Norway-Class Medium Cruiser

UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS:  STARFLEET DIVISION

Advanced Technical Specifications for the Norway-Class Production Vehicle

CONTENTS

1.0  NORWAY-CLASS INTRODUCTION    

1.1  MISSION OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to Starfleet Exploration Directives 1016.8 & 901.12, Federation Diplomatic Corps Mandate 66.105.b, 66.105.c & 200.2.2, and Federation Security Council General Policy, the following objectives have been established for a Norway Class Starship:

1. Provide a multi-mission mobile platform for a wide range of scientific and explorative research, and diplomatic projects.
2. Replace the Cheyenne and the Ambassador Class for long-term scientific missions and Federation diplomatic excursions.
3. Provide autonomous capability for full execution of Federation defensive, cultural, scientific, and explorative policy in deep space or border territory.
4. Serve as a frontline support vehicle during emergencies and a platform for the extension of Federation diplomacy and policy.
5. Provide non-critical functions such as transport of personnel and cargo when necessary, extended aid, and short-range patrol.

1.2  DESIGN STATISTICS    

Length: 445.02 meters
Width: 275.24 meters
Height: 64.00 meters
Weight: 758,840 Metric Tonnes
Cargo Capacity: 32,200 Metric Tonnes

Hull: Duranium-Tritanium composite
Number of Decks: 17 Total, 16 Habitable.

1.3  GENERAL OVERVIEW    

Editor's Note:  History written by Kurt Goring - based on information found in Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek Technical Manual, Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, Star Trek: Deep Space 9 Technical Manual, and Star Trek: The Magazine. The style of the history is based on histories presented in the Star Trek Spaceflight Chronology by Stan Goldstein, Fred Goldstein, and Rick Sternbach.  Please keep in mind that this is a history developed based on canon information presented in various sources and filled in with logical conjecture.

In 2357, Starfleet rolled out the newest of a class of ships intended to re-center Starfleet and move it away from the bigger-is-better philosophy envisioned in the largest ships of the last few build cycles; such as the Ambassador, Galaxy and Nebula-classes.

The Norway Class vessel began in the mind of engineers at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. The idea was that Starfleet should reawaken a building policy that was more directed and specific when it comes to the manufacture of vessels. However, general Starfleet policy of the last two decades had lead to the design of faster, more aggressive ships that are well armed against the emerging and hidden threats Starfleet had seen appear with alarming regularity.

Initial plans for the ship sketched it in the format of other vessels in service. However, that initial design was scrapped in favor of increasing numbers of uni-hull ships being developed by other departments in ASDB. Four test designs were proposed and elimination lead to the flattened arrowhead saucer and catamaran design put into service.

Designed to function for long periods in non-definitive missions, the Norway Class starship is visually impressive on first sight. Though not the largest ship in Starfleet by any means, its midsize condition allows it to both impose and relieve those that see it as an arm of Federation sovereignty when it is encountered.

As a ship tasked with diplomacy as much as scientific endeavors, the Norway Class starship is stronger than it is powerful. High-powered engines, computer systems, and shields allow the vessel to operate in relative safety even in the presence of larger more heavily armed enemy vessels. At the very least, the Norway Class’s non-standard configuration can be made use of strategically and allow the ship to escape to safety with its crew and any VIPs that may or may not be aboard.

The Norway Class’s small size allows the ship to be more determinedly designed for its task of Science/Diplomacy. Much of the interior of the ship is utilized primarily by science systems and has almost two full decks tasked specifically for diplomatic housing and functions.

An additional ability of the Norway Class is atmospheric entry and landing. With better ‘breathing’ intakes to handle the stresses of atmosphere, the Norway Class can enter planetary atmospheres with impunity and utilize its strategically placed and sensitive anti-gravity engines and ventral impulse engines when out of the relative weightlessness of space, and to maneuver the seven hundred thousand tonne starship over a planet. Additionally, the broad wing-type nacelle struts on the catamaran aft section allows simple lift to slow the ship’s descent and guide it with the help of etheric rudder in the form of manipulated gravity and impulse propulsion. Once near the surface, three landing struts are extended from the ventral hull with the aft legs angled toward the back to counterbalance the weight of the nacelles and catamaran.

1.4  CONSTRUCTION HISTORY    

In an era of reset, the mood of the Federation Council and Starfleet Command diverges sharply in both arenas. Split down the middle, half of both houses favored a mobilization of Federation resources toward defense of borders in an increasingly precarious climate in the galaxy. The opposing view consisted of those that believed the weapons of peace were more effective and focused on exploration and diplomacy as the salvation of the status quo.

With two confusing focuses to satisfy, the ASDB’s engineers borrowed ideas from some groundbreaking and risky designs being thrown around the lunchroom. With the contemporaries of this time, this ship would serve to test the resolve of the ASDB.

With carte blanch from their oversight, the engineers involved in the project were free to produce ideas and put them into practice in short order. With ideas in hand, design and construction began on the skeleton on what was to be named the USS Norway and carrying a registry of NX-64901.

Several other designs of the era were adopting a more aggressive looking elliptical ‘arrowhead’ design in contrast to the standard circular or oval saucers on other starships of the period. Along with that came the eradication of the secondary hull that was incorporated into the primary arrowhead saucer section of the Norway’s superstructure. An interesting design element that had been proposed but deemed inappropriate in a killed project was revamped and added to the Norway’s arrowhead in the form of aft catamaran-like pylons to attach the nacelle struts to the ship and allowed for a safer area of plasma routing that kept lives and essential systems safe from accidents. Additionally, the distance from the saucer made repair and replacement of damaged nacelles faster and safer.

The heart of any modern starship is its M/ARA core and the new USS Norway was no different. The original ship’s feasibility test was run utilizing the 2700-II warpcore from Drukan Synergy and had a cap of Warp 8.8 (considered swift at the time). With the hull on, the USS Norway departed Spacedock for a run to Alpha Centauri to get her sea legs.

The test was a disaster. Less than two hours into the mission, the core gave out and the abrupt loss of power drew the ship out of warp and blew over 80% of the ship’s structural security systems. Depressed, the ASDB brought the ship back in to be revamped.

The second test was far more successful than the first, and Starfleet made orders for two more of the brand new Norway-class starships to field in close survey and mapping missions along the inner borders of Federation space. Soon, the USS Norway, the USS Budapest, and the USS Damascus were in active service. The buoyancy was short-lived however, as the ships soon displayed engine and structural problems. Their captains electively docked the ships and refused to take the ships out of port again until the problems were fixed.

With three functioning starships unable to be used conventionally, the ASDB assumed stewardship of the vessels and used their hulls and mostly-functioning equipment to serve as test beds for everything from EMH systems to new torpedo loading arms. The Norway Class had officially been disbanded and shelved, their hulls stripped of name and numbers as they were removed from active service and brought back to Mars.

Advances in technology, and the horror of Wolf-359, brought about the resurrection of the Norway Class. Half-stripped for ease of swapping, the three vessels were quickly brought up to current ship specifications and went through a hasty testing phase to speed the ships’ fielding. This time, the tests went off flawlessly with the addition of the C-Grade warpcore from Ceries and a slew of upgraded computer systems, weapons, and high-grade shields to fit the ships’ new roles and new identities.

The Norway was to fill the shadows of this new ethos in Starfleet. With more and newer ships being armed disproportionately for the projection of power, the Norway was scaled down and utilized those ‘weapons of peace’ the council required initially. Scientifically, the ship was outfitted with standard sensor pallets around the hull but also sported a massive array of high-definition subspace sensor arrays and longer ranged sensors.

