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{{Sidebar starship class| |
{{Sidebar starship class| |
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| − | |Name |
+ | |Name = ''Nova''-class |
| − | | |
+ | |image = USS Equinox, forward.jpg |
| − | |imagecap |
+ | |imagecap = Forward view |
| − | |owner= {{Federation}} |
+ | |owner = {{Federation}} |
| − | |operator=[[Starfleet]] |
+ | |operator = [[Starfleet]] |
| − | |Type= |
+ | |Type = [[Federation science vessel|Science vessel]] |
| − | |Active= |
+ | |Active = [[24th century]] ''- [[26th century]] (alternate timeline)'' |
| − | |Decks= |
+ | |Decks = 8 |
| − | |Crew= |
+ | |Crew = 80 |
| − | |Speed= |
+ | |Speed = [[warp factor|Warp 8]] (maximum) |
| − | |Armament= |
+ | |Armament = 11 [[phaser array]]s<br />3 [[photon torpedo|photon]] [[torpedo]] [[torpedo launcher|launchers]] |
| − | |Defenses= |
+ | |Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s |
| − | | |
+ | |image2 = USS Equinox, dorsal aft.jpg |
| − | |imagecap2= |
+ | |imagecap2 = Dorsal aft view |
| − | | |
+ | |image3 = Nova class MSD.jpg |
| − | |imagecap3 |
+ | |imagecap3 = Master systems display |
}} |
}} |
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{{Sidebar starship class| |
{{Sidebar starship class| |
||
| − | |Name |
+ | |Name = ''Nova''-class refit |
| − | | |
+ | |image = USS Rhode Island intercepts SC-4.jpg |
| − | |imagecap |
+ | |imagecap = Dorsal view of the {{USS|Rhode Island}} |
| + | |owner = {{Federation}} |
||
| + | |operator = [[Starfleet]] |
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| + | |Armament = [[phaser array]]s |
||
| + | |Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''''Nova''-class''' was a type of [[Federation]] [[starship]] designed for short-term [[planet]]ary research missions. It was placed in service starting in the mid-to-late [[24th century]]. |
The '''''Nova''-class''' was a type of [[Federation]] [[starship]] designed for short-term [[planet]]ary research missions. It was placed in service starting in the mid-to-late [[24th century]]. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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| + | In [[2370]], some ''Nova''-class starships were constructed in the [[Sol system]] at the [[Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards]], around stardate 47007.1. {{USS|Equinox}} was constructed and launched at this time. ({{VOY|Equinox|Equinox, Part II}} [[USS Equinox dedication plaque|dedication plaque]]) |
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| ⚫ | In an |
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| ⚫ | Schematics of the ''Nova''-class were contained in the [[31st century]] database kept by temporal agent {{dis|Daniels|Crewman}} aboard the {{NX|Enterprise}}. They were viewed by [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Malcolm Reed]] who accessed his database in [[2151]]. ({{ENT|Shockwave}}) They were later viewed by Archer and [[T'Pol]] in Daniels' database [[2152|the following year]]. ({{ENT|Future Tense}}) |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | ''In an [[alternate timeline|alternate]] [[2404]], a [[refit]] of the ''Nova''-class was in use. The interior of the ship was almost the same, however, the exterior had a number of changes. The refit also had superior tactical firepower and shield strength to that of its predecessor.'' ({{VOY|Endgame}}) |
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| ⚫ | Schematics of the ''Nova''-class were contained in the [[31st century]] database kept by temporal agent |
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| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
== Technical data == |
== Technical data == |
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| − | The ''Nova''-class was designed as a [[science vessel|science]] and [[scout]] vessel, intended for short-term planetary research and analysis. It is not typically suitable for combat operations. The ''Nova'' design has a maximum speed of [[warp factor|warp 8]] and approximately eighty crewmembers. One unique feature of the ''Nova''-class is its [[Waverider]] [[shuttle]], which is located in a special docking port on the ventral side of the [[primary hull]], similar to that of the [[Aeroshuttle]] on the {{ |
+ | The ''Nova''-class was designed as a [[science vessel|science]] and [[scout]] vessel, intended for short-term planetary research and analysis. It is not typically suitable for combat operations. The ''Nova'' design has a maximum speed of [[warp factor|warp 8]] and approximately eighty crewmembers. One unique feature of the ''Nova''-class is its [[Waverider]] [[shuttle]], which is located in a special docking port on the ventral side of the [[primary hull]], similar to that of the [[Aeroshuttle]] on the {{class|Intrepid}}. |
