SWB - A Doctrine-Guided Renaissance in Starfleet Ship Design
So I've been working on another super-boring omake-style technical document, and I thought I'd share it here for feedback. It's supposed to be a document similar to the US Navy's A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, likely as part of our doctrine team lobby efforts, outlining the general strategy Starfleet uses in all missions and crisis operations (buzzword for conflicts), how these strategies mesh together, and how they should direct future ship design and future resource expenditure. Of course, I don't want it to just be my point of view, so I'd like to see if we can push some consensus ideas that I may have missed or not properly explained. Also, I'm going to be editing down some of the complex language, the point is I'm looking for feedback on the ideas contained.
[Classified 1-C]
[I've added a classification tag for now. While we intend this for public distribution, and it's in general terms that every academy cadet would know, we don't want to give any of it away early.]
With the recent doctrine choices by Admiral Sulu and his staff, finalizing Starfleet's doctrine for at least the next decade, it falls upon Starfleet Tactical and the Ship Design Bureau to re-envision and prepare the fleet for the missions and roles Starfleet will undertake through the mid-24th century. This report represents a small summary of the work that must be done to revolutionize our fleet for the challenges of an expanding Federation, new patrol doctrines, and a new axis of threats on new frontiers.
1. Frontierism
1a. The Frontier Mission Environment
We recognize that with the addition of new Federation member states, new frontiers have been opened for our Explorer Corps. Combined with a period of thaw and detente on old borders, most upcoming threats to the United Federation of Planets now originate from new and unexplored territory. A combined strategy focused on the Federation's frontiers uncovers new allies and new opportunities, encourages economic development of frontier resources, secures internal sectors from distant security risks, and enables Starfleet to better fulfill its mission of exploration and discovery.
The Explorer Corps remains Starfleet's premier tool of frontier exploration, first-contact diplomacy, and reporting on upcoming threats. From the period of 2301 through 2317, the Explorer Corps has expanded from a squadron of three ships to a full fleet of over seven, with further expansion planned throughout the next two decades.
1b. Meeting the Challenges of Frontierism
The implementation of Forward Defense doctrine and the 2317 pledge to develop the doctrine from guiding concept to reality represents one axis of our ability to patrol an expanding frontier, discover its wonders, and combat frontier threats. The garrison and fortification of border zones requires versatile long-range ships that can respond equally to diplomacy with border powers, support for isolated outposts and colonies, and to prevent hostile entities from penetrating the zone. Those ships should be backed by robust starbases and sensor networks.
In an ideal deployment, much of Starfleet's explorer-type ships would be deployed to border zones, as they are the most versatile and long-ranging ships in the fleet. Our explorers in border zones should be supplemented by fast long-range patrol craft. We will discuss the suitability of our ships to this mission in section five.
The Ambassador program is intended to update the Explorer Corps fleet for a new era, supplementing and eventually replacing the venerable Excelsior-A in Explorer Corps service. The Ambassador and her sister ship are now in prototyping stage and the class is set to be ready for serial production in late 2321, with the first wave of production builds launching in 2325.
2. Civil Deployment
2a. The Civil Mission Environment
We recognize that each internal sector represents a unique challenge, and that supporting our citizens and space-borne infrastructure is among the most crucial of Starfleet duties. Internal sectors contain the bulk of Federation citizens and industry. They are generally peaceful, the problems faced are political, scientific, industrial, and criminal. Other Federation organs rely on Starfleet support in their own civil work.
Ships designed to internal missions must be capable of responding quickly to civil emergencies within a limited space. Taken as a whole, a civil garrison should have the tools to tackle all manner of diplomatic, engineering, and scientific tasks. It is also the duty of Starfleet to provide for member world development by supporting the mapping of internal sectors.
2b. Meeting the Challenges of Civil Deployment
In an ideal deployment, fast science and courier ships like the upcoming Kepler project will provide for the scientific and diplomatic needs of developed sectors, supplemented by upgraded quick-response cruisers like the latest Constellation and Constitution updates, and by cover from the fast-reacting explorers in our border zones.
The role of member fleets in covering civil challenges of each sector cannot be understated. Working with member fleets to help them meet their mission goals is a key Starfleet responsibility.
3. Innovation in Defense
3a. Soft Power as a Multi-Faceted Defense Strategy
Those on the first line of defense are not soldiers, but diplomats. Whether she is from the Federation Diplomatic Service, a Federation Council negotiator, or a ship captain in Starfleet's Explorer Corps, it falls to the Federation's trained diplomats to protect our people and territory skillfully and deftly. Cooperative strategies with other spacefaring polities turn potentially antagonistic relationships into mutually beneficial ones.
In support of diplomatic goals, Starfleet is committed to providing only the best ships and trained personnel to support the Federation's diplomatic apparatus. The Ship Design Bureau will also continue its research into xenopsychology, to prevent differences with alien powers from becoming irreconcilable, and to open new pathways to understanding between our companions in the stars.
