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{{Sidebar starship class| |
{{Sidebar starship class| |
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| − | |Name = '' |
+ | |Name = ''Excelsior''-class<br /><small>Original configuration</small> |
| − | |image = |
+ | |image = Excelsior class.jpg |
|imagecap = Forward port view |
|imagecap = Forward port view |
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| − | |owner = |
+ | |owner = {{Federation}} |
| + | |operator = [[Starfleet]] |
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| − | |operator = [[United Earth Starfleet|Starfleet]]<br />[[Military Assault Command Operations]] (Security Augmentation only), 2153-2161 |
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| − | |Active = |
+ | |Active = [[2280s]] - [[2370s]] |
|Decks = 34 |
|Decks = 34 |
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|Armament = [[Phaser]]s, [[photon torpedo]]es |
|Armament = [[Phaser]]s, [[photon torpedo]]es |
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|Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s |
|Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s |
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| − | |image2 = |
+ | |image2 = Excelsior class, lcars, tngs1.jpg |
|imagecap2 = Profile and overview of the ''Excelsior'' |
|imagecap2 = Profile and overview of the ''Excelsior'' |
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}}{{Sidebar starship class| |
}}{{Sidebar starship class| |
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| + | |Name = ''Excelsior''-class<br /><small>Refit configuration</small> |
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| − | |Name = Klingon Bird-of-Prey |
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| − | |image = |
+ | |image = USS Enterprise-B in drydock.jpg |
| − | |imagecap = |
+ | |imagecap = Forward view |
| − | |owner = |
+ | |owner = {{Federation}} |
| − | |operator = |
+ | |operator = [[Starfleet]] |
| − | |Active = [[ |
+ | |Active = [[2290s]] - [[2370s]] |
|Decks = 34 |
|Decks = 34 |
||
| − | |Armament = |
+ | |Armament = [[Phaser]]s, [[photon torpedo]]es, [[quantum torpedo]]es (USS ''Lakota'') |
| − | |Defenses = [[ |
+ | |Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s |
| − | |image2 = |
+ | |image2 = Excelsior class refit MSD.jpg |
| − | |imagecap2 = |
+ | |imagecap2 = Master System Display |
| + | }} |
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| − | }}{{mirror disambiguation|ISS Enterprise (NX-01)|ISS ''Enterprise'' (NX-01)}}{{aquote|Neptune and back in six minutes.|[[Jonathan Archer]]|2151|Broken Bow}}One of the most important [[starship]]s in interstellar history, '''''Enterprise'' (NX-01)''' was the culmination of the [[NX Project]]. The NX-01 was the first {{class|NX}} starship, launched by the [[United Earth]] [[United Earth_Starfleet|Starfleet]] in [[2151]]. ''Enterprise'' established United Earth as a legitimate interstellar power and caused a wholesale revolution in [[Alpha Quadrant|Alpha]] and [[Beta Quadrant]] politics, paving the way for the creation of the [[Coalition of Planets]] in [[2155]], and eventually the [[United Federation of Planets]] in [[2161]]. |
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| + | The '''''Excelsior''-class''' was a type of [[Federation]] [[starship]] used by [[Starfleet]] from the late [[23rd century]] through the late [[24th century]]. It was the backbone of Starfleet for nearly a century, making it one of the longest serving starship designs, and one of the most recognizable ships in the fleet. |
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| + | == History == |
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| − | One of the most important [[starship]]s in interstellar history, '''''Enterprise'' (NX-01)''' was the culmination of the [[NX Project]]. The NX-01 was the first {{class|NX}} starship, launched by the [[United Earth]] [[United Earth_Starfleet|Starfleet]] in [[2151]]. ''Enterprise'' established United Earth as a legitimate interstellar power and caused a wholesale revolution in [[Alpha Quadrant|Alpha]] and [[Beta Quadrant]] politics, paving the way for the creation of the [[Coalition of Planets]] in [[2155]], and eventually the [[United Federation of Planets]] in [[2161]]. |
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| + | The ''Excelsior''-class was initially constructed during the early [[2280s]] at Starfleet's [[San Francisco Fleet Yards]] [[orbit]]ing [[Earth]]. ({{film|6}} ''[[dedication plaque]]'') |
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| + | Starfleet had high hopes for the first ship of this class, the [[prototype]] {{USS|Excelsior}}, which was equipped with [[transwarp drive]], and was regarded as that century's "[[the Great Experiment|Great Experiment]]." ({{film|3}}) |
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| − | == == |
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| + | * '''See''': [[USS Excelsior#Trial runs|Trial runs]] for more concise details of the USS ''Excelsior''{{'}}s early history.'' |
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| − | History |
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| + | Despite the failure of the "Great Experiment," Starfleet forged ahead with employing the ''Excelsior'' design. After remaining in the [[Earth Spacedock]] until at least [[2287]], the prototype ''Excelsior'' was subsequently recommissioned for active service by [[2290]]. ({{film|4}}, {{film|5}}, {{film|6}}) |
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| − | === Development === |
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| − | [[File:Enterprise_out_of_control.jpg|link=http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Enterprise_out_of_control.jpg|left|thumb| |
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| − | ''Enterprise'' at warp |
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| − | ]] |
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| − | For [[Human]]ity |
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| − | to make space exploration missions possible within a single natural |
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| − | lifetime, Humans had to make themselves capable of traveling faster than |
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| − | <nowiki> </nowiki>[[Warp factor|warp 1]], the [[speed of light]]. After [[Zefram Cochrane]] made a successful warp test flight in the ''[[Phoenix]]'' in [[2063]], the [[Warp drive|propulsion system]] he created was further developed. In [[2119]], several engineers, such as [[Henry Archer]] and Cochrane himself, began the work that paved the way directly to ''Enterprise'', at the [[Warp Five Complex]] in [[Bozeman]], [[Montana]]. Over the next thirty-two years, warp engine development continued until Humanity's first [[warp 5 engine]] was created. This engine was capable of speeds that finally made interstellar travel in more survivable periods possible – that is, in days, weeks or months, instead of years. As a result, humanity was able to construct its first warp 5 capable [[starship]], ''Enterprise'', completed in 2151. |
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| + | In [[2293]], the fate of the ''Excelsior'' design was sealed when Starfleet passed on the [[Enterprise history|name of a legacy]]. The launch of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B|-B}} opened the door for the ''Excelsior''-class to become one of the most widely used designs in all of Starfleet, a design lasting well into the late [[24th century]]. ({{film|6}}; {{film|7}}; {{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}} – {{VOY|Endgame}}) |
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| − | During the mid-[[22nd century]], the [[Klingon Empire]] operated a type of small [[warship]] known as the '''Klingon Bird-of-Prey'''.''<nowiki/>'' |
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| + | {{bginfo|According to the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', the ''Enterprise''-B was launched from Starfleet's [[Antares Ship Yards]]. The ''Technical Manual'' further explained that "''Although the decision to model [the ''Enterprise''-B] on the failed original experimental ''Excelsior'' was at the time controversial, the economics of using the existing (and otherwise successful) engineering of the basic spaceframe were compelling.''"}} |
