page 66).
  
−  
−
===== Design =====
  
−
[[File:D7 class final design sketch.jpg|thumb|Final design sketch]]
  
−
The D7 class [[studio model]] was originally designed by [[Matt Jefferies]] who needed about two months from start to final design sketch. Its design was explored in the ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series Sketchbook]]'' where it was explained that in Jeffries' attempt to create the D7, he "''had to design a ship that would be instantly recognizable as an enemy ship, especially for a flash cut. There had to be no way it could be mistaken for our guys. It had to look threatening, even vicious.''" Taking an aerodynamic approach to his design, he ultimately "''modeled it on a {{w|manta ray}}, both shape and color, and that's why it looks as it does in the original series.''" Jefferies later recalled on his design work:
  
−
<blockquote>"AMT didn't have any design input whatsoever, and by that point [[Gene Roddenberry|Gene]] pretty much left me on my own. I designed it here at home, because there was neither the time nor the money allowance to do it at the studio. Naturally, I thought it had to look as far out as we thought the ''Enterprise'' did. I was after a shape and didn't really know what the shape should be. I started doing little sketches, trying to come up with something; God knows how many there were. I saved some of them, but I'm sure I must have ashcanned maybe a hundred balled-up pieces of paper. It's like when you make a mistake in arithmetic and you go back over the same piece of paper and keep making the same dumb mistake; you've got to throw it away and start from scratch.(...)<br/>The Klingons were supposed to a pretty wicked people, so I wanted something with a "killer potential" that would look wicked. Basically, I was feeding on the look of the stingray, or the manta ray, for part of the shape. Even though it is not dangerous, I think a lot of people think the manta ray has a very vicious look to it, yet when it swims it is very graceful. I was trying to get all of that in there. Then the coloration came directly from a shark, it's a grayish-green on top and a lighter gray underneath." ({{mag|name=STTM|vol=2|iss=9}}, pp. 66-69)</blockquote>
  
−
Having decided early on to make use of the same basic elements as with the ''Enterprise'', twin [[nacelle]]s and separate [[engineering]] and command hulls, with which he continued to experiment in layout and configuration, he added, "''Sometimes if you feel you have something, which could be kind of rare, you turn it around in as many ways as possible, and all of a sudden something may pop up that makes more sense.''" The ship's design was perfected by the twenty-fourth sketch on {{d|20|November|1967}}.
  
−  
−
Jefferies sold off his original design sketches, as well as the below mentioned engineering drawings, on 12 December 2001 in the [[Star_Trek_auctions#The_Star_Trek_Auction|The ''Star Trek'' Auction]], in order to raise funds for the charitable organization "{{w|Motion Picture and Television Fund}}".
 
−  
−
===== The filming model =====
  
−
[[File:D7-class engineering drawing by Matt Jefferies.jpg|thumb|left|Jefferies' engineering drawing of the ''D7''-class]]
  
−
[[File:D7-class and Enterprise scale drawings.jpg|thumb|Jefferies' scale drawings of the USS ''Enterprise'' and ''D7''-class]]
  
−
Jefferies proceeded to draw up detailed engineering drawings which also specified the scale in relation to the ''Enterprise'', and took those to [[AMT]]. The scale drawings were also used as templates for the computer readouts seen in the episode {{e|The Enterprise Incident}}. Under Jefferies' own personal supervision, Gene Winfield's AMT operated "[[Custom & Speed Shop]]" proceeded to manufacture two 3-feet long "master tooling" models (more precisely, the dimensions were 28"&times;20"&times;7"[http://archive.propworx.com/1008/13]). A master tooling model served as a template for the molds from which AMT would cast the parts for their model kits. Jefferies' recalled, "''The master models were quite large; probably close to 18 inches across, I guess. They used what they call a {{w|pantograph|pentagraph}} ''[sic]''; at one end there was a stylus that traced its way over the master model, and at the other end there was a tool that carved out the same shape in tooling steel, which became the mold they built the kit from. ''[remark: the mold for the kits were pantographed at half-scale of the master model]'' I was there at about 2 o'clock in the morning when they ran the first two or three through the machine. They weren't perfect, so they said "We'll take out a fraction here, and a fraction here." Then they'd run two or three more. If I remember correctly, it was about 10 o'clock when the first one came out that they said was perfect. They ran maybe another half a dozen, and checked those out. One of which I still have; the box has never been opened. Then the machine was put in operation, and after that one came out every 20 seconds.''" ({{mag|name=STTM|vol=2|iss=9}}, pp. 69-70)
  
