[X] A Long-Range Science Ship (Project Intrepid)
It is something of a welcome relief to start work on a science ship rather than something so heavily tactical focused, so you pay close attention to the brief. First off is the intent to prototype a new style of warp engine, the Type-9, which would use tricyclic injection to substantially increase plasma temperatures and warp velocities. Second is the requirement for high-endurance, which will mean plenty of antimatter storage. Other than that the only requests are to try and keep tactical systems as a high priority and make sure it has plenty of scientific payloads.
With that in mind you turn your attention to the primary hull. The first option is a triangular spaceframe, utilising the same sharply flattened ventral surface as the Ushaan to provide line of sight to the main deflector dish. It would have an almost domed appearance on the dorsal side, providing more of its space vertically than is typically found in a starship. It would also provide space for a secondary deflector to increase warp velocities.
The second option is a variation of the first, smoothing out the sharper lines for a more ovoid shape. In this design a longer and more gently curving primary hull would necessarily blur the distinction between the saucer and engineering sections, but like the first it would still have space for a secondary deflector towards the bow. The addition of a decks-thickness to the rim would allow the installation of lateral sensor packages.
The final option is to replicate the same design as the Ushaan at a larger scale, providing a shallower saucer with an elevated command deck. This would have the same advantages regarding phasers and internal space, but there would be no space for a secondary deflector.
[ ] Triangular Hull.
[ ] Ovoid Hull.
[ ] Ushaan Hull.
Two Hour Moratorium, Please
