Guide:Horizon/Advance: Difference between revisions
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|historicalships= <br> | |historicalships= <br> | ||
* ''USS Advance'' (NCC-1008) | * ''USS Advance'' (NCC-1008) | ||
* ''USS Archon'' | |||
* ''USS Constellation'' (NCC-1017) | * ''USS Constellation'' (NCC-1017) | ||
* ''USS Essex'' | |||
* ''USS Horizon'' | |||
* ''USS Indomitable'' | |||
* ''USS Whorfin'' | |||
|design= SFC battle cruiser, ST: Legacy computer game ''Yorktown'' | |design= SFC battle cruiser, ST: Legacy computer game ''Yorktown'' | ||
|name= FSRC, SFC | |name= FSRC, SFC | ||
|history= FSRC, HCE, own | |history= FSRC, HCE, own | ||
}} | }} | ||
Although the heavy star cruiser was recognized as the mainstay of | Although the heavy star cruiser was recognized as the mainstay of [[Starfleet]]’s strategy of exploration | ||
and the de facto capital starship of the defense force early on, keeping the Fleet continuously | and the ''de facto'' capital starship of the defense force early on, keeping the Fleet continuously | ||
supplied with even two dozen heavy cruisers of modern type seemed beyond the scope of the | supplied with even two dozen heavy cruisers of modern type seemed beyond the scope of the | ||
organization. In theory, resources would be very efficiently used in building these large, long range | organization. In theory, resources would be very efficiently used in building these large, long range | ||
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the latter as well. | the latter as well. | ||
[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The Victoria (NCC-1013) gets acquainted with a megesti swarm. The energy-hungry spaceborne creatures once numbered | [[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The ''Victoria'' (NCC-1013) gets acquainted with a megesti swarm. The energy-hungry spaceborne creatures once numbered | ||
in the quintillions, yet their ‘natural habitat’ is anything but. The subspace disk around Algol was apparently constructed | in the quintillions, yet their ‘natural habitat’ is anything but. The subspace disk around [[Algol]] was apparently constructed | ||
some 23,000 years ago by parties unknown, and has been rapidly degrading for the past millennia. The last megesti are | some 23,000 years ago by parties unknown, and has been rapidly degrading for the past millennia. The last megesti are | ||
expected to dissipate by the 40th century, unless means can be found to restore their unique habitat. Meanwhile, arguments | expected to dissipate by the [[40th century]], unless means can be found to restore their unique habitat. Meanwhile, arguments | ||
on their possible collective sentience, first launched by the Victoria survey, rage on.]] | on their possible collective sentience, first launched by the ''Victoria'' survey, rage on.]] | ||
In the 2180s, as the careers of the wartime capital ship classes began their inevitable downturn, it | In the [[2180s]], as the careers of the wartime capital ship classes began their inevitable downturn, it | ||
was again time to develop a heavy cruiser of superior attributes. Despite the problems with the | was again time to develop a heavy cruiser of superior attributes. Despite the problems with the | ||
dilithium-regulated powerplants, the basic designs of the preceding cruiser generation had proven completely satisfactory for both exploration and defense purposes. Yet there was a pressing need for | dilithium-regulated powerplants, the basic designs of the preceding cruiser generation had proven completely satisfactory for both exploration and defense purposes. Yet there was a pressing need for | ||
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size. | size. | ||
A new approach called for new blood. Invited to participate was the newcomer Chiokis Corporation | A new approach called for new blood. Invited to participate was the newcomer [[Corporations_of_the_UFP#Shipbuilders|Chiokis Corporation]] | ||
of Andor, a junior partner at this point. Wartime shipbuilders still did a lion’s share of the work | of [[Andor]], a junior partner at this point. Wartime shipbuilders still did a lion’s share of the work | ||
regarding both design and construction. When the first Horizon class heavy cruiser, NCC-1000, | regarding both design and construction. When the first '''''Horizon''''' class heavy cruiser, NCC-1000, | ||
emerged from the dockyards in 2196, family resemblance to preceding capital ship classes was thus | emerged from the dockyards in [[2196]], family resemblance to preceding capital ship classes was thus | ||
clear. Even to a casual observer, the two-hulled monster gliding out of the dock was obviously the | clear. Even to a casual observer, the two-hulled monster gliding out of the dock was obviously the | ||
old Yorktown battle cruiser – whether ‘slightly reworked’, or ‘finally done right’, opinions varied. | old ''[[Guide: Yorktown|Yorktown]]'' battle cruiser – whether ‘slightly reworked’, or ‘finally done right’, opinions varied. | ||
Standing in for the original primary hull was a leaner and meaner Geering saucer 117.1 m across | Standing in for the original primary hull was a leaner and meaner Geering saucer 117.1 m across | ||
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Internal arrangement took full advantage of the double hull configuration. Ten decks within the | Internal arrangement took full advantage of the double hull configuration. Ten decks within the | ||