−  
−
Under their exclusivity agreement the studio appropriated one of the master models for shooting purposes as they had done with the ''[[Galileo (2267)|Galileo]]'' studio model. The model was subsequently turned over to the [[Howard Anderson Company]] for final detailing and filming stock footage for use in the show. In order to make maximum use of their new nifty model and as a courtesy to AMT (who after all paid for the model), in order to get them the most exposure for their new model kit (S952), the producers decided to use it wherever possible in the remainder of the third season of ''TOS'' and so the new model first appeared on-screen as a Romulan battle cruiser in "The Enterprise Incident" although it was first shot as a Klingon battle cruiser for {{e|Elaan of Troyius}} (which aired later). Its origin as a master tooling model for a model kit, as opposed to being an actual filming model was evident in the fact that neither model, both constructed out of solid wood, had internal lighting.
  
−  
−
[[File:D7-class signage as designed by Matt Jefferies.jpg|thumb|The ''D7''-class signage]]
  
−
[[File:D7-class studio model held by Matt Jefferies.jpg|thumb|left|Jefferies holding his creation after detailing]]
  
−
[[File:IKS Gr'oth, TAS.jpg|thumb|IKS ''Gr'oth'' in "More Tribbles, More Troubles"]]
  
−
The original studio model was originally finished at the [[Howard Anderson Company]] in a multi-colored paint scheme (light green underneath and gray on top), applied personally by Jefferies. Jefferies also designed and applied the Klingon emblem and the Klingon lettering, the first time ever either one appeared in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. But the color scheme was obscured by studio lighting conditions, combined with the effect of lighting bouncing of the blue-screen onto the model, an effect known as "blue spill", resulting in what appeared to be a blue-gray overall color on screen. This impression was reinforced by the box art of the release of the D7 kit by AMT (No. S952). Interestingly, in the Animated Series episode {{e|More Tribbles, More Troubles}}, Koloth's battle cruiser, [[IKS Gr'oth]] adheres to the original paint scheme, though the two colors are reversed.
  
−  
−
After ''The Original Series'' was canceled, the original model of the D7 was donated (hand delivered by [[Dorothy Fontana]]) on {{d|7|November|1973}} to the {{w|Smithsonian Institution|Smithsonian}} {{w|National Air and Space Museum}} along with the tiny [[Constitution_class_model#Three-_and_four-inch_models|"Catspaw" model]] of the USS ''Enterprise''. "''I was trying to figure out how to pack it up to ship it. Dorothy Fontana was headed back to D.C. and agreed to take it for me; we put it in a plastic garbage back, which was not deep enough to to take the whole thing, so the head of it stuck out. Somebody on the airliner recognized it, so they unwrapped it and it toured the airliner!''", Jefferies recalled.({{mag|name=STTM|vol=2|iss=9}}, pp. 69-70 and ''[[Star Trek Giant Poster Book]], issue 10'', 1977)
 
−  
−
In 1977 the original filming model was returned to [[Paramount Pictures]] for intended use in the ''[[Star Trek: Phase II]]'' television project where it received a new paint job (gray, dark green and metal blue). It is conceivable that the new paint job was applied to repair damage, as the model was used as a master to take molds from in order to cast copies for intended use in the production. However it was quickly decided that the model would not stand up to the requirements television standards of the late 70s demanded and especially not to the big screen requirements when ''Phase II ''was upgraded to a major movie project. With no further use for the original television studio model, it was in its disassembled state send back to the Smithsonian and kept in storage. It was still in its new paint scheme, when [[Ed Miarecki]] undertook a major renovation on the model in 1991 in preparation for the [[Star Trek Smithsonian Exhibit]] and in 1993 the ''D7'' model and the {{ShipClass|K't'inga}} model, which it had spawned, were reunited for a short time when the ''K'tinga'' was on loan to the Smithonian. [http://startrekpropauthority.blogspot.com/2009/05/star-trek-at-smithsonian-matt-jefferies.html] Miarecki, apparently unaware of the original paint scheme at the time, repainted the model in the blue-gray mono colored scheme as was normally perceived by television audiences. [http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=8656] Having only been displayed once, the model, though in storage, is still in the possession of the Smithonian.
  
