by Bernd Schneider

Hercules Class (2168)

The Hercules class was the first with the characteristical primary hull ("saucer section") that was adopted by most of the subsequent Federation starship designs. With a length of 167m it exceeded all previous starships by far. Hercules class ships achieved a maximum speed of Warp 3.6, therefore reducing the average travel time between the star systems of the Federation from several months to a few weeks. In contrast to previous starships that were rather designed for combat situations, the Hercules class included a number of science labs of different branches. The shuttlebay attached to the stern usually contained two shuttles. Besides two fixed laser cannons in the bow and stern the Hercules class was originally fitted with a phaser turret beneath the keel that was replaced with a sensor array when lasers became obsolete after the introduction of the more powerful phasers. The last ship of this class served as a supply vessel as late as 2270.

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Last changed: 21.01.98