command hull held improved accommodation, uprated laser and particle cannon weaponry, | command hull held improved accommodation, uprated laser and particle cannon weaponry, high-tech | ||
laboratories, two computer cores, and a powerful navigational deflector backed up by steerable | laboratories, two computer cores, and a powerful navigational deflector backed up by steerable | ||
twin auxiliary units on the engineering hull. Protected conduits distributed power from the | twin auxiliary units on the engineering hull. Protected conduits distributed power from the | ||
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ahead of the upper and lower protrusions. A twin-tube torpedo launcher with magazines for 80 shots | ahead of the upper and lower protrusions. A twin-tube torpedo launcher with magazines for 80 shots | ||
could sustain a high rate of fire from the classic location at the bottom of the saucer. Two shield | could sustain a high rate of fire from the classic location at the bottom of the saucer. Two shield | ||
generators were also nested inside the saucer; the Horizon was the first major Starfleet vessel to be | generators were also nested inside the saucer; the ''Horizon'' was the first major Starfleet vessel to be | ||
entirely protected by subspace/graviton fields and omitting armor altogether. The generators were of | entirely protected by subspace/graviton fields and omitting armor altogether. The generators were of | ||
Andorian Raakuv LHH manufacture in the first three vessels to be built, but Hycor systems of Earth | Andorian Raakuv LHH manufacture in the first three vessels to be built, but Hycor systems of [[Earth]] | ||
origin were introduced for all later units. | origin were introduced for all later units. | ||
The secondary hull was organized much like the Yorktown one, save for the difference in scale; | The secondary hull was organized much like the ''Yorktown'' one, save for the difference in scale; | ||
shuttle hangars, workshops, fuel tanks and reactor systems were in their familiar locations. The | shuttle hangars, workshops, fuel tanks and reactor systems were in their familiar locations. The | ||
shuttlebay introduced precision tractor beams for approach control, yet the devices proved so | shuttlebay introduced precision tractor beams for approach control, yet the devices proved so | ||
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In addition to the thoroughbred ‘Sternn’ augmented fusion main reactor of 10:1 m/am ratio and | In addition to the thoroughbred ‘Sternn’ augmented fusion main reactor of 10:1 m/am ratio and | ||
peristaltic feed, two slightly more mundane auxiliary powerplants were housed in the secondary | peristaltic feed, two slightly more mundane auxiliary powerplants were housed in the secondary | ||
hull. Total power production was increased almost twofold over the Dauntlesses, 30% over the | hull. Total power production was increased almost twofold over the ''[[Guide:Dauntless|Dauntlesses]]'', 30% over the | ||
Yorktown. Fuel reserves provided an endurance of four years, and a theoretical maximum | ''Yorktown''. Fuel reserves provided an endurance of four years, and a theoretical maximum | ||
operational radius of some 400 lightyears. In practice, far longer missions could be mounted even in | operational radius of some 400 lightyears. In practice, far longer missions could be mounted even in | ||
primitive fuel replenishment conditions, as the reactors were provided with filtering systems that | primitive fuel replenishment conditions, as the reactors were provided with filtering systems that | ||
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The Scarbak GPM impulse engines cowled onto the lower secondary hull produced almost three | The Scarbak GPM impulse engines cowled onto the lower secondary hull produced almost three | ||
times as much thrust as the contemporary Caracal impulse units, and avoided all the complications and compromises of the two-stage Enterprise arrangement. The gigantic (200,000 tons, 163 meters) | times as much thrust as the contemporary ''[[Guide: Caracal|Caracal]]'' impulse units, and avoided all the complications and compromises of the two-stage ''[[Guide: Enterprise|Enterprise]]'' arrangement. The gigantic (200,000 tons, 163 meters) | ||
yet sleek and smoothly cowled PB-18 nacelles represented another drastic increase in propulsive | yet sleek and smoothly cowled PB-18 nacelles represented another drastic increase in propulsive | ||
power. New flux guide systems enabled vertical off-axis control of the field, and facilitated the | power. New flux guide systems enabled vertical off-axis control of the field, and facilitated the | ||
change in nacelle positioning. Large tubular intercoolers were mounted in pairs atop nacelle aft | change in nacelle positioning. Large tubular intercoolers were mounted in pairs atop nacelle aft | ||
ends, powerful deflectors in turn at the center of the forward domes. Hemispherical plasma exhaust | ends, powerful deflectors in turn at the center of the forward domes. Hemispherical plasma exhaust | ||
diffusers astern could be retracted for rapid purging. In a 2199 test run performed by USS Scotia | diffusers astern could be retracted for rapid purging. In a [[2199]] test run performed by ''USS Scotia'' | ||
