Guide:Leonardo / Rogge / Carbonare - Revision history

Dan: Dan moved page Guide:Leonardo/Rogge/Carbonare to Guide:Leonardo / Rogge / Carbonare

2025-10-30T14:49:46Z

Dan moved page Guide:Leonardo/Rogge/Carbonare to Guide:Leonardo / Rogge / Carbonare

← Older revision	Revision as of 07:49, 30 October 2025
(No difference)

Dan at 23:02, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T23:02:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 20 September 2025
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	In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the "corsair" mission profile in the [[2280s]]. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of [[2269]] again. Production of ''Carbonare'' units continued until [[2294]], and supposedly some ''Pakokku'' transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.		In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the "corsair" mission profile in the [[2280s]]. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of [[2269]] again. Production of ''Carbonare'' units continued until [[2294]], and supposedly some ''Pakokku'' transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.

	Peace with the Klingons spelled an end for privateering. The other duties of the corsairs kept the ship type busy for another fifteen years, yet only a few dozen vessels stayed in active service. The rest remained in inactive reserves till 2302, when sales to civilian and foreign military operators began. The latter were soon discontinued, when the morals of weapon sales were brought to general review. It took longer for ~~Starfleet~~ to decide that privateering was in fact contrary to Federation law, even during declared wars. Perhaps driving the decision was the pragmatic fact that neither the Romulan nor Cardassian foes were as vulnerable to this type of warfare as the Klingons had been. Or perhaps it was realized that the Federation was at the greatest risk of all in this respect, were the tables ever to be turned.		Peace with the Klingons spelled an end for privateering. The other duties of the corsairs kept the ship type busy for nearly another fifteen years, yet only a few dozen vessels stayed in active service. The rest remained in inactive reserves till [[2302]], when sales to civilian and foreign military operators began. The latter were soon discontinued, when the morals of weapon sales were brought to general review. It took longer for Star Fleet to decide that privateering was in fact contrary to Federation law, even during declared wars. Perhaps driving the decision was the pragmatic fact that neither the [[Romulan]] nor [[Cardassian]] foes were as vulnerable to this type of warfare as the Klingons had been. Or perhaps it was realized that the Federation was at the greatest risk of all in this respect, were the tables ever to be turned.

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

Dan at 22:23, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T22:23:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 20 September 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	\|constructed= 180 total:<br>		\|constructed= 180 total:<br>
	* ''Leonardo'': 116 ([[2268]] - [[2274]])		* ''Leonardo'': 116 ([[2268]] - [[2274]])
	* ''Rogge'': 28 ([[2281]] - [[~~xxxx~~]])		* ''Rogge'': 28 ([[2281]] - [[2285]])
	* ''Carbonare'': 36 ([[2289]] - [[~~xxxx~~]])		* ''Carbonare'': 36 ([[2289]] - [[2294]])
	\|length= <br>		\|length= <br>
	* ''Leonardo'': 86.4 m		* ''Leonardo'': 86.4 m
Line 77:		Line 77:
	The total number of these "small craft" fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the [[Organian]] impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. Star Fleet consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the [[2289]] ''Jatyin''-''Rockefeller'' incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the [[United Federation of Planets\|UFP]] and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, Star Fleet was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty [[Orion]]s. The status of the cargo as "slaves" was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the ''Rockefeller'' and her sisters as "corsairs", overdramatizing several aspects of the incident.		The total number of these "small craft" fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the [[Organian]] impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. Star Fleet consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the [[2289]] ''Jatyin''-''Rockefeller'' incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the [[United Federation of Planets\|UFP]] and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, Star Fleet was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty [[Orion]]s. The status of the cargo as "slaves" was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the ''Rockefeller'' and her sisters as "corsairs", overdramatizing several aspects of the incident.

	In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the ~~‘corsair’~~ mission profile in the 2280s. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications, and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of 2269 again. Production of Carbonare units continued until 2294, and supposedly some Pakokku transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.		In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the "corsair" mission profile in the [[2280s]]. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of [[2269]] again. Production of ''Carbonare'' units continued until [[2294]], and supposedly some ''Pakokku'' transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.