Deterrence is a deeply inter-related method of preventing conflict. Starfleet's strength is not to be hidden away in anticipation of its use, but displayed proudly and openly to show the futility of war. Modern analysis indicates that it takes a thirty to fifty percent force disparity to decisively defeat a space-based defense. By maintaining strength exceeding this envelope, we can prevent the use of aggression to accomplish policy goals, forcing potential opponents to fall back on cooperative strategies. Furthermore, some degree of deterrence is highly synergistic with the pursuit of diplomatic goals.
While the role of Starfleet as final protectors of the Federation is often downplayed unnecessarily, we must remember that it is only after the diplomats have been stymied, the Explorer Corps brushed off, the politicians consulted, our intelligence confounded, the sensor grids bypassed, and the fortifications isolated, that Starfleet must charge phasers and load torpedoes. A Starfleet officer's mission is the protection of the Federation's citizens and of other innocents by every means possible. That responsibility drives our commitment to soft measures as a method of preventing conflict by the most effective means possible.
3b. The Modern Operational Space
In defensive operations, Starfleet remains committed to the use of large defensive installations as command and control platforms to anchor patrols of frontier zones. The sensor net provided by our patrols and installations is intended to provide advance warning of any large attack, to quickly gather an opposing force and meet the enemy at the most advantageous location. In defence of our logistics, our sensor net and highly-capable shipborne sensor platforms can locate aggressor forces for interception. Our experience against powers with cloaking devices, and even in recent conflicts against potential infiltration, has shown the importance of deep and wide sensor capability backed by fast and long-ranging patrols in defensive operations.
As recent doctrine exercises and combat analysis have demonstrated, overpowering fixed defenses can be accomplished through sufficient force disparity. It is Starfleet's goal in an adversarial scenario to achieve this disparity through prograde operations against hostile forces. If hostile forces are not met, they can still be drawn out of position to make direct force-to-force engagement under defenses unnecessary. In the case that hostile forces can be drawn out of position but not feasibly engaged, it would be Starfleet's intent to sweep their installations and fortifications from under them.
Federation member fleets are a key part of Starfleet's emergency operational strategy. In crucial emergencies, the contribution of member fleets is a key part of the Federation's operational strength. Additionally, Starfleet recognizes that the Federation now contains fleets that play entirely different emergency roles to Starfleet's. Member fleets that are designed to fill different operational roles should not be wasted as part of Starfleet-led taskforces, but rather provide crucial operational diversity and flexibility that was not possible in the past.
[This is fine for internal dissemination but will be over the heads of many outside the fleet, including half the Council. Imagine you're explaining it to a Betazoid or a Risan.]
3c. The Modern Battlespace
When two fleets cannot avoid battle, there first ensues a contest for advantages, followed by a close engagement. Modern analysis shows these two parts of the battle break down into five phases in most large-fleet engagements.
Scouting involves locating, estimating, and pinpointing opposing forces, as well as mapping the potential battlefield and discovering potential advantages. Fast frigates are used by all polities as fleet scouts. The sensor arrays of the scouting ship are by far its most important attribute.
Skirmishing involves the engagement of screening and scouting forces, sometimes over a lengthy period of time, as they vie to gain astrographical or positioning advantages. Almost all polities rely on frigates for skirmishing, although there have been suggestions from doctrine consultants that certain cruisers may be used in this role. The maneuverability and range of the skirmishing frigates is by far the most important aspect to good skirmishing, with durability a distant second.
Once the location and initial positioning in the battle is decided, heavy vanguard ships are deployed to attempt to brush aside the skirmish lines and wear down their counterparts. Most polities use cruisers in their fleet's vanguard, although some substitute explorers and some also deploy screening frigates. The contact of the vanguard lines is a contest of strength and morale. In this phase of the battle, defensive installations are engaged for the first time.
Finally, the heavy firepower of the remaining ships in the fleet enters the battle to sweep aside the opposing fleet and force its survivors into retreat. Explorers or capital ships are used by most polities in this stage of battle. The contest of these heavy ships is one of enduring firepower: the ability to deal repeated heavy hits while avoiding attritional damage.
Some mention must be given to the use of mines in the modern battlespace. The quality and stealth of modern antimatter mines used by the Sydraxians and the Licori came as a surprise to many analysts, and while we have improved our mine-detection patterns through experience, it seems clear that mines and mine-detection techniques are now in a renewed race after two relatively stagnant decades. The overall sensor effectiveness of a fleet's frigate screen is crucial to preventing mine damage.
4. Meeting the Requirements of Modern Operations
4a. Leveraging Inherent Advantages
Starfleet will always be a fleet designed for purposes other than warfare. Starfleet's civic duties impose a requirement to respond to emergencies, to patrol vast distances, and for each ship we field to be prepared to deal with the challenges of space. But in ship design for these duties, while we lose some efficiencies, we gain advantages we must recognize and leverage.
The modern Starfleet is composed of long-range ships that are designed to tackle problems from pirates to stellar anomalies as a matter of course. As the nucleus of a supranational force during a major crisis, Starfleet ships are already designed to multiply the capabilities of a fleet by adding sensor platforms, long-range scouting, and quick reaction forces. In addition, in a developing crisis, ad-hoc fleets can easily be built around our explorers given their versatile and powerful capabilities.