(NCC-1006), maximum power enabled warp 5.9 for two minutes, although a more reasonable warp | (NCC-1006), maximum power enabled warp 5.9 for two minutes, although a more reasonable warp | ||
5.3 was set as the official limit. The fact remained that the Scotia had grazed warp six, and would | 5.3 was set as the official limit. The fact remained that the ''Scotia'' had grazed warp six, and would | ||
indeed have exceeded it with just a 5% increase in power output, rather than the at least 45% | indeed have exceeded it with just a 5% increase in power output, rather than the at least 45% | ||
suggested by contemporary engineering experience. However, the state of the art at the time did not | suggested by contemporary engineering experience. However, the state of the art at the time did not | ||
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not observed. | not observed. | ||
[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It would be very difficult to tell USS Whorfin (NCC-1024) apart from the original Advance standard, or even the Horizon | [[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It would be very difficult to tell ''USS Whorfin'' (NCC-1024) apart from the original ''Advance'' standard, or even the ''Horizon'' | ||
baseline, by looks alone. Yet sturdier internal structures and vastly improved rear hemisphere protection made a decisive | baseline, by looks alone. Yet sturdier internal structures and vastly improved rear hemisphere protection made a decisive | ||
impact in battle. The Whorfin survived this 2229 Kshatriyan ambush with light casualties and went on to serve the | impact in battle. The ''Whorfin'' survived this [[2229]] Kshatriyan ambush with light casualties and went on to serve the | ||
Federation as a deep space survey cruiser on three separate tours of duty, the last ending in 2297.]] | Federation as a deep space survey cruiser on three separate tours of duty, the last ending in [[2297]].]] | ||
The initial design was fielded in large numbers for a capital ship of this size, 12 more cruisers being | The initial design was fielded in large numbers for a capital ship of this size, 12 more cruisers being | ||
completed after the prototype in 2196-99 and even more being planned. Independent exploratory | completed after the prototype in [[2196]]-[[2199|99]] and even more being planned. Independent exploratory | ||
deployments outside known space were typical assignments, even though the capable vessels were | deployments outside known space were typical assignments, even though the capable vessels were | ||
also called to perform various military duties. The Horizon herself had a distinguished career of | also called to perform various military duties. The ''Horizon'' herself had a distinguished career of | ||
exploration under the command of Captains Mann, Gatulla and Broderick. The three-year | exploration under the command of Captains Mann, Gatulla and Broderick. The three-year | ||
expedition under Captain Mann established first contact with no less than 12 civilizations, a feat no | expedition under Captain Mann established first contact with no less than 12 civilizations, a feat no | ||
longer believed to be possible after the early days of Enterprise exploits on a virgin quadrant. | longer believed to be possible after the early days of ''Enterprise'' exploits on a virgin quadrant. | ||
Yet this mode of heavy cruiser deployment brought up critique as well. The defensive commitments | Yet this mode of heavy cruiser deployment brought up critique as well. The defensive commitments | ||
of Starfleet were as much compromised by block obsolescence as the exploratory ones, and the | of Starfleet were as much compromised by block obsolescence as the exploratory ones, and the | ||
feline Xindi unrest of 2196-97 made ‘Where Is Starfleet?’ a burning question in mass media | feline Xindi unrest of [[2196]]-[[2197|97]] made ‘Where Is Starfleet?’ a burning question in mass media | ||
headlines. The Commission for Starfleet had no choice but to reconsider its procurement policy, and | headlines. The Commission for Starfleet had no choice but to reconsider its procurement policy, and | ||
several Horizon contracts were pre-empted in favor of a type optimized for | several ''Horizon'' contracts were pre-empted in favor of a type optimized for hearth world security | ||
duty. On the positive side, the Council released significant funds for increasing the total number of | duty. On the positive side, the Council released significant funds for increasing the total number of | ||
cruiser hulls from eighteen to twenty-six, now evenly divided between exploratory and defensive | cruiser hulls from eighteen to twenty-six, now evenly divided between exploratory and defensive | ||
types. | types. | ||
The Advance subclass (with a | The '''''Advance''''' subclass (with a scatter-shot range of registries from NCC-1008 on the inaugural ship | ||
to NCC-1029 on the final vessel) made use of the Horizon design and even of some partially | to NCC-1029 on the final vessel) made use of the ''Horizon'' design and even of some partially | ||
completed spaceframes, yet carried a completely rethought tactical suite featuring new targeting systems, a heavier particle cannon fit and an additional dorsal torpedo launcher. Most of the | completed spaceframes, yet carried a completely rethought tactical suite featuring new targeting systems, a heavier particle cannon fit and an additional dorsal torpedo launcher. Most of the | ||