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| + | [[File:Excelsior port of Galaxy.jpg|thumb|left|Alongside a {{class|Galaxy}} starship]] |
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| − | == History == |
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| + | Once fully integrated into the [[fleet]], the ''Excelsior''{{'}}s sister ships were used for a variety of mission profiles, ranging from deep [[space]] exploration and [[terraforming]] missions, to [[patrol ship|patrol duty]], to [[courier]] and [[transport]] runs. ({{film|6}}; {{TNG|Tin Man|The Drumhead|Brothers|Allegiance}}; {{DS9|Homefront|For the Uniform}}, etc.) The ''Excelsior''-class was also frequently used by the Starfleet [[flag officer]]s for use as a personal [[flagship]]. ({{TNG|The Offspring|The Best of Both Worlds|Chain of Command, Part I|Descent|Preemptive Strike}}) |
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| − | This class is one of the earliest class of [[starship]]s encountered by [[Earth]] [[Starfleet]] during the early [[2150s]]. The first encounter occurred on the outer perimeter of the [[Sol system]] in early [[2153]]. ({{ENT|The Expanse}}) Starfleet, however, had known of the existence of these ships as early as late [[2151]]. ({{ENT|Sleeping Dogs}}) |
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| + | The ''Excelsior''-class was present in several major Federation engagements, including the [[Borg]] invasion of [[2366]]-[[2367]], where it participated at the [[Battle of Wolf 359]], as well as the engagement against the [[Borg sphere]] that entered the [[Sol system]] in [[2378]]. ({{DS9|Emissary}}; {{VOY|Unity|Endgame}}) They were also present in numerous [[Dominion War]] battles, seeing action during [[Operation Return]], the [[First Battle of Chin'toka|First]] and [[Second Battle of Chin'toka|Second Battles of]] [[Chin'toka]], and the [[Battle of Cardassia]]. Many ''Excelsior''-class vessels were stationed on the front lines near [[Deep Space 9]] during the war. ({{DS9|Sacrifice of Angels|Tears of the Prophets|The Changing Face of Evil|What You Leave Behind}}, etc.) |
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| − | This Bird-of-Prey design was revamped over the next two centuries, |
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| − | and was used to represent several different variations of this class |
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| − | that were collectively known under [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey|the same name]]. ({{film|3}}) |
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| + | Details of this class would be retained well into the [[31st century]], when [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Malcolm Reed]] viewed schematics on the class in the [[22nd century]] while accessing the database belonging to temporal agent [[Daniels (Crewman)|Daniels]]. ({{ENT|Shockwave}}) |
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| − | == Technical data == |
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| + | == Technical data == |
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=== Physical arrangement === |
=== Physical arrangement === |
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| + | [[File:USS Farragut, Chrysalis.jpg|thumb|Port-side docking port]] |
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| − | [[File:Klingon_b-o-p_docked_with_Enterprise,_Borderland.jpg|link=http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Klingon_b-o-p_docked_with_Enterprise,_Borderland.jpg|thumb| |
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| + | The ''Excelsior''-class featured the [[saucer section]]-[[engineering section]]-[[warp nacelle]] layout common to most Starfleet vessels. However, it featured a more streamlined design than was seen in previous classes. |
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| − | Docked with an [[NX class|NX-class starship]] |
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| + | |||
| − | ]] |
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| + | Design features of the [[primary hull]] included a [[docking port]] located on the [[port]] side of the hull. ({{DS9|Chrysalis}}) |
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| − | Comparable in design to its sister classes, the {{class|Raptor}} [[scout]] and [[D5 class|D5-class]] [[battle cruiser]], |
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| + | |||
| − | the exterior design of the Bird-of-Prey utilized the same basic avian |
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| + | ==== Design upgrades ==== |
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| − | design, including vaguely feather-like hull plating on its wings. |
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| + | Following its initial, and somewhat unsuccessful origins, the ''Excelsior'' underwent a minor [[refit]], which included a new [[bridge]] module, in addition to a significant modification to the [[aft]] portion of the saucer section, surrounding the [[impulse drive]], and a modification to the [[cargo bay]] on the aft ventral portion of the ship. This configuration would remain the standard for the ''Excelsior''-class throughout its service. ({{film|6}}) |
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| + | {{bginfo|According to ''[[Charting the Undiscovered Country: The Making of Trek VI]]'' (pg. 74), [[Bill George]] stated that "''we changed the bridge area of the ''Excelsior'' model, because on this show, the bridge is actually very small – it's the ''Enterprise'' bridge redressed. The ''Excelsior'' was originally built for ''Star Trek III'', where it had a cavernous bridge, and the model had a big bubble on top which I felt was always out of scale. We replaced it with a smaller bridge area which helped the overall scale of the model.''"}} |
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| + | [[File:USS Enterprise-B facing the Nexus.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Enterprise''-B, featuring additional impulse engines (top) and additional scoop surrounding the deflector dish (bottom)]] |
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| − | [[File:Klingon_b-o-p,_msd,_Augments.jpg|link=http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Klingon_b-o-p,_msd,_Augments.jpg|thumb| |
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| + | In less than a decade, the ''Excelsior'' design underwent a second, more significant overhaul, as introduced with the launch of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B|-B}}. While remaining true to the original design, this new configuration added several modifications to the basic hull, including the addition of a second pair of [[impulse engine]]s, an expanded scoop surrounding the [[deflector dish]], and the addition and removal of a number of fins located on the saucer and [[nacelle]]s. ({{film|7}}; {{DS9|Paradise Lost}}) |
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| − | Overview of vessel |
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| + | {{bginfo|According to the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Sketchbook: The Movies]]'', the additional impulse engines were added to provide the ship with stronger engines, which would be needed when the [[saucer separation|saucer detached]]. This corresponds with the inclusion of a [[battle bridge]] on [[MSD]] appearing on the ''Enterprise''-B bridge in ''Generations''.}} |
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| − | ]] |
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| − | The bulk of the ship's overall mass was incorporated in the [[aft]] section of the ship. The [[bridge]] |
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| − | <nowiki> </nowiki>module was located on a bulbous forward section, which was separated |
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| − | from the aft section by a relatively thin 'neck' that attached to and |
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| − | flared into the aft portion which swept down below the main body, |
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| − | forming wings. |
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| + | As this class aged, Starfleet continued to incorporate the latest technology, through continued upgrades, refits and repairs, well into the [[2360s]] and [[2370s]]. In [[2364]], the {{USS|Melbourne}} underwent significant repairs at [[Starbase 74]], while in [[2367]] the {{USS|Hood|Excelsior class}} underwent a major system upgrade at [[Starbase 174]]. ({{TNG|11001001|Brothers}}, etc.) |