Outfitted with numerous VIP and diplomatic quarters, a massive conference hall, and dedicated science labs through a vast portion of the ship, the new Norway Class starships are considered ‘cushy’ by those officers used to the spartan conditions aboard other starships. The trade-off to those serving aboard is the reality that the Norway’s mission profile can keep them away from home for extreme periods.

Not considered ‘highly in demand,’ there are less than two hundred Norway Class starships currently in service, with additional ships under construction in orbit of Vulcan. It remains to be seen if these weapons of peace will yield the hopes placed on their shoulders.

2.0  COMMAND SYSTEMS    

2.1  MAIN BRIDGE

General Overview: Primary operational control of the Norway Class is provided by the Main Bridge, located at the top of the primary hull. It is located on Deck 1 and nested within forward arms of the aft-facing nacelle catamarans as a defensive safeguard.

The Main Bridge directly supervises all primary mission operations and coordinates all departmental activities. Aboard Norway-Class starships, the bridge is more of a centerpiece than on most starships due to significant portions of the ships devoted to other duties that might have otherwise held distributed management.

The Main Bridge is an ejectable module, allowing for a wider variety in mission parameters.

Layout: The layout of the Norway Class’ bridge module sprawls some in comparison to equivalent ships due to the high-traffic. It is distributed forward instead of laterally (unlike most ships) and focuses in the same direction.

The command ‘kiosk’ of the Norway Class is situated nearest the geographical center of the bridge and is mounted in two levels with the commanding officer’s chair raised and behind that of the First Officer and Counselor/Diplomatic Corps Officer’s traditional place. On the Captain’s chair arms are foldable viewscreens and consoles built into the armrests for the captain’s use. The Exec’s and Counselor’s chairs are positioned with larger use consoles that swivel inward for use and outward when not needed or to exit the chair and descend the steps to the lower bridge.

Directly forward of the command area is the Flight Control Officer and Operations Manager who face the main viewer and whose consoles are sunken into the primary bridge floor to free up full view of the viewscreen for all personnel on the bridge. The massive management area those officers man are interchangeable to allow either side (left or right) to be used as Helm or Operations.

On either side the sunken module are split-use tactical consoles constructed in a wedged ‘tilted wing’ design, allowing a broad workspace but without restricting traffic. The Chief Tactical Officer usually mans the starboard console and his or her assistant, the portside console. In typical configuration, the Chief Tactical Officer is in primary control of external security and weapons systems with the sister console configured for more sensor work and management of internal security. Tactical console usage is extremely limited; only Beta-2 Tactical clearance personnel can use it, and the user must input special codes to even get access to the massive amounts of computer links that give tactical nearly limitless information at the ship’s disposal. For full access, the console's security subsystem can run a battery of scans on the user, including thermal, biological, retinal, and vocal tests. If all of these are passed, full access to the ship's offensive and defensive systems is made available.

Forward of those two consoles and nestled into the corners of the front of the bridge are two mounted general-use consoles. Typically, the portside console is used for management of Environmental and Life-Support systems.

At the very front of the bridge chamber is a large viewscreen. This main viewer performs all the standard duties expected of it. However, the viewscreen is not always activated like most other Starships. A full holographic display, the viewscreen can be activated upon request. When the screen is not active, a standard bulkhead is present.

Aft and to the left of the command area is the Engineering alcove commonly staffed by at least two officers. With a forward wrap-around console, the alcove has access to all ship systems and is monitored constantly. Typical configuration keeps a scaled down version of the master systems display keyed to display problems visually, as well as dedicated screens showing the status of the warp drive and structural integrity systems.

Mirrored to starboard is the Science alcove structurally identical but with linkages more in tune with its role. Science I, which is the primary science console, has priority links to Conn, Ops, Computers, and Tactical. Science II is the ASO's (Assistant Science Officer's) console, which can be used by any personnel. Science II has access to all science, navigational, sensor, and communications systems. Science II can be configured to operate in tandem with Science I, although security links and all other non-science data are withheld from Science II. Science II usually works independently of Science I.

Directly flanking the command areas against the walls are two multi-use consoles and are activated and staffed as necessary under the jurisdiction of the command staff and department heads.

Behind the command area is a large circular systems table with consoles for additional staff and a small holographic projector in the top surface for mission profiling, science visuals, and general use.

At the very back of the bridge is another walk-in area that supplies the entrances to the two turbolifts and is centered by the Master Systems Display with a small control console in front of it for engineering and strategic use.

This console (as well as the Captain and Executive Officer’s consoles) also has the hand-input sub-console for use in setting the Auto-Destruct of the Norway Class. However, the Auto-Destruct can only be armed with vocal authorization from both the Captain and Executive Officer. If both are unavailable, the Second Officer and the next in clearance grade can authorize. Without at least one department head to authorize, the ship’s auto-destruct cannot be activated. In the case of an un-authorized attempt at activation, Level One security procedures initiate ship-wide, because the computer will view failed attempts at Auto-Destruct as an attempt to destroy the ship. These procedures include the locking down of all essential systems on the ship and an automated encrypted-band distress signal broadcasted to the nearest federation vessel and/or starbase on record.

The two turbolifts on the bridge can handle normal transit around the ship. In addition, an emergency ladder connects the bridge to Deck three. There are two doors laterally placed on the bridge that provide access to the bridge head and sanitary facilities and another on the portside that provides access to the captain’s ready-room.

On either side of the viewscreen at the forward part of the bridge are the doors to the ship’s briefing room situated at the very head of the ship and with a view through a set of massive forward-facing windows. The briefing room holds place for the department heads, the Executive Officer and the Captain. On one wall (the reverse of the viewscreen) is a large display for strategic and information dissemination. Additional services include a full-service replicator restricted to use in the briefing room, as well as the state-of-the-art holographic projection communication platforms (referred to as holo-comms). Starfleet Command personnel to converse with the ship’s command staff in a more personal way use the holo-comm typically. However, the holo-comm platforms are equipped with sensors to broadcast the signal back to valid systems when needed or preferred.

There are No escape pods connected to the bridge due to the obstruction of the sidewall extensions from the catamarans. Pods are located on all decks below Deck 3. Each pod can support two people for up to 42 days in space, and has a maximum speed of half impulse. Two pods are reserved for the top four officers in the chain of command on the ship, because they are the last four to leave the ship. These are located on Deck 2. As the number of experienced Captains dwindles in Starfleet, the notion of a Captain going down with his ship has been abolished. If the ship is abandoned, the top four officers in the chain of command will wait until everyone else is off the ship, opt to arm the auto-Destruct (not always necessary, but there if needed), and then leave in the two escape pods.

2.2  MAIN ENGINEERING    

Located on Deck 7, Main Engineering is the ‘heart’ of the ship, comparable to the bridge as ‘brain’. It has access to almost all systems aboard the starship, and manages repairs, power flow, and general maintenance.

Entrance to Main Engineering is provided by two large blast doors that can be closed in case of emergency, or for internal or external security reasons. Just inside the blast doors is an observation area where technicians monitor various systems of the ship. Also, in that area is a floor-mounted situational display similar to the Master Systems Display found on the Bridge. Affectionately referred to as the ‘pool table’, the Chief Engineer can use the display to more easily get a broad view of the situation with just a glance.

 Farther in from the observation area is the warp core and main control systems. Circular in shape, the room was designed to be small but exceedingly functional to save space inside the ship. Usable consoles are mounted on every piece of ‘real estate’ around the circumference of the room and provide primary control access for the engineers and technicians.

Off to the starboard side of Main Engineering is the Chief Engineer’s Office, which is equipped with a diagnostics table, assembly and repair equipment, a small replicator, and a personal use console with built-in private viewscreen.