It is clear from statistical analysis that due to the inherent robustness of Starfleet technology and the quality of our crew training, ship parts can perform well in excess of their listed specifications with adequate care and experience. The institutional foundations that allow this, in ship design and especially in recruitment and training, can be leveraged as part of a push towards higher-quality ships that take pains to avoid crew casualties through adequate protective technology.
Starfleet will likely never be able to field single-purpose-built ships like the Klingon Empire does. Starfleet frigates will be larger, better protected, have a greater endurance, and can accomplish a more diverse selection of tasks. This in turn leads to a more flexible albeit less numerous fleet in crisis operations. Starfleet cruisers are expected to be first responders to civil emergencies, able to hold down any emergency until reinforcements arrive; this applies just as much in crisis operations as it does in civil duty. Starfleet explorers take on a vast array of exploratory and garrison duties, and the inherently independent operations they undertake require a focus on avoiding attritional damage; this same focus allows them to better continually influence fleet operations while avoiding extensive repairs.
4b. Early Warning and Battlefield Preparation
It is clear that modern operations hinge on information. The position and heading of every ship in the operational space is crucial information, information that must be safeguarded with all means at our disposal, and that must be diligently pursued to enable operations of any sort at all.
Starfleet's existing sensor capability is the most advanced in the known galaxy. The next generation of shipborne sensors have completed development and are being deployed on the Ambassador-class explorer and on the Kepler-class science frigate. With the addition of upgraded sensor suites on the Excelsior-class explorer and Constellation-class cruiser, we stand prepared to extend our advantage in battlefield intelligence. The sensor suites of the Miranda-class frigates have been identified as a potential weakness and future frigate design aimed to correct this deficiency may be necessary within a decade.
With the implementation of a forward defense strategy, it falls on our border zone garrisons to more thoroughly map potential conflict zones. Mapping craft have been continuously deployed to each existing border zone for almost a decade, but with an upcoming re-orienting of deployment patterns, we expect to see explorers and the new science frigates accelerating the development of our border zones.
The sensors of a starbase are among the most important defensive tools we have. In the 2310 rogue ship crisis, starbase sensors at Rethelia and Vega picked up fleet movement as far away as Galadun and Dar Nakar. Starfleet's commitment to deploy starbases to every current and future border zone will extend our sensor network to cover all expected vectors. Other steps can be taken to deploy fixed additional sensor emplacements in potentially dangerous border areas.
4c. Reach
The range, speed, and endurance of our ships has been identified as crucial to enabling operations of all types. Long-range patrols are necessary in large environments to gather the necessary intelligence to enable operations. Additionally, in a large-Federation environment, long-range ships that can sprint for days to weeks are necessary to rally a fleet in a crisis zone. But this type of ship cannot be limited to our explorers, as a combined fleet is necessary for almost every emergency deployment.
Using lessons learned by our Explorer Corps, the explorer-centric distribution of long-range capability will be built upon by adding long-range capability to the entire fleet. Long-range drives developed from the Constitution-class have been implemented in the Constitution-B and Renaissance-class long-range cruisers, and have guided upgrades to the sprint drives of cruisers in the Constellation-class. The upcoming Kepler-class science frigate will be specifically equipped for long-range exploration and scouting missions, replacing the short-legged Oberth. The short-range drives of the Miranda-class and Centaur-class frigates have been identified as a potential weakness, and a future frigate design aimed to correct this deficiency may be necessary within a decade.
4d. Attrition
While the results of a single operations can be evaluated in terms of victory or defeat, repeated operations across a campaign front are often characterized by attritional damage. Very rarely is a single operation "all or nothing", as the amount of damage taken greatly influences follow-up operations or ability to react to countering moves.
In doctrinal strategy, attrition is best avoided through avoidance of battle if operational goals can be achieved without engagement, and through use of overwhelming force against difficult objectives if engagement is necessary.
In ship design, shield strength is by far the most important factor in avoiding attritional damage. Combined with adequate hull strength that penetration of shields is limited to "scratch" damage, adequate shielding can prevent loss of combat strength over both a single battle and an entire campaigns. Doctrine that encourages shield preservation has been implemented across the fleet, with further research being planned.
Upgraded heavy shields have factored into the design of the Ambassador-class explorer, and have been considered on the Kepler-class scouting frigate. The shield strength of the Miranda-class and Centaur-class frigates, as well as the Constellation-class cruiser, have been identified as a potential attritional weakness that may have to be addressed with upgrades or a new frigate design in the upcoming decade.
Starfleet will soon begin development of procedures to enact many types of repairs at border zone starbases. By turning every starbase into a low-intensity repair yard, we intend to increase our potential pace of operations considerably.
5. Meeting Starfleet's Challenges through Ship Design
5a. The Importance of Multi-Role Ships
In the past, when Starfleet covered only four sectors and two border zones, single-role ships could be used for single mission roles and as deterrence against aggression. Long-ranging patrols held less importance than quick reaction to border zone threats. Versatility in deployment meant less when reinforcements were only a week away at military cruising speed. A military force could be held at Sol or another major fleet base in anticipation of its need on the frontier.