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| − | Located on the caudal section of the ship were the ship's [[shuttlebay]], [[impulse engine]]s and two [[warp nacelle]]s. |
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| − | The port and starboard nacelles were directly connected to the extreme |
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| − | upper aft section of the ship, perpendicular to the impulse engine. ({{ENT|The Augments|Divergence}}) |
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=== Tactical systems === |
=== Tactical systems === |
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| + | The original ''Excelsior'' design was outfitted [[type 8 phaser]] emitters in five dual phaser emplacements on the forward saucer section, and one dual emplacement on the aft of the saucer. [[Phaser bank]]s were also positioned laterally, located port and [[starboard]], near the point that the primary and secondary hulls meet, as well as one emplacement located between the nacelles. ({{film|6}}; {{film|7}} ''[[:File:Excelsior-decks.jpg|production art]]''; {{DS9|Paradise Lost}}, etc.) |
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| − | The offensive arsenal of the Bird-of-Prey was rather impressive, for the time, as the ship possessed at least eight forward [[disruptor bank]]s, including a twin-pair of neck-mounted [[disruptor cannon]]s, |
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| − | a pair of wing-tip mounted disruptor cannons, and a 360º rotating |
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| − | turret containing twin belly-mounted disruptor cannons. The class was |
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| − | also equipped with dual [[photon torpedo]] launchers, positioned [[fore]] and [[aft]], and defensive [[shields]]. ({{ENT|The Expanse|Borderland|Cold Station 12}}) This class, however, had minimal aft weapons. ({{ENT|The Augments}}) |
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| + | In addition, the ''Excelsior'' was equipped with several [[photon torpedo]] launchers. The two primary launchers were located in the forward section, on both sides of the deflector dish seen as two dark colored ports ahead of the starfleet hull banners. The upper forward launchers were located on the neck section, also allowing ship access for [[cargo management unit]]s. Aft launchers were located above the main [[shuttlebay]]. ({{film|7}} ''[[:File:Excelsior-decks.jpg|production art]]'') In addition, the shields were stronger than the {{class|Constitution}} refit, capable of withstanding a direct photon torpedo strike without suffering any visible damage to the outer hull. ({{film|6}}) |
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| − | <gallery> |
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| − | File:Klingon b-o-p forward torpedo, Augments.jpg|Forward torpedo launcher |
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| − | File:Klingon b-o-p firing wing cannons, borderland.jpg|Wing-mounted cannons<br />(intermittent beams) |
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| − | File:Klingon b-o-p firing wing cannons, augments.jpg|Wing-mounted cannons<br />(solid beams) |
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| − | File:Klingon b-o-p bridge cannons, Borderland.jpg|Bridge-mounted cannons |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| + | With the impending threat of the Dominion against the Federation, Starfleet began to experiment, in [[2372]], with performing a refit on the ''Excelsior''-class {{USS|Lakota}}. Upgrades included improved phaser emplacements, [[quantum torpedo]]es, and other improvements to make the ship competitive with such ship designs as the {{class|Defiant}}. ({{DS9|Paradise Lost}}) |
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| − | Prior to the refitting of [[Enterprise (NX-01)|''Enterprise'']], one Bird-of-Prey was more than a match with the {{class|NX}}; however, it was unable to repel three older [[Earth]] vessels at one time. After ''Enterprise'' was upgraded, it was nearly an even match with the Bird-of-Prey. ({{ENT|The Expanse}}) This class of Bird-of-Prey could outgun an [[Orion interceptor]], two to one. ({{ENT|Borderland}}) |
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| − | {{bginfo|It was stated by [[Arik Soong]] (in "The Augments") that the ''Enterprise'' outgunned their Bird-of-Prey "three to one." It is unclear if this statement, which seems unfair based on previous encounters, was Soong being overly cautious of the situation, or if his statement reflected the current condition of their vessel, which had sustained some damage at that time and was limited to [[warp factor|warp 3.8]].}} |
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| + | <gallery> |
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| − | === Additional systems === |
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| + | File:USS Lakota fires on the Defiant-2.jpg|[[Dorsal]] [[primary hull|saucer]] array, forward [[starboard]] |
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| − | [[File:Klingon_b-o-p_tractor_beam,_Borderland.jpg|link=http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Klingon_b-o-p_tractor_beam,_Borderland.jpg|thumb| |
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| + | File:USS Lakota fires on the Defiant-3.jpg|Dorsal saucer array, aft |
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| − | [[Tractor beam|Tractoring]] a [[transport shuttle]] |
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| + | File:USS Lakota fires on the Defiant-4.jpg|Dorsal [[secondary hull]] array |
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| − | ]] |
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| + | File:Excelsior class firing at Breen fleet.jpg|Dorsal saucer array, forward |
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| − | This class of vessel was equipped with [[tractor beam]] |
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| + | File:Excelsior class firing at orbital weapon platform.jpg|Ventral saucer array, forward |
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| − | <nowiki> </nowiki>technology. It had one emitter located on the underside of each wing |
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| + | File:USS Lakota fires on the Defiant-6.jpg|Starboard lateral phaser |
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| − | that, when used in conjunction, could be used to manipulate a ship to |
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| + | File:USS Excelsior firing torpedoes.jpg|Firing primary forward [[photon torpedo]]es |
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| − | its belly [[docking port]]. ({{ENT|Borderland}}) |
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| + | File:USS Enterprise-B, upper torpedo launcher.jpg|Upper forward torpedo launcher <!-- The torpedo launcher was identified as such in the ships MSD seen in "Star Trek: Generations" --> |
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| + | File:USS Enterprise-B, upper torpedo bay.jpg|Ship access via upper forward torpedo bay <!-- The torpedo launcher was identified as such in the ships MSD seen in "Star Trek: Generations" --> |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| + | |||
| + | === Propulsion systems === |
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| + | [[File:TranswarpComputerDisplay.jpg|thumb|Transwarp drive – in theory]] |
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| + | Initially the ''Excelsior'' was designed under a radically new principle in propulsion, the transwarp drive. While an awe-inspiring concept to some, it was the traditional [[engineer]]s who remained skeptical of this new form of [[warp drive]]. ({{film|3}}) Following this failure, the ''Excelsior'' spent the next two years in spacedock before being fitted with a traditional warp drive. ({{film|4}}; {{film|5}}; {{film|6}}) |