=== Physical arrangement === |
=== Physical arrangement === |
||
The ''Nova''-class had a design similar to that of an ''Intrepid''-class starship, though smaller in size. It consisted of a saucer section with a curved triangular shape. The [[secondary hull]] was directly attached to the underside of the saucer with two warp [[nacelle]]s. |
The ''Nova''-class had a design similar to that of an ''Intrepid''-class starship, though smaller in size. It consisted of a saucer section with a curved triangular shape. The [[secondary hull]] was directly attached to the underside of the saucer with two warp [[nacelle]]s. |
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| ⚫ | {{Bginfo|Rick Sternbach has revealed his intended size: "''I drew the blueprints at 1"{{=}}30', and the ship is 24.25" long, so the real thing would be 727.5 feet or 221.74 meters''". ''{{DrexFiles|2009/05/14/holy-cow-2/comment-page-3/#comment-9763}}'' This is consistent with the ''Defiant'' pathfinder, when its {{class|Defiant}} bridge details are scaled for a length of 560 feet (171 meters), assumed for the class in ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]''.}} |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |||
| ⚫ | {{Bginfo|Rick Sternbach has revealed his intended size: "I drew the blueprints at |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
=== Tactical systems === |
=== Tactical systems === |
||
Though ''Nova''s were science vessels, they had a wide assortment of weaponry, allowing the vessel to handle many threats on its own. It was equipped with eleven strategically-placed [[phaser array]]s: eight on the saucer and three on the secondary hull, two forward-facing [[photon torpedo]] launchers at the bow of the saucer opposite of the secondary deflector, and one aft-facing launcher. |
Though ''Nova''s were science vessels, they had a wide assortment of weaponry, allowing the vessel to handle many threats on its own. It was equipped with eleven strategically-placed [[phaser array]]s: eight on the saucer and three on the secondary hull, two forward-facing [[photon torpedo]] launchers at the bow of the saucer opposite of the secondary deflector, and one aft-facing launcher. |
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| − | + | {{bginfo|The third, aft-facing torpedo launcher, was not visible on the model or displayed on the MSD.}} |
|
=== Navigational deflector === |
=== Navigational deflector === |
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| Line 56: | Line 60: | ||
Though a small ship, the ''Nova'' class was able to accommodate the needs of the crew. This class of starship had eight decks. |
Though a small ship, the ''Nova'' class was able to accommodate the needs of the crew. This class of starship had eight decks. |
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| − | * '''See''': [[Nova class decks]] |
+ | * '''See''': [[Nova class decks|''Nova'' class decks]] |
=== Main bridge === |
=== Main bridge === |
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| Line 64: | Line 68: | ||
The central command area on the bridge was at the very center of the circular area in a submerged location. The [[captain's chair]] was starboard side, and the [[executive officer]]'s was on the port side. Between them was a console built into the structure that provided a place for information dissemination, as well as operational command of the starship. Directly ahead of the command area and down into a further sunken area, was the [[conn]]. |
The central command area on the bridge was at the very center of the circular area in a submerged location. The [[captain's chair]] was starboard side, and the [[executive officer]]'s was on the port side. Between them was a console built into the structure that provided a place for information dissemination, as well as operational command of the starship. Directly ahead of the command area and down into a further sunken area, was the [[conn]]. |
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| − | The rest of the stations were located on the perimeter of the round bridge, including the [[master systems display]] behind the command seats and the main [[viewscreen]] in the standard frontwards position. Stations, such as [[tactical]], were not stand-out stations due to the scientific nature of the design. When necessary, Tactical would usually be assigned to the forward, |
+ | The rest of the stations were located on the perimeter of the round bridge, including the [[master systems display]] behind the command seats and the main [[viewscreen]] in the standard frontwards position. Stations, such as [[tactical]], were not stand-out stations due to the scientific nature of the design. When necessary, Tactical would usually be assigned to the forward, starboard side console just right of the main viewscreen. |
