Nova class
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| Nova | |
| Information | |
| Affiliation | |
| Role |
Corvette |
| Date Entered Service |
2370s |
| Crew Capacity | |
| Dimensions | |
| Propulsion | |
| Propulsion System |
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| Template:Specifications | |
The Nova-class starship was introduced by the Federation Starfleet in the late 24th century as a scout ship and science vessel.
History
Intended to serve as a replacement for the Oberth-class, the Nova-class entered initial development in the mid-2360s alongside the Intrepid-class and others. In fact, engineers used an unselected hull proposal from the concurrent Defiant project as the basis for this new design, seeking to create a vessel that was both fast and light.
Unfortunately, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers was already stretched thin by a mandate to develop other anti-Borg technologies, and therefore found themselves rushed in the development process. Challenges arose when it came to the vessel being able to support extended-duration missions. The disappearance of the USS Equinox in 2371 further cast doubt on the new design. However, the outbreak of the Dominion War just two years later (and resulting demand for starships in the field) led Starfleet to field additional vessels of this type as scout ships.
It was not until 2378 that the Corps of Engineers was able to revisit the Nova-class design. After thorough analysis, which included information gained from the experience of the Equinox (as relayed by the crew of the USS Voyager), the entire design was overhauled and refit to better meet requirements.
This new refit was designated the Rhode Island refit after the USS Rhode Island, the first vessel to receive it. It included a small, robust warp core that required less downtime, improved defensive systems, and an even more powerful sensor system. Completed in 2380, the results of field testing exceeded expectation. Approval was granted that same year to begin refitting all other Nova-class vessels fleet-wide to the same specifications.
Mission and Purpose
Content Coming Soon
Shipboard Life
Content Coming Soon
Ships Commissioned
- USS Nova
- USS Rhode Island
Appendices
Background Information
Content Coming Soon
Writing Notes
Despite entering its second decade of service, the Rhode Island refit has revitalized and improved the Nova-class considerably, making it the capable design it was always intended to be. It is relatively unlikely that a Nova would be encountered far behind Federation lines, though a few have been known to be used as a fast courier. Rather, it is much more common to find them serving as scout ships, surveying newly discovered systems, and occasionally acting as reconnaissance or intelligence-gathering vessels.
Its small size means that Nova crews tend to have close-knit relationships, as long as they are the sort who take well to being on potentially dangerous scouting and survey missions. The mystery and potential danger tends to attract specific people, but can turn away those who do not work well in isolated environments with a small number of colleagues.
Related Links
- Nova class at Memory Alpha