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Constitution class

Revision as of 01:28, 14 April 2004 by DarkHorizon (talk | contribs) (removed Republic spec - is already present in the USS Republic article, moved Enterprise class controversy to separate heading)
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File:Enterprise orig.jpg
Original Configuration
Type:Heavy Cruiser
Length:289 meters
Beam:132 meters
Draft:73 meters
Mass:190,000 metric tons
Crew:430 (43 officers, 387 enlisted)
Maximum Speed:Warp 8 (Cochrane scale)
Armament:2 to 6 phaser emitters, 2 to 6 photon torpedo launchers
Defenses:Deflector shields
File:Enterprise-a.jpg
Refit Configuration
Type:Heavy Cruiser
Length:305 meters
Beam:141 meters
Draft:71 meters
Mass:200,000 metric tons (est)
Crew:500 (72 officers, 428 enlisted)
Maximum Speed:Warp 12 (Cochrane scale)
Armament:9 phaser emitters (dual mounts), 2 photon torpedo launchers
Defenses:Deflector shields

The Constitution-class starships were the premiere front-line Starfleet vessels in the latter half of the 23rd century. They were designed for long duration missions with minimal outside support. They are best known for their celebrated missions of galactic exploration and diplomacy wich typically lasted up to five years. The Constitution class ships also served as a mighty deterrent to both the Klingons and Romulans, several times taking part in combat actions which determined the fate of the entire Federation if not the Alpha Quadrant itself.

In the late 2260's, the Constitution class ships underwent a major refit program. The actual refitting took eighteen months of work and essentially a new vessel was built onto the bones of the old, replacing virtually every major system. Thus the Constitution class ships continued in service for a further twenty years.

Ships of the Class

Uncertain Ships

Footnotes

Registry numbers

Although the Star Trek Encyclopedia and other references provide complete registry numbers for many Constitution-class ships, these numbers are at best conjecture. Many of the Encyclopedia's numbers, especially, were derived from the faulty assumption that the list seen on the wall at Starbase 10 in Court Martial were all Constitutions. Many fans now doubt that claim.

Uncertain ships

These ships have been listed in various references as Constitutions, but were never seen on screen as such, and are therefore of uncertain class.

Constitution Refit/"Enterprise" Class

The exact designation of the Constitution refit is a divisive one within Star Trek fandom. Some maintain that the comprehensive nature of the refit of the Constitutions between TOS and the movie era constitutes a new starship class, while others consider the two types maintaining the same profile and hull geometry as keeping the class consistent.

In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the USS Enterprise simulator at Starfleet Academy refers to the ship as an Enterprise-class vessel. However, the blueprints that Scotty is seen examining in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country are labeled "Constitution Class (Refit)".

Both designations are supported by behind the scenes material and interviews, Andrew Probert in particular mentioning that the design for the refit was originally designated Enterprise class.

The official canon maintains the (Refit) classification as the correct designation.

Appearances

Constitution class

Constitution class refit

Background information

The Constitution class was designed by Star Trek: The Original Series art director Matt Jefferies.

The Constitution class refit was designed by Mike Minor, Joe Jennings, Andrew Probert, Douglas Trumbull, and Harald Michelson for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

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