Entryways to the bridge were located at the [[port]] and [[starboard]] sides on the upper level. The port door leads to the main [[turbolift]] while the starboard door leads to a corridor that accesses other sections of deck 1. Access to the [[captain's ready room]] was also located on port side. |
Entryways to the bridge were located at the [[port]] and [[starboard]] sides on the upper level. The port door leads to the main [[turbolift]] while the starboard door leads to a corridor that accesses other sections of deck 1. Access to the [[captain's ready room]] was also located on port side. |
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| + | |||
| − | + | {{bginfo|The ''Nova''-class bridge was a redress of what had appeared as the {{class|Prometheus}} bridge, from the episode {{e|Message in a Bottle}}, which was previously a redress of the recreated {{USS|Excelsior}} bridge from {{e|Flashback}}. The construction of all three bridges was overseen by ''[[Star Trek: Voyager|Voyager]]'' production designer [[Richard James]]. {{incite}}}} |
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=== Main engineering === |
=== Main engineering === |
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| Line 79: | Line 84: | ||
=== Sickbay and science labs === |
=== Sickbay and science labs === |
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| − | [[File:USS Equinox science lab.jpg|thumb|Science lab of USS ''Equinox'']] |
+ | [[File:USS Equinox science lab.jpg|thumb|left|Science lab of USS ''Equinox'']] |
| − | The ''Nova''-class had one [[sickbay]] located on deck 4, in front of the [[shuttlebay]]. The ''Nova''-class medical facility was equipped with an [[Emergency Medical Hologram]] system, like the one on USS ''Voyager''. |
+ | The ''Nova''-class had one [[sickbay]] located on deck 4, in front of the [[shuttlebay]]. The ''Nova''-class medical facility was equipped with an [[Emergency Medical Hologram]] system, like the one on the USS ''Voyager''. |
Additionally, as a science vessel, the ''Nova''-class was equipped with a number of specially-equipped science and research [[lab]]s. The labs were similar to those found on an ''Intrepid''-class vessel and served many purposes and supported numerous personnel. They featured a great number of work consoles to perform numerous tasks and had one main work console area in an alcove. |
Additionally, as a science vessel, the ''Nova''-class was equipped with a number of specially-equipped science and research [[lab]]s. The labs were similar to those found on an ''Intrepid''-class vessel and served many purposes and supported numerous personnel. They featured a great number of work consoles to perform numerous tasks and had one main work console area in an alcove. |
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{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
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| + | |||
=== Auxiliary craft and cargo bays === |
=== Auxiliary craft and cargo bays === |
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| + | Behind the main sickbay were the 2 [[shuttlebay]]s. The aft-most shuttlebay's space doors were directly aft (similar to the {{class|Intrepid}}). The inner shuttlebay's doors opened directly above. [http://community.webshots.com/photo/fullsize/2665489560101669106SFCiNt] An additional view of the secondary shuttlebay can be seen [[memoryalpha:File:USS Equinox, dorsal aft.jpg|here]] (the aft-most black rectangle on the dorsal side of the ship). |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | |||
| ⚫ | In the saucer on deck 4, a short trip from the shuttle bays, was the aforementioned Waverider auxiliary craft, which was integrated into the ''Nova''-class' hull. Spanning decks 2 and 3 in front of the shuttlebay were the main [[cargo bay]]s which could also contained [[CMU]]s, used for transportation and repair purposes. |
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Additionally, like a majority of starships in the 24th century, ''Nova''-classes were equipped with emergency [[escape pod]]s, twenty in total; fourteen were located on deck 3, four on deck 1 and two on deck 2, all located in the saucer section. They were stored under hatches to permit both launch and retrieval. |
Additionally, like a majority of starships in the 24th century, ''Nova''-classes were equipped with emergency [[escape pod]]s, twenty in total; fourteen were located on deck 3, four on deck 1 and two on deck 2, all located in the saucer section. They were stored under hatches to permit both launch and retrieval. |