laboratory facilities were displaced by the new weaponry, and the shuttle hangar was rearranged to | laboratory facilities were displaced by the new weaponry, and the shuttle hangar was rearranged to | ||
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applied on this subclass, built in delightful quantity yet at a relatively leisurely pace as military | applied on this subclass, built in delightful quantity yet at a relatively leisurely pace as military | ||
threats once again receded. The type turned out to be something of a disappointment when finally | threats once again receded. The type turned out to be something of a disappointment when finally | ||
pressed to battle; the loss of USS Sentry (NCC-1010) to newly belligerent Klingons in 2209 put | pressed to battle; the loss of ''USS Sentry'' (NCC-1010) to newly belligerent Klingons in [[2209]] put | ||
construction on hold before numerous tactical shortcomings (mainly concerning secondary hull | construction on hold before numerous tactical shortcomings (mainly concerning secondary hull | ||
armament, protection and power routing) could be remedied for the final three vessels. | armament, protection and power routing) could be remedied for the final three vessels. | ||
At the resumption of the Advance run, the flawed original hull NCC-1023 was left uncompleted, yet | At the resumption of the ''Advance'' run, the flawed original hull NCC-1023 was left uncompleted, yet | ||
in practice lacking little else besides warp propulsion and tactical systems. She was the ideal subject | in practice lacking little else besides warp propulsion and tactical systems. She was the ideal subject | ||
for an experimental upgunning when the Klingon offensive began: not pulled off the front lines at a | for an experimental upgunning when the Klingon offensive began: not pulled off the front lines at a | ||
critical moment, nor hogging any of the capacity used in construction of modern combatants, yet | critical moment, nor hogging any of the capacity used in construction of modern combatants, yet | ||
offering promise of | offering promise of reinvigorating a design that existed in decisive numbers. Key to the | ||
Chiokis/Armscor/CWD upgrade was PB-19, a 180 m monster engine capable of pushing a Horizon | Chiokis/Armscor/CWD upgrade was PB-19, a 180 m monster engine capable of pushing a ''Horizon'' | ||
to supercruise. Changes to exterior included longer, stronger pylons that held the nacelles far apart, | to supercruise. Changes to exterior included longer, stronger pylons that held the nacelles far apart, | ||
beyond saucer width; three nozzles per pylon for the impulse system; and significant expansion of | beyond saucer width; three nozzles per pylon for the impulse system; and significant expansion of | ||
the secondary hull, to 140 m total length. The latter was an absolute prerequisite for the major | the secondary hull, to 140 m total length. The latter was an absolute prerequisite for the major | ||
internal change, the installation of two Mann SSWR-IX reactors in parallel. Power aplenty could | internal change, the installation of two ''Mann''-class SSWR-IX reactors in parallel. Power aplenty could | ||
now be used to fire up enhanced shields and an increased number of main lasers. Some secondary | now be used to fire up enhanced shields and an increased number of main lasers. Some secondary | ||
weapons were replaced by phase cannon, and two more torpedo tubes added. | weapons were replaced by phase cannon, and two more torpedo tubes added. | ||
The weapon upgrade was an unqualified success, at least in test firings. However, the Indomitable | The weapon upgrade was an unqualified success, at least in test firings. However, the ''Indomitable'' | ||
(as NX-1023) did not get the chance to try the deadly arsenal on Klingon vessels. Trials of the drive | (as NX-1023) did not get the chance to try the deadly arsenal on Klingon vessels. Trials of the drive | ||
system gave disappointing results, not so much because of design flaws but because of the | system gave disappointing results, not so much because of design flaws but because of the | ||
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battlefield, even had the embarrassed powerplant provider relinquished her. Nevertheless, the steps | battlefield, even had the embarrassed powerplant provider relinquished her. Nevertheless, the steps | ||
forward in weapons integration proved useful in virtually all the following military ship | forward in weapons integration proved useful in virtually all the following military ship | ||
construction and upgrade programs – including that of the Horizons. | construction and upgrade programs – including that of the ''Horizons''. | ||
[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Emergency shutdown! The Indomitable downwarping hard after yet another test sortie is aborted by main powerplant | [[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Emergency shutdown! The ''Indomitable'' downwarping hard after yet another test sortie is aborted by main powerplant | ||
failure. The chase ship is USS Altay (NCC-911), a Texas light cruiser extensively used as a range support ship between | failure. The chase ship is ''USS Altay'' (NCC-911), a ''[[Guide: Texas|Texas]]'' light cruiser extensively used as a range support ship between | ||