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===== The second "master tooling" model =====
  
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[[File:D7-class Klingon battle cruiser second studio model.jpg|thumb|The second master tooling model at auction]]
  
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The second master tooling model was handed over to the studio a short time later when AMT was done with it. It received the same finishing touch as the first model and was nearly indistinguishable from the first one (exactly 2 times the size of the AMT model kit). Slight detailing differences concerned the single horizontal "intercooler" feature on both sides on the aft of the warp engines, which were dual on the screen-used model. Also, the second model lacked the feature in the torpedo launcher mouth that was present in the first. Although slated to be also used for filming it was never used as such and ended up in Roddenberry's office for awhile. Roddenberry gave the model away to [[Stephen Edward Poe]] in recognition of his help in establishing the co-operation between the [[Desilu]] studios and AMT (in whose employ Poe was at the time). It changed hands several times after that and was between 1998 and 2006 offered up for auction no less than three times. The first time it appeared in a [[Star_Trek_auctions#Christie.27s|Christie's]] auction of 18 June 1998 with an estimate of $15,000 &ndash; $20,000 [http://www.proparchives.com/television/television-pre-1970s/sci-fi/star-trek-the-original-series/the-original-model-of-the-klingon-bird-of-prey], the second time on 31 March 2003 in the [[Star_Trek_auctions#Profiles_in_History|Profiles in History Hollywood Auction #18]] with an estimate of $60,000 &ndash; $80,000 [http://www.proparchives.com/television/television-pre-1970s/sci-fi/star-trek-the-original-series/the-klingon-d7-battle-cruiser-filming-miniature-from-the-original-star-trek-series], before finally auctioned off as lot#311 in the [[Star_Trek_auctions#Hollywood_Auction_.2324|Profiles in History Hollywood Auction #24]] on 31 March 2006 for $65,000, estimated at $65,000 &ndash; $85,000. [http://atomiccity.yuku.com/topic/528] [http://www.ketzer.com/PIH_Auction24.html] [http://www.proparchives.com/television/television-pre-1970s/sci-fi/star-trek-the-original-series/klingon-d7-battle-cruiser-filming-miniature-star-trek] It should be noted that all auction descriptions contained inaccuracies, and erroneously claimed that it was a screen-used model. The model was on the last occasion acquired by Microsoft's co-founder {{w|Paul Allen}} for his {{w|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame}} in Seattle, where it currently resides.
  
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===== The ''Phase II'' model =====
  
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[[File:D7-class Phase II studio model detailed by Jim Dow at Magicam.jpg|thumb|left|Dow working on what was still the ''Phase II'' ''D7''-class studio model]]
  
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[[File:D7 test shot for Phase II.jpg|thumb|''D7''-class test shot for ''Star Trek: Phase II'']]
  
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When the ''Phase II'' project was upgraded to a major movie project, what eventually was to become {{film|1}}, the decision had been made to have [[Magicam]], supervised by [[Jim Dow]], built a new, more detailed twice as large scale model of the D7, (reminiscent of the model Greg Jein later built for ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'') based on molds taken from the by now disassembled original television model. Though commonly known as the "6-feet model", its exact measurements were 47.5"&times;35".[http://startrekpropcollector.com/trekauctions/items/1778-0996] Construction on this model [http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=1722], this one outfitted with an internal lighting system and subsequent test shooting [http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd168/Sherlock_Holmes_photos/amcin2.jpg] were in progress and signed off on when "Magicam" delivered the model to the producers in July 1978. However, further refinement for movie purposes by that time was deemed necessary, which was done by [[John Dykstra]]'s [[Apogee, Inc.]] model shop, resulting this model eventually becoming the ''K't'inga''-class. "''We had to modify it pretty severely though, because apparently it was not designed to be shot in the same kind of circumstances that we ended up shooting it in. I don't know what Bob Abel planned to do with it, but for us, the practical lighting on the model was so dim that we weren't able to get a good exposure off it even by pushing the film a couple stops and using a twenty-second exposure''", Dykstra elaborated.(''[[Cinefex]]'', No.2, p.52)
  
