Guide:Type 1
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| Type 1 / MSM(U)-1 "Merlin" / MSM(AU)-1 "Martel" / MSM(S)-1 "Marco Polo" | |
|---|---|
| Class Overview | |
| Category | medium shuttle |
| Operational | 2271 - 2358 |
| Constructed | 870 total: |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 7.6m |
| Beam | 4.4 m |
| Height |
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| Mass |
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| Performance | |
| Cruise Speed | w 1.1 |
| Max Speed | w 2.0 |
| Endurance | 6 weeks |
| Complement | |
| Crew |
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| Passengers |
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| Tactical Systems | |
| Beam Weapons |
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| Shields | MSM(A)-1:
MSM(AU)-1:
MSM(S)-1:
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| Canonicity | |
| Design | ST V: TFF; Eric Kristiansen ("Marco Polo") |
| Name | Timo, Eric Kristiansen |
| History | Timo
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The Type 1 medium utility shuttle was a direct descendant of the latest Class F and G designs of the previous decade, and the first to abandon the confusing class letter system. Despite maintaining the compact dimensions of Class F, the basic hull form was economically refined to improved lifting-body shape resembling the G4. Also, engine systems were packaged more efficiently: impulse engines into two slightly protruding cowlings, fuel into lateral sponsons, and the main reactor snugly into an underfloor compartment. This all left room for a rear exit equipped with a powered ramp/hatch, and enabled the loading and offloading of outsize cargo, as well as quick disembarking of landing parties in combat situations.
Warp performance was increased to maximum warp 2.0, stretching the power output capacity of the tiny onboard reactor to the utmost. The 60-ton LN-101 engines of CWD manufacture represented true linear-coil technology in every respect, including the full plasma recycling loop that made the craft both more economic and stealthier. A corresponding downscaling of ramscoop systems was effected, since there would have been little point in increasing the propulsive endurance of the craft beyond the six-week limit of the onboard life support systems.
Pilot awareness was increased with the addition of virtual-focus perimeter sensors, feeding ‘third-person’ imagery that greatly assisted in maneuvering in cramped spaces. The multiple cockpit windows of previous classes were joined into a single wide-angle window, and the mechanical shutters replaced by a simple electrochemical shading system. The navigational deflector system was moved from bow to a rooftop mount, and the ventral lift gravitics were liberated of their former mechanical shutters; the resulting changes in profile were quite minimal.
Starships earlier equipped with the F1 or F3 designs and their accompanying aft-loading cargo hauler counterparts converted gradually to an integrated fleet of Type 1 craft in the early 2270s. In many cases, any heavy shuttles aboard were simply offloaded since the improved cargo doors, range and speed of the medium craft made them redundant. While the confessed aim of the Type 1 project had been to replace as many different types of starship auxiliary as possible on one stroke, special variants of this type were in turn now introduced. Combat shields were an option for a special assault variant, eating considerably into the cabin volume and increasing total mass. Two phaser III or IV units could be attached to the nacelle front ends for special operations, a capacity eventually extended to standard utility models as well. Two such craft put one Rhino assault barge out of work; no Rhinos were shipped from 2270 on. The manufacturer promoted the name Martel for the attack craft, in distinction from the Merlin utility type.
While only dedicated strike vessels carried the assault variant, a special survey auxiliary was fielded aboard various cruisers and frigates on exploration or patrol missions. The Marco Polo model featured a reshaped forward hull where the starboard pilot’s station was replaced by a sensor array, the viewport changed to a long vertical slit, and the rooftop decorated with a large subspace antenna; the navigational deflector was moved to beneath the bow. Additional sensors were clustered astern, and the aft ramp omitted altogether. A crew of three was needed in addition to the pilot to operate the sensor gear in missions ranging from covert surveillance to planetary resources mapping.
In the 2340s, the Type 1 craft were joined and later largely succeeded by Types 5 and 6. Some of the older shuttles still continued as secondary starbase or outpost auxiliaries, however. A number were refitted with LN-208 engines that reintroduced large ramscoops for improved propulsive endurance, but few received corresponding upgrades in life support systems. In the late fifties, non-Starfleet operators eagerly purchased the retiring craft for general utility applications. Their technology is still far from outdated, and the large production numbers (nearly 900 craft completed) also provide longevity for the type.
Gallery
Notes
Alt Sources
- Star Fleet Reference Manual v1, pp. 24-25
- Starship Handbook (Combined) (as Type 3 Shuttlecraft)