The Indefatigable Class was an attempt at replacing the Miranda Class as Starfleet's main class of frigates. However, when the Indefatigable Class proved to be too high in construction costs to justify what was seen as only only marginal improvement in results, the decision was made to not go forward with this new class. Instead, Starfleet would continue supporting the Miranda Class, but would design a new smaller frigate class to supplement fleet strength.
The first attempt at this was the Northampton Class. Overall Starfleet was very happy with the design, which managed to maintain much of the core operational effectiveness of the Miranda Class, tucked into a smaller hull design and requiring a smaller crew.
However, once the first half dozen Northampton Class ships were launched, one problem presented itself. It was hoped that, with the smaller overall design, one warp nacelle would be sufficient for this class. In practice, however, it was found that there was a notable decrease in warp field effectiveness. Construction was halted on further Northampton Class vessels and the design was revised, maintaining the same basic hull but adding a second warp nacelle. The result would be the very effective Clarke Class.
The first attempt at this was the Northampton Class. Overall Starfleet was very happy with the design, which managed to maintain much of the core operational effectiveness of the Miranda Class, tucked into a smaller hull design and requiring a smaller crew.
However, once the first half dozen Northampton Class ships were launched, one problem presented itself. It was hoped that, with the smaller overall design, one warp nacelle would be sufficient for this class. In practice, however, it was found that there was a notable decrease in warp field effectiveness. Construction was halted on further Northampton Class vessels and the design was revised, maintaining the same basic hull but adding a second warp nacelle. The result would be the very effective Clarke Class.
List of Ships:
NCC-5700 U.S.S. Northampton
NCC-5701 U.S.S. Clarion NCC-5702 U.S.S. Van Wagner |
NCC-5703 U.S.S. Inconceivable
NCC-5704 U.S.S. Atanian NCC-5705 U.S.S. Ritner |