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| + | {{bginfo|According to the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'', "''although it was never made clear on film, it is generally assumed that the transwarp drive being tested in ''Star Trek III'' was a failure, and that the ship was later outfitted with a more conventional warp drive. The ''Excelsior''{{'}}s bridge control panels and computer readout displays seen in ''Star Trek VI'' tend to support this theory''". It was theorized by the ''[[Star Trek Chronology]]'' that this ship-wide systems failure might have been the one referenced to by [[Data]] when he mentioned no Federation vessel having such a problem in over eighty years in {{TNG|Evolution}}. On page 14 of the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', it was stated that "''while the attempt to surpass the primary warp field efficiency barrier with the Transwarp Development Project in the early 2280s proved unsuccessful, the pioneering achievements in warp power generation and field coil design eventually led to the uprated ''Excelsior'' and {{class|Ambassador}} starships. Both vessels served Starfleet in exemplary fashion. They continue to do so, even beyond their original lifetimes.''"|Although several references were made to various ''Excelsior''-class vessels traveling at "maximum warp" or "high warp", the [[maximum warp|maximum speed]] was never established. The only submittable reference comes from a line cut from {{film|6}} that indicated [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]] ordering the ''Excelsior'' to [[warp factor|warp 9]] to get to [[Khitomer]] in time. In {{e|Paradise Lost}}, [[Miles O'Brien]] was concerned about the potential "tinkering" that may have been "done to [the ''Lakota''{{'}}s] warp drive," when considering alternative options to combating the ''Lakota''. For reference, the maximum known speed of the ''Defiant'' was warp 9.5. ({{e|The Sound of Her Voice}})}} |
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| − | Unlike the ''Raptor'' class, this class of Bird-of-Prey was equipped with [[escape pod]]s. The Bird-of-Prey's escape pod hatch was also located on the belly of the ship. ({{ENT|The Augments}}) |
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| + | By the early 24th century, ''Excelsior''-class vessels were normally equipped with [[dilithium]] recompositing and [[crystal|recrystallization]] technology. The [[theta-matrix compositor]] of the time, which later became outdated, was upgraded by the time the {{class|Galaxy}} was introduced. This new recrystallization process was ten times more efficient than that of the ''Excelsior''-class. ({{TNG|Family}}) |
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| − | One major flaw of the Bird-of-Prey's design was found at the nape of the ship's neck and primary hull; a direct hit on the main [[plasma junction]], located above the [[Sensor|sensor array]], could disable the entire [[power grid]]. ({{ENT|The Augments}}) |
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| + | The ''Excelsior''-class also used [[micro-power relay]]s in its [[warp core matrix compositor]]. ({{DS9|For the Uniform}}) |
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| − | === Shuttlebay === |
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| − | The [[shuttlebay]] was located on the extreme aft of the ship, directly below the impulse engines. It was large enough in capacity to store a [[Barzai|Denobulan medical ship]]. ({{ENT|Cold Station 12|The Augments}}) |
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== Interior design == |
== Interior design == |
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| + | * '''See''': [[Excelsior class decks|''Excelsior''-class decks]], for [[deck]] configuration. |
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| − | Like the ''Raptor''-class scouts of this era, live food was kept aboard these Birds-of-Prey in the [[targ pit]]s, presumably adjacent to the [[galley]]. ({{ENT|The Augments}}) |
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| − | === |
+ | === Main bridge === |
| + | [[File:Excelsior Bridge 3.jpg|thumb|The main viewscreen ([[2293]])]] |
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| − | {| data-ve-attributes="{"style":"float:right;"}" style="float:right;" |
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| + | Located on top of the [[primary hull]], the ''Excelsior''{{'}}s [[main bridge]] directly supervised all primary mission operations and coordinated all departmental activities. Due to the age and variety of configurations of the ''Excelsior''-class, bridge configurations varied from ship to ship. |
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| − | |<gallery> |
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| − | File:Raptor bridge, portside forward.jpg|Port-side forward |
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| − | File:Raptor bridge, portside aft.jpg|Port-side aft |
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| − | File:Raptor bridge, starboard-side forward.jpg|Starboard-side forward, including command chair |
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| − | File:Raptor bridge from viewscreen.jpg|Perspective from viewscreen |
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| + | Against the aft wall of many ''Excelsior'' bridges was the large [[engineering]] [[master systems display]] monitor, showing a cutaway of the ship and status information. This was not originally part of the USS ''Excelsior'' configuration but added later, a feature shared with sister ship USS ''Enterprise''-B. ({{film|3}}; {{film|6}}; {{film|7}}; {{VOY|Flashback}}) |
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| + | <gallery> |
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| + | File:Excelsior bridge 2285.jpg|The main bridge of the {{USS|Excelsior}}, [[2285]] |
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| + | File:Excelsior Bridge 1.jpg|The main bridge of the USS ''Excelsior'', [[2293]] |
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| + | File:Enterprise B bridge.jpg|The main bridge of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B}}, 2293 |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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| − | |} |
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| − | Located in the "head" of the forward section of the vessel, the [[bridge]], which was plated with [[dispersive armor]], was one of the most protected sections of the ship. ({{ENT|The Augments}}) |
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| + | [[File:Holo-communicator.jpg|thumb|[[Sanders (Captain)|Sanders]] transmitting from the bridge of the ''Malinche'']] |
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| − | The configuration of the Bird-of-Prey's main bridge shared with many features found in contemporary designs. |
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| + | {{bginfo|The ''Excelsior'' bridge was a partial set in ''Star Trek III''. In ''Star Trek VI'', the ''Excelsior'' bridge was a redress of the ''Enterprise''-A bridge, shot on [[Paramount Stage 5]], and was similar in many ways to the NCC-1701-B bridge seen in ''Star Trek Generations''. The set was rebuilt from scratch, with some changes in detail and scale, for the production of "Flashback."}} |
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| + | At least one ''Excelsior''-class starship, the {{USS|Malinche}}, had a [[holo-communicator]] installed in its main bridge in [[2373]]. Upon first use of the [[technology]], ''Malinche'' [[Captain]] [[Sanders (Captain)|Sanders]] described to Captain [[Benjamin Sisko]], who was on the transmitting end on board the {{USS|Defiant|2370}}, "''you appear to be sitting on my bridge. It may take me a while to get used to this.''" ({{DS9|For the Uniform}}) |
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| − | In the front of the bridge, against the forward [[bulkhead]], was the ship's [[viewscreen]]. Directly behind the viewscreen, near the center of the bridge was the [[captain's chair]]. Directly behind the captain's chair, was the entryway to the bridge, with two manned [[console]]s |
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| + | |||
| − | located on either side of the doorway. Along the perimeter of the |
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| + | === Ready room === |
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| − | bridge were several stations, each designated for a specific task. ({{ENT|Borderland|Cold Station 12|The Augments}}) |
||
| + | The [[captain's ready room]] was located adjacent to the bridge, and contained a desk and chair, along with a personal [[viewer]], and was backed by several [[LCARS]] interfaces and an [[MSD]]. ({{TNG|Unnatural Selection|Tin Man}}; {{DS9|Paradise Lost}}) |