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| Line 103: | Line 111: | ||
;Unnamed |
;Unnamed |
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| − | *[[Unnamed Nova class starships]] |
+ | *[[Unnamed Nova class starships|Unnamed ''Nova''-class starships]] |
== Appendices == |
== Appendices == |
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| Line 119: | Line 127: | ||
=== Background === |
=== Background === |
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| − | According to ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', the ''Nova''-class is the successor of the {{ |
+ | According to ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', the ''Nova''-class is the successor of the {{Class|Galaxy}} starship as the next primary [[explorer ship]] of Starfleet. Four different concept designs were presented on pages 177 and 178. The direction the actual ''Nova''-class eventually followed was the down-sized ship with less internal volume that allowed each ship to be refitted for specific mission types and an angular-curvilinear shape designed to allow an enhanced utilization of warp energy. |
| − | One of the other designs that was not followed featured [[variable geometry pylon]]s that ended up to be featured on the {{ |
+ | One of the other designs that was not followed featured [[variable geometry pylon]]s that ended up to be featured on the {{Class|Intrepid}}. Another design featured an elliptical saucer section extended steeply toward port and starboard, a shape intended to enhance the peak transitional efficiency of a high-frequency warp envelope. This feature was eventually featured on the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-J|-J}}. It was also stated that the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}} might end up being of this class, but a ship of the {{Class|Sovereign}} was given the name. ({{VOY|Caretaker}}; {{ENT|Azati Prime}}; {{film|8}}) |
According to the ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'', the ship was equipped with only two cargo management units and two shuttlecraft. The phaser arrays were classified as [[Phaser#Other types of starship phasers|Type X]], the same as the ''Galaxy''-class and ''Intrepid''-class phasers. The ship had a mass of 110,000 metric tonnes. |
According to the ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'', the ship was equipped with only two cargo management units and two shuttlecraft. The phaser arrays were classified as [[Phaser#Other types of starship phasers|Type X]], the same as the ''Galaxy''-class and ''Intrepid''-class phasers. The ship had a mass of 110,000 metric tonnes. |
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| + | For further information on the [[studio model]]s, see: [[Nova class model|''Nova''-class model]] |
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| − | ====Studio model==== |
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| − | =====Design===== |
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| − | [[File:USS Defiant Pathfinder project.jpg|thumb|left|{{USS|Defiant|2370}} Pathfinder Project]] |
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| − | [[File:Nova class design sketch and orthographic views.jpg|thumb|{{ShipClass|Nova}} design sketch and orthographic views]] |
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| − | The final ''Nova''-class starship model was created by [[Rick Sternbach]] for "Equinox". It is based on the {{USS|Defiant|2370}} ''Pathfinder'' design, whose top view is depicted in the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]''. The ''Pathfinder'' was part of the background story in the ''Manual'' Sternbach devised to describe the design history of what was to become the {{ShipClass|Defiant}}. Sternbach, using tracing paper over the ''Defiant'' design for a basic sketch of the design, drew half a nacelle and half a ship body with a centerline which could be flop-copied. The sketch was turned over to [[Doug Drexler]] who produced the final drawing for the ''Manual''. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | When asked to come up with a new design for a new small science vessel, Sternbach first considered doing a variant of the {{ShipClass|Oberth}}, but dismissed the idea since that design was over 80 years old. He then recalled the design he had done for the ''Manual'' a year earlier,"''The Nova class U.S.S. Equinox began as a small pencil drawing of a ship that was to have been the space-going equivalent of a PT boat in the Alpha and Beta Quadrant theaters. In the fictional history of the U.S.S. Defiant, as recorded in the DS9 Technical Manual, a fast and heavily armed "Borg Buster" with multiple torpedo launchers was modified with tucked-in engines and new ablative armor to fight the Cardassians, the Jem'Hadar, and the Dominion, among various other Alpha Quadrant baddies. The pathfinder form of that fast attack ship existed as a single top view until one day when the Voyager script "Equinox" appeared. It called for a new science vessel that had also been unceremoniously yanked into the Delta Quadrant by – guess who – the Caretaker.''"