USS Excalibur NCC-2004-C
The venerable Akira-class has proven itself in major combat situations with the Dominion, Borg and a host of other situations. It has also proven itself to be a capable all-purpose ship.
The first of these models have reached their first major-refit cycle, as such all new ships, like the Excalibur-C, will be outfitted to these specification. The Excalibur-C is the first of the Akiras to be built with the major refit standards, and as such is classified as an Akira-class of the Excalibur subtype.
Most of the major changes from the original Akira-class are beneath the surface and mostly updates to systems such as the EPS grids, LCARS and other support systems. Other adaptations include an enlarged science laboratory section to accommodate a wider range of missions; updates to the sensor palette; a more balanced armament that features fewer photon torpedo launchers in favor of more phaser banks and two quantum torpedo launchers in addition to the still experimental Anti-Torpedo Counter Measure launchers.
Other updates include a newer warp core to augment faster warp speeds, updated fighter compliment and the addition of a marine areas.
Technical Data
- Class
- Akira
- Type
- Heavy cruiser
- Unit Run
- Still in production
- Commissioned
- 2363 – Present
- Length
- 464.43 M
- Beam
- 316.67 m
- Height
- 87.43 m
- Decks
- 19
- Mass
- 3,055,000 metric tons
- Crew Complement
- 550 (plus flight crew)
- 4,500 Evacuation Limit
- Diplomatic Capabiddty
- Grade III
- Expected Hull ddfe
- 120 years
- Refit Cycle
- Minor: 5 years
- Standard: 10 years
- Major: 20 years
Tactical
- Phaser Armament
- 5 type XII arrays (total output: 35,700 terrawatts)
- 3 type X arrays (total output: 17,700 terrawatts)
- 2 twin-class II rapid-fire pulse phaser cannons
- Torpedo Armament
- 2 rapid-fire quantum torpedo launchers
- 10 burst fire torpdedo launchers
- 125 quantum torpedoes
- 300 standard high-yield photon torpedoes
- Additional Armament
- 2 single tube anti-torpedo counter measure launchers
- 50 anti-torpedo counter measures
- Shields
- Regenerative
- 2,000,300 terrajoule capacity
- High-level structural integrity field
- Tritanium/Duranium double hull plus 5.4 cm ablative armor
Propulsion
- Power & Propulsion
- Type XI M/AM reactor
- Impulse Propulsion
- 2 engines powered by 4 fusion reactors encased in engine housing
- Maneuverability provided by a series of 12 surface-mounted retro-thruster pods (6 retro-thrusters per pod) and a series of 14 embedded RCS thruster quads
- Warp Speeds (TNG scale)
- Normal Cruise: 7
- Maximum Cruise: 9.5 for 10 hours
- Maximum Rated: 9.89 for 8 hours
Deck Layout
Weapons Pod1
- Deck A
- Tactical Information Center/Flight Operations, Flight Operations
- Deck B
- TIC Maintenance Support Section, Torpedo Storage
- Deck C
- Sail Torpedo Control Room, Torpedo Launchers
- Deck D
- Sail Torpedo Magazine Emergency Shield Generators 1-2
Command Section
- Deck 1
- Main Bridge, Captain's Ready Room, Observation Lounge
- Deck 2
- Junior and Senior Officers Quarters, VIP/Guest Quarters, Executive Officer's Office
- Deck 3
- Visiting Officers / Noncommissioned Officers Quarters, Captain's Quarters, Captain's Mess
Catamaran Section2
- Deck 1A
- Phaser control, Parts Storage, Secondary Armory
- Deck 1B
- Phaser control, Parts Storage, Tertiary Armory
- Deck 2A
- Storage, Long-term Isolation and Cryo-units, Enlistee Quarters
- Deck 2B
- Storage, Crew Quarters, Barbershop, Holosuites
- Deck 3A
- Secondary Lounge, Crew Quarters, Training and Recreation Facility, Holodecks, Primary Shield Generators
- Deck 3B
- Marine Headquarters, Marine Company Barracks, Marine Officer Quarters, Marine Armory, Primary Shield Generators
Primary Hull
- Deck 4
- Primary Machine Shop, Primary Maintenance Support Center, Chief Science Officer's Office, Primary Science Labs, Junior and Senior Officers Quarters
- Deck 5
- Junior Officers and Crew Quarters, Main Lounge, Secondary Science Labs , Cargo Bay 1 & 2
- Deck 6
- Primary Computer Core Control, Main Galley, Officer's Dining, Mess Hall, Cargo Bay 3—Primary Cargo Bay
- Deck 7
- Primary Computer Core, Shuttle Maintenance Hangar and Storage, Stellar Cartography
- Deck 8
- Primary Computer Core, Flight Operations Armory, Fighter Maintenance Hangar and Storage
- Deck 9
- Fore and Aft Torpedo Bay Control, Torpedo Magazine and Manufacturing Area, Shuttle and Fighter Hangar Elevator Support Systems, Primary Shield Generators
- Deck 10
- Transporter Rooms 3 and 4, Shuttle and Fighter Preparation Pre-Flight Bay, Emergency Shield Generators 3-4, Phaser Control Systems
- Deck 11
- Sickbay, Chief Medical Officer's Office, Primary Medical Labs, Counselor's Office, Shuttlebay
- Deck 12
- Primary Systems Support Compartments, Shuttlebay (Fore and Aft Access)
- Deck 13
- Flight Personnel Quarters, Secondary Shuttle and Fighter Maintenance Hangar, Flight Deck Operations and Maintenance, Chief of the Air Group's Office, Air Group Briefing Room