In the current mission space, short-range ships and ships with limited roles cannot be flexibly deployed across six to eight Federation sectors. The needs of peacetime and of emergency cannot easily be filled by separate classes that reinforce emergency areas from fleet bases. This has created an impetus for Starfleet's next generation of ships to be fast, long-ranged, multi-role ships, which are capable of versatile missions and operations in a Federation that spans hundreds of lightyears.
5b. The Role of Starfleet's Current Fleet
The Excelsior-class explorer remains Starfleet's most versatile and strongest ship. With the Excelsior-A upgrade program in progress, we expect the Excelsior to meet the operational needs of Starfleet's civic and crisis duties for a considerable time. As demonstrated by the USS Cheron and the Constitution-B program, previous-generation explorers remain useful well after the deployment of their replacement.
The Renaissance-class cruiser is a versatile general-purpose cruiser with a fast long-range drive derived from the Constitution-class explorer. Deployment of the Renaissance-class will continue over the next decade, and we expect it to be the first ship to respond to many important civil missions, especially in border zones where any duty can be expected. With durability equivalent to an Excelsior, the Renaissance provides the bulk of Starfleet fleets during operations, and can operate in heavily attritional environments better than previous-generation cruisers.
The Constitution-class cruiser constructed under the Constitution-B program has mission capabilities, range, and speed similar to the Renaissance-class, but less durability. It continues to be the first ship in line in most Federation sectors, and has an extensive pedigree in the Gabriel Border Zone conflict. As more Renaissance-class are deployed, we intend to shift the Constitution cruiser to a second line reserve, which will allow it to perform more civic duties in internal areas, and be drawn upon in emergencies.
The Constellation-class cruiser is in the process of being upgraded, including new medical facilities, diplomatic quarters, laboratories, and updated drive systems. It is our intent to deploy the fast-reacting Constellation in rear-line duties away from frontier zones, where it can respond to civic emergencies with speed and grace.
The Centaur-class frigate, as upgraded in the Centaur-A program, is a versatile general-purpose frigate. The primary weakness of the Centaur-class is its short operational range compared to the Constitution-B or Renaissance. It remains a viable ship for short-range sector missions, and can act as skirmisher and fleet scout if necessary.
The Miranda-class frigate, recently updated to the Miranda-A specification, is showing its age, but remains a viable fleet escort for the near-future. Independent missions and operations have been possible in the past, but the increasing demands of Starfleet's civil duties may require more than the Miranda can give. In addition, its comparatively short range restricts its usefulness in scouting and skirmishing operations.
The Oberth-class frigate remains adequate for scientific duties but as a fleet asset has shown its vulnerability. Until it's phase-out after adequate Kepler-class replacements have been produced, we expect to deploy Oberths in back-line sectors.
5c. Ships of the Future
The Ambassador-class heavy explorer is currently in prototype production. Designed as an Explorer Corps mainstay and a sector flagship, it's likely that Ambassador-class builds will replace most Excelsior-class production. There is no mission the Ambassador-class explorer cannot handle. In crisis operations, the Ambassador-class can serve as the nucleus of any fleet.
The Kepler-class science frigate and fast courier is designed to replace the Oberth-class science frigate and to supplement our cruiser and explorer sector garrisons with a versatile platform for any civic mission. While costs will be similar to the Renaissance-class cruiser, the capability of the Kepler-class in responding to civic duties is second-to-none. In addition, vastly increased durability and massively increased range compared to the Oberth-class allows deployment in crisis operations, where fleets will make good use of the most advanced frigate-sized sensor platform in the known galaxy.
In two to eight years, the Ship Design Bureau believes technology will be ready for one or more advanced frigate designs to supplement and eventually replace the Miranda-A and Centaur-A pattern frigates. While it will be possible to build a straight upgrade to the capabilities of the Miranda-class, it's also possible to extend those capabilities into line with Starfleet's mission philosophy. The mission requirement of super-long-range to service an larger Federation, and the need for versatile multi-role ships in Starfleet missions and operations, means that a more versatile general frigate design is being considered. A long-range general frigate can accomplish roles the Miranda-class cannot while still representing a significant upgrade in capability as a fleet escort. The relative success of the Centaur-class shows that such a ship is possible at the frigate-scale, and while the Centaur had shortcomings in teething technology, we can build on that experience in a next-generation frigate.
If a generalist frigate design is not considered, a cheaper fleet escort frigate will be necessary combined with a cheaper general frigate in smaller numbers. The latter may be accomplished with a full update to the Centaur-class, like the Constitution-B update to the Constitution-class, intended mainly for production over upgrade.
The Ship Design Bureau is currently studying design projections for a mid-sized cruiser or explorer with similar capabilities to the Excelsior-class explorer. Such a project may be possible in five to ten years. The modern technology used in such a ship would reduce size, mineral cost, and crew size considerably, while still performing the same flagship duties as the Excelsior-class. While such a design would not obsolete existing Excelsior-class explorers, it would replace the Excelsior-class in production, and hold a similar role as the Constitution-B and Renaissance cruisers do when compared to the Constitution-class explorer. Further investigation will be done to determine the conditions and technologies under which pursuing this project will be feasible.