2205 and 2220.]] | [[2205]] and [[2220]].]] | ||
In 2218-19, a thorough weapon system upgrade was performed on all members of the Horizon and | In [[2218]]-[[2219|19]], a thorough weapon system upgrade was performed on all members of the ''Horizon'' and | ||
Advance classes. The entire torpedo loader assemblies of the surviving ships were removed and | ''Advance'' classes. The entire torpedo loader assemblies of the surviving ships were removed and | ||
replaced with ones compatible with modern forced-intermix warheads, for which the Horizons were | replaced with ones compatible with modern forced-intermix warheads, for which the Horizons were | ||
priority recipients. Also, laser fire control was upgraded to Indomitable standard, and the particle | priority recipients. Also, laser fire control was upgraded to ''Indomitable'' standard, and the particle | ||
cannon were given better surge suppressors for 20 % overcharging. | cannon were given better surge suppressors for 20% overcharging. | ||
New units were added to Fleet strength as well, the lead ships USS Essex (NCC-1350) and USS | New units were added to Fleet strength as well, the lead ships ''USS Essex'' (NCC-1350) and ''USS Archon'' (NCC-1370) of the respective battle cruiser and heavy cruiser batches becoming further | ||
Archon (NCC-1370) of the respective battle cruiser and heavy cruiser batches becoming further | salutes to acclaimed ''[[Guide: Daedalus|Daedalus]]'' ships in [[2222]]. These newbuilds incorporated the PB-21 engine, a | ||
salutes to acclaimed Daedalus ships in 2222. These newbuilds incorporated the PB-21 engine, a | |||
rather minimally improved direct successor of the now dated PB-18. Yet thanks to adopting a | rather minimally improved direct successor of the now dated PB-18. Yet thanks to adopting a | ||
version of the Indomitable secondary hull, with its vast volumes for fuel and supplies, they enjoyed | version of the ''Indomitable'' secondary hull, with its vast volumes for fuel and supplies, they enjoyed | ||
an endurance and range advantage over the converted older cruisers, and represented a higher | an endurance and range advantage over the converted older cruisers, and represented a higher | ||
standard of accommodation as well. They are thus often considered subclasses distinct from the | standard of accommodation as well. They are thus often considered subclasses distinct from the | ||
upgraded Advances and Horizons, respectively. For a few glorious years before the full operational | upgraded ''Advances'' and ''Horizons'', respectively. For a few glorious years before the full operational | ||
introduction of the Baton Rouge class, they actually formed the defensive strongback of Starfleet. | introduction of the ''[[Guide: Baton Rouge|Baton Rouge]]'' class, they actually formed the defensive strongback of Starfleet. | ||
Yet when the more modern alternatives became available, production of both Essex and Archon | Yet when the more modern alternatives became available, production of both ''Essex'' and ''Archon'' | ||
types was cut short at seven vessels. | types was cut short at seven vessels. | ||
None of the armament changes would have transformed the venerable heavy cruisers into invincible | None of the armament changes would have transformed the venerable heavy cruisers into invincible | ||
fighting machines anyway, as power systems still were unable to feed terawatt lasers or rapid-fire | fighting machines anyway, as power systems still were unable to feed terawatt lasers or rapid-fire | ||
particle cannon. Nor did the acceleration, agility, speed or range of even the latest Horizon variants | particle cannon. Nor did the acceleration, agility, speed or range of even the latest ''Horizon'' variants | ||
quite meet modern military standards or ambitions. While the significant research capabilities of the | quite meet modern military standards or ambitions. While the significant research capabilities of the | ||
Horizons did give them an edge against Klingon cruisers by providing high-quality intelligence and | ''Horizons'' did give them an edge against Klingon cruisers by providing high-quality intelligence and | ||
analysis of enemy tactics and capabilities, a further boost in power and propulsive performance was | analysis of enemy tactics and capabilities, a further boost in power and propulsive performance was | ||
decidedly needed. | decidedly needed. | ||
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Even though the class was nowhere near the end of useful service life, Starfleet thus began | Even though the class was nowhere near the end of useful service life, Starfleet thus began | ||
considering a significantly more extensive upgrade option, mainly as an economical alternative to | considering a significantly more extensive upgrade option, mainly as an economical alternative to | ||
all-new dilithium supercruisers. In this prolonged process, modern hardware was mated to Horizon | all-new dilithium supercruisers. In this prolonged process, modern hardware was mated to ''Horizon'' | ||
secondary hulls, as USS Constellation and USS Republic went through a series of experimental | secondary hulls, as ''USS Constellation'' and ''USS Republic'' went through a series of experimental | ||
refits to find the ideal way of replacing the command hull with a larger and stronger concave-type | refits to find the ideal way of replacing the command hull with a larger and stronger concave-type | ||