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===== The ''Trials and Tribble-ations'' model =====
  
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[[File:IKS Gr'oth.jpg|thumb|Jein's IKS ''Gr'oth'' model in action]]
  
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In {{y|1996}}, a new model of the D7-class, IKS ''Gr'oth'', was created by [[Greg Jein]] for DS9's {{e|Trials and Tribble-ations}}. While referenced, but not seen, in the original version of the "Trouble with Tribbles," the model featured an amalgam of detail from both the ''Original Series'' model and the ''K't'inga''-class seen in {{film|1}}. The newer model bore a pale green coloration, in line with future Klingon vessels. Jein, a passionate life long fan of the original series, owned a set of molds of the original D7 studio model, made for ''Star Trek: Phase II'' (he acquired them after castings were made), and from those cast a model, which was further embellished.[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2010/05/23/propworx-trek-auction-unveiled/comment-page-1/#comment-25610] Apart from the additional slight hull detailing, reminiscent of the ''Phase II'' model, this model also sported internal lighting, strobe lights and lights on the crown of the bridge. Although the producers originally did not want to have the model built, because of budget concerns, effects supervisor for the episode [[Gary Hutzel]] pushed the construction through, after he discussed the matter with Jein,"''We talked for about fifteen seconds, and then Greg said "Oh, I'll build a shell. You paint it and detail it and we'll put it in the show."''", adding "''(We) took a little liberty. The original model had no lights on it at all, and it was pretty smooth, with no detail. We added neon for inside, strobe lights and some some lights on the crown of the bridge.''" (''[[The Magic of Tribbles: The Making of Trials and Tribble-ations]]'', pp.45-46) Jein's passion for the project however, resulted in a full-blown studio model, produced at a bargain.
  
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The molds Jein owned were put to good use besides the IKS ''Gr'oth'', apart from this ship he cast from the molds a ''D7''-class vessel that was featured in [[The Art of Star Trek]], page 19 (the model was later given to [[Doug Drexler]], who auctioned it off as [http://archive.propworx.com/1008/13 Lot#13] in the August 8th, 2010 [[Star_Trek_auctions#Propworx.2C_Inc.|Propworx]] "Star Trek Prop and Costume Auction", estimated at US$2,000-$3,000, where it sold for US$12,000}, and two ''K't'inga''-class vessels; the [[Unnamed K't'inga class starships#Qualor II hulk|unnamed ''K't'inga''-class]] in {{TNG|Unification I}} and the {{IKS|B'Moth}} in {{e|Soldiers of the Empire}}.
  
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===== The CGI model =====
  
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Yet another model of the ''Gr'oth'', this time built entirely digitally, by [[CBS Digital]] and supervised by [[Dave Rossi]] and [[Niel Wray]], was created for the {{y|2006}} "[[Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series#Remastered|remastered]]" version of numerous TOS episodes listed above. In regards to this [[CGI model]], when making those appearances, [[Michael Okuda]] noted that "''the Klingon ship was basically in two forms. In early episodes, when it was very small on the screen, it was the original version of the ship, which had essentially no surface detail. In "The Enterprise Incident," "Elaan of Troyius," and "Day of the Dove," the ship was reworked somewhat to add surface texture. And, of course, in "The Enterprise Incident" we added the Romulan bird markings.''" [http://www.ottens.co.uk/forgottentrek/tmp_3.php]
  
   
 
=== Inconsistencies ===
  
=== Inconsistencies ===
Line 203: Line 159:
 
*In this reference, the elderly [[Kor]] recalled the time when he commanded the ''Klothos'' during the [[Battle of Caleb IV]], a vessel he described as being "''one of the old [[D5 class|D-5 cruisers]].''" While the reference the cloaking device-equipped ''Klothos'' matched the ''Klothos'' that appeared in "The Time Trap", the design itself had actually appeared as a slight variant of the D7 class, rather than the D5 class design that was later introduced in the [[ENT Season 2]] episode {{ENT|Marauders}}.
 