A Doctrine-Guided Renaissance in Starfleet Ship Design
[DRAFT COPY]
[DRAFT COPY]
[Classified 1-C]
[I've added a classification tag for now. While we intend this for public distribution, and it's in general terms that every academy cadet would know, we don't want to give any of it away early.]
With the recent doctrine choices by Admiral Sulu and his staff, finalizing Starfleet's doctrine for at least the next decade, it falls upon Starfleet Tactical and the Ship Design Bureau to re-envision and prepare the fleet for the missions and roles Starfleet will undertake through the mid-24th century. This report represents a small summary of the work that must be done to revolutionize our fleet for the challenges of an expanding Federation, new patrol doctrines, and a new axis of threats on new frontiers.
1. Frontierism
1a. The Frontier Mission Environment
We recognize that with the addition of new Federation member states, new frontiers have been opened for our Explorer Corps. Combined with a period of thaw and detente on old borders, most upcoming threats to the United Federation of Planets now originate from new and unexplored territory. A combined strategy focused on the Federation's frontiers uncovers new allies and new opportunities, encourages economic development of frontier resources, secures internal sectors from distant security risks, and enables Starfleet to better fulfill its mission of exploration and discovery.
The Explorer Corps remains Starfleet's premier tool of frontier exploration, first-contact diplomacy, and reporting on upcoming threats. From the period of 2301 through 2317, the Explorer Corps has expanded from a squadron of three ships to a full fleet of over seven, with further expansion planned throughout the next two decades.
1b. Meeting the Challenges of Frontierism
The implementation of Forward Defense doctrine and the 2317 pledge to develop the doctrine from guiding concept to reality represents one axis of our ability to patrol an expanding frontier, discover its wonders, and combat frontier threats. The garrison and fortification of border zones requires versatile long-range ships that can respond equally to diplomacy with border powers, support for isolated outposts and colonies, and to prevent hostile entities from penetrating the zone. Those ships should be backed by robust starbases and sensor networks.
In an ideal deployment, much of Starfleet's explorer-type ships would be deployed to border zones, as they are the most versatile and long-ranging ships in the fleet. Our explorers in border zones should be supplemented by fast long-range patrol craft. We will discuss the suitability of our ships to this mission in section five.
The Ambassador program is intended to update the Explorer Corps fleet for a new era, supplementing and eventually replacing the venerable Excelsior-A in Explorer Corps service. The Ambassador and her sister ship are now in prototyping stage and the class is set to be ready for serial production in late 2321, with the first wave of production builds launching in 2325.
2. Civil Deployment
2a. The Civil Mission Environment
We recognize that each internal sector represents a unique challenge, and that supporting our citizens and space-borne infrastructure is among the most crucial of Starfleet duties. Internal sectors contain the bulk of Federation citizens and industry. They are generally peaceful, the problems faced are political, scientific, industrial, and criminal. Other Federation organs rely on Starfleet support in their own civil work.
Ships designed to internal missions must be capable of responding quickly to civil emergencies within a limited space. Taken as a whole, a civil garrison should have the tools to tackle all manner of diplomatic, engineering, and scientific tasks. It is also the duty of Starfleet to provide for member world development by supporting the mapping of internal sectors.
2b. Meeting the Challenges of Civil Deployment
In an ideal deployment, fast science and courier ships like the upcoming Kepler project will provide for the scientific and diplomatic needs of developed sectors, supplemented by upgraded quick-response cruisers like the latest Constellation and Constitution updates, and by cover from the fast-reacting explorers in our border zones.
The role of member fleets in covering civil challenges of each sector cannot be understated. Working with member fleets to help them meet their mission goals is a key Starfleet responsibility.
3. Innovation in Defense
3a. Soft Power as a Multi-Faceted Defense Strategy
Those on the first line of defense are not soldiers, but diplomats. Whether she is from the Federation Diplomatic Service, a Federation Council negotiator, or a ship captain in Starfleet's Explorer Corps, it falls to the Federation's trained diplomats to protect our people and territory skillfully and deftly. Cooperative strategies with other spacefaring polities turn potentially antagonistic relationships into mutually beneficial ones.
In support of diplomatic goals, Starfleet is committed to providing only the best ships and trained personnel to support the Federation's diplomatic apparatus. The Ship Design Bureau will also continue its research into xenopsychology, to prevent differences with alien powers from becoming irreconcilable, and to open new pathways to understanding between our companions in the stars.
Deterrence is a deeply inter-related method of preventing conflict. Starfleet's strength is not to be hidden away in anticipation of its use, but displayed proudly and openly to show the futility of war. Modern analysis indicates that it takes a thirty to fifty percent force disparity to decisively defeat a space-based defense. By maintaining strength exceeding this envelope, we can prevent the use of aggression to accomplish policy goals, forcing potential opponents to fall back on cooperative strategies. Furthermore, some degree of deterrence is highly synergistic with the pursuit of diplomatic goals.