saucer, and the old PB-18 or PB-21 nacelles with significantly more capable PB-3X series | saucer, and the old PB-18 or PB-21 nacelles with significantly more capable PB-3X series solid-state | ||
units. These refits are discussed in the Constitution entry in more detail. | units. These refits are discussed in the ''[[Guide: Constitution|Constitution]]'' entry in more detail. | ||
On this foundation were laid the plans for innumerable later generations of ships. The basic design | On this foundation were laid the plans for innumerable later generations of ships. The basic design | ||
philosophy of the Horizon class has endured for almost 200 years now, both within Starfleet and | philosophy of the ''Horizon'' class has endured for almost 200 years now, both within Starfleet and | ||
among many foreign space forces. It is only fitting that no examples of the class survive in museums | among many foreign space forces. It is only fitting that no examples of the class survive in museums | ||
or surplus depots – the continuing influence of the Horizons on today’s starship designers is heritage | or surplus depots – the continuing influence of the ''Horizons'' on today’s starship designers is heritage | ||
enough for the venerable design. | enough for the venerable design. | ||
[[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The last Horizon? Although most surplus secondary hulls were dismantled when their application in Achernar production | [[Image:No Photo Available.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The last ''Horizon''? Although most surplus secondary hulls were dismantled when their application in ''[[Guide: Achernar|Achernar]]'' production | ||
ended, this spaceframe was modified for Starfleet Corps of Engineers use, sporting a gigantic spherical workshop section | ended, this spaceframe was modified for [[Starfleet Corps of Engineers]] use, sporting a gigantic spherical workshop section | ||
and numerous additional tractor beam stations. The vessel survived till 2322, well beyond the retirement of USS Sol, | and numerous additional tractor beam stations. The vessel survived till [[2322]], well beyond the retirement of ''USS Sol'', | ||
succeeding a series of similarly anachronistic Daedalus conversions in the vital mission of ‘deep space special repair and | succeeding a series of similarly anachronistic ''[[Guide: Daedalus|Daedalus]]'' conversions in the vital mission of ‘deep space special repair and | ||
maintenance’.]] | maintenance’.]] | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 06:56, 21 May 2015
| |
| Horizon/Advance | |
|---|---|
| Class Overview | |
| Category | heavy cruiser / battle cruiser |
| Operational | |
| Constructed | 40 total |
| Dimensions | |
| Length |
|
| Beam |
|
| Height |
|
| Mass |
|
| Performance | |
| Cruise Speed |
|
| Max Speed |
|
| Endurance |
|
| Complement | |
| Officers |
|
| Enlisted |
|
| Tactical Systems | |
| Beam Weapons | Horizon:
Advance:
Whorfin:
Indomitable:
Horizon/Advance refit 2218 & Archon:
|
| Missile Weapons | Horizon:
Advance:
Whorfin:
Indomitable:
Horizon/Advance refit 2218 & Archon:
|
| Shields |
|
| Laboratories | Horizon, Archon:
Advance, Whorfin:
Indomitable:
|
| Transporters |
|
| Auxiliary Craft | 2200s, typical:
Advance, Whorfin:
2240s, typical:
|
| Historical | |
| Ships of Note |
|
| Canonicity | |
| Design | SFC battle cruiser, ST: Legacy computer game Yorktown |
| Name | FSRC, SFC |
| History | FSRC, HCE, own
|
Although the heavy star cruiser was recognized as the mainstay of Starfleet’s strategy of exploration
and the de facto capital starship of the defense force early on, keeping the Fleet continuously
supplied with even two dozen heavy cruisers of modern type seemed beyond the scope of the
organization. In theory, resources would be very efficiently used in building these large, long range
ships capable of independent action in all conceivable situations. In practice, allocating the required
funds would beggar the rest of the Fleet, which still needed its destroyers, tenders and transports.
Starfleet had to strike an undesirable balance between quality and quantity, stressing the former to
an unhealthy degree, and to keep hoping that circumstances would eventually allow for improving
the latter as well.
In the 2180s, as the careers of the wartime capital ship classes began their inevitable downturn, it was again time to develop a heavy cruiser of superior attributes. Despite the problems with the dilithium-regulated powerplants, the basic designs of the preceding cruiser generation had proven completely satisfactory for both exploration and defense purposes. Yet there was a pressing need for more internal volume, which Starfleet felt could no longer be provided by increasing primary hull size.
A new approach called for new blood. Invited to participate was the newcomer Chiokis Corporation of Andor, a junior partner at this point. Wartime shipbuilders still did a lion’s share of the work regarding both design and construction. When the first Horizon class heavy cruiser, NCC-1000, emerged from the dockyards in 2196, family resemblance to preceding capital ship classes was thus clear. Even to a casual observer, the two-hulled monster gliding out of the dock was obviously the old Yorktown battle cruiser – whether ‘slightly reworked’, or ‘finally done right’, opinions varied.
