Challenger Class

Introduction

In response to growing concerns in the Federation and new management in the SFIC, an internal review of the Intrepid program was commissioned. Upon review, a consensus decided to expand and refit the USS Intrepid for a less obviously clandestine approach. With a new mission, new equipment, and a new attitude on life, SFIC also decided to rechristen the Intrepid. As a result, the Challenger Program was born.

The Star Fleet Intelligence Corps would pilot test the Challenger program with Star Fleet’s finest, led by the Star Fleet Intelligence Corps, the program would appear, at the surface level, at least to be an open attempt at scientific inquiry, advancing the current state and approaches of knowledge with a purely integrated approach. The new research vessel will be nearly as much a scientific community as an intelligence gathering vessel. SFIC’s intention is to draw the best and brightest minds in the Federation together for investigation and research. The Challenger will be dispatched to investigate strange and unusual phenomena and to assist with non-standard and delicate scenarios.

An unusual ship demands an unusual crew, Star Fleet decided to crew it with the best and brightest young cadets along side veteran officers from the fleet. Star Fleet makes a conscious decision to find a place for its mavericks and non conformists. Added to this are the best civilian scientists, engineers and other specialists that can be recruited. Furthermore the ship is to be a community, those with family are encouraged to bring them. Star Fleet sees this as a research hothouse, a place where the quadrants brilliant minds can push back the boundaries of science and medicine. Over all this the intelligence services are entrusted to protect and command.

Specifications

Challenger Class Research Ship Specifications

Hull Numbers and Ship Names

Name
CX-1986 USS Challenger