While the role of Starfleet as final protectors of the Federation is often downplayed unnecessarily, we must remember that it is only after the diplomats have been stymied, the Explorer Corps brushed off, the politicians consulted, our intelligence confounded, the sensor grids bypassed, and the fortifications isolated, that Starfleet must charge phasers and load torpedoes. A Starfleet officer's mission is the protection of the Federation's citizens and of other innocents by every means possible. That responsibility drives our commitment to soft measures as a method of preventing conflict by the most effective means possible.
3b. The Modern Operational Space
In defensive operations, Starfleet remains committed to the use of large defensive installations as command and control platforms to anchor patrols of frontier zones. The sensor net provided by our patrols and installations is intended to provide advance warning of any large attack, to quickly gather an opposing force and meet the enemy at the most advantageous location. In defence of our logistics, our sensor net and highly-capable shipborne sensor platforms can locate aggressor forces for interception. Our experience against powers with cloaking devices, and even in recent conflicts against potential infiltration, has shown the importance of deep and wide sensor capability backed by fast and long-ranging patrols in defensive operations.
As recent doctrine exercises and combat analysis have demonstrated, overpowering fixed defenses can be accomplished through sufficient force disparity. It is Starfleet's goal in an adversarial scenario to achieve this disparity through prograde operations against hostile forces. If hostile forces are not met, they can still be drawn out of position to make direct force-to-force engagement under defenses unnecessary. In the case that hostile forces can be drawn out of position but not feasibly engaged, it would be Starfleet's intent to sweep their installations and fortifications from under them.
Federation member fleets are a key part of Starfleet's emergency operational strategy. In crucial emergencies, the contribution of member fleets is a key part of the Federation's operational strength. Additionally, Starfleet recognizes that the Federation now contains fleets that play entirely different emergency roles to Starfleet's. Member fleets that are designed to fill different operational roles should not be wasted as part of Starfleet-led taskforces, but rather provide crucial operational diversity and flexibility that was not possible in the past.
[This is fine for internal dissemination but will be over the heads of many outside the fleet, including half the Council. Imagine you're explaining it to a Betazoid or a Risan.]
3c. The Modern Battlespace
When two fleets cannot avoid battle, there first ensues a contest for advantages, followed by a close engagement. Modern analysis shows these two parts of the battle break down into five phases in most large-fleet engagements.
Scouting involves locating, estimating, and pinpointing opposing forces, as well as mapping the potential battlefield and discovering potential advantages. Fast frigates are used by all polities as fleet scouts. The sensor arrays of the scouting ship are by far its most important attribute.
Skirmishing involves the engagement of screening and scouting forces, sometimes over a lengthy period of time, as they vie to gain astrographical or positioning advantages. Almost all polities rely on frigates for skirmishing, although there have been suggestions from doctrine consultants that certain cruisers may be used in this role. The maneuverability and range of the skirmishing frigates is by far the most important aspect to good skirmishing, with durability a distant second.
Once the location and initial positioning in the battle is decided, heavy vanguard ships are deployed to attempt to brush aside the skirmish lines and wear down their counterparts. Most polities use cruisers in their fleet's vanguard, although some substitute explorers and some also deploy screening frigates. The contact of the vanguard lines is a contest of strength and morale. In this phase of the battle, defensive installations are engaged for the first time.
Finally, the heavy firepower of the remaining ships in the fleet enters the battle to sweep aside the opposing fleet and force its survivors into retreat. Explorers or capital ships are used by most polities in this stage of battle. The contest of these heavy ships is one of enduring firepower: the ability to deal repeated heavy hits while avoiding attritional damage.
Some mention must be given to the use of mines in the modern battlespace. The quality and stealth of modern antimatter mines used by the Sydraxians and the Licori came as a surprise to many analysts, and while we have improved our mine-detection patterns through experience, it seems clear that mines and mine-detection techniques are now in a renewed race after two relatively stagnant decades. The overall sensor effectiveness of a fleet's frigate screen is crucial to preventing mine damage.
4. Meeting the Requirements of Modern Operations
4a. Leveraging Inherent Advantages
Starfleet will always be a fleet designed for purposes other than warfare. Starfleet's civic duties impose a requirement to respond to emergencies, to patrol vast distances, and for each ship we field to be prepared to deal with the challenges of space. But in ship design for these duties, while we lose some efficiencies, we gain advantages we must recognize and leverage.
The modern Starfleet is composed of long-range ships that are designed to tackle problems from pirates to stellar anomalies as a matter of course. As the nucleus of a supranational force during a major crisis, Starfleet ships are already designed to multiply the capabilities of a fleet by adding sensor platforms, long-range scouting, and quick reaction forces. In addition, in a developing crisis, ad-hoc fleets can easily be built around our explorers given their versatile and powerful capabilities.