In the center of Main Engineering is the Matter/Anti-Matter Assembly (M/ARA). This is where primary power for the ship is generated inside the Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Chamber (M/ARC). This system is checked on a regular basis due to its importance to the ship. Access to the warp core is restricted, with a front port to get to the Dilithium matrix as well as an over side port for access to the warp plasma conduits.

A second tier rings the second level of Main Engineering. A small single-person elevator, as well as a ladder on the opposite end, provides access to this catwalk.

Access to the Jefferies Tubes is provided in various places on both the First and Second Tier of Main Engineering.

Typical crew compliment in Main Engineering consists of five engineers and ten technicians of various grades. During Red or Yellow Alert, that number is increased.

2.3  TACTICAL DEPARTMENT    

This multi-room department is located in a restricted area on Deck 14. Within it are the entrances to the phaser range, the auxiliary weapon control room and to the Ship's Armory, as well as the office of the Chief of Security.

Security Office: The Chief of Security’s office is decorated to the officer's preference. It contains a work area, a personal viewscreen, a computer display, and a replicator.

Brig: Located on Deck 15, the brig is a restricted access area whose only entrance is from within the Security Department on Deck 14. The Norway Class vessel has four double occupancy cells, which contain beds, a retractable table and chairs, a water dispenser, and sanitary facilities. The cells are secured with a level-10 forcefield emitter built into each doorway.

Internal Forcefields: Controlled from the bridge or from the Security office on Deck 15, forcefields can be activated throughout the ship, effectively sealing off sections of the hallway from the remainder of the vessel.

Internal Sensors: Used to monitor the internal security of the ship. They can identify the location of specific crewmembers that are wearing their commbadge. They can be used to determine the general location of any person on board the ship, based on the entry of specific variables by the Tactical officer.

Ship's Armory: This room is located in a restricted area on Deck 14 and is under constant guard. The room is sealed with a level 10 forcefield and can only be accessed by personnel with Level-4 or above security clearance granted by the Command staff or Chief of Security. Inside the armory is a work area for maintenance and repair of phasers as well as multiple sealed weapons lockers. The Norway Class starship carries enough type-I and type-II phasers to arm the entire crew. Type-III phaser rifle and the new compression phaser rifles are available as well, but only in enough numbers to arm approximately 1/3 of the crew. Heavy ordnance is available in limited numbers.

Armory Inventory includes:
50 Type-I Phasers
150 Type-II Phaser pistols
40 Type-IIIA Phaser rifles
30 Type-IIIB Compression Phaser rifles

2.4 CONFERENCE HALL    

Though much of the internal spaces of a Federation starship can be expanded and reduced as necessary, much of this work takes considerable turnover time and reduces the functionality of the ship for a time in all but the largest ships such as Galaxy, Nebula, Ambassador, and Sovereign-class vessels.

Located nearest the senior VIP quarters on Deck 5, the Conference Hall is an important part of the Norway Class Vessel’s diplomatic arsenal. Outfitted to easily handle around a hundred delegates at any one time, the Conference Hall can be configured in a dais-to-audience format in the form of a raised stage built into the decking, or a roundtable configuration can be assembled in short order when necessary.

The Norway Class’s Conference Hall is kept offline when unnecessary, maintained on a strict schedule to be ready whenever the Council or Starfleet calls on its use. When in use, security officers are posted both inside and out of both entrances and the Hall’s recording system can be kept offline at the Captain’s and Executive Officer’s discretion, and by request of the delegation or the Diplomatic Corps.
 

2.5 EVENT COORDINATOR’S OFFICE    

Diplomacy can be a tricky business in the 24^th century, and Diplomacy is the bread and butter of the Norway Class. Since that is the case, Norway Class starships carry an Event Coordinator aboard as part of their standard crew compliment. Typically, this person is a civilian in the Federation Council’s Diplomatic Corps.

Located on Deck 5 with the VIP quarters, the ECO handles protocol and scheduling for diplomatic events held aboard the ship as well as all preparations from briefing the Senior Staff on a race or the event to liaising with Security and the Honor Guard.

2.6 HONOR GUARD ARMORY AND STAGING AREA    

Appearance is everything. The intricacies of Diplomacy depend on appearance and attention to detail.

The Honor Guard aboard the Norway Classis made up of Security officers, some of whom are trained as medical technicians and first aid. Their uniforms differ slightly from standard “dress whites” and include gold stripes down the length of the uniform trousers to match their departmental colors. Under certain conditions, elements of a race or culture’s ceremonial dress may be worn with the dress uniform as some races consider it a sign of respect for an individual to put on their best show for them.

When a conference is being held onboard, the Honor Guard sleeps and operates from a single location on Deck 5 known as the Honor Guard Armory. There they sleep and eat during the duration, as well as change shifts for security purposes. Ceremonial weapons are stored there, as well as their uniforms.

When active, only the Captain, First Officer, Chief of Security and Event Coordinator have access to the Honor Guard Armory.

2.7 PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY    

The communications equipment aboard the Norway Class carries higher gain and atypical encryption equipment to that used by normal ship operations.

All VIP quarters aboard the ship are equipped with terminals using that system. This system uses a secondary ODN route to the main communications array and is accessed only by key personnel under strict security. The system is handled by an isolated sub processor situated in a Communications Center on the VIP Deck that is also used by the staff and entourage of delegates aboard. Access to this system is restricted to Level 9 authorization and above.

Since privacy is so important aboard a diplomatic ship, any tampering with these systems is investigated with all due diligence and punished severely if a crewmember is found responsible.

2.8 DIPLOMATIC QUARTERS    

See Section 8.2.

3.0  TACTICAL SYSTEMS    

3.1  PHASERS

Phaser Array Arrangement: Two small dorsal phaser arrays located in the hull depression at the bow of the ship. Two ventral phaser arrays on the primary hull, extending from the very back of the primary hull almost to the bow. These arrays also converge gradually as they approach the widest part of the primary hull, converging near the bow. Two phaser strips are located on either side of the primary hull nearest to the rear and high on the dorsal side to cover the rear-firing arc.

Phaser Array Type: Even though the Norway Class is a medium sized vessel, it still utilizes the Type X array system. The six arrays are all Type-X, the new standard emitter. Each array fires a steady beam of phaser energy, and the forced-focus emitters discharge the phasers at speeds approaching .986c (which works out to about 182,520 miles per second - nearly warp one). The phaser array automatically rotates phaser frequency and attempts to lock onto the frequency and phase of a threat vehicle's shields for shield penetration.

Phaser Array Output: Each phaser array takes its energy directly from the impulse drive and auxiliary fusion generators. Individually, each type X -emitter can only discharge approximately 5.1 MW (megawatts). However, several emitters (usually two) fire at once in the array during standard firing procedures, resulting in a discharge approximately 10.2 MW.

Phaser Array Range: Maximum effective range is 300,000 kilometers.

Primary Purpose: Defense/Anti-Spacecraft

Secondary Purpose: Assault 

3.2  TORPEDO LAUNCHERS    

Arrangement: Two fixed-focus torpedo launchers, one located just below the main deflector dish on the dorsal side of the Primary Hull and another at the rear of the primary hull. The Norway Class is fitted with smaller versions of the Burst-Fire Torpedo launcher originally developed for the Sovereign class starship. The Norway can fire 3 torpedoes per salvo from each launcher, with a maximum rate of fire of 6 torpedoes from both launchers.

Type: Type-6, Mark-XXV photon torpedo, capable of pattern firing (Sierra, Delta, etc.) as well as independent launch. Independent targeting once launched from the ship, detonation on contact unless otherwise directed by the ship.

Payload: The Norway Class can carry a maximum of 40 torpedo casings with at least 10 of them geared as probe casings at any one time.