Standing in for the original primary hull was a leaner and meaner Geering saucer 117.1 m across and 8 meters thick on the rim, with a dorsal bridge superstructure offset to bow, and with a ventral torpedo tube bulge. Courtesy of Chiokis, the secondary hull was significantly enlarged in depth and width but at the same time streamlined with sleek, curving shapes and a stern undercut. The two short and broad pylons on the connecting section now sloped down for an improved positioning of the warp engine nacelles.
Internal arrangement took full advantage of the double hull configuration. Ten decks within the command hull held improved accommodation, uprated laser and particle cannon weaponry, high-tech laboratories, two computer cores, and a powerful navigational deflector backed up by steerable twin auxiliary units on the engineering hull. Protected conduits distributed power from the engineering section to these systems. The main phase cannon had two single retractable mounts aft of the bridge and two more aft of the ventral bulge; the main 120/1.2 laser mounts were paired ahead of the upper and lower protrusions. A twin-tube torpedo launcher with magazines for 80 shots could sustain a high rate of fire from the classic location at the bottom of the saucer. Two shield generators were also nested inside the saucer; the Horizon was the first major Starfleet vessel to be entirely protected by subspace/graviton fields and omitting armor altogether. The generators were of Andorian Raakuv LHH manufacture in the first three vessels to be built, but Hycor systems of Earth origin were introduced for all later units.
The secondary hull was organized much like the Yorktown one, save for the difference in scale; shuttle hangars, workshops, fuel tanks and reactor systems were in their familiar locations. The shuttlebay introduced precision tractor beams for approach control, yet the devices proved so unreliable at this point that their use was discontinued for flight safety reasons. The uncluttered landing deck, free of mechanical docking and securing aids, nevertheless represented a quantum leap in auxiliary craft operations. The extensive hangars and workshops allowed up to fourteen craft of various types to be operated from onboard the cruiser.
In addition to the thoroughbred ‘Sternn’ augmented fusion main reactor of 10:1 m/am ratio and peristaltic feed, two slightly more mundane auxiliary powerplants were housed in the secondary hull. Total power production was increased almost twofold over the Dauntlesses, 30% over the Yorktown. Fuel reserves provided an endurance of four years, and a theoretical maximum operational radius of some 400 lightyears. In practice, far longer missions could be mounted even in primitive fuel replenishment conditions, as the reactors were provided with filtering systems that could accept virtually anything from seawater vapor to gas giant upper atmosphere wisps.
The Scarbak GPM impulse engines cowled onto the lower secondary hull produced almost three times as much thrust as the contemporary Caracal impulse units, and avoided all the complications and compromises of the two-stage Enterprise arrangement. The gigantic (200,000 tons, 163 meters) yet sleek and smoothly cowled PB-18 nacelles represented another drastic increase in propulsive power. New flux guide systems enabled vertical off-axis control of the field, and facilitated the change in nacelle positioning. Large tubular intercoolers were mounted in pairs atop nacelle aft ends, powerful deflectors in turn at the center of the forward domes. Hemispherical plasma exhaust diffusers astern could be retracted for rapid purging. In a 2199 test run performed by USS Scotia (NCC-1006), maximum power enabled warp 5.9 for two minutes, although a more reasonable warp 5.3 was set as the official limit. The fact remained that the Scotia had grazed warp six, and would indeed have exceeded it with just a 5% increase in power output, rather than the at least 45% suggested by contemporary engineering experience. However, the state of the art at the time did not allow for such power levels, so the slight but sudden drop in power requirements near warp 6 was not observed.
The initial design was fielded in large numbers for a capital ship of this size, 12 more cruisers being completed after the prototype in 2196-99 and even more being planned. Independent exploratory deployments outside known space were typical assignments, even though the capable vessels were also called to perform various military duties. The Horizon herself had a distinguished career of exploration under the command of Captains Mann, Gatulla and Broderick. The three-year expedition under Captain Mann established first contact with no less than 12 civilizations, a feat no longer believed to be possible after the early days of Enterprise exploits on a virgin quadrant.
Yet this mode of heavy cruiser deployment brought up critique as well. The defensive commitments of Starfleet were as much compromised by block obsolescence as the exploratory ones, and the feline Xindi unrest of 2196-97 made ‘Where Is Starfleet?’ a burning question in mass media headlines. The Commission for Starfleet had no choice but to reconsider its procurement policy, and several Horizon contracts were pre-empted in favor of a type optimized for hearth world security duty. On the positive side, the Council released significant funds for increasing the total number of cruiser hulls from eighteen to twenty-six, now evenly divided between exploratory and defensive types.