*In this reference, the elderly [[Kor]] recalled the time when he commanded the ''Klothos'' during the [[Battle of Caleb IV]], a vessel he described as being "''one of the old [[D5 class|D-5 cruisers]].''" While the reference the cloaking device-equipped ''Klothos'' matched the ''Klothos'' that appeared in "The Time Trap", the design itself had actually appeared as a slight variant of the D7 class, rather than the D5 class design that was later introduced in the [[ENT Season 2]] episode {{ENT|Marauders}}.
 
[[File:D7 class cruiser, prophecy.jpg|thumb|The D7 from {{e|Prophecy}}]]
  
[[File:D7 class cruiser, prophecy.jpg|thumb|The D7 from {{e|Prophecy}}]]
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*The designation of the Klingon battle cruiser that appear in the episode "Prophecy" was misidentified in the script during the ship's appearance. Writer [[Mike Sussman]] later explained the mistake in a response to an article. [http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/articles/klingon-battlecruiser.htm] He assumed that the physical model built by Jein from "Trials and Tribble-ations" could be reused in the episode. However all the effects were apparently to be computer generated. To his knowledge, a CGI version of Jein's D7 did not exist at the time and it would have cost a fair amount of money to design one. Had Sussman been aware of this, he would have simply changed the script. As a result, this usage may be interpreted as a transitional predecessor to the ''K't'inga'' in the D7 lineage.
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*The designation of the Klingon battle cruiser that appear in the episode "Prophecy" was misidentified in the script during the ship's appearance. Writer [[Mike Sussman]] later explained the mistake in a response to an article. {{eas|articles/klingon-battlecruiser.htm}} He assumed that the physical model built by Jein from "Trials and Tribble-ations" could be reused in the episode. However all the effects were apparently to be computer generated. To his knowledge, a CGI version of Jein's D7 did not exist at the time and it would have cost a fair amount of money to design one. Had Sussman been aware of this, he would have simply changed the script. As a result, this usage may be interpreted as a transitional predecessor to the ''K't'inga'' in the D7 lineage.
   
 
=== External links ===
  
=== External links ===
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* {{exastris|page=/articles/klingon-battlecruiser.htm|title=The Everlasting Klingon Battlecruiser}}
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* {{eas|articles/klingon-battlecruiser.htm|The Everlasting Klingon Battlecruiser|external}}
 
* [http://www.danhausertrek.com/AnimatedSeries/KlingonShip.html Klingon/Romulan Battle Cruiser] at [http://www.danhausertrek.com/AnimatedSeries/Main.html Curt Danhauser's Guide to Animated ''Star Trek'']
  
* [http://www.danhausertrek.com/AnimatedSeries/KlingonShip.html Klingon/Romulan Battle Cruiser] at [http://www.danhausertrek.com/AnimatedSeries/Main.html Curt Danhauser's Guide to Animated ''Star Trek'']
 
* {{NCwiki}}
  
* {{NCwiki}}
   
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[[Category:Klingon starship classes]]
  
[[Category:Klingon starship classes]]
 
[[Category:Romulan starship classes]]
  
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Revision as of 15:48, 28 June 2015

The D7 class battle cruiser was a 23rd century warship originally designed and used by the Klingon Imperial Fleet, before being shared with the Romulan military during the late-2260s.

History

The D7 class Klingon battle cruiser served as the backbone of the fleet for several years during the 23rd century. (TOS: "Errand of Mercy" remastered, etc.) Among the mission profiles designated for this class was that of scout ship. (TOS-R: "Friday's Child", "A Private Little War")

By 2267, they were prominently featured in the Klingon Imperial Fleet, where they posed a serious threat to the security of the Federation and Starfleet. (TOS: "Elaan of Troyius"; TAS: "More Tribbles, More Troubles")

The Romulan Star Empire later began using the same design by 2268. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident")

According to the Star Trek Chronology the line regarding a Romulan-Klingon Alliance was added to "Reunion" to explain the Romulan use of D7s.