Range: Maximum effective range is 3,500,000 kilometers.

Primary Purpose: Assault

Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft 

3.3  DEFLECTOR SHIELDS    

Type: Symmetrical peristaltic subspace graviton field. This type of shield is similar to those of most other Starships, but rated higher than most vessels of equivalent size as a defensive measure due to its role in hosting conferences and ferrying VIPs. Other than incorporating the now mandatory nutational shift in frequency, the shields alter their graviton polarity to better deal with more powerful weapons and sophisticated weaponry (including Dominion, Breen, and Borg systems).

During combat, the shield sends data on what type of weapon is being used on it, and what frequency and phase the weapon uses. Once the tactical officer analyzes this, the shield can be configured to have the same frequency as the incoming weapon - but different nutation. This tactic dramatically increases shield efficiency.

Output: There are 16 shield grids on the Norway Class, and each one generates 160 MW, resulting in total shield strength of 2,560 MW. The power for the shields is taken directly from the warp engines and impulse fusion generators. If desired, the shields can be augmented by power from the impulse power plants. The shields can protect against approximately 42% of the total EM spectrum (whereas a Galaxy Class Starship's shields can only protect against about 23%), made possible by the multi-phase graviton polarity flux technology incorporated into the shields.

Range: The shields, when raised maintain an average range of 30 meters away from the hull.

Primary purpose: Defense from hazardous radiation and space-borne particulates.

Secondary purpose: Defense from enemy threat forces 

4.0  COMPUTER SYSTEMS    

4.1  COMPUTER CORE

Number of computer cores: Two. The primary computer core is accessed in the control room on Deck 5 in amidships for maximum protection. It covers five decks and extends from Deck 4 to Deck 8. The Auxiliary core is located on the Engineering Deck (Deck 7) and extends down to Deck 8. It is fed by two sets of redundant EPS conduits as well as primary power.

Type: The AC-10 series computer core is built under contract for the Norway Class vessel by Krayne Systems, an independent contractor based on Binar. The structure of the computer is similar to that of most other supercomputing systems in use by Federation vessels with stack segments extending through the ship forming trillions of trillions of connections through the processing and storage abilities of modern isolinear chips. Cooling of the isolinear loop is accomplished by a regenerative liquid helium loop, which has been refit to allow a delayed-venting heat storage unit for "Silent Running.” For missions, requirements on the computer core rarely exceed 45-50% of total core processing and storage capacity. The rest of the core is utilized for various scientific, tactical, or intelligence gathering missions - or to backup data in the event of a damaged core.

4.2  LCARS    

Acronym for Library Computer Access and Retrieval System, the common user interface of 24th century computer systems, based on verbal and graphically enhanced keyboard/display input and output. The graphical interface adapts to the task which is supposed to be performed, allowing for maximum ease-of-use. The Norway Class operates on LCARS build version 4.5 to account for increases in processor speed and power, and limitations discovered in the field in earlier versions, and increased security.

4.3  SECURITY LEVELS    

Access to all Starfleet data is highly regulated. A standard set of access levels have been programmed into the computer cores of all ships in order to stop any undesired access to confidential data.

Security levels are also variable, and task-specific. Certain areas and functions of the ship are restricted to unauthorized personnel, regardless of security level. Security levels can also be raised, lowered, or revoked by Command personnel.

Security levels in use aboard the Norway Class are:

• Level 10 – Captain and Above

• Level 9 – First Officer

• Level 8 - Commander

• Level 7 – Lt. Commander

• Level 6 – Lieutenant

• Level 5 – Lt. Junior Grade

• Level 4 - Ensign

• Level 3 – Non-Commissioned Crew

• Level 2 – Civilian Personnel

• Level 1 – Open Access (Read Only)

Note: Security Levels beyond current rank can and are bestowed where, when and to whom they are necessary.

The main computer grants access based on a battery of checks to the individual user, including face and voice recognition in conjunction with a vocal code as an added level of security.

4.4  UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR    

All Starfleet vessels make use of a computer program called a Universal Translator that is employed for communication among persons who speak different languages. It performs a pattern analysis of an unknown language based on a variety of criteria to create a translation matrix. The translator is built in the Starfleet badge and small receivers are implanted in the ear canal.

The Universal Translator matrix aboard Norway Class starships consists of well over 100,000 languages and linguaforms, and increases with every new encounter.

5.0  PROPULSION SYSTEMS    

5.1 WARP PROPULSION SYSTEM

Type: C-Grade Standard Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Drive, developed by Ceries Industries. Information on this Warp Drive can be found in any Starfleet Library or Omnipedia.

Normal Cruising Speed: Warp 6.5

Cruising Speed as pursuant to Warp Limitations, as a cause of subspace pollution: Warp 5 (Not Applicable)

Maximum Speed: Warp 9.7 for 12 hours

Note:  Vessels equipped with the Ceries C-Grade M/ARA Drive System no longer have the maximum cruising speed limit of Warp 6.3, thanks to innovations discovered and utilized in the M/ARA Warp Drive outfitted in the new Intrepid Class Starship. Pursuant to Starfleet Command Directive 12856.A, all Starships will receive upgrades to their Warp Drive system to prevent further pollution of Subspace.

5.2 IMPULSE PROPULSION SYSTEM    

Type: The Corps of Engineers considered standard Norway Class Impulse Engines ‘excessive’, providing thrust far in excess on the highest estimated needs. Developed and built by Slepnir Inc., the Norway Class engines can be ‘temperamental’ with the tendency to over steer due to the huge thrust factor in Real Space travel. However, the ability to produce so much power effectively diminishes inertial drag making the Norway Class vessel more agile in Real Space.

Output: Each engine (there are two impulse engines) can propel the Norway Class at speeds just under .25c, at “Full Impulse” and an upper ceiling of .75c at three quarters the speed of light. Generally, Starfleet Vessels are restricted to .25c speeds to avoid the more dramatic time dilation effects of higher relativistic speeds. However, such restrictions can be overridden at the behest of the ship’s captain.

5.3 REACTION CONTROL SYSTEM    

Type: Standard Version 3 magneto-hydrodynamic gas-fusion thrusters. Due to the peculiarities of Norway Class hull design, the internal workings of the Version-3 RCS Thruster remains the same but the magnetic rudder and ducting cases are molded to fit the elongated curve of the Norway.

Output: Each thruster quad can produce 3.9 million Newtons of exhaust.

6.0  UTILITIES AND AUXILIARY SYSTEMS    

6.1 NAVIGATION DEFLECTOR

A standard Norway Class main deflector dish is located along the dorsal portion of the Norway Class's primary hull, and is located just forward of the primary engineering spaces. Composed of molybdenum/duranium mesh panels over a tritanium framework (beneath the Duranium-Tritanium hull), the dish can be manually moved twelve degrees in any direction off the ship's Z-axis. The main deflector dish's shield and sensor power comes from two graviton polarity generators located on Deck 13, each capable of generating 128 MW, which can be fed into two 480 millicochrane subspace field distortion generators.

6.2 TRACTOR BEAM    

Type: Multiphase subspace graviton beam, used for direct manipulation of objects from a submicron to a macroscopic level at any relative bearing to the Norway Class. Each emitter is directly mounted to the primary members of the ship's framework, to lessen the effects of isopiestic subspace shearing, inertial potential imbalance, and mechanical stress.

Output: Each tractor beam emitter is built around three multiphase 15 MW graviton polarity sources, each feeding two 475-millicochrane subspace field amplifiers. Phase accuracy is within 1.3 arc-seconds per microsecond, which gives superior interference pattern control. Each emitter can gain extra power from the SIF by means of molybdenum-jacketed wave-guides. The subspace fields generated around the beam (when the beam is used) can envelop objects up to 920 meters, lowering the local gravitational constant of the universe for the region inside the field and making the object much easier to manipulate.