	Peace with the Klingons spelled an end for privateering. The other duties of the corsairs kept the ship type busy for another fifteen years, yet only a few dozen vessels stayed in active service. The rest remained in inactive reserves till 2302, when sales to civilian and foreign military operators began. The latter were soon discontinued, when the morals of weapon sales were brought to general review. It took longer for Starfleet to decide that privateering was in fact contrary to Federation law, even during declared wars. Perhaps driving the decision was the pragmatic fact that neither the Romulan nor Cardassian foes were as vulnerable to this type of warfare as the Klingons had been. Or perhaps it was realized that the Federation was at the greatest risk of all in this respect, were the tables ever to be turned.		Peace with the Klingons spelled an end for privateering. The other duties of the corsairs kept the ship type busy for another fifteen years, yet only a few dozen vessels stayed in active service. The rest remained in inactive reserves till 2302, when sales to civilian and foreign military operators began. The latter were soon discontinued, when the morals of weapon sales were brought to general review. It took longer for Starfleet to decide that privateering was in fact contrary to Federation law, even during declared wars. Perhaps driving the decision was the pragmatic fact that neither the Romulan nor Cardassian foes were as vulnerable to this type of warfare as the Klingons had been. Or perhaps it was realized that the Federation was at the greatest risk of all in this respect, were the tables ever to be turned.
Line 88:		Line 88:

	==Notes==		==Notes==
	*		* I extrapolated a final production run of the ''Rogge'' subclass to [[2285]].

	==Alt Sources==		==Alt Sources==

Dan at 22:16, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T22:16:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 20 September 2025
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	* ''Carbonare'':		* ''Carbonare'':
	\|constructed= 180 total:<br>		\|constructed= 180 total:<br>
	* ''Leonardo'': 116		* ''Leonardo'': 116 ([[2268]] - [[2274]])
	* ''Rogge'': 28		* ''Rogge'': 28 ([[2281]] - [[xxxx]])
	* ''Carbonare'': 36		* ''Carbonare'': 36 ([[2289]] - [[xxxx]])
	\|length= <br>		\|length= <br>
	* ''Leonardo'': 86.4 m		* ''Leonardo'': 86.4 m
Line 75:		Line 75:
	Several questions about the ''Leonardo'' class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the [[WD-1]] engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of ''Leonardo'' operations. While Star Fleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the [[Klingon Empire]], a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late [[2260s]], and sporadic records throughout the [[2270s]] total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Star Fleet continued ''Leonardo'' procurement until [[2274]], and ordered the evolved, [[LN-80C]]-engined ''Rogge'' and ''Carbonare'' subclasses in [[2281]] and [[2289]], respectively.		Several questions about the ''Leonardo'' class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the [[WD-1]] engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of ''Leonardo'' operations. While Star Fleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the [[Klingon Empire]], a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late [[2260s]], and sporadic records throughout the [[2270s]] total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Star Fleet continued ''Leonardo'' procurement until [[2274]], and ordered the evolved, [[LN-80C]]-engined ''Rogge'' and ''Carbonare'' subclasses in [[2281]] and [[2289]], respectively.

	The total number of these ~~‘small craft’~~ fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the Organian impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. ~~Starfleet~~ consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the 2289 Jatyin-Rockefeller incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the UFP and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, ~~Starfleet~~ was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty ~~Orions~~. The status of the cargo as ~~‘slaves’~~ was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the Rockefeller and her sisters as ~~‘corsairs’~~,		The total number of these "small craft" fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the [[Organian]] impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. Star Fleet consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the [[2289]] ''Jatyin''-''Rockefeller'' incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the [[United Federation of Planets\|UFP]] and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, Star Fleet was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty [[Orion]]s. The status of the cargo as "slaves" was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the ''Rockefeller'' and her sisters as "corsairs", overdramatizing several aspects of the incident.
	overdramatizing several aspects of the incident.

	In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the ‘corsair’ mission profile in the 2280s. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications, and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of 2269 again. Production of Carbonare units continued until 2294, and supposedly some Pakokku transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.		In reality, privateering was but a minor part of the ‘corsair’ mission profile in the 2280s. The vessel type was found quite ideal for a number of special operations applications, and saw extensive service in operative insertion and extraction missions. On the other hand, these missions only involved a small part of the corsair fleet. The activity status of the rest followed the temperature changes of cold war, never quite reaching the all-time high of 2269 again. Production of Carbonare units continued until 2294, and supposedly some Pakokku transports were also modified for high-end corsair duties.

