Steamrunner class
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| Steamrunner | |
| Information | |
| Affiliation | |
| Role |
Frigate |
| Date Entered Service |
2370s |
| Crew Capacity | |
| Dimensions | |
| Propulsion | |
| Propulsion System |
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| Template:Specifications | |
The Steamrunner-class starship was introduced by the Federation Starfleet in the late 24th century as a mid-sized, general purpose workhorse.
History
Development on the Steamrunner-class began in the late 2360s alongside several other designs including the Akira, Norway, and Sabre. Part of Starfleet's effort to modernize and adapt in response to the Borg threat, the Corps of Engineers had their work cut out for them. On the one hand, they needed a ship that was smaller, more maneuverable, and more versatile. On the other, it needed to be capable of fulfilling a variety of peacetime and combat roles.
As a result, the Steamrunner and its contemporaries were the products of several departures from traditional engineering and design approaches. This is perhaps most readily apparent in the Steamrunner's rather distinctive outward appearance. However, engineers also incorporated a high degree of modularity into the design, making it so that the internal spaces could easily be rearranged and repurposed as needed. The Steamrunner boasted a powerful warp drive for its size and class as well as advanced tactical and defensive systems (a result of its anti-Borg origins).
While the Steamrunner ultimately saw minimal action against the Borg, the outbreak of the Dominion War in 2373 marked a significant turning point in its continued development. New production was reduced as focus was shifted toward other combat-oriented designs and repair of damaged vessels, putting a damper on Starfleet's plans to field the Steamrunner as a replacement to the venerable, but aging Miranda-class. However, the loss of so many Miranda-class starships and their crews, combined with the Steamrunner's performance in the field, pretty much guaranteed the change-over would happen eventually.
The cessation of hostilities brought about a new season for Starfleet and the Alpha Quadrant. Production shifted back toward new, less combat-oriented starships and the process of transitioning over from the remaining Mirandas to the Steamrunner was begun in earnest. In the years since, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers has not yet developed a comprehensive refit for the Steamrunner, meaning that it continues to perform admirably in the field as a general purpose workhorse. Indeed, engineers expect it will continue to do so alongside newer Reliant-class vessels well into the future.
Mission and Purpose
Content Coming Soon
Shipboard Life
Content Coming Soon
Ships Commissioned
- USS Steamrunner
Appendices
Background Information
Content Coming Soon
Writing Notes
Being a jack-of-all-trades workhorse, the Steamrunner can be seen in just about any support role that would normally have been associated with the Miranda-class. Production ramped up significantly following the Dominion War, so seeing more than one in situations that require it would not be uncommon, either. Overall, in the absence of a more specialized vessel, the Steamrunner is likely to be found.
It is becoming commonplace for many personnel to have served on at least one Steamrunner in their career, much as it used to be common to have had a posting on a Miranda, Constitution, or Excelsior a generation before. Like other second-line vessels, it is a good place for new officers to find their footing, but tends not to be a preferred posting for more experienced personnel, especially if they are looking for greater prestige.
Owing to its multipurpose nature, it is rare for anyone in any particular career field to end up "bored". Given that the ship could move from humanitarian aid one mission to stellar research the next, followed by reinforcing border patrol and then responding to a deep space distress call, Steamrunner crews tend to agree - the work may not always be glamorous, but there is never any shortage of it.
Related Links
- Steamrunner class at Memory Alpha