[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/] Sternbach devised a background story elaborating on the history he had done for the ''Manual'' where the shelved ''Pathfinder'' hull design was re-appraised by the ASDB (Advanced Starship Design Bureau-the name Sternbach came up with to signify the research and development arm of [[Starfleet]]) for it to become the {{ShipClass|Nova}}. He submitted the idea and a copy of the ''Pathfinder'' drawing to supervising producer [[Peter Lauritson]], who gave his approval thereby affirming that "''the Defiant pathfinder was definitely the origin of the Equinox, in production as well as in non-canon backstory.''"[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/#comment-9945] |
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| + | In the game ''Star Trek Online'' the ''Nova-''class is one of the first available [[Science vessel]] for Starfleet players to captain. An upgraded version patterned after the [[USS Rhode Island|USS ''Rhode Island'']]'' ''is also made available, and the ''Rhode Island ''herself is commanded by an elder [[Harry Kim]]. |
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| + | === Further reading === |
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| − | On finetuning the design, Sternbach remarked: |
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| + | * ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'', 2001 |
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| − | <blockquote>The design followed the basic Starfleet plan of a forward hull, engineering hull, and nacelles on pylons, though most of the shapes were given sharper edges and angles. I incorporated some stylistic elements from John Eaves' ''Enterprise-E'' as a possible ASDB "sibling", particularly in the pylon plasma flush vents and Bussard collectors. I also gave a tip o' the hat to Todd Guenther with the notching of the forward hull, a feature he employed in his home grown volumes "Ships of the Star Fleet." The design cycle was almost as complex as that for ''Voyager'' herself, with ortho preliminaries and final blueprints, and perspective line art and detail sketches. The phaser strips were redesigned. I continued the trend of giving some Starfleet ships a large shuttle-like embedded craft, as Andy Probert did with the captain's yacht on the ''Enterprise-D'', [[John Eaves]] did on Enterprise-E, and I did with the [[Aeroshuttle]] on ''Voyager''. |
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| − | The arrow-shaped craft on the ''Equinox'' underside is a hypersonic "[[waverider]]" shuttle, a highly fuel-efficient vehicle at Mach 5 and above. [[Tim Earls]], a set designer on "Voyager" and a veteran of "[[Babylon 5]]" and later "Serenity," contributed a preliminary set of elevation views that helped nail the overall mass of the vessel and the creation of the cutaway graphic.[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/]</blockquote> |
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| − | More windows were added to the ''Pathfinder'' design, along with a new exterior bridge design. The ''Pathfinder'' design featured two forward-facing torpedo tubes where the auxiliary deflector was to be located and were moved beside the deflector in Sternback's ''Nova''. (Although ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'' lists the ''Nova'' as having only two torpedo launchers, the design probably has at least three because the ''Equinox'' fired an aft torpedo in "Equinox, Part II".} Sternbach also envisioned the ''Equinox'' of having landing capabilities akin to the {{ShipClass|Intrepid}},"''The three door-like things are retracted landing feet, yep. The other objects are RCS, as you surmised. On the CG render there seems to be a half-round V-shaped dimensional "fence" on the waverider belly, which is probably just an interpretation of a soft break in the belly shape in the blueprint. Not my doing, but I'll accept it as some type of structural reinforcement or active boundary layer controller.''"[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/#comment-9243] |
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| − | =====CGI model===== |
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| − | [[File:Nova Class CGI models.jpg|thumb|[[CGI]] models of both {{ShipClass|Nova}} variants]] |