The K't'inga-class battle cruiser began to replace the D7 class during the 2270s. The D7 was finally "retired decades" prior to 2377. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture; VOY: "Prophecy")

Interest in these vessels by the Federation continued to appear well into the 2370s, as data on this class was commonly found within numerous Starfleet files. (TNG: "The Naked Now", "The Last Outpost", "Conspiracy"; VOY: "Drone", "The Voyager Conspiracy")

Technical data

Physical arrangement

Constitution-D7 class comparison

Overview comparison with a Constitution-class starship

D7 class, Romulan variant

Romulan D7 profile

The D7 class was almost predatory in its appearance, with a spread-wing primary hull, long neck and head-like command pod. The early Romulan variants had a large bird-of-prey design painted on the hull, identical to what was found on the Bird-of-Prey. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident") Other Romulan D7s had red and yellow feather-like detailing painted on the upper wing and nacelle pylon. (TAS: "The Survivor", "The Practical Joker")

The D7 bird-of-prey paintings have only appeared in the D7s of the remastered version of "The Enterprise Incident".

The bulk of the ships overall mass was incorporated in the aft section of the ship. The bridge was located on the bulbous head, which was separated from the aft section by a relatively thin neck that flared out into the wings. Jutting from below these wings were a pair of outboard warp nacelles. The ship's impulse engines were located on the caudal section of the ship. (TOS: "Elaan of Troyius")

This design had evolved from a classic design lineage dating back well into the 22nd century with the early D5 class battle cruisers. (ENT: "Judgment") In terms of dimensions, it was comparable in size to the Federation's Constitution-class starship. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident")

Tactical systems

During the mid-23rd century, the D7 class posed a significant threat to the Federation with the classes impressive armament consisting of two nacelle-mounted disruptor cannons, a forward-mounted phaser emitter, and a forward launcher capable of firing photon torpedoes, magnetic pulses and disruptor blasts. (VOY: "Prophecy"; TOS: "Errand of Mercy", "The Enterprise Incident"; TAS: "More Tribbles, More Troubles")

Unlike preceding and follow-on classes, the D7 did not appear to possess an aft firing torpedo tube.

In 2269, the Klingons developed a prototype weapon, described as a projected stasis field, which was first encountered on the IKS Gr'oth by the Federation. The field could be projected in up to three different directions at one time. The weapon, which was extremely powerful, was capable of completely paralyzing an enemy vessel, including all its vital systems. It was however equally crippling to the firing ship itself. Ultimately, it was determined by the Federation that this was so impractical in standard combat, that it posed no real threat. (TAS: "More Tribbles, More Troubles")

While the D7 cruiser was often viewed as a threat to a Constitution-starship, under certain circumstances, it was possible for a Constitution to destroy a single D7 with a barrage of phaser fire. Following such an instance at the outbreak of the Federation-Klingon War in 2267, the USS Enterprise encountered a fleet of eight D7s, which was considered by Captain James T. Kirk to have superior odds. Despite these odds, Hikaru Sulu was confident the Enterprise could have defeated them. (TOS-R: "Errand of Mercy")

By the late 24th century, these vessels were considered rather antiquated, and were identified as being inferior in firepower to a Federation Intrepid-class starship. (VOY: "Prophecy")

Cloaking device

Like its predecessor, the Romulan Bird-of-Prey, the Romulan D7 was equipped with cloaking technology.

Klingon ships were outfitted with cloaking devices as late as 2269. One of the first Klingon vessels to acquire the new technology was the IKS Klothos. (TAS: "The Time Trap"; DS9: "Once More Unto the Breach")

According to the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Journal the cloaking device was acquired by the Klingons as an exchange to several D7s with the Romulans during the Romulan-Klingon Alliance.

Propulsion systems

D7 engine room

Engine room, with a giant tribble colony

Some Klingon ships in the 23rd century were equipped with an S-2 graf unit, which was roughly equivalent to the warp drives in the Federation's Constitution-class starships. The warp drive of the D7 enables it to catch up with a ship traveling at the speed of warp 9. (TAS: "The Time Trap"; TOS: "Elaan of Troyius", "The Enterprise Incident")

The only glimpses we have seen of the D7's warp core were briefly shown in "More Tribbles, More Troubles".