It is clear from statistical analysis that due to the inherent robustness of Starfleet technology and the quality of our crew training, ship parts can perform well in excess of their listed specifications with adequate care and experience. The institutional foundations that allow this, in ship design and especially in recruitment and training, can be leveraged as part of a push towards higher-quality ships that take pains to avoid crew casualties through adequate protective technology.
Starfleet will likely never be able to field single-purpose-built ships like the Klingon Empire does. Starfleet frigates will be larger, better protected, have a greater endurance, and can accomplish a more diverse selection of tasks. This in turn leads to a more flexible albeit less numerous fleet in crisis operations. Starfleet cruisers are expected to be first responders to civil emergencies, able to hold down any emergency until reinforcements arrive; this applies just as much in crisis operations as it does in civil duty. Starfleet explorers take on a vast array of exploratory and garrison duties, and the inherently independent operations they undertake require a focus on avoiding attritional damage; this same focus allows them to better continually influence fleet operations while avoiding extensive repairs.
4b. Early Warning and Battlefield Preparation
It is clear that modern operations hinge on information. The position and heading of every ship in the operational space is crucial information, information that must be safeguarded with all means at our disposal, and that must be diligently pursued to enable operations of any sort at all.
Starfleet's existing sensor capability is the most advanced in the known galaxy. The next generation of shipborne sensors have completed development and are being deployed on the Ambassador-class explorer and on the Kepler-class science frigate. With the addition of upgraded sensor suites on the Excelsior-class explorer and Constellation-class cruiser, we stand prepared to extend our advantage in battlefield intelligence. The sensor suites of the Miranda-class frigates have been identified as a potential weakness and future frigate design aimed to correct this deficiency may be necessary within a decade.
With the implementation of a forward defense strategy, it falls on our border zone garrisons to more thoroughly map potential conflict zones. Mapping craft have been continuously deployed to each existing border zone for almost a decade, but with an upcoming re-orienting of deployment patterns, we expect to see explorers and the new science frigates accelerating the development of our border zones.
The sensors of a starbase are among the most important defensive tools we have. In the 2310 rogue ship crisis, starbase sensors at Rethelia and Vega picked up fleet movement as far away as Galadun and Dar Nakar. Starfleet's commitment to deploy starbases to every current and future border zone will extend our sensor network to cover all expected vectors. Other steps can be taken to deploy fixed additional sensor emplacements in potentially dangerous border areas.
4c. Reach
The range, speed, and endurance of our ships has been identified as crucial to enabling operations of all types. Long-range patrols are necessary in large environments to gather the necessary intelligence to enable operations. Additionally, in a large-Federation environment, long-range ships that can sprint for days to weeks are necessary to rally a fleet in a crisis zone. But this type of ship cannot be limited to our explorers, as a combined fleet is necessary for almost every emergency deployment.
Using lessons learned by our Explorer Corps, the explorer-centric distribution of long-range capability will be built upon by adding long-range capability to the entire fleet. Long-range drives developed from the Constitution-class have been implemented in the Constitution-B and Renaissance-class long-range cruisers, and have guided upgrades to the sprint drives of cruisers in the Constellation-class. The upcoming Kepler-class science frigate will be specifically equipped for long-range exploration and scouting missions, replacing the short-legged Oberth. The short-range drives of the Miranda-class and Centaur-class frigates have been identified as a potential weakness, and a future frigate design aimed to correct this deficiency may be necessary within a decade.
4d. Attrition
While the results of a single operations can be evaluated in terms of victory or defeat, repeated operations across a campaign front are often characterized by attritional damage. Very rarely is a single operation "all or nothing", as the amount of damage taken greatly influences follow-up operations or ability to react to countering moves.
In doctrinal strategy, attrition is best avoided through avoidance of battle if operational goals can be achieved without engagement, and through use of overwhelming force against difficult objectives if engagement is necessary.
In ship design, shield strength is by far the most important factor in avoiding attritional damage. Combined with adequate hull strength that penetration of shields is limited to "scratch" damage, adequate shielding can prevent loss of combat strength over both a single battle and an entire campaigns. Doctrine that encourages shield preservation has been implemented across the fleet, with further research being planned.
Upgraded heavy shields have factored into the design of the Ambassador-class explorer, and have been considered on the Kepler-class scouting frigate. The shield strength of the Miranda-class and Centaur-class frigates, as well as the Constellation-class cruiser, have been identified as a potential attritional weakness that may have to be addressed with upgrades or a new frigate design in the upcoming decade.
Starfleet will soon begin development of procedures to enact many types of repairs at border zone starbases. By turning every starbase into a low-intensity repair yard, we intend to increase our potential pace of operations considerably.
5. Meeting Starfleet's Challenges through Ship Design
5a. The Importance of Multi-Role Ships
In the past, when Starfleet covered only four sectors and two border zones, single-role ships could be used for single mission roles and as deterrence against aggression. Long-ranging patrols held less importance than quick reaction to border zone threats. Versatility in deployment meant less when reinforcements were only a week away at military cruising speed. A military force could be held at Sol or another major fleet base in anticipation of its need on the frontier.