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| − | In March 1999 Sternbach's design received final approval from the effects supervisors and the design was sent to [[Digital Muse]], where [[Eddie Robison]] built and animated the model in LightWave 3D software. Robison kept in contact with Sternbach during the build in order to iron out detailing and the finished ship was a very close approximation to the design as conceived. "''The CG model was initially built pristine, and then the textures were altered to look burnt and broken. From what I've seen in LightWave, you can subdivide a group of polygons where, say, you want to make it appear that a phaser hit has smashed away bits of the hull plating, and remove or distort those polygons until they look twisted, vaporized, and so on. Some of the digital modeling tools are quite remarkable.''", Sternbach further noted.([[Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 14]], page 21) |
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| − | |||
| − | The ''Nova''-class variant that appeared in "Endgame" featured many changes, performance or visual-wise. Additions include a dome added to Bridge, impulse engines combined to one reactor on deck 1 and its auxiliary deflector reduced greatly, triangular shaped. The gap in front of it is filled in. Portions of the [[Bussard collector]]s were covered by hull plating and the dorsal [[intercooler]]s were reduced to one on each warp nacelle from two. Finally, the ship's [[escape pod]]s were replaced with {{ShipClass|Sovereign}} pods. Modifications and remapping were done by [[Robert Bonchune]] at [[Foundation Imaging]] who remarked,"''I did not come up with the name, but was allowed to come up with the NCC number and do whatever I liked to the shape. I always liked the ship, kind of like a small corvette Starship and I figured in a future time it would have been smoothed out and more organic. I also tried to tie it in to the Enterprise-E(or a Standard Starship) in some ways in terms of smoothness and escape hatches, intercoolers etc. I tried to make her look like she was moving fast and slick even standing still. I was going to make other changes to the bottom, but ran out of time for the show. (One reason why I shot her in the scenes from the top as much as possible) We had SO much to do on that finally, it was mind boggling!''"[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/comment-page-1/#comment-9132] Unlike with the ''Intrepid''-class, for which Bonchune built the ''Aeroshuttle'', the ''waverider'' was not further explored,"''I don't remember doing the shuttle for it. I know I did some textures and such, but not the design/model itself.''"[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/comment-page-1/#comment-9140] |
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| − | |||
| − | Conceived well into the [[CGI]] age, no physical production model was ever constructed of the design. |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | * "Designing the U.S.S. ''Equinox''", ''[[Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 14]]'', {{m|June|2000}} |
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| − | * ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'', [[Adam Lebowitz|Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz]] & [[Robert Bonchune]], New York: Pocket Books, 2001, ISBN 074343725X |
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| − | |||
| − | === External link === |
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| − | * "[http://www.starshipdatalink.net/art/equinox.html Designing the U.S.S. ''Equinox'']" article at [http://www.starshipdatalink.net StarshipDatalink.net] |
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| − | * "[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rick-sternbachs-equinox/ Rick Sternbach's Equinox]" at [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com Drex Files] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[cs:Třída Nova]] |
[[cs:Třída Nova]] |
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[[de:Nova-Klasse]] |
[[de:Nova-Klasse]] |
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[[es:Clase Nova]] |
[[es:Clase Nova]] |
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| + | [[fr:Classe Nova]] |
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[[it:Classe Nova]] |
[[it:Classe Nova]] |
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[[ja:ノヴァ級]] |
[[ja:ノヴァ級]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
Revision as of 17:31, 6 October 2015
AT: "xx" The Nova-class was a type of Federation starship designed for short-term planetary research missions. It was placed in service starting in the mid-to-late 24th century.