Dan at 22:04, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T22:04:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:04, 20 September 2025
Line 73:		Line 73:
	[[Thornycroft]] was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025) through to ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within [[2268]], and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Star Fleet branch.		[[Thornycroft]] was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025) through to ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within [[2268]], and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Star Fleet branch.

	Several questions about the Leonardo class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the WD-1 engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of Leonardo operations. While ~~Starfleet~~ never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the Klingon Empire, a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late 2260s, and sporadic records throughout the 2270s total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as ~~Starfleet~~ continued Leonardo procurement until 2274, and ordered the evolved, LN-80C-engined Rogge and Carbonare subclasses in 2281 and 2289, respectively.		Several questions about the ''Leonardo'' class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the [[WD-1]] engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of ''Leonardo'' operations. While Star Fleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the [[Klingon Empire]], a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late [[2260s]], and sporadic records throughout the [[2270s]] total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Star Fleet continued ''Leonardo'' procurement until [[2274]], and ordered the evolved, [[LN-80C]]-engined ''Rogge'' and ''Carbonare'' subclasses in [[2281]] and [[2289]], respectively.

	The total number of these ‘small craft’ fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the Organian impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. Starfleet consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the 2289 Jatyin-Rockefeller incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the UFP and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, Starfleet was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty Orions. The status of the cargo as ‘slaves’ was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the Rockefeller and her sisters as ‘corsairs’,		The total number of these ‘small craft’ fluctuated between 200 and 300 during the Organian impasse, featuring a motley collection of civilian purchases in addition to the purpose-built craft. Starfleet consistently referred to the vessels as light transports until the 2289 Jatyin-Rockefeller incident, in which a raid against a supposed topaline transport turned into a bloodbath. As an open state of war existed between the UFP and the Empire at that point, even from the UFP viewpoint, Starfleet was found fully justified in eliminating the transport crew of twenty and freeing the true cargo of some sixty Orions. The status of the cargo as ‘slaves’ was challenged somewhat when the Orions killed seven of their liberators, then demanded extradition back to the Empire. The public and the media thereafter commonly referred to the Rockefeller and her sisters as ‘corsairs’,

Dan at 20:06, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T20:06:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 20 September 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	\|image=[[File:Leonardo (stbd).png\|250px\|Leonardo corsair]]		\|image=[[File:Leonardo (stbd).png\|250px\|Leonardo corsair]]
	\|classname= ''Leonardo / Rogge / Carbonare''		\|classname= ''Leonardo / Rogge / Carbonare''
	\|category= corsair		\|category= "light transport" / corsair
	\|years= [[2268]] - [[2307]]		\|years= [[2268]] - [[2307]]
	* ''Leonardo'':		* ''Leonardo'':

Dan at 20:01, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T20:01:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:01, 20 September 2025
Line 71:		Line 71:
	[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a ''Leonardo'' lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of ''USS Colombo'' was taken during exercises right next to the [[Korvat III]] homeport of the vessel.]]		[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a ''Leonardo'' lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of ''USS Colombo'' was taken during exercises right next to the [[Korvat III]] homeport of the vessel.]]

	[[Thornycroft]] was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025) through to ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within 2268, and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different ~~Starfleet~~ branch.		[[Thornycroft]] was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025) through to ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within [[2268]], and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Star Fleet branch.

	Several questions about the Leonardo class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the WD-1 engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of Leonardo operations. While Starfleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the Klingon Empire, a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late 2260s, and sporadic records throughout the 2270s total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Starfleet continued Leonardo procurement until 2274, and ordered the evolved, LN-80C-engined Rogge and Carbonare subclasses in 2281 and 2289, respectively.		Several questions about the Leonardo class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the WD-1 engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of Leonardo operations. While Starfleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the Klingon Empire, a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late 2260s, and sporadic records throughout the 2270s total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Starfleet continued Leonardo procurement until 2274, and ordered the evolved, LN-80C-engined Rogge and Carbonare subclasses in 2281 and 2289, respectively.

