Excelsior Class
The Excelsior class vessel was originally designed as the testbed for the prototype of the TransWarp drive. Although that project was determined infeasible, the spaceframe design was deemed highly successful, and became the basis for an entire class of starships, many of which served long and distinguished terms. The most notable among them is the U.S.S. Enterprise-B, the third ship to carry the registry NCC-1701. Other notables include the U.S.S. Hood NCC-43396, U.S.S. Repulse NCC-2544 and the U.S.S. Gorkon NCC-40512.
Most unique of the Excelsior class design features are the modular bridge that may be interchanged for use during different missions, and the fact the primary hull can separate and function without the secondary hull; requiring a starbase to rejoin the two.
The Excelsior class has been viewed as the backbone of Starfleet, serving proudly from the late 23rd century well into the mid-24th century. The versatile starship has served as a powerful workhorse: it has been a diplomatic ship; a transport vessel for crew and supplies; and a warship.
As the years passed on, innovations and nanotechnological advancements decreased the need for extra mass. With less weight and engineering improvements in propulsion technology, the extra impulse engines could be removed. Essentially, the Excelsior class returned to its origins... and original look. As an example, the U.S.S. Delphyne has undergone such a refit, which included enhancements and equipment upgrades. With the newer refitted Excelsior ships such as the Delphyne, the U.S.S. Griffon and the U.S.S. Lakota NCC-42768, both of which retained the Enterprise-B spaceframe designs, we know there are two types of Excelsior class designs in Starfleet which are still in operation...and going strong.
Personnel Complement
Dimensions
Performance
Armament
Transport Equipment
Shuttlecraft
- 6 Type 15 Shuttlepods
- 4 Type 6 Personnel Shuttles
- 2 Type 10 Shuttles
Transporters
- Six standard, three cargo, three emergency
Deck Layout