||
| + | |||
| + | [[Ensign]] [[Nog]] of [[Deep Space 9]] once explained to Chief O'Brien how [[Al Lorenzo]] liked to sneak into famous starship captain's offices and take [[holophoto]]s of himself sitting behind their desks. Included in Lorenzo's collection was a holophoto of himself sitting behind Captain DeSoto's desk on board the ''Hood''. ({{DS9|Treachery, Faith and the Great River}}) |
||
| − | === Crew quarters === |
||
<gallery> |
<gallery> |
||
| + | File:Taggert (Captain).jpg|Captain [[Taggert (Captain)|Taggert]] transmits from his ready room on the {{USS|Repulse}}, [[2365]] |
||
| − | File:Klingon b-o-p crew quarters, Augments.jpg|[[Crew quarters]] |
||
| + | File:DeSoto transmits from the Hood.jpg|Captain [[Robert DeSoto|DeSoto]] transmits from his ready room on the {{USS|Hood|Excelsior class}}, [[2366]] |
||
| + | File:Benteen transmits from the Lakota.jpg|Captain [[Erika Benteen|Benteen]] transmits from the {{USS|Lakota}}, [[2372]] |
||
</gallery> |
</gallery> |
||
| + | {{bginfo|Each appearance of the captain's ready room has been a partial interior shot, and in all three cases were identified as being the "captain's ready room" in the script. In particular, the script from "Paradise Lost" simply states that Captain Benteen is "'presumably communicating from her ready room on the ''Lakota''.'"}} |
||
| − | == Ships of the class == |
||
| − | * [[Unnamed Klingon Birds-of-Prey]] |
||
| − | == |
+ | === Deflector room === |
| + | [[File:Kirk enters deflector room.jpg|thumb|Access way to the deflector room]] |
||
| + | The [[deflector room]], located on Deck 15, Section 21-alpha, was positioned directly behind the ''Excelsior''{{'}}s [[deflector dish]]. It was a small control room that could be accessed by a series of catwalks and ladders. The deflector room housed several consoles, in addition to the ship's [[deflector relay]]s. ({{film|7}}) |
||
| + | {{clear}} |
||
| + | === Shuttle and cargo bays === |
||
| + | [[File:USS Excelsior, aft.jpg|thumb|Aft view, including shuttle and cargo bays in intense blue light]] |
||
| + | The ''Excelsior''-class contained several [[cargo bay]]s, including one located in the aft [[dorsal]] section of the [[secondary hull]] as well as several bays located along the ventral section of the secondary hull. ({{film|7}} ''production art'') The main [[shuttlebay]] was located in the [[stern]] by the landing bay doors, which housed several [[shuttle]]s of different types, including the [[type 7 shuttlecraft]]. ({{TNG|The Child}}) |
||
| + | {{clear}} |
||
| + | |||
| + | === Accommodations === |
||
| + | [[Senior officer]]s, such as the captain, had private [[quarters]] below decks. [[Captain]] [[Hikaru Sulu]]'s quarters were located on Deck 3. |
||
| + | |||
| + | Many of the enlisted crew, [[junior officer]]s and [[officer]]s shared quarters and bunk areas. They varied in occupant size from four to nine. ({{film|6}}; {{VOY|Flashback}}) |
||
| + | <gallery> |
||
| + | File:Excelsior quarters, Styles.jpg|[[Styles]]' [[quarters]] aboard the {{USS|Excelsior}} |
||
| + | File:Excelsior quarters, Sulu.jpg|[[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]]'s quarters aboard the USS ''Excelsior'' |
||
| + | File:Excelsior quarters, Tuvok.jpg|[[Officer]]'s quarters aboard the USS ''Excelsior'' |
||
| + | File:Excelsior quarters, bunks.jpg|Bunks aboard the USS ''Excelsior'' |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | |||
| + | == Ships commissioned == |
||
| + | {{Navbox| |
||
| + | ;Named |
||
| + | *{{USS|Berlin}} (NCC-14232) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Cairo}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Charleston}} (NCC-42285) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Crazy Horse}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B}} (variant, NCC-1701-B) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Excelsior}} (prototype, NX-2000/NCC-2000) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Farragut|Excelsior class}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Fearless}} (NCC-14598) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Fredrickson}} (NCC-42111) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Gorkon}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Hood|Excelsior class}} (NCC-42296) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Lakota}} (variant, NCC-42768) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Malinche}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Melbourne}} (NCC-62043) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Potemkin|Excelsior class}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Repulse}} (NCC-2544) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Valley Forge}} (NCC-43305) |
||
| + | | |
||
| + | ;Unnamed: |
||
| + | * [[Unnamed Excelsior class starships|Unnamed ''Excelsior''-class starships]] |
||
| + | |||
| + | ;Uncertain: |
||
| + | *{{USS|Al-Batani}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Atlantis}} (NCC-72007) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Crockett}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Grissom|24th century}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Intrepid|NCC-38907}} (NCC-38907) |
||
| + | *{{USS|Livingston}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Okinawa}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Roosevelt}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Sarek}} |
||
| + | *{{USS|Tecumseh}} (NCC-14934) |
||
| + | }} |
||
| + | |||
| + | == Appendices == |
||
=== Appearances === |
=== Appearances === |
||
| + | <div class="appear"> |
||
| − | * {{ENT}} |
||
| − | + | * {{Star Trek films}}: |
|
| − | ** {{ |
+ | ** {{film|3}} |
| − | ** {{ |
+ | ** {{film|4}} |
| − | ** {{ |
+ | ** {{film|5}} |
| − | ** {{ |
+ | ** {{film|6}} |
| + | ** {{film|7}} (refit configuration) |
||
| + | * {{TNG}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Encounter at Farpoint}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Naked Now}} ([[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) library computer|computer display]]) |
||
| + | ** {{e|Where No One Has Gone Before}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Last Outpost}} (computer display) |
||
| + | ** {{e|Datalore}} (computer display) |
||
| + | ** {{e|Conspiracy}} (computer display) |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Child}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Tin Man}} (model & display) |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Offspring}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Best of Both Worlds}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Drumhead}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Ethics}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Chain of Command, Part I}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Chain of Command, Part II}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Descent}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Pegasus}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Preemptive Strike}} |
||
| + | * {{DS9}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Emissary}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Way of the Warrior}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Paradise Lost}} (refit configuration) |
||
| + | ** {{e|By Inferno's Light}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Doctor Bashir, I Presume}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Ties of Blood and Water}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|For the Uniform}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Blaze of Glory}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Call to Arms}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|A Time to Stand}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Sons and Daughters}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Behind the Lines}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Favor the Bold}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Sacrifice of Angels}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Resurrection}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Magnificent Ferengi}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Waltz}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|One Little Ship}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Honor Among Thieves}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Change of Heart}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Inquisition}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Tears of the Prophets}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Chrysalis}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Once More Unto the Breach}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|It's Only a Paper Moon}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Field of Fire}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Chimera}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Changing Face of Evil}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|What You Leave Behind}} |