Dan at 19:59, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T19:59:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:59, 20 September 2025
Line 48:		Line 48:
	\|auxcraft=		\|auxcraft=
	\|historicalships=<br>		\|historicalships=<br>
			* ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032)
	* ''USS Colombo''		* ''USS Colombo''
	* ''USS Leonardo''		* ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025)
	* ''USS Rockefeller'' (NCC-R045)		* ''USS Rockefeller'' (NCC-R045)
	\|design= SRC		\|design= SRC
Line 70:		Line 71:
	[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a ''Leonardo'' lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of ''USS Colombo'' was taken during exercises right next to the [[Korvat III]] homeport of the vessel.]]		[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a ''Leonardo'' lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of ''USS Colombo'' was taken during exercises right next to the [[Korvat III]] homeport of the vessel.]]

	Thornycroft was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from USS Leonardo (NCC-R025) through to USS Bonnano (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within 2268, and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Starfleet branch.		[[Thornycroft]] was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from ''USS Leonardo'' (NCC-R025) through to ''USS Bonnano'' (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within 2268, and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Starfleet branch.

	Several questions about the Leonardo class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the WD-1 engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of Leonardo operations. While Starfleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the Klingon Empire, a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late 2260s, and sporadic records throughout the 2270s total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Starfleet continued Leonardo procurement until 2274, and ordered the evolved, LN-80C-engined Rogge and Carbonare subclasses in 2281 and 2289, respectively.		Several questions about the Leonardo class still remain open as of this writing. Official performance figures have never been published, for example. And although the mass of the WD-1 engines is known to be 80,000 tons apiece, exact structural mass and mission load for the craft remain a matter of guesswork. These technical details are still easier to come by than records of Leonardo operations. While Starfleet never engaged in full-scale privateering operations against the Klingon Empire, a dozen cases of commandeering are documented from the late 2260s, and sporadic records throughout the 2270s total some fifty incidents. Little in the way of details can be found, however, beyond dates and vessel names. Apparently, the operations did produce desired results, as Starfleet continued Leonardo procurement until 2274, and ordered the evolved, LN-80C-engined Rogge and Carbonare subclasses in 2281 and 2289, respectively.

Dan at 19:58, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T19:58:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:58, 20 September 2025
Line 48:		Line 48:
	\|auxcraft=		\|auxcraft=
	\|historicalships=<br>		\|historicalships=<br>
			* ''USS Colombo''
			* ''USS Leonardo''
	* ''USS Rockefeller'' (NCC-R045)		* ''USS Rockefeller'' (NCC-R045)
	\|design= SRC		\|design= SRC
Line 64:		Line 66:
	A prime requirement was the fielding of a vehicle capable of carrying a boarding party of thirty and deploying it via warp transporters to a mercantile vessel traveling at speeds up to warp 4. Stealth was essential, yet even more so was affordability: raiding hordes numbering in the hundreds would guarantee victory better than a small silver bullet fleet. The [[Thornycroft]] and [[Hiemdahr-Gan]] yards were contacted by [[SF Logistics Command]] for production of some 150 "small craft" of externally relatively inconspicuous design for undisclosed transport duties. These 86.4 m vessels would be propelled by two semi-recessed [[WD-1]] solid state warp engines and a complex [[Kostas]] vectoring impulse assembly of surprising power, and for unspecified reasons also mounted a [[General Systems]] [[B-12]] heavy tractor beam emitter astern. They would carry some thirty "passengers" and their "baggage" under the supervision of an operating crew of ten. Four independently-acting two-pad transporter units immediately adjacent to the central passenger compartment would be standard equipment. The crew spaces and command facilities at the bow would primarily be accessed via lateral docking ports, but a docking tube equipped with versatile "emergency" power tools could also be deployed dorsally, from the aft end of the passenger area.		A prime requirement was the fielding of a vehicle capable of carrying a boarding party of thirty and deploying it via warp transporters to a mercantile vessel traveling at speeds up to warp 4. Stealth was essential, yet even more so was affordability: raiding hordes numbering in the hundreds would guarantee victory better than a small silver bullet fleet. The [[Thornycroft]] and [[Hiemdahr-Gan]] yards were contacted by [[SF Logistics Command]] for production of some 150 "small craft" of externally relatively inconspicuous design for undisclosed transport duties. These 86.4 m vessels would be propelled by two semi-recessed [[WD-1]] solid state warp engines and a complex [[Kostas]] vectoring impulse assembly of surprising power, and for unspecified reasons also mounted a [[General Systems]] [[B-12]] heavy tractor beam emitter astern. They would carry some thirty "passengers" and their "baggage" under the supervision of an operating crew of ten. Four independently-acting two-pad transporter units immediately adjacent to the central passenger compartment would be standard equipment. The crew spaces and command facilities at the bow would primarily be accessed via lateral docking ports, but a docking tube equipped with versatile "emergency" power tools could also be deployed dorsally, from the aft end of the passenger area.