Range: Effective tractor beam range varies with payload mass and desired delta-v (change in relative velocity). Assuming a nominal 15 m/sec-squared delta-v, the multiphase tractor emitters can be used with a payload approaching 2,330,000 metric tonnes at less than 2,000 meters. Conversely, the same delta-v can be imparted to an object massing about one metric ton at ranges approaching 30,000 kilometers.

Primary purpose: Towing or manipulation of objects

Secondary purpose: Tactical/Defensive

6.3 TRANSPORTER SYSTEMS    

Personnel Transporters: 3 (Transporter Rooms 1-3)

• Max Payload Mass: 900kg (1,763 lbs)
• Max Range: 40,000 km
• Max Beam Up/Out Rate: Approx. 100 persons per hour per Transporter

Cargo Transporters: 2

• Max Payload Mass: 800 metric tons. Standard operation is molecular resolution (Non-Lifeform).
•  Set for quantum (Lifeform) resolution: 1 metric ton
• Max Beam Up/Out Rate (Quantum Setting): Approx. 100 persons per hour per Transporter

Emergency Transporters: 2

• Max Range: 15,000 km (send only) {range depends on available power}

• Max Beam Out Rate: 200 persons per hour per Transporter (800 persons per hour with 4 Emergency Transports)

6.4 COMMUNICATIONS    

• Standard Communications Range: 65,000 - 135,000 kilometers

• Standard Data Transmission Speed: 18.5 kiloquads per second

• Subspace Communications Speed: Warp 9.9997

7.0  SCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING SYSTEMS    

7.1 SENSOR SYSTEMS

Long range and navigation sensors are located behind the main deflector dish, to avoid sensor "ghosts" and other detrimental effects consistent with main deflector dish millicochrane static field output. Lateral sensor pallets are located around the rim of the entire Starship, providing full coverage in all standard scientific fields, but with emphasis in the following areas:

1. Astronomical phenomena

2. Planetary Analysis

3. Remote Life-Form Analysis

4. EM Scanning

5. Passive Neutrino Scanning

6. Parametric subspace field stress (a scan to search for cloaked ships)

7. Thermal variances

8. Quasi-stellar material

9. Sub-Quantum Mass Particulates

Each sensor pallet (19 in all) can be interchanged and re-calibrated with any other pallet on the ship.

Warp Current sensor: This is an independent subspace graviton field-current scanner, allowing the ship to track ships at high warp by locking onto the eddy currents from the threat ship's warp field, then follow the currents by using multi-model image mapping.

The Norway Class vessel is also equipped with a high-power dorsal sensor pallet package that allows it to find, study, and chart exotic anomalae and tunnel deeper into subspace dimensions with far more accuracy than typical Federation sensor packages. The omnispectral sensor suite is located at the very highest point on the Norway Class and is maintained by access from external airlock doors for on the surface of the ship, and internally through engineering substations and Jefferies tubes.

Additional sensor packages are arrayed on the ventral saucer section.

7.2 TACTICAL SENSORS    

There are 20 independent tactical sensors on the Norway Class. Each sensor automatically tracks and locks onto incoming hostile vessels and reports bearing, aspect, distance, and vulnerability percentage to the tactical station on the main bridge. Each tactical sensor is approximately 90% efficient against ECM, and can operate fairly well in particle flux nebulae (which has been hitherto impossible).

7.3 STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY    

One Stellar Cartography Bay is located on Deck 9, with direct EPS power feed from Engineering. All information is directed to the Bridge and can be displayed on any console or the main viewscreen. When under warp or staffed by demand, the Stellar Cartography Bay is manned by a supervising officer and as many as three subordinates.

7.4 SPACE IMAGING LABORATORY    

With the wide range of science facilities aboard, and the sophisticated high power DSS sensor system, the Norway Class Medium Cruiser brings those data streams together in one singular laboratory designed as a brain trust of sorts for visual scientific study. A bit bigger than a standard cargo bay, the SIL features a trio of large viewscreens, a floor-mounted holo-imaging system, and a series of wall-mounted consoles for crew use during the lab’s use.

7.5 SCIENCE LABS    

There are 12 science labs on the Norway Class; six non-specific labs are located on Deck 2 and are easily modified for various scientific endeavors including Bio/Chem, and Physics tests and/or experiments – crews rotate often among these laboratories. The Space Imaging Laboratory is located on Deck 4 amidships and is adjacent to the Chief Science Officer’s office. On Deck 7, there are housed two of the more expansive and specialized labs that conduct Atmospheric Physics experiments, as well as the more dangerous High-Energy Physics (note: additional SIF Field Generators are installed in the bulkheads around this lab). A laboratory specifically dedicated for the use and study of cetacean/amphibian life forms is located on Deck 13. The Cetacean Laboratory carries numerous water tanks and isolated filtration systems. 

7.6 PROBES    

A probe is a device that contains a number of general purpose or mission specific sensors and can be launched from a starship for closer examination of objects in space.

There are nine different classes of probes, which vary in sensor types, power, and performance ratings. The spacecraft frame of a probe consists of molded duranium-tritanium and pressure-bonded lufium boronate, with sensor windows of triple layered transparent aluminum. With a warhead attached, a probe becomes a photon torpedo. The standard equipment of all nine types of probes are instruments to detect and analyze all normal EM and subspace bands, organic and inorganic chemical compounds, atmospheric constituents, and mechanical force properties. All nine types are capable of surviving a powered atmospheric entry, but only three are special designed for aerial maneuvering and soft landing. These ones can also be used for spatial burying. Many probes can be real-time controlled and piloted from a starship to investigate an environment dangerous hostile or otherwise inaccessible for an away-team.

The nine standard classes are:

7.6.1 Class I Sensor Probe:

Range: 2 x 10^5 kilometers

Delta-v limit: 0.5c

Powerplant: Vectored deuterium microfusion propulsion

Sensors: Full EM/Subspace and interstellar chemistry pallet for in-space applications.

Telemetry: 12,500 channels at 12 megawatts. 

 

7.6.2 Class II Sensor Probe:

Range: 4 x 10^5 kilometers

Delta-v limit: 0.65c

Powerplant: Vectored deuterium microfusion propulsion, extended deuterium fuel supply

Sensors: Same instrumentation as Class I with addition of enhanced long-range particle and field detectors and imaging system

Telemetry: 15,650 channels at 20 megawatts. 

 

7.6.3 Class III Planetary Probe:

Range: 1.2 x 10^6 kilometers

Delta-v limit: 0.65c

Powerplant: Vectored deuterium microfusion propulsion

Sensors: Terrestrial and gas giant sensor pallet with material sample and return capability; onboard chemical analysis submodule

Telemetry: 13,250 channels at ~15 megawatts.

Additional data: Limited SIF hull reinforcement. Full range of terrestrial soft landing to subsurface penetration missions; gas giant atmosphere missions survivable to 450 bar pressure. Limited terrestrial loiter time. 

 

7.6.4 Class IV Stellar Encounter Probe:

Range: 3.5 x 10^6 kilometers

Delta-v limit: 0.6c

Powerplant: Vectored deuterium microfusion propulsion supplemented with continuum driver coil and extended deuterium supply

Sensors: Triply redundant stellar fields and particle detectors, stellar atmosphere analysis suite.

Telemetry: 9,780 channels at 65 megawatts.