||
| + | * {{VOY}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Flashback}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|In the Flesh}} (wall display) |
||
| + | ** {{e|Relativity}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|The Voyager Conspiracy}} (on [[astrometrics]] screen) |
||
| + | ** {{e|Author, Author}} |
||
| + | ** {{e|Endgame}} |
||
| + | * {{ENT|Shockwave}} (computer display) |
||
| + | </div> |
||
| + | |||
| + | === Background information === |
||
| + | In the script for ''Star Trek III'', the ''Excelsior'' was described as "''a super starship. Her lines are similar to ''Enterprise'', but she is clearly bigger, sleeker, and very new. She sits at her mooring like the new Queen of Space.''" In relation to the ''Enterprise'', "''their size differential is apparent ({{w|B-29 Superfortress|B-29}} to {{w|B-17 Flying Fortress|B-17}}).''"{{Star Trek Minutiae|academy/literature329/tsfs.txt}} |
||
| + | |||
| + | ====Studio models==== |
||
| + | :''See: [[Excelsior class model]]'' |
||
| + | |||
| + | ====Size==== |
||
| + | The generally accepted length of 1,531 feet (466.6 meters) can be traced back to a size comparison chart developed for {{film|3}} and published in the [[Cinefantastique#Notable_issues|June 1987 issue of ''Cinefantastique'']]. The related comment below was posted by [[Bill George]] of ILM: |
||
| + | |||
| + | <blockquote>I really don’t think there is a definitive answer to this question. The only description we had at the time was that it was “souped-up” and bigger than the ''Enterprise''. The size the miniature was built to was determined by the camera guys as being the optimal size to shoot. As I recall [[Nilo Rodis|Nilo]] [Rodis-Jamero] did that size comparison chart, but it wasn’t necessarily followed. The issue of true scale wasn’t a consideration. Budget, ease of use, art direction and dramatic intent were what influenced the construction of the ship.</blockquote>[http://www.trekbbs.com/showpost.php?p=8897107&postcount=460 ''The Trek BBS''] |
||
| + | |||
| + | [[Andrew Probert]] extended the ILM chart for ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', sizing his ''[[USS Ambassador|Ambassador]]'' concept halfway between the ''Excelsior'' and the ''[[USS Galaxy|Galaxy]]''. [http://flare.solareclipse.net/cgi2/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/6/2311.html?#000000] Visual Effects Supervisor [[Gary Hutzel]] would use 1,500 feet around 1998. [http://larrynemecek.blogspot.cz/2009/05/tech-ing-tech-1998-hutzel-vfx-ship.html] |
||
| + | |||
| + | ====''Technical Manual''==== |
||
| + | The following information of specifications and defenses comes exclusively from the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]'': |
||
| + | |||
| + | * Production Base: ASDB Integration Facility, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Mars |
||
| + | * Type: Explorer |
||
| + | * Accommodation: 750 officers and crew; 130 visiting personnel; 9,800 personal evacuation limit |
||
| + | * Power Plant: One 1500 plus Cochrane warp core feeding two nacelles; one impulse system |
||
| + | * Dimensions: Length, 511.25 meters; beam, 195.64 meters; height, 86.76 meters |
||
| + | * Mass: 2,350,000 metric tonnes |
||
| + | |||
| + | === Apocrypha === |
||
| + | The advent of the ''Excelsior'' design and transwarp are referenced in [[Diane Carey]]'s [[novels|novel]] ''[[Battlestations!]]'' and also the non-canon licensed reference ''[[Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise]]'' by [[Shane Johnson]]. Shiplists and specifications of many unseen and conjectural ''Excelsior''-class vessels are included in many [[Games|role-playing game]] supplements such as the ''[[Federation Ship Recognition Manual]]'' and the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual|TNG Officer's Manual]]'' from [[FASA]], and the [[Decipher]] sourcebook ''[[Starships (Decipher)|Starships]]'', although much of the information conflicts with other sources. |
||
| + | |||
| + | According to the novel ''[[Ghost Ship]]'', some ''Excelsior''-class ships in the 24th century have the ability to separate their saucers, including the {{USS|Yorktown|NCC-20045}} and the ''Hood''. |
||
| + | In the [[games|video game]] ''[[Star Trek: Elite Force II]]'', the player character leads a mission aboard the ''Excelsior''-class vessel USS ''Dallas'', NCC-2019. The [[dedication plaque]] states that the ''Dallas'' is the "last starship of her class." |
||
| − | === Background === |
||
| − | [[File:Klingon_Bird-of-Prey.jpg|link=http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Klingon_Bird-of-Prey.jpg|thumb| |
||
| − | 23rd and 24th century class |
||
| − | ]] |
||
| − | The term "Bird-of-Prey" was first referenced on ''Enterprise'' in {{e|Sleeping Dogs}}, |
||
| − | and may have been implied to be the "two ships approaching at high |
||
| − | warp" at the end of that episode. An earlier reference made in {{e|Broken Bow}} to "a fleet of [[Klingon warbird|warbirds]]" might have originally intended to be a reference to the Bird-of-Prey. |
||
| + | ''[[Star Trek Online]]'' features the ''Excelsior''-class and her refit as a commander level (Tier 3) "Advanced Heavy Cruiser" and rear admiral level (tier 5) "Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit" respectively. This ship is equipped with a Transwarp Computer allowing you to Transwarp to different Sector Blocks. |
||
| − | The design was inspired by [[Nilo Rodis]]'s Klingon Bird-of-Prey, which first appeared in ''The Search for Spock''. At that time the "Bird-of-Prey" designation was originally believed to be a [[Romulan]] term that was adopted by the Klingons in the late [[23rd century]]. With the appearance of ships of this name in use by both Klingons and Romulans during the [[2150s]], the "in-universe" origin of the term is much more obscure. |
||
| + | In the [[Star Trek Generations (novel)|novel adaptation]] of {{film|7}}, Captain [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]] is performing an emergency [[saucer separation]] drill aboard the {{USS|Excelsior}} when he receives word about [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]]'s death aboard the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B|-B}}. |
||
| − | The [[CGI model]] was designed by [[John Eaves]][http://johneaves.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/97/][http://johneaves.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/101/][http://johneaves.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/more-from-the-expanse/] and build by [[Koji Kuramura]] at [[Eden FX]].{{DrexFiles|2009/06/17/ent-klingon-bird-of-prey/}} |
||
| − | == External |
+ | === External links === |
| − | * {{NCwiki}} |
+ | * {{NCwiki|Excelsior class}} |
| + | * {{eas|articles/excelsior-size.htm|Size of the ''Excelsior''-class|external}} |
||
| + | {{featured|date=January 2009|id=917267}} |
||
| + | [[bg:Клас Екселсиор]] |
||
| − | [[bg:Клас Екселсиор]][[cs:Třída Excelsior]][[de:Excelsior-Klasse]][[es:Clase Excelsior]][[fr:Classe Excelsior]][[ja:エクセルシオ級]][[nl:Excelsior klasse]][[it:Classe Excelsior]][[Category:Federation starship classes]] |
||
| + | [[cs:Třída Excelsior]] |
||
| + | [[de:Excelsior-Klasse]] |
||
| + | [[es:Clase Excelsior]] |
||
| + | [[fr:Classe Excelsior]] |
||
| + | [[ja:エクセルシオ級]] |
||
| + | [[nl:Excelsior klasse]] |
||
| + | [[it:Classe Excelsior]] |
||
| + | [[Category:Federation starship classes]] |
||
Revision as of 05:31, 2 July 2015
The Excelsior-class was a type of Federation starship used by Starfleet from the late 23rd century through the late 24th century. It was the backbone of Starfleet for nearly a century, making it one of the longest serving starship designs, and one of the most recognizable ships in the fleet.