In the current mission space, short-range ships and ships with limited roles cannot be flexibly deployed across six to eight Federation sectors. The needs of peacetime and of emergency cannot easily be filled by separate classes that reinforce emergency areas from fleet bases. This has created an impetus for Starfleet's next generation of ships to be fast, long-ranged, multi-role ships, which are capable of versatile missions and operations in a Federation that spans hundreds of lightyears.
5b. The Role of Starfleet's Current Fleet
The Excelsior-class explorer remains Starfleet's most versatile and strongest ship. With the Excelsior-A upgrade program in progress, we expect the Excelsior to meet the operational needs of Starfleet's civic and crisis duties for a considerable time. As demonstrated by the USS Cheron and the Constitution-B program, previous-generation explorers remain useful well after the deployment of their replacement.
The Renaissance-class cruiser is a versatile general-purpose cruiser with a fast long-range drive derived from the Constitution-class explorer. Deployment of the Renaissance-class will continue over the next decade, and we expect it to be the first ship to respond to many important civil missions, especially in border zones where any duty can be expected. With durability equivalent to an Excelsior, the Renaissance provides the bulk of Starfleet fleets during operations, and can operate in heavily attritional environments better than previous-generation cruisers.
The Constitution-class cruiser constructed under the Constitution-B program has mission capabilities, range, and speed similar to the Renaissance-class, but less durability. It continues to be the first ship in line in most Federation sectors, and has an extensive pedigree in the Gabriel Border Zone conflict. As more Renaissance-class are deployed, we intend to shift the Constitution cruiser to a second line reserve, which will allow it to perform more civic duties in internal areas, and be drawn upon in emergencies.
The Constellation-class cruiser is in the process of being upgraded, including new medical facilities, diplomatic quarters, laboratories, and updated drive systems. It is our intent to deploy the fast-reacting Constellation in rear-line duties away from frontier zones, where it can respond to civic emergencies with speed and grace.
The Centaur-class frigate, as upgraded in the Centaur-A program, is a versatile general-purpose frigate. The primary weakness of the Centaur-class is its short operational range compared to the Constitution-B or Renaissance. It remains a viable ship for short-range sector missions, and can act as skirmisher and fleet scout if necessary.
The Miranda-class frigate, recently updated to the Miranda-A specification, is showing its age, but remains a viable fleet escort for the near-future. Independent missions and operations have been possible in the past, but the increasing demands of Starfleet's civil duties may require more than the Miranda can give. In addition, its comparatively short range restricts its usefulness in scouting and skirmishing operations.
The Oberth-class frigate remains adequate for scientific duties but as a fleet asset has shown its vulnerability. Until it's phase-out after adequate Kepler-class replacements have been produced, we expect to deploy Oberths in back-line sectors.
5c. Ships of the Future
The Ambassador-class heavy explorer is currently in prototype production. Designed as an Explorer Corps mainstay and a sector flagship, it's likely that Ambassador-class builds will replace most Excelsior-class production. There is no mission the Ambassador-class explorer cannot handle. In crisis operations, the Ambassador-class can serve as the nucleus of any fleet.
The Kepler-class science frigate and fast courier is designed to replace the Oberth-class science frigate and to supplement our cruiser and explorer sector garrisons with a versatile platform for any civic mission. While costs will be similar to the Renaissance-class cruiser, the capability of the Kepler-class in responding to civic duties is second-to-none. In addition, vastly increased durability and massively increased range compared to the Oberth-class allows deployment in crisis operations, where fleets will make good use of the most advanced frigate-sized sensor platform in the known galaxy.
In two to eight years, the Ship Design Bureau believes technology will be ready for one or more advanced frigate designs to supplement and eventually replace the Miranda-A and Centaur-A pattern frigates. While it will be possible to build a straight upgrade to the capabilities of the Miranda-class, it's also possible to extend those capabilities into line with Starfleet's mission philosophy. The mission requirement of super-long-range to service an larger Federation, and the need for versatile multi-role ships in Starfleet missions and operations, means that a more versatile general frigate design is being considered. A long-range general frigate can accomplish roles the Miranda-class cannot while still representing a significant upgrade in capability as a fleet escort. The relative success of the Centaur-class shows that such a ship is possible at the frigate-scale, and while the Centaur had shortcomings in teething technology, we can build on that experience in a next-generation frigate.
If a generalist frigate design is not considered, a cheaper fleet escort frigate will be necessary combined with a cheaper general frigate in smaller numbers. The latter may be accomplished with a full update to the Centaur-class, like the Constitution-B update to the Constitution-class, intended mainly for production over upgrade.
The Ship Design Bureau is currently studying design projections for a mid-sized cruiser or explorer with similar capabilities to the Excelsior-class explorer. Such a project may be possible in five to ten years. The modern technology used in such a ship would reduce size, mineral cost, and crew size considerably, while still performing the same flagship duties as the Excelsior-class. While such a design would not obsolete existing Excelsior-class explorers, it would replace the Excelsior-class in production, and hold a similar role as the Constitution-B and Renaissance cruisers do when compared to the Constitution-class explorer. Further investigation will be done to determine the conditions and technologies under which pursuing this project will be feasible.
