TREKCORE > DEEP SPACE NINE > SHIPS & STATIONS > Federation Oberth-Class Starships

Oberth-class starships are named for early rocket scientist Hermann Oberth, a citizen of the old country of Germany on Earth. His book, 'The Road to Space Travel', published in 1929, is one of the earliest Earth books to discuss space travel as a realistic possibility.

HISTORY & DETAILS

The Oberth class is an extremely successful design of starship which is used by Starfleet from the late 23rd century and is still in current usage. Oberth-class starships are frequently used as science vessels and sent on missions to investigate natural phenomena and constructed artifacts which have been discovered by other vessels. Some Oberth-class ships, such as the S.S. Vico NAR-18834, are used by Federation scientific organizations which are not part of Starfleet.

Oberth-class ships may also be used to transport dignitaries and help in emergency situations, particularly if they are of a scientific nature. Like many Starfleet vessels of the mid 24th century, it is not unusual for Oberth-class ships to carry the families of crew members.

DESIGN

The Oberth-class starship is about one third the size of a Constitution-class starship such as the original U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, and has a crew of 80. It features an unusual design; the ship has a long engineering hull that supports two warp nacelles which are connected to a command saucer; a large rectangular section extends from the back of the saucer between the nacelles. The saucer section is not directly connected to the engineering hull.

The ship is capable of warp speeds, is equipped with transporters, and has fine- and large-range sensors. Because Oberth-class ships are normally assigned to scientific duty, they are not expected to be involved in military situation. However, like almost all Starfleet vessels, they are armed with phasers and have protective shields. The shields may be adjusted to easily push through gravitational wave fronts, such as those found in a black cluster.

Bridge and corridors on the ship are of typical Starfleet design; the bridge is circular, with the captain's chair isolated in the middle. Other stations are located around the perimeter of the room. A hatch on the bridge can be blown during emergencies.

By the late 24th century, Oberth-class starships include many improvements common to Starfleet ships of this period. For instance, Oberth-class ships use ODN (optical data network) circuits to transfer data and communications signals. Also, as in the case with every starship of this period, the onboard control systems of Oberth-class ships require codes to clear users. Only authorized personnel may use vital systems.

STARSHIP FACTS

• Oberth-class ships include the U.S.S. Cochrane NCC-42285, the U.S.S. Grissom NCC-638, the U.S.S. Copernicus NCC-623, the U.S.S. Tsiolkovsky NCC-53911, the S.S. Vico NAR-18834, and the U.S.S. Yosemite NCC-19002.
   
• Oberth-class ships have been used to explore black clusters, to conduct surveys of plasma streamers, to monitor the collapse of stars, and to perform planetary surveys.
   
• Dr. Julian Bashir and Lieutenant Jadzia Dax are transported to Deep Space Nine in 2369 by the Oberth-class U.S.S. Cochrane, when Starfleet takes control of the station.

Source: The Official STAR TREK Fact Files
Published by GE FABBRI Ltd
Produced by Aerospace Publishing Ltd

 

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