Additional data: Six ejectable/survivable radiation flux subprobes. Deployable for nonstellar energy phenomena

 

7.6.5 Class V Medium-Range Reconnaissance Probe:

Range: 4.3 x 10^10 kilometers

Delta-v limit: Warp 2

Powerplant: Dual-mode matter/antimatter engine; extended duration sublight plus limited duration at warp

Sensors: Extended passive data-gathering and recording systems; full autonomous mission execution and return system

Telemetry: 6,320 channels at 2.5 megawatts.

Additional data: Planetary atmosphere entry and soft landing capability. Low observatory coatings and hull materials. Can be modified for tactical applications with addition of custom sensor countermeasure package.
 

7.6.6 Class VI Comm Relay/Emergency Beacon:

Range: 4.3 x 10^10 kilometers

Delta-v limit: 0.8c

Powerplant: Microfusion engine with high-output MHD power tap

Sensors: Standard pallet

Telemetry/Comm: 9,270 channel RF and subspace transceiver operating at 350 megawatts peak radiated power. 360 degree omni antenna coverage, 0.0001 arc-second high-gain antenna pointing resolution.

Additional data: Extended deuterium supply for transceiver power generation and planetary orbit plane changes
 

7.6.7Class VII Remote Culture Study Probe:

Range: 4.5 x 10^8 kilometers

Delta-v limit: Warp 1.5

Powerplant: Dual-mode matter/antimatter engine

Sensors: Passive data gathering system plus subspace transceiver

Telemetry: 1,050 channels at 0.5 megawatts.

Additional data: Applicable to civilizations up to technology level III. Low observability coatings and hull materials. Maximum loiter time: 3.5 months. Low-impact molecular destruct package tied to antitamper detectors.
 

7.6.8 Class VIII Medium-Range Multimission Warp Probe:

Range: 1.2 x 10^2 light-years

Delta-v limit: Warp 9

Powerplant: Matter/antimatter warp field sustainer engine; duration of 6.5 hours at warp 9; MHD power supply tap for sensors and subspace transceiver

Sensors: Standard pallet plus mission-specific modules

Telemetry: 4,550 channels at 300 megawatts.

Additional data: Applications vary from galactic particles and fields research to early-warning reconnaissance missions
 

7.6.9 Class IX Long-Range Multimission Warp Probe:

Range: 7.6 x 10^2 light-years

Delta-v limit: Warp 9

Powerplant: Matter/antimatter warp field sustainer engine; duration of 12 hours at warp 9; extended fuel supply for warp 8 maximum flight duration of 14 days

Sensors: Standard pallet plus mission-specific modules

Telemetry: 6,500 channels at 230 megawatts.

Additional data: Limited payload capacity; isolinear memory storage of 3,400 kiloquads; fifty-channel transponder echo. Typical application is emergency-log/message capsule on homing trajectory to nearest starbase or known Starfleet vessel position

8.0  CREW SUPPORT SYSTEMS    

8.1 MEDICAL SYSTEMS

Sickbay: There is one large sickbay facility located on Deck 8, equipped with ICU, Biohazard Support, Radiation Treatment Wards, Surgical Ward, Critical Care, Null-Gravity Treatment, Isolation Suites, a Morgue, a Dental Care Office, the Chief Medical Officer’s office and a load-out of six standard biobeds in the main ward, twenty more in the treatment wards, and a small complement of emergency cots. Pursuant to new Medical Protocols, all Medical Facilities are equipped with holo-emitters for the emergency usage of the Emergency Medical Hologram System. Additional holo-emitters for EMH use are located in Main Engineering and on the Bridge.

Counselor’s Office: The Counselor’s office is also located on Deck 8 to assure a more efficient medical treatment environment. Inside, the usual plain duranium walls are accented with simulated woods in an artistic way to add to cool flowing lines in an attempt to relax patients of the counselor. There are no visual sensors in this office and audio recordings are done only with the voice code of the Counselor.

It consists of a private office, with standard furnishings (decorated to the Counselors preference), a personal viewscreen, a computer display, a replicator, and a washroom/head. An individual therapy room furnished with chairs and couch for one-on-one sessions, as well as a large, group therapy room, consisting of several couches and chairs, are located adjacent to the Counselor's office.

In the event of a crewmember suffering a psychotic episode, and needing to be isolated from the crew, the ill crewman is kept in sickbay, in the isolation unit, or in the intensive care units, as determined by bed availability.

8.2 CREW QUARTERS SYSTEMS    

General Overview: All crew and officers' quarters (with the exception of the Captain’s quarters on Deck 2) are located on Decks 2-4, 6, 8-9, 11, 13, and 16; with special variable environment quarters on Deck 11 for crew with special comforts.

Individuals assigned to the Norway Class for periods over six months are permitted to reconfigure their quarters within hardware, volume, and mass limits. Individuals assigned for shorter periods are generally restricted to standard quarter

Crew Quarters: Standard Living Quarters are provided for both Starfleet Non-Commissioned Officers and Ensigns.  These persons are expected to share their room with another crewmate due to space restrictions aboard the starship.  After six months, crewmembers are permitted to bring family aboard the ship and a slightly larger room is allocated to them.

Two NCO's or two Ensigns are assigned to a suite. Accommodations include 2 bedrooms with standard beds, connected by a living/work area. A washroom with ultrasonic shower is located off of each bedroom. A food replicator and a personal holographic viewer are located in the living area. Small pets are allowed to NCO's.

Enlisted crewmembers share quarters with up to 4 others. Accommodations include 2 bedrooms with twin beds, connected by a living/work area. A washroom with ultrasonic shower is located off of each bedroom. A food replicator and a personal holographic viewer are located in the living area. Pets are not allowed to enlisted crew.

Crewmen can request that their living quarters be combined to create a single larger dwelling.  Due to the mission profile of the Norway Class Vessel, Crew accommodations aboard are generally more comfortable than other ships of the line. s configuration.

Officers' Quarters: Starfleet personnel from the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade up to Commander are given one set of quarters to themselves.  In addition, department heads and their assistants are granted such privileges as well, in an effort to provide a private environment to perform off-duty work.  After six months, officers are permitted to bring family aboard the ship and a slightly larger room is allocated to them.  Members of the Captain's Senior Staff can have these restrictions waved with the Captain's permission.

These accommodations typically include a small bathroom, a bedroom (with standard bed), a living/work area, a food replicator, an ultrasonic shower, personal holographic viewer, and provisions for pets.

Officers may request that their living quarters be combined to form one large dwelling.  Due to the mission profile of the Norway Class Vessel, Officer accommodations aboard are generally more comfortable than other ships of the line.

Executive Quarters: The Captain and Executive Officer of Norway Class Starships have special quarters, located on Deck 8.

These quarters are much more luxurious than any others on the ship are, with the exception of the VIP/Diplomatic Guest quarters. Both the Executive Officer's and the Captain's quarters are larger than standard Officers Quarters, and this space generally has the following accommodations: a bedroom (with a nice, fluffy bed), living/work area, bathroom, food replicator, ultrasonic shower, old-fashioned water shower, personal holographic viewer, and provisions for pets. The second officer and senior staff have similar quarters with less area, generally between that of the Executive Quarters and the Officer's Quarters.

Due to the mission profile of the Norway Class Vessel, Officer accommodations aboard are generally more comfortable than other ships of the line.

Diplomatic Quarters:  The Norway Class is a symbol of UFP authority, a tool designed to deal with other races. Starfleet intends to use the Norway Class in diplomacy when necessary, and the need to transport or accommodate Very Important Persons (VIPs), diplomats, or ambassadors may arise.

These quarters are located on Deck 5 and 6. These quarters include a bedroom, spacious living/work area, personal viewscreen, ultrasonic shower, bathtub/water shower, and provisions for pets, food replicator, and a null-grav sleeping chamber. These quarters can be immediately converted to class H, K, L, N, and N2 environments.