	Two lower decks would feature spacious lateral cargo and equipment holds, with planetfall ramps deploying between the drooping warp engine cowlings. A central access corridor would connect the aft engineering spaces to the forward sensor and power distribution rooms. Landing legs and gravitic engines would cater for planetary landings and takeoffs. A rather unconventional requirement was set for the ability to completely depower the ship within two minutes of planetfall, and to include numerous external storage compartments for rapidly deployable protective covers.		Two lower decks would feature spacious lateral cargo and equipment holds, with planetfall ramps deploying between the drooping warp engine cowlings. A central access corridor would connect the aft engineering spaces to the forward sensor and power distribution rooms. Landing legs and gravitic engines would cater for planetary landings and takeoffs. A rather unconventional requirement was set for the ability to completely depower the ship within two minutes of planetfall and to include numerous external storage compartments for rapidly deployable protective covers.

	[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a Leonardo lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of USS Colombo was taken during exercises right next to the Korvat III homeport of the vessel.]]		[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg\|left\|250px\|thumb\|A picture of a ''Leonardo'' lying in wait on a planetary surface, carefully camouflaged with multispectral covers, may not be the most impressive way to demonstrate the vessel in action. Yet apart from standard tarmac shots, this is as close as one gets to a visual recording of an actual corsair operation. Even this picture of ''USS Colombo'' was taken during exercises right next to the [[Korvat III]] homeport of the vessel.]]

	Thornycroft was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from USS Leonardo (NCC-R025) through to USS Bonnano (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within 2268, and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Starfleet branch.		Thornycroft was happy to deploy the first eight craft, from USS Leonardo (NCC-R025) through to USS Bonnano (NCC-R032), in just four months. It was equally happy to receive payment disproportionate to the engineering effort, and disinterested in asking unnecessary questions. Logistics Command received nearly forty of the craft within 2268, and operations began in late September of that year, although under the authority of a different Starfleet branch.

Dan at 15:26, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T15:26:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:26, 20 September 2025
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	In order to infiltrate the flow of traffic to and from the Empire, SFI needed inconspicuous vessels crewed by reliable agents. It soon became evident that the latter could not be drafted from within the Empire, which was at the peak of its expansionist period and thus also of its self-assurance. On November 23rd, [[2267]], an alternative approach was taken: operatives deployed from corvette ''USS Lyra'' (NCC-723) surprised the crew of [[Barolian]] transport ''Ditima'' and commandeered her into the Empire, using her regular cargo run to [[H’atoria]] and back as a cover for signals intelligence gathering and covert mapping. The crew was released from custody two weeks later, suffering from amnesia—whether due to drugs, telepathic manipulation, or generous payment, records do not tell.		In order to infiltrate the flow of traffic to and from the Empire, SFI needed inconspicuous vessels crewed by reliable agents. It soon became evident that the latter could not be drafted from within the Empire, which was at the peak of its expansionist period and thus also of its self-assurance. On November 23rd, [[2267]], an alternative approach was taken: operatives deployed from corvette ''USS Lyra'' (NCC-723) surprised the crew of [[Barolian]] transport ''Ditima'' and commandeered her into the Empire, using her regular cargo run to [[H’atoria]] and back as a cover for signals intelligence gathering and covert mapping. The crew was released from custody two weeks later, suffering from amnesia—whether due to drugs, telepathic manipulation, or generous payment, records do not tell.