History
In 2370, some Nova-class starships were constructed in the Sol system at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, around stardate 47007.1. USS Equinox was constructed and launched at this time. (VOY: "Equinox", "Equinox, Part II" dedication plaque)
Schematics of the Nova-class were contained in the 31st century database kept by temporal agent Daniels aboard the Enterprise. They were viewed by Captain Jonathan Archer and Lieutenant Malcolm Reed who accessed his database in 2151. (ENT: "Shockwave") They were later viewed by Archer and T'Pol in Daniels' database the following year. (ENT: "Future Tense")
In an alternate 2404, a refit of the Nova-class was in use. The interior of the ship was almost the same, however, the exterior had a number of changes. The refit also had superior tactical firepower and shield strength to that of its predecessor. (VOY: "Endgame")
In another timeline, the refit of this class was still in use during the 26th century by the Federation and was involved in the pivotal Battle of Procyon V. (ENT: "Azati Prime")
Technical data
The Nova-class was designed as a science and scout vessel, intended for short-term planetary research and analysis. It is not typically suitable for combat operations. The Nova design has a maximum speed of warp 8 and approximately eighty crewmembers. One unique feature of the Nova-class is its Waverider shuttle, which is located in a special docking port on the ventral side of the primary hull, similar to that of the Aeroshuttle on the Intrepid-class.
Physical arrangement
The Nova-class had a design similar to that of an Intrepid-class starship, though smaller in size. It consisted of a saucer section with a curved triangular shape. The secondary hull was directly attached to the underside of the saucer with two warp nacelles.
Unlike some starship designs, the Nova-class only featured one impulse drive, located at the aft end of deck 2 aligned center to the ship.
Tactical systems
Though Novas were science vessels, they had a wide assortment of weaponry, allowing the vessel to handle many threats on its own. It was equipped with eleven strategically-placed phaser arrays: eight on the saucer and three on the secondary hull, two forward-facing photon torpedo launchers at the bow of the saucer opposite of the secondary deflector, and one aft-facing launcher.
The shields of a Nova-class ship
In order to prevent space debris and objects from colliding and damaging the vessel, Nova-class vessels, like other Starfleet vessels, were equipped with a navigational deflector at the bow of the secondary hull. If the main deflector was damaged or disabled, a secondary deflector on the saucer could substitute the main deflector.
Like most Starfleet vessels, the Nova-class was also equipped with a deflector shield for defensive purposes. Shields on a Nova-class could be fully recharged after charging the shield emitters for 45 seconds. This task required the shields to be dropped. The shield grid itself was located along the secondary hull.
Interior design
Though a small ship, the Nova class was able to accommodate the needs of the crew. This class of starship had eight decks.
- See: Nova class decks
Main bridge
Bridge of USS Equinox
The main bridge, located near the center of deck 1, was the command center for the ship. Despite the size of the ship, the spacious bridge allowed for the ease of movement between stations.
The central command area on the bridge was at the very center of the circular area in a submerged location. The captain's chair was starboard side, and the executive officer's was on the port side. Between them was a console built into the structure that provided a place for information dissemination, as well as operational command of the starship. Directly ahead of the command area and down into a further sunken area, was the conn.
The rest of the stations were located on the perimeter of the round bridge, including the master systems display behind the command seats and the main viewscreen in the standard frontwards position. Stations, such as tactical, were not stand-out stations due to the scientific nature of the design. When necessary, Tactical would usually be assigned to the forward, starboard side console just right of the main viewscreen.
Entryways to the bridge were located at the port and starboard sides on the upper level. The port door leads to the main turbolift while the starboard door leads to a corridor that accesses other sections of deck 1. Access to the captain's ready room was also located on port side.