In addition, D7s impulse drive consisted of four-port engines, presumably giving the ship enhanced maneuverability at sublight speeds. (TOS-R: "Elaan of Troyius")

Other systems

Romulan D7s were outfitted with food synthesizers. (TAS: "The Practical Joker")

Interior design

Crew complement

The average crew complement of a Klingon D7 was comparable to a Constitution-class, and consisted of around 430. (TOS: "Day of the Dove")

The interiors of the Romulan ship seen in "The Enterprise Incident" were the corridors of the Enterprise set with all wall props removed and a different lighting scheme.

Main bridge

Referred to by the Romulans as "Control Central", the bridge was the nerve center of the D7 class. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident")

For Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the Klingon bridge was constructed on a six-level set to facilitate piece-by-piece removal of parts, for placement of blue screens which allowed "front to back" vaporizing of the bridge to be depicted. (Star Trek Monthly issue 49, p. 39)

Conference room

Klothos conference room

Conference room of the D7 class Klothos

The conference room was used as a meeting place for the ship's senior staff for mission briefings. It contained a triangular table embossed with the emblem of the Klingon Empire, with each side of the table having its own set of chairs. Surrounding the table are various computer consoles. (TAS: "The Time Trap")

Ships commissioned

IKS Groth and DS-K7

The IKS Gr'oth orbiting Deep Space K-7 in 2268.

Appendices

Appearances

Background information

Name origins

The term "D7" remained the speculated designation for the Klingon battle cruiser for many years, at the time simply referred to as the "Klingon Battle Cruiser" in production sources, with origins rooting to an incident Gene Roddenberry recalls in The Making of Star Trek, which is linked to how he likened the cast's relationship to that of a family:

I went to the stage one day, and they were all ready and waiting for me, because they knew I was really exhausted from some long rewrite sessions. As soon as I walked up to the set, Bill and Leonard blew a scene, but they blew it on purpose and began arguing very violently. Bill was shouting at the top of his voice, "Leonard! What do you mean saying this is a D-7 Klingon ship! It's a D-6!" Leonard shouted back, "No, you idiot, the D-6 has four doors over here and the D-7 only has two!" Bill immediately shouted back, "No, no, no – it's the other way around. You've got it all wrong."

While all of this is going on, I'm standing there, beginning to get frustrated, watching the minutes tick by and mentally counting the money we're losing in expensive crew time, because the cameras aren't rolling. And as the argument continued, I'm thinking to myself, "What are they talking about? They've gone too far!" Then I remembered thinking that I should remember which is the D-6 or the D-7. Finally I couldn't stand it any more, and so I walked in between them and said, "Come on, fellows, it really doesn't matter. Let's get on with the scene." Then the whole crew broke up laughing. This was their way of saying to me, "Hey, time is not that serious. Relax a little."

The designation was not actually referenced on screen until Star Trek's 30th anniversary, in the DS9 Season 5 episode "Trials and Tribble-ations", and later in the VOY Season 7 episode "Prophecy".

Studio models

see: D7-class model

Inconsistencies

  • In writing the DS9 Season 7 episode, "Once More Unto the Breach", Ronald D. Moore stated that he intentionally included a nod to The Animated Series by means of a reference to the TAS Season 1 episode "The Time Trap". Template:Brokenlink
  • In this reference, the elderly Kor recalled the time when he commanded the Klothos during the Battle of Caleb IV, a vessel he described as being "one of the old D-5 cruisers." While the reference the cloaking device-equipped Klothos matched the Klothos that appeared in "The Time Trap", the design itself had actually appeared as a slight variant of the D7 class, rather than the D5 class design that was later introduced in the ENT Season 2 episode ENT: "Marauders".
D7 class cruiser, prophecy

The D7 from "Prophecy"

  • The designation of the Klingon battle cruiser that appear in the episode "Prophecy" was misidentified in the script during the ship's appearance. Writer Mike Sussman later explained the mistake in a response to an article. [1] He assumed that the physical model built by Jein from "Trials and Tribble-ations" could be reused in the episode. However all the effects were apparently to be computer generated. To his knowledge, a CGI version of Jein's D7 did not exist at the time and it would have cost a fair amount of money to design one. Had Sussman been aware of this, he would have simply changed the script. As a result, this usage may be interpreted as a transitional predecessor to the K't'inga in the D7 lineage.

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