Entourage: Should VIPs brought aboard have more assistants and accompaniment than the VIP Decks can accommodate; general quarters about the ship are used.

8.3 RECREATION SYSTEMS    

General Overview: The Norway Class is a medium sized Starship and its design has been maximized for Scientific and Diplomatic usage. Many of the Norway Class’s missions take extended periods of time far from the usual niceties of Federation Starbases for R&R; as such, the ship is equipped to provide a home away from home for the Crew and their families.

Holodecks: There are three mid-size holodeck facilities on the Norway Class, all located on Deck 5. These holodecks are proprietary Federation Technology, provide a very realistic feel, and accommodate between 8 and 10 persons without difficulty.

Due to their placement on the VIP Deck, use of the holodecks is restricted to VIP personnel while they are aboard.  

Target Range: Test of skill is an important form of recreation in many cultures, and the Norway Class provides a facility especially for such pursuits. The facility sports self-healing polymer absorptive targets for a variety of projectile and bladed weapons firing and/or tossing. In the rear of the Target Range facility is a locked area protected by forcefield in which phased weapons firing is done.

The phaser range is also used by security to train ship's personnel in marksmanship. During training, the holo-emitters in the phaser range are activated, creating a holographic setting, similar to what a holodeck does. Personnel are "turned loose;" either independently or in an Away Team formation to explore the setting presented to them, and the security officer in charge will take notes on the performance of each person as they take cover, return fire, protect each other, and perform a variety of different scenarios. All personnel on the Norway Class are tested every six months in phaser marksmanship.

Gym Facilities:  Some degree of physical fitness is a requirement for Starfleet Officers and all starships provide some sort of facilities to maintain that aboard. On Norway Class vessels, these facilities are quite spacious and located on Deck 6. The facilities include variable weight machines, isometric machines, and callisthenic machines and a sparring ring configured for Anbo-Jitsu but easily modified and/or expanded for other practices. All equipment is equipped with the ability to variate gravity for those species that are physically biased toward higher or lower than standard gravity.

An emergency medical kit is located in an easily visible location near the door to the Gym.  

8.4 THE SHIP'S LOUNGE    

This is a large lounge located on Deck 3, forward, near a bank of large viewports forward and under the bridge. The Lounge has a very relaxed and congenial air about it; being one of the only places on the ship where Officers and Crew are able to mingle freely without the restrictions of on-duty protocol. The <Name> Lounge is the social center of the Norway Class.

The Lounge has a battery of recreational games and assorted "stuff.” 3-D chess, octagonal billiards tables, and a storage center with more eclectic games such as Plak-tow can be found in the lounge. Long sectional couches and individual armchairs and divans are spread organically throughout the space, allowing easy views of the huge bank of forward viewports. To one side and along one wall are a nest of dinner tables where the majority of the crew comes to eat their breakfast, lunch, and supper. The lounge is also served by a bar that regulates liquors with knowledge of when certain crewmembers are due on duty again to avoid sending crew back to work inebriated.

9.0  AUXILIARY SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS    

9.1 SHUTTLEBAY

General Overview: Located at the dorsal stern of the primary hull, the Main Shuttlebay takes up a significant portion of the aft section of Deck 3 on the Norway Class. Due to the mission profile of the Norway Class, the shuttlebay extends larger than normal for a vessel its size to accommodate runabouts and ships smaller than Courier-grade that may be the primary mode of transport by entities the vessel’s crew encounter. The Main Shuttlebay is managed by a team of Helmsmen/Pilots, Engineers and Technicians, and Operations personnel that are based on the Flight Operations office under the supervision of the Flight Control Officer.

9.2 SHUTTLECRAFT    

The Norway Class Main Shuttlebay is equipped with:

1. Two Type-8 Medium Short-Range Shuttlecraft
2. Two Type-9 Medium Long-Range Shuttlecraft
3. Two Type-11 Heavy Long-Range Shuttlecraft
4. Three Work Bee-Type Maintenance Pods
5. Ordnance and Fuel
6. Flight Operations

9.2.1 TYPE-8 PERSONNEL SHUTTLE

Type:  Light long-range warp shuttle.
Accommodation:  Two flight crew, six passengers.
Power Plant:  One 150 cochrane warp engine, two 750 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters.
Dimensions:  Length, 6.2 m; beam, 4.5 m; height 2.8 m.
Mass:  3.47 metric tones.
Performance:  Warp 4.
Armament:  Two Type-V phaser emitters.

Based upon the frame of the Type-6, the Type-8 Shuttlecraft is the most capable follow-up in the realm of personnel shuttles.  Only slightly larger, the Type-8 is equipped with a medium-range transporter and has the ability to travel within a planet’s atmosphere.  With a large cargo area that can also seat six passengers, the shuttle is a capable transport craft.  Slowly replacing its elder parent craft, the Type-8 is now seeing rapid deployment on all medium to large starships, as well as to Starbases and stations throughout the Federation.

9.2.2 TYPE-9 PERSONNEL SHUTTLE

Type:  Medium long-range warp shuttle.
Accommodation:  Two flight crew, two passengers.
Power Plant:  One 400 cochrane warp engine, two 800 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters.
Dimensions:  Length, 8.5 m; beam, 4.61 m; height 2.67 m.
Mass:  2.61 metric tones.
Performance:  Warp 6.
Armament:  Two Type-VI phaser emitters.

The Type-9 Personnel Shuttle is a long-range craft capable of traveling at high warp for extended periods of time due to new advances in variable geometry warp physics.  Making its debut just before the launch of the Intrepid-class, this shuttle type is ideal for scouting and recon missions, but is well suited to perform many multi-mission tasks.  Equipped with powerful Type-VI phaser emitters, the shuttle is designed to hold its own ground for a longer period of time.  Comfortable seating for four and moderate cargo space is still achieved without sacrificing speed and maneuverability.  As is standard by the 2360’s, the shuttle is equipped with a medium-range transporter and is capable of traveling through a planet’s atmosphere.  With its ability to travel at high-warp speeds, the Type-9 has been equipped with a more pronounced deflector dish that houses a compact long-range sensor that further helps it in its role as a scout.  The Type-9 is now being deployed throughout the fleet and is especially aiding deep-space exploratory ships with its impressive abilities.

9.2.3 TYPE-11 PERSONNEL SHUTTLE

Type:  Heavy long-range warp shuttle.
Accommodation:  Four flight crew, six passengers.
Power Plant:  One 400 cochrane warp engine, two 800 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters.
Dimensions:  Length, 16 m; beam, 9.78 m; height 4.25 m.
Mass:  28.11 metric tones.
Performance:  Warp 6.
Armament:  Four Type-V phaser emitters, two micro-torpedo launchers (fore and aft), aft-mounted veritable purpose emitter.

With an ultimate goal towards creating a useful all-purpose shuttlecraft, the designers of the Type-11 Personnel Shuttle set out to create a craft that was equipped with all the systems of a starship within the shell of a relatively small shuttle.  Allocation of the larger Danube-class runabout to starships in the field proved too costly, and with the expressed need by the Sovereign-class development team for a capable shuttle, the Type-11 was born.  Its overall frame and components are a meshing of lessons learned in both the Type-9 and Danube-class vessels.  Impressive shielding, several phaser emitters, micro-torpedo launchers and a capable warp propulsion system makes this shuttle capable of performing a multitude of tasks.  Both the ventral and dorsal areas of the shuttle feature a new magnaclamp docking port that is capable of linking up to other ships similarly equipped.  A two-person transporter and a large aft compartment with a replicator adds to the shuttle’s versatility.  The end hope is that these all-purpose shuttles will replace the more specific-purpose crafts already stationed on starships, reducing the amount of space needed for shuttle storage in already-cramped bays.  The Type-11 is now seeing selective deployment outside the Sovereign-class to further assess its capabilities in the field.