The Advance subclass (with a scatter-shot range of registries from NCC-1008 on the inaugural ship to NCC-1029 on the final vessel) made use of the Horizon design and even of some partially completed spaceframes, yet carried a completely rethought tactical suite featuring new targeting systems, a heavier particle cannon fit and an additional dorsal torpedo launcher. Most of the laboratory facilities were displaced by the new weaponry, and the shuttle hangar was rearranged to accommodate a small flight of tactical craft. The battle cruiser designation could now openly be applied on this subclass, built in delightful quantity yet at a relatively leisurely pace as military threats once again receded. The type turned out to be something of a disappointment when finally pressed to battle; the loss of USS Sentry (NCC-1010) to newly belligerent Klingons in 2209 put construction on hold before numerous tactical shortcomings (mainly concerning secondary hull armament, protection and power routing) could be remedied for the final three vessels.
At the resumption of the Advance run, the flawed original hull NCC-1023 was left uncompleted, yet in practice lacking little else besides warp propulsion and tactical systems. She was the ideal subject for an experimental upgunning when the Klingon offensive began: not pulled off the front lines at a critical moment, nor hogging any of the capacity used in construction of modern combatants, yet offering promise of reinvigorating a design that existed in decisive numbers. Key to the Chiokis/Armscor/CWD upgrade was PB-19, a 180 m monster engine capable of pushing a Horizon to supercruise. Changes to exterior included longer, stronger pylons that held the nacelles far apart, beyond saucer width; three nozzles per pylon for the impulse system; and significant expansion of the secondary hull, to 140 m total length. The latter was an absolute prerequisite for the major internal change, the installation of two Mann-class SSWR-IX reactors in parallel. Power aplenty could now be used to fire up enhanced shields and an increased number of main lasers. Some secondary weapons were replaced by phase cannon, and two more torpedo tubes added.
The weapon upgrade was an unqualified success, at least in test firings. However, the Indomitable (as NX-1023) did not get the chance to try the deadly arsenal on Klingon vessels. Trials of the drive system gave disappointing results, not so much because of design flaws but because of the disturbing unreliability of the overcharged power system. Starfleet dared not send the ship to the battlefield, even had the embarrassed powerplant provider relinquished her. Nevertheless, the steps forward in weapons integration proved useful in virtually all the following military ship construction and upgrade programs – including that of the Horizons.
In 2218-19, a thorough weapon system upgrade was performed on all members of the Horizon and Advance classes. The entire torpedo loader assemblies of the surviving ships were removed and replaced with ones compatible with modern forced-intermix warheads, for which the Horizons were priority recipients. Also, laser fire control was upgraded to Indomitable standard, and the particle cannon were given better surge suppressors for 20% overcharging.
New units were added to Fleet strength as well, the lead ships USS Essex (NCC-1350) and USS Archon (NCC-1370) of the respective battle cruiser and heavy cruiser batches becoming further salutes to acclaimed Daedalus ships in 2222. These newbuilds incorporated the PB-21 engine, a rather minimally improved direct successor of the now dated PB-18. Yet thanks to adopting a version of the Indomitable secondary hull, with its vast volumes for fuel and supplies, they enjoyed an endurance and range advantage over the converted older cruisers, and represented a higher standard of accommodation as well. They are thus often considered subclasses distinct from the upgraded Advances and Horizons, respectively. For a few glorious years before the full operational introduction of the Baton Rouge class, they actually formed the defensive strongback of Starfleet. Yet when the more modern alternatives became available, production of both Essex and Archon types was cut short at seven vessels.
None of the armament changes would have transformed the venerable heavy cruisers into invincible fighting machines anyway, as power systems still were unable to feed terawatt lasers or rapid-fire particle cannon. Nor did the acceleration, agility, speed or range of even the latest Horizon variants quite meet modern military standards or ambitions. While the significant research capabilities of the Horizons did give them an edge against Klingon cruisers by providing high-quality intelligence and analysis of enemy tactics and capabilities, a further boost in power and propulsive performance was decidedly needed.
Even though the class was nowhere near the end of useful service life, Starfleet thus began considering a significantly more extensive upgrade option, mainly as an economical alternative to all-new dilithium supercruisers. In this prolonged process, modern hardware was mated to Horizon secondary hulls, as USS Constellation and USS Republic went through a series of experimental refits to find the ideal way of replacing the command hull with a larger and stronger concave-type saucer, and the old PB-18 or PB-21 nacelles with significantly more capable PB-3X series solid-state units. These refits are discussed in the Constitution entry in more detail.
On this foundation were laid the plans for innumerable later generations of ships. The basic design philosophy of the Horizon class has endured for almost 200 years now, both within Starfleet and among many foreign space forces. It is only fitting that no examples of the class survive in museums or surplus depots – the continuing influence of the Horizons on today’s starship designers is heritage enough for the venerable design.
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