Peregrine Class Attack Fighter
The Peregrine class was a type of shuttlecraft, originally employed as a civilian courier vessel by the Federation, later used as a Strike Fighter by Starfleet and the Maquis.
| STARSHIP | |
|---|---|
 Peregrine Class Attack Fighter
| |
 | |
| Class | Peregrine-class Fighter |
| Allegiance | United Federation of Planets |
| Specifications | |
| Type: | Fighter |
| Length: | 18 Meters |
| Beam: | 17.5 Meters |
| Height: | 5.8 Meters |
| Mass: | 27 Metric Tons |
| Decks: | 1 |
| Crew Compliment: | Standard: 2 (Pilot/Operations Manager) |
| Warp Speed: | Cruise Speed: 4 Sustainable Speed: 6 Emergency Speed: 6.5 (6 hour automatic shutdown) |
| Impulse Engines: | 2 Main Impulse Engines Speed: .7 C |
| Defensive Systems: | Type 1 Deflector Ablative Armour |
| Armament: | Phasers: 1 banks of 2 Type G (F) Torpedoes: 2 Micro-Launchers (2F) (10 Microtorpedo compliment per launcher) Other: Hardpoints for 6 full-size torpedoes under wings. |
| Other Capabilities: | None |
| Computer System: | Daystrom Industries HSCS-1 |
| Tractor/Repulsor: | None |
| Sensors: | Andorian Industries FSMSA-1 |
Contents
History
In the year 2370, the Maquis were able to procure a large amount of these fighters as part of their fight against the Cardassians in the Demilitarized Zone. During the Dominion War, Andorian Fleet Yards increased production with modifications and upgrades inspired by captured Maquis vessels. Hundreds of these fighters were deployed in various battle fleets, most notably during Operation Return and the invasion of Cardassia. Peregrine-class Fighters were also launched from bases on Earth and Luna to intercept the Breen raiders that attacked San Francisco in 2375.
Losses among the Peregrine squadrons during fleet engagements were horrific, and lessons learned influenced the designs of the Valkyrie-class and later Super Valkyrie-class. These ships would be smaller, faster, more agile, and able to deliver an equal payload with less perceived risk to the pilot.
In the 2380s, Starfleet Peregrines had mostly been relegated to training and courier duties, while many found their way into service with planetary defence forces and Starfleet Security as patrol and customs vessels. As the Valkyrie and Super Valkyrie proved their mettle in combat in the 2390s, it seemed as though the Peregrine's day was over. The cost of each newer starfighter eclipsed that of the Peregrine, however, and a budgetary review determined that it would be more cost-effective to recommence Peregrine construction with modern materials and components than to replace Valkyries or Super Valkyries lost in combat.
As the 25th Century dawned, the Peregrine Mark 10 entered service with frontline squadrons aboard Akira-class and Alita-class Heavy Cruisers.
Capabilities
The design of the Peregrine-class resembles a bird, with a beak-like bow and cockpit module and two wings, where the primary weapons mounts were located; these were typically pulse-phaser cannons or up to six microtorpedo launchers (three per wing). Other hardpoints for weapons could be mounted in the nose or under the wings, depending on mission profile.
Above the wings lie the warp nacelles, and to the rear of the fuselage are the impulse engines on flexible mounts; the ability to pivot the mounts rather than using vector plates to divert the plasma exhaust allows the Peregrine-class unparalleled agility, at the expense of increased maintenance time.
Historical Variants
F-1 Interceptor
The Peregrine-class dedicated as the F-1 Interceptor featured oversized warp coils and a focus on speed over firepower. Designed as an Interceptor and intended to the the first into the fight against small craft and incoming torpedoes, the extra space required often necessitated the omission of the second crewperson. It was fighters of this type that scrambled from bases on Earth and Luna to engage the Breen in 2375.
A-1 Attack Fighter
The most populous version of the original Peregrine-class production run, the A-1 Attack Fighter carried extra ordnance at the expense of fuel supply. Deployed from Curry-class and Akira-class Carriers, A-1s led the attack on the Dominion Fleet during Operation Return. The additional mass limited agility, and losses among the A-1 squadrons were significant.
EW-2 Electronic Warfare Fighter
The recon variant of the Peregrine-class, the EW-2 traded most of its weapons for sensor and jamming equipment. A small target with a minute energy signature, EW-2s were favoured by Fleet Commanders for their ability to quickly scout a system and escape undetected. Starfleet Intelligence also took an interest in this type for its own clandestine purposes.