	Obviously, such foolhardy operations could not continue without significant risk of politically disastrous exposure. Yet the commandeering of mercantile vessels was a potent weapon by itself, and the undeniable success of the Ditima raid seemed to prove that ~~Organians~~ would turn a blind eye on such a practice. The Empire certainly was in no position to condemn privateering, being an active practitioner of the art itself. ~~Starfleet~~ was far less experienced, yet an immediate effort was begun to give ~~Fleet~~ forces the necessary skills and hardware for ~~‘commerce~~ interception ~~operations’~~.		Obviously, such foolhardy operations could not continue without significant risk of politically disastrous exposure. Yet the commandeering of mercantile vessels was a potent weapon by itself, and the undeniable success of the ''Ditima'' raid seemed to prove that [[Organian]]s would turn a blind eye on such a practice. The Empire certainly was in no position to condemn privateering, being an active practitioner of the art itself. Star Fleet was far less experienced, yet an immediate effort was begun to give fleet forces the necessary skills and hardware for "commerce interception operations".

	A prime requirement was the fielding of a vehicle capable of carrying a boarding party of thirty and deploying it via warp transporters to a mercantile vessel traveling at speeds up to warp 4. Stealth was essential, yet even more so was affordability: raiding hordes numbering in the hundreds would guarantee victory better than a small silver bullet fleet. The Thornycroft and Hiemdahr-Gan yards were contacted by SF Logistics Command for production of some 150 ~~‘small craft’~~ of externally relatively inconspicuous design for undisclosed transport duties. These 86.4 m vessels would be propelled by two semi-recessed WD-1 solid state warp engines and a complex Kostas vectoring impulse assembly of surprising power, and for unspecified reasons also mounted a General Systems B-12 heavy tractor beam emitter astern. They would carry some thirty ~~‘passengers’~~ and their ~~‘baggage’~~ under the supervision of an operating crew of ten. Four independently acting two-pad transporter units immediately adjacent to the central passenger compartment would be standard equipment. The crew spaces and command facilities at the bow would primarily be accessed via lateral docking ports, but a docking tube equipped with versatile ~~‘emergency’~~ power tools could also be deployed dorsally, from the aft end of the passenger area.		A prime requirement was the fielding of a vehicle capable of carrying a boarding party of thirty and deploying it via warp transporters to a mercantile vessel traveling at speeds up to warp 4. Stealth was essential, yet even more so was affordability: raiding hordes numbering in the hundreds would guarantee victory better than a small silver bullet fleet. The [[Thornycroft]] and [[Hiemdahr-Gan]] yards were contacted by [[SF Logistics Command]] for production of some 150 "small craft" of externally relatively inconspicuous design for undisclosed transport duties. These 86.4 m vessels would be propelled by two semi-recessed [[WD-1]] solid state warp engines and a complex [[Kostas]] vectoring impulse assembly of surprising power, and for unspecified reasons also mounted a [[General Systems]] [[B-12]] heavy tractor beam emitter astern. They would carry some thirty "passengers" and their "baggage" under the supervision of an operating crew of ten. Four independently-acting two-pad transporter units immediately adjacent to the central passenger compartment would be standard equipment. The crew spaces and command facilities at the bow would primarily be accessed via lateral docking ports, but a docking tube equipped with versatile "emergency" power tools could also be deployed dorsally, from the aft end of the passenger area.

	Two lower decks would feature spacious lateral cargo and equipment holds, with planetfall ramps deploying between the drooping warp engine cowlings. A central access corridor would connect the aft engineering spaces to the forward sensor and power distribution rooms. Landing legs and gravitic engines would cater for planetary landings and takeoffs. A rather unconventional requirement was set for the ability to completely depower the ship within two minutes of planetfall, and to include numerous external storage compartments for rapidly deployable protective covers.		Two lower decks would feature spacious lateral cargo and equipment holds, with planetfall ramps deploying between the drooping warp engine cowlings. A central access corridor would connect the aft engineering spaces to the forward sensor and power distribution rooms. Landing legs and gravitic engines would cater for planetary landings and takeoffs. A rather unconventional requirement was set for the ability to completely depower the ship within two minutes of planetfall, and to include numerous external storage compartments for rapidly deployable protective covers.