History
The Excelsior-class was initially constructed during the early 2280s at Starfleet's San Francisco Fleet Yards orbiting Earth. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country dedication plaque)
Starfleet had high hopes for the first ship of this class, the prototype USS Excelsior, which was equipped with transwarp drive, and was regarded as that century's "Great Experiment." (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)
- See: Trial runs for more concise details of the USS Excelsior's early history.
Despite the failure of the "Great Experiment," Starfleet forged ahead with employing the Excelsior design. After remaining in the Earth Spacedock until at least 2287, the prototype Excelsior was subsequently recommissioned for active service by 2290. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
In 2293, the fate of the Excelsior design was sealed when Starfleet passed on the name of a legacy. The launch of the USS Enterprise-B opened the door for the Excelsior-class to become one of the most widely used designs in all of Starfleet, a design lasting well into the late 24th century. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Star Trek Generations; TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint" – VOY: "Endgame")
Alongside a Galaxy-class starship
Once fully integrated into the fleet, the Excelsior's sister ships were used for a variety of mission profiles, ranging from deep space exploration and terraforming missions, to patrol duty, to courier and transport runs. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; TNG: "Tin Man", "The Drumhead", "Brothers", "Allegiance"; DS9: "Homefront", "For the Uniform", etc.) The Excelsior-class was also frequently used by the Starfleet flag officers for use as a personal flagship. (TNG: "The Offspring", "The Best of Both Worlds", "Chain of Command, Part I", "Descent", "Preemptive Strike")
The Excelsior-class was present in several major Federation engagements, including the Borg invasion of 2366-2367, where it participated at the Battle of Wolf 359, as well as the engagement against the Borg sphere that entered the Sol system in 2378. (DS9: "Emissary"; VOY: "Unity", "Endgame") They were also present in numerous Dominion War battles, seeing action during Operation Return, the First and Second Battles of Chin'toka, and the Battle of Cardassia. Many Excelsior-class vessels were stationed on the front lines near Deep Space 9 during the war. (DS9: "Sacrifice of Angels", "Tears of the Prophets", "The Changing Face of Evil", "What You Leave Behind", etc.)
Details of this class would be retained well into the 31st century, when Captain Jonathan Archer and Lieutenant Malcolm Reed viewed schematics on the class in the 22nd century while accessing the database belonging to temporal agent Daniels. (ENT: "Shockwave")
Technical data
Physical arrangement
Port-side docking port
The Excelsior-class featured the saucer section-engineering section-warp nacelle layout common to most Starfleet vessels. However, it featured a more streamlined design than was seen in previous classes.
Design features of the primary hull included a docking port located on the port side of the hull. (DS9: "Chrysalis")
Design upgrades
Following its initial, and somewhat unsuccessful origins, the Excelsior underwent a minor refit, which included a new bridge module, in addition to a significant modification to the aft portion of the saucer section, surrounding the impulse drive, and a modification to the cargo bay on the aft ventral portion of the ship. This configuration would remain the standard for the Excelsior-class throughout its service. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
The Enterprise-B, featuring additional impulse engines (top) and additional scoop surrounding the deflector dish (bottom)
In less than a decade, the Excelsior design underwent a second, more significant overhaul, as introduced with the launch of the USS Enterprise-B. While remaining true to the original design, this new configuration added several modifications to the basic hull, including the addition of a second pair of impulse engines, an expanded scoop surrounding the deflector dish, and the addition and removal of a number of fins located on the saucer and nacelles. (Star Trek Generations; DS9: "Paradise Lost")
As this class aged, Starfleet continued to incorporate the latest technology, through continued upgrades, refits and repairs, well into the 2360s and 2370s. In 2364, the USS Melbourne underwent significant repairs at Starbase 74, while in 2367 the USS Hood underwent a major system upgrade at Starbase 174. (TNG: "11001001", "Brothers", etc.)
Tactical systems
The original Excelsior design was outfitted type 8 phaser emitters in five dual phaser emplacements on the forward saucer section, and one dual emplacement on the aft of the saucer. Phaser banks were also positioned laterally, located port and starboard, near the point that the primary and secondary hulls meet, as well as one emplacement located between the nacelles. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Star Trek Generations production art; DS9: "Paradise Lost", etc.)
In addition, the Excelsior was equipped with several photon torpedo launchers. The two primary launchers were located in the forward section, on both sides of the deflector dish seen as two dark colored ports ahead of the starfleet hull banners. The upper forward launchers were located on the neck section, also allowing ship access for cargo management units. Aft launchers were located above the main shuttlebay. (Star Trek Generations production art) In addition, the shields were stronger than the Constitution-class refit, capable of withstanding a direct photon torpedo strike without suffering any visible damage to the outer hull. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
With the impending threat of the Dominion against the Federation, Starfleet began to experiment, in 2372, with performing a refit on the Excelsior-class USS Lakota. Upgrades included improved phaser emplacements, quantum torpedoes, and other improvements to make the ship competitive with such ship designs as the Defiant-class. (DS9: "Paradise Lost")
Propulsion systems
Transwarp drive – in theory
Initially the Excelsior was designed under a radically new principle in propulsion, the transwarp drive. While an awe-inspiring concept to some, it was the traditional engineers who remained skeptical of this new form of warp drive. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) Following this failure, the Excelsior spent the next two years in spacedock before being fitted with a traditional warp drive. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home; Star Trek V: The Final Frontier; Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
By the early 24th century, Excelsior-class vessels were normally equipped with dilithium recompositing and recrystallization technology. The theta-matrix compositor of the time, which later became outdated, was upgraded by the time the Galaxy-class was introduced. This new recrystallization process was ten times more efficient than that of the Excelsior-class. (TNG: "Family")
The Excelsior-class also used micro-power relays in its warp core matrix compositor. (DS9: "For the Uniform")
Interior design
- See: Excelsior-class decks, for deck configuration.
Main bridge
The main viewscreen (2293)
Located on top of the primary hull, the Excelsior's main bridge directly supervised all primary mission operations and coordinated all departmental activities. Due to the age and variety of configurations of the Excelsior-class, bridge configurations varied from ship to ship.