Main engineering
 Engineering work stations  Warp core |
Main engineering was located on deck 7. The Nova-class engineering section only spanned one deck, and featured four wall based engineering consoles and a warp core analysis console in front of the core itself. At the far end of the room was the warp core with a transparent floor and support railing around it. The core spanned from decks 5-8 and could be ejected from the bottom of the ship through an ejection hatch. The core could be accessed from either engineering or from the maintenance areas around the core.
Sickbay and science labs
Science lab of USS Equinox
The Nova-class had one sickbay located on deck 4, in front of the shuttlebay. The Nova-class medical facility was equipped with an Emergency Medical Hologram system, like the one on the USS Voyager.
Additionally, as a science vessel, the Nova-class was equipped with a number of specially-equipped science and research labs. The labs were similar to those found on an Intrepid-class vessel and served many purposes and supported numerous personnel. They featured a great number of work consoles to perform numerous tasks and had one main work console area in an alcove.
Auxiliary craft and cargo bays
Behind the main sickbay were the 2 shuttlebays. The aft-most shuttlebay's space doors were directly aft (similar to the Intrepid-class). The inner shuttlebay's doors opened directly above. [2] An additional view of the secondary shuttlebay can be seen here (the aft-most black rectangle on the dorsal side of the ship).
In the saucer on deck 4, a short trip from the shuttle bays, was the aforementioned Waverider auxiliary craft, which was integrated into the Nova-class' hull. Spanning decks 2 and 3 in front of the shuttlebay were the main cargo bays which could also contained CMUs, used for transportation and repair purposes.
Additionally, like a majority of starships in the 24th century, Nova-classes were equipped with emergency escape pods, twenty in total; fourteen were located on deck 3, four on deck 1 and two on deck 2, all located in the saucer section. They were stored under hatches to permit both launch and retrieval.
Crew quarters
Captain's quarters of the USS Equinox
Due to the size of this class, crew quarters were spartan, but provided all the standard needs for the crew. A majority of the quarters were standard crew quarters, though a number of them were larger for use by the senior staff. The majority of these larger quarters were located on decks 1 and 4, with slightly smaller ones located on decks 2 and 6.
Ships commissioned
- Named
- USS Equinox (NCC-72381)
- USS Rhode Island (NCC-72701)
- Uncertain
- USS Nova (NCC-73515)
- Unnamed
Appendices
Appearances
- VOY:
- "Equinox"
- "Equinox, Part II"
- "Endgame"
- ENT:
- "Shockwave" (database display)
- "Future Tense" (database display)
- "Azati Prime"
Background
According to Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, the Nova-class is the successor of the Galaxy-class starship as the next primary explorer ship of Starfleet. Four different concept designs were presented on pages 177 and 178. The direction the actual Nova-class eventually followed was the down-sized ship with less internal volume that allowed each ship to be refitted for specific mission types and an angular-curvilinear shape designed to allow an enhanced utilization of warp energy.
One of the other designs that was not followed featured variable geometry pylons that ended up to be featured on the Intrepid-class. Another design featured an elliptical saucer section extended steeply toward port and starboard, a shape intended to enhance the peak transitional efficiency of a high-frequency warp envelope. This feature was eventually featured on the USS Enterprise-J. It was also stated that the USS Enterprise-E might end up being of this class, but a ship of the Sovereign-class was given the name. (VOY: "Caretaker"; ENT: "Azati Prime"; Star Trek: First Contact)
According to the Star Trek: Starship Spotter, the ship was equipped with only two cargo management units and two shuttlecraft. The phaser arrays were classified as Type X, the same as the Galaxy-class and Intrepid-class phasers. The ship had a mass of 110,000 metric tonnes.
For further information on the studio models, see: Nova-class model
Apocrypha
In the game Star Trek Online the Nova-class is one of the first available Science vessel for Starfleet players to captain. An upgraded version patterned after the USS Rhode Island is also made available, and the Rhode Island herself is commanded by an elder Harry Kim.