Fleet Modernization Program

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Fleet Modernization Program Patch

The Star Fleet Modernization Program was a standardization project by the Federation Star Fleet, initially implemented in the early 2370s. The project was implemented as a result of the increasing number of wars the Federation was fighting and the increasing need for more vessels that could fulfil combat roles in Star Fleet, rather than dedicated explorer designs. The project was criticised by many for its supposed "militarization" of Star Fleet. The name also referred to starships developed as a part of the project. The program was suspended in 2390, when a purpose-built military Star Fleet was deemed to be required in the face of multiple aggressors.

The program was resurrected in 2417 under the guidance of Vice Admiral Braggins and Rear Admiral Mirax as part of Star Fleet's rediscovered scientific and exploration mandate in an era of peace. New classes would still be able to defend themselves, but would be scientific and exploration vessels first and foremost.

Early History: 2370-2390

Defiant class

The Defiant-class starship, officially an escort, began development around 2367 as a small, highly-powered, heavily-armed warship intended to defend the United Federation of Planets against the Borg.

The Defiant prototype was pulled out of storage in 2371 when the Dominion threat emerged. After several upgrades by Deep Space 9 Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien, the ship was deemed worthy of use and more ships of the class were constructed. This class was the first of three classes in the Star Fleet Modernization Program.

Sovereign class

The Sovereign-class starship was introduced in the late 24th century as a replacement for the Galaxy-class Explorer, showcasing some of Star Fleet's most recent technological advances. By the beginning of the First General War in 2390, there were 87 starships of this class in service.

Prometheus class

The Prometheus class was a Federation starship class in service to Star Fleet designed for deep-space tactical assignments. It was one of the most advanced Star Fleet vessels in operation during the latter half of the 24th century.

New Generation: 2418 -

First Steps (2418 - 2419)

Beckett class

Following the Krynar War, Star Fleet was determined to return to its roots of exploration and diplomacy. To reaffirm the return to its original mission, Star Fleet set their sights on creating a new generation of starship with long-term, deep space missions in mind. The ship combines the latest in Federation technologies, with sleek 25th century design, and all the comforts to support families on long-term assignments. Utilizing a new design of warp nacelles and a more efficient warp energy system, the Beckett-class is faster and more efficient than previous vessels, allowing for longer missions between resupply. The design allow integrates new technologies developed out of the Krynar War, the Borg Invasion, and other technological innovations.

The first vessel of the class, the USS Beckett, CX-2000 was launched in early 2418. Production was halted in late 2419 due to problems with the design and technology seemingly overtaking the vessel's design.

Vesta class

The Vesta-class was first proposed in 2380, but the project never got off the ground due to budgetary concerns and the increasing militarisation of Star Fleet. The class was designed as a multi-mission explorer and was intended to be a test-bed for a number of experimental technologies, including quantum slipstream drive. The design languished for nearly forty years before being acted upon, with the test vessel launching in September 2418 using technology also incorporated into the Beckett-class while the former was subjected to rigorous testing following her disastrous maiden voyage.

The first production vessel of the class, the Artemis, launched in early 2419.

Luna Class

Like the Vesta-class, the Luna-class was first proposed in the late 24th century but was put on hold due to decades of warfare and the need for primarily military vessels. Brought into service in 2420, the year after the Vesta, the Luna-class has been designated a Reconnaissance Science vessel and is designed to replace the ageing Einstein-class Science Cruisers. Equipped with Quantum Slipstream Drive and a configurable sensor pod, the Luna-class is a multi-role vessel able to conduct scientific, military, and humanitarian missions with ease.

The first production vessel of the class, the USS Callisto, RSV-88001, launched in early 2420.

Follow-On Designs (2420 - )

Odyssey Class

Designed as a deep-space explorer and Fleet Flagship, the Odyssey-class is the most advanced starship built in Federation Space to date. It is also one of the largest at over one kilometer long, and is expected to replace the old Pulsar-class Battleships in combat roles. In peacetime, however, the Odyssey is well-equipped for long-range exploration operations, though it lacks the dedicated facilities for families that its cousin the Andromeda has been equipped with.

Held back in the design stage for several years thanks to its unique saucer separation system, the Odyssey finally entered service in 2420.

Andromeda Class

Rushed into service following the failure of the Beckett-class, the Andromeda-class may seem to some like a step backward in starship design. An update of the famed Galaxy class that was the flagship of Star Fleet in the mid-24th century, the Andromeda incorporates updated technology developed to give this ship improved capabilities for the challenges Star Fleet faces in the months ahead. Lacking Quantum Slipstream Drive, the Andromeda is designed for long-term exploration in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, and for all intents and purposes is a city with warp nacelles with facilities for civilian scientists and their families; something not seen in the past forty years of ship design.

Merian Class

Designed as a companion for the larger Vesta class much in the same way the Miranda was a companion to the Constitution or the Nebula was companion to the Galaxy class, the Merian ran into development issues due to the arrowhead shaped primary hull, which delayed production. As a "Light Explorer", the Merians were designed to be the workhorse of long-range exploration efforts, and are intended eventually replace the ageing Einstein and Zeus classes whose systems were entering their third and fourth decades.

Rhode Island Class

The Rhode Island class was initially designed in the early 2380s as a replacement for the underwhelming Nova-class Scout, which in turn had been intended to replace the aging Oberth class survey vessels. Plans to update the class were scrapped during thirty years of near-constant warfare, until 2418 when the Fleet Modernisation Program uncovered the design and utilised modern construction techniques and technologies to ensure the class met the needs of deep space exploration in the early 25th century.

New Auxiliary Craft

To match the new designs entering service, the program developed several new designs of small craft: the Archangel-class was designed to replace the venerable Type-1 Runabout, while the Type 10 and Type 11 were introduced to replace the Type-7 and 9A respectively. These new designs were not ready when the USS Beckett commissioned, but are standard-issue on the Vesta-class Explorers and other newer vessels.