Against the aft wall of many Excelsior bridges was the large engineering master systems display monitor, showing a cutaway of the ship and status information. This was not originally part of the USS Excelsior configuration but added later, a feature shared with sister ship USS Enterprise-B. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Star Trek Generations; VOY: "Flashback")
Sanders transmitting from the bridge of the Malinche
At least one Excelsior-class starship, the USS Malinche, had a holo-communicator installed in its main bridge in 2373. Upon first use of the technology, Malinche Captain Sanders described to Captain Benjamin Sisko, who was on the transmitting end on board the USS Defiant, "you appear to be sitting on my bridge. It may take me a while to get used to this." (DS9: "For the Uniform")
Ready room
The captain's ready room was located adjacent to the bridge, and contained a desk and chair, along with a personal viewer, and was backed by several LCARS interfaces and an MSD. (TNG: "Unnatural Selection", "Tin Man"; DS9: "Paradise Lost")
Ensign Nog of Deep Space 9 once explained to Chief O'Brien how Al Lorenzo liked to sneak into famous starship captain's offices and take holophotos of himself sitting behind their desks. Included in Lorenzo's collection was a holophoto of himself sitting behind Captain DeSoto's desk on board the Hood. (DS9: "Treachery, Faith and the Great River")
.jpg "Taggert (Captain).jpg (132 KB)")
Deflector room
Access way to the deflector room
The deflector room, located on Deck 15, Section 21-alpha, was positioned directly behind the Excelsior's deflector dish. It was a small control room that could be accessed by a series of catwalks and ladders. The deflector room housed several consoles, in addition to the ship's deflector relays. (Star Trek Generations)
Shuttle and cargo bays
Aft view, including shuttle and cargo bays in intense blue light
The Excelsior-class contained several cargo bays, including one located in the aft dorsal section of the secondary hull as well as several bays located along the ventral section of the secondary hull. (Star Trek Generations production art) The main shuttlebay was located in the stern by the landing bay doors, which housed several shuttles of different types, including the type 7 shuttlecraft. (TNG: "The Child")
Accommodations
Senior officers, such as the captain, had private quarters below decks. Captain Hikaru Sulu's quarters were located on Deck 3.
Many of the enlisted crew, junior officers and officers shared quarters and bunk areas. They varied in occupant size from four to nine. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; VOY: "Flashback")
Ships commissioned
|
|
Appendices
Appearances
- Star Trek films:
- TNG:
- "Encounter at Farpoint"
- "The Naked Now" (computer display)
- "Where No One Has Gone Before"
- "The Last Outpost" (computer display)
- "Datalore" (computer display)
- "Conspiracy" (computer display)
- "The Child"
- "Tin Man" (model & display)
- "The Offspring"
- "The Best of Both Worlds"
- "The Drumhead"
- "Ethics"
- "Chain of Command, Part I"
- "Chain of Command, Part II"
- "Descent"
- "The Pegasus"
- "Preemptive Strike"
- DS9:
- "Emissary"
- "The Way of the Warrior"
- "Paradise Lost" (refit configuration)
- "By Inferno's Light"
- "Doctor Bashir, I Presume"
- "Ties of Blood and Water"
- "For the Uniform"
- "Blaze of Glory"
- "Call to Arms"
- "A Time to Stand"
- "Sons and Daughters"
- "Behind the Lines"
- "Favor the Bold"
- "Sacrifice of Angels"
- "Resurrection"
- "The Magnificent Ferengi"
- "Waltz"
- "One Little Ship"
- "Honor Among Thieves"
- "Change of Heart"
- "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night"
- "Inquisition"
- "Tears of the Prophets"
- "Chrysalis"
- "Once More Unto the Breach"
- "It's Only a Paper Moon"
- "Field of Fire"
- "Chimera"
- "Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang"
- "The Changing Face of Evil"
- "What You Leave Behind"
- VOY:
- "Flashback"
- "In the Flesh" (wall display)
- "Relativity"
- "The Voyager Conspiracy" (on astrometrics screen)
- "Author, Author"
- "Endgame"
- ENT: "Shockwave" (computer display)
Background information
In the script for Star Trek III, the Excelsior was described as "a super starship. Her lines are similar to Enterprise, but she is clearly bigger, sleeker, and very new. She sits at her mooring like the new Queen of Space." In relation to the Enterprise, "their size differential is apparent (B-29 to B-17)."[1]
Studio models
Size
The generally accepted length of 1,531 feet (466.6 meters) can be traced back to a size comparison chart developed for Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and published in the June 1987 issue of Cinefantastique. The related comment below was posted by Bill George of ILM:
I really don’t think there is a definitive answer to this question. The only description we had at the time was that it was “souped-up” and bigger than the Enterprise. The size the miniature was built to was determined by the camera guys as being the optimal size to shoot. As I recall Nilo [Rodis-Jamero] did that size comparison chart, but it wasn’t necessarily followed. The issue of true scale wasn’t a consideration. Budget, ease of use, art direction and dramatic intent were what influenced the construction of the ship.
Andrew Probert extended the ILM chart for Star Trek: The Next Generation, sizing his Ambassador concept halfway between the Excelsior and the Galaxy. [2] Visual Effects Supervisor Gary Hutzel would use 1,500 feet around 1998. [3]
Technical Manual
The following information of specifications and defenses comes exclusively from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual:
- Production Base: ASDB Integration Facility, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Mars
- Type: Explorer
- Accommodation: 750 officers and crew; 130 visiting personnel; 9,800 personal evacuation limit
- Power Plant: One 1500 plus Cochrane warp core feeding two nacelles; one impulse system
- Dimensions: Length, 511.25 meters; beam, 195.64 meters; height, 86.76 meters
- Mass: 2,350,000 metric tonnes
Apocrypha
The advent of the Excelsior design and transwarp are referenced in Diane Carey's novel Battlestations! and also the non-canon licensed reference Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise by Shane Johnson. Shiplists and specifications of many unseen and conjectural Excelsior-class vessels are included in many role-playing game supplements such as the Federation Ship Recognition Manual and the TNG Officer's Manual from FASA, and the Decipher sourcebook Starships, although much of the information conflicts with other sources.
According to the novel Ghost Ship, some Excelsior-class ships in the 24th century have the ability to separate their saucers, including the USS Yorktown and the Hood.
In the video game Star Trek: Elite Force II, the player character leads a mission aboard the Excelsior-class vessel USS Dallas, NCC-2019. The dedication plaque states that the Dallas is the "last starship of her class."
Star Trek Online features the Excelsior-class and her refit as a commander level (Tier 3) "Advanced Heavy Cruiser" and rear admiral level (tier 5) "Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit" respectively. This ship is equipped with a Transwarp Computer allowing you to Transwarp to different Sector Blocks.
In the novel adaptation of Star Trek Generations, Captain Sulu is performing an emergency saucer separation drill aboard the USS Excelsior when he receives word about Kirk's death aboard the USS Enterprise-B.
External links
- Template:NCwiki
- Size of the Excelsior-class at Ex Astris Scientia
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