Guide:Class F3
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| Class F3 / LSI(U)-3 / S3 / "Crate" / "Flying Brick" | |
|---|---|
| Class Overview | |
| Category | light shuttle |
| Operational | 2260 - 2272 |
| Constructed | 820 (built 2260-2269) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 6.2 m |
| Beam | 4.0 m |
| Height |
|
| Mass | 72.4 mt |
| Performance | |
| Cruise Speed | w 1.0 |
| Max Speed | w 1.5 |
| Endurance | 2 weeks |
| Complement | |
| Crew | 1 |
| Passengers | 6
|
| Tactical Systems | |
| Shields |
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| Canonicity | |
| Design | TOS |
| Name | TOS (Timo) |
| History | Timo
|
When Star Fleet underwent a wave of modernization in the 2250s, corresponding upgrades of the shuttlecraft fleet dragged behind. The fleetwide introduction of second- and third-generation transporters had been expected to decrease the need for auxiliary craft drastically, and the older craft were considered capable of serving through the transition period. The operational shortcomings of the transporters soon became rather obvious, upsetting these projections. Yet only the introduction of duranium-tritanium compositing techniques made it economically viable to provide all ships of the expanding fleet with new auxiliaries.
A boxlike hull, two lightweight 45-ton PB-750 warp nacelles on the lower corners of the box, a two-ton SPCR-48 ion cascade powerplant packaged into the stern, a basic RCS system of small thrusters and gyroscopes, and minimal sensors and communication gear—the ingredients for the Shintoi Heavy Industries bid for the Class F3 light shuttle were simple enough. The duranium-tritanium hull in all its simplicity was an excellent load-carrying structure, an adequate atmospheric lifting body and an optimally-shaped crew/small cargo compartment. Three-point landing gear was available for use in difficult terrain, but seldom necessary: the duranium-titanium pylon assemblies could easily support the full weight of the relatively light craft on even surfaces.
A navigational deflector was installed in the centermost of three equipment bays under the bow. A low-power shield generator could also be fitted in the aft systems compartment for operations in regions of high mass density. No combat shields were available for craft this small at the time, nor was any weaponry permanently carried. Various phaser mounts could be jury-rigged to the bow equipment bays with enough engineering ingenuity, however.
Pilot workload was low, thanks to the touchball controls that allowed effortless one-hand flying and operation of all key systems. Goosenecked or hinged retina projection displays were originally installed for additional info feed, but later replaced by simple flat-panel info screens. Instrumentation not related to actual piloting was minimal, consisting of simple magnetometers, proton spectrometers, and subspace gradiometers for rudimentary mapping use. Special survey packages displacing up to 70% of passenger space were available, but installing them into the cabin was an awkward affair due to the narrow doorway. Subspace communications were limited to a single narrow-band transceiver with 2 ly range.
Thanks to the wonderfully compact yet capable design, the Class F3 shuttle (no official class name given, although unofficial ones were legion) soon became the standard starship warp auxiliary. These craft were mass-produced and widely deployed aboard starships between 2262 and 2272. Large cruisers sometimes carried as many as four, despite having transporters and carrying other, more specialized auxiliary craft. The lack of a cargo door in the F3 usually meant that dedicated heavy shuttles had to be carried as well. The small doorway and absence of proper weapon hardpoints also precluded planetary assault missions, but the cruisers weren’t tasked with these anyway. If need be, a Benares class hopper or four could be embarked for assault, keeping up the tradition of multiple narrow-scope auxiliary types even when the F3 already paved way towards true multi-functionality.
The admirable low-warp performance and reliability of the Class F3 craft led to their use in demanding detached exploration operations, even though the life support systems were primitive by today’s standards. Current Star Fleet operational rules would limit the operations of such craft to a maximum of two days, but several multi-week missions were performed in the mid-23rd century.
Gallery
Other Images
Notes
Alt Sources
- Starship Handbook (Combined) (as Class F Shuttlecraft)