- Deck 14
- Upper Engineering Support Area, Fusion Power Generators 1-4, Enlisted Personnel Living Barracks, Aft and Lower Forward Torpedo Bay and Control, Chief Security Officer's Office, Armory, Firing Range, Main Security, Brig
- Deck 15
- Main Engineering - M/ARA Operations Center, Fusion Power Generators 4-6, Flight Operations Barracks, Transporter Rooms 1 and 2, Armory, Chief Engineer's Office/Station
- Deck 16
- Lower Engineering, Deflector Control, Main Tractor Beam Control and Emitter, Environmental Control, Secondary Computer Core, Null-G Gymnasium/Weight Room
- Deck 17
- Tertiary Maintenance Support Center, Secondary Systems
- Deck 18
- Environmental Control, Deuterium Storage, Anti-matter Storage Pods, Gravimetric Polaron Generators, Secondary Shield Generators
- Deck 19
- Waste Management systems, Support Systems, Umbilical Support
Excalibur Bridge
The bridge of the new USS Excalibur is a complete redesign of the Akira class control center to coincide with the new variant. In reflection of its new, multi-mission emphasis, the Excalibur’s bridge has been expanded to incorporate more stations with variable uses, as well as providing more space for the standard duty stations. All in all, the new design should lend to a more productive and enjoyable experience for bridge personnel.
The most desired position in all of Starfleet has a new look, and location. Rather than being sunk into the bridge as in most recent bridge designs, the CO will now have a bird’s-eye view of the entire control center. Elevated a half meter above the outer ring and 1.5 meters above the helm, this “perch” will allow the captain to monitor the proceedings at every station without obstruction. The Captain’s Chair (CC) itself can swivel 360°, so that even the MSD can be seen. The major reason for this, though, is the newest feature, and a Starfleet first.
Due to the success of the EMH program and the necessity of installing holoprojectors in key areas, bridges are now able to fully use holograms. Of course, one can’t program the bridge to be a vacation spot, as this would violate many regulations. Now, however, thanks to new imaging technology and specially placed sensors, the bridge can provide a 360° view of surrounding space. Following the level of the floor, this holo-view will extend outside of the center railing and will allow those inside the ability to see the space around them as has only been possible in holodecks and stellar cartography labs. The uses of this, from advanced tactical views to providing the bridge crew with the opportunity to see the phenomena they are exploring will truly give those personnel the best data possible.
Other staples of the starship bridge have changed as well. The main viewer is now entirely holographic, and can be resized based on the needs of the mission. Within the center ring, the new crew of the USS Excalibur will find two fully rotatable platforms. The Executive Officer’s Platform to starboard as well as the new Auxilliary Tactical Platform can both rotate through 360°, allowing the best use of the new half-sphere holo-view. Dual in-service turbolifts will provide quick access to and from the bridge from either side of the catamaran hull. The high spherical dome over the bridge allows the holo-view full room to work, as well as providing the bridge with a much more open feel. The outer ring stations are equipped with much more console space and full wall screens to provide those duty officers the best possible data for their mission.
All of this functionality should not rule out style, however, and the designers of the new bridge have taken this into account. All throughout the bridge, you will find the shine of steel to reflect the ship’s namesake. The brushed duranium walls provide excellent acoustics as well as providing scientifically designed “easy-on-the-eyes” reflectivity. The deep charcoal carpeting is inlayed with strips of burgundy along the walls and railings, and its durable and cushioned installation will ensure that even stand-up operations at the auxilliary consoles do not become tiring. Those fortunate enough to have seats will sit in adjustable chairs with proper lumbar support, and even Orion officers could not complain about the deep burgundy synth-leather. The center area is a circle to reflect on the Round Table of the Excalibur legends, and is made with genuine Amboya Burl hand-rail and complimentary steel balustrade.
As one looks over at the platinum engraved dedication plaque near the ready room entrance, one can look down to see inlaid carpet in the shape of the legendary sword in the exact center of the bridge forward of the CC. Besides providing an aesthetic boost for the space, it can also stand as a reminder of the purpose behind the weapon, and stand guard over the crew of the new USS Excalibur NCC-2004-C.