Information on the Type-11 is relatively scarce, aside from a few paragraphs in Star Trek: The Magazine #1.  Its classification is conjectural.

9.2.4 WORK BEE

Type:  Utility craft.
Accommodation:  One operator.
Power Plant:  One microfusion reactor, four RCS thrusters.
Dimensions:  Length, 4.11 m; beam, 1.92 m; height 1.90 m.
Mass:  1.68 metric tones.
Performance:  Maximum delta-v, 4,000 m/sec.
Armament:  None

The Work Bee is a capable stand-alone craft used for inspection of spaceborne hardware, repairs, assembly, and other activates requiring remote manipulators.  The fully pressurized craft has changed little in design during the past 150 years, although periodic updates to the internal systems are done routinely.  Onboard fuel cells and microfusion generators can keep the craft operational for 76.4 hours, and the life-support systems can provide breathable air, drinking water and cooling for the pilot for as long as fifteen hours.  If the pilot is wearing a pressure suit or SEWG, the craft allows for the operator to exit while conducting operations.  Entrance and exit is provided by the forward window, which lifts vertically to allow the pilot to come and go.

A pair of robotic manipulator arms is folded beneath the main housing, and allows for work to be done through pilot-operated controls.  In addition, the Work Bee is capable of handling a cargo attachment that makes it ideal for transferring cargo around large Starbase and spaceborne construction facilities.  The cargo attachment features additional microfusion engines for supporting the increased mass.

9.3 CAPTAIN'S YACHT    

Type:  Norway Class Integrated Craft
Accommodation:  4 flight crew, 20 passengers.
Power Plant:  One 5,220-millicochrane warp engine, two 750-millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters.
Dimensions:  Length: 30m; Width: 18.5m; Height: 5m
Performance:  Cruise: Warp 4.5; Max Cruise: Warp 5; Max Warp: Warp 5.5/12hrs
Armament:  5 Type-V Phaser Strips, Pulse Emitter, Micro-Torpedo Launcher

Mounted in a recessed docking port in the underside of the hull, the Norway Class Captain’s Yacht serves dual purposes. A situation to be dealt with by the captain of a starship does not always require the entire ship to accompany him or her, or the ship may have a more important mission to accomplish. In these cases, the Captain’s Yacht provides a long-range craft that is capable enough to function without its primary vessel. Be it a simple excursion to get away from the stresses of command, or a run to retrieve or deliver VIPs, the yacht serves as an extendable arm of the Norway Class.

Facilities include six sleeping bunks and a comfortable passenger cabin. A replicator and flight couches provide for the needs of the passengers and a two-person transporter allows for beaming of personnel or cargo when needed. Atmospheric flight capabilities allow this shuttle type to land on planetary surfaces.

10.0  FLIGHT OPERATIONS    

Operations aboard a Norway Class Starship fall under one of three categories: Flight Operations, Primary Mission Operations, or Secondary Mission Operations.

Flight Operations are all operations that relate directly to the function of the starship itself, which include power generation, starship upkeep, environmental systems, and any other system that is maintained and used to keep the vessel space worthy.

Primary Mission Operations entail all tasks assigned and directed from the Main Bridge, and typically require full control and discretion over ship navigation and ship's resources.

Secondary Mission operations are those operations that are not under the direct control of the Main Bridge, but do not impact Primary Mission Operations. Some examples of secondary mission operations include long-range cultural, diplomatic, or scientific programs run by independent or semi-autonomous groups aboard the starship.

10.1 MISSION TYPES    

In an era of starship ubiquity, the Norway Class is among the few exceptions, with a narrow range of missions this class of starship is designed for. Scientific and Diplomatic missions are the primary roles of Norway Class starships, though it may be called to perform other functions from time to time

Mission for a Norway Class starship may fall into one of the following categories, in order of her strongest capable mission parameter to her weakest mission parameter.

• Ongoing Scientific Investigation:  A Norway class starship is equipped with scientific laboratories and a wide variety of sensor probes and sensor arrays, as well as the state-of-the-art dorsal subspace sensor assembly; giving her the ability to perform a wide variety of ongoing scientific investigations.
• Federation Policy and Diplomacy: A Norway Class starship’s secondary role is the performance of diplomatic operations on behalf of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. These missions may include transport of Delegates, hosting of negotiations or conferences aboard in the vessel’s Conference Hall, courier for important people and/or items, and first contact scenarios.
• Contact with Alien Lifeforms: Pursuant to Starfleet Policy regarding the discovery of new life, facilities aboard the Norway class include a variety of exobiology and xenobiological suites, and a small cultural anthropology staff, allowing for limited deep-space life form study and interaction.
• Tactical/Defensive Operations: Though not designed primarily for battle, the Norway Class –like all Starfleet vessels– is designed to be resilient and ably armed. When needed, missions for Norway Class starships may include patrol and interdiction, as well as escort.
• Emergency/Search and Rescue: Typical Missions include answering standard Federation emergency beacons, extraction of Federation or Non-Federation citizens in distress, retrieval of Federation or Non-Federation spacecraft in distress, small-scale planetary evacuation - medium or large scale planetary evacuation is not feasible.
• Deep-space Exploration: The Norway class can be equipped for long-range interstellar survey and mapping missions, as well as the ability to explore a wide variety of planetary classifications. This is atypical however; as such, missions are usually the province of larger, more capable ships.

10.2 OPERATING MODES    

The normal flight and mission operations of the Norway class starship are conducted in accordance with a variety of Starfleet standard operating rules, determined by the current operational state of the starship. These operational states are determined by the Commanding Officer, although in certain specific cases, the Computer can automatically adjust to a higher alert status.

The major operating modes are:

• Cruise Mode - The normal operating condition of the ship.
• Yellow Alert - Designates a ship wide state of increased preparedness for possible crisis situations.
• Red Alert - Designates an actual state of emergency in which the ship or crew is endangered, immediately impending emergencies, or combat situations.
• Blue Alert – Mode used aboard ships with planetfall capability when landing mode is initialized.
• External Support Mode - State of reduced activity that exists when a ship is docked at a starbase or other support facility.
• Reduced Power Mode  - This protocol is invoked in case of a major failure in spacecraft power generation, in case of critical fuel shortage, or in the event that a tactical situation requires severe curtailment of onboard power generation.

During Cruise Mode, the ship’s operations are run on three 8-hour shifts designated Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Should a crisis develop, it may revert to a four-shift system of six hours to keep crew fatigue down.

Typical Shift command is as follows:

Alpha Shift – Captain (CO)
Beta Shift – Executive Officer (XO)
Gamma Shift – Rotated amongst Senior Officers

10.3 LANDING MODE    

Norway Class vessels are capable of atmospheric entry and egress with equipment worked into the physical design of the starship. Each Norway Class vessel is equipped with anti-gravity generators as well as impulse and RCS lifters strategically placed at the mass and stress points on the bottom portion of the main saucer section as well as balancing thrusters on the aft-bottom of the catamarans.

During Blue Alert, the Norway Class lowers the projection sphere of the deflector shields, increases power to the Structural Integrity Fields (SIFs), and assumes an angle of attack perpendicular to the angular rotation of the planetary body if it has an atmosphere. This allows the vessel’s shape to work as a lifting body with air traveling under the broad and flat saucer and under the wing-like nacelle struts. Once in the atmosphere, navigation is controlled with RCS thrusters and use of the aft impulse engines.

It is standard procedure to lower the landing gear at approximately 2500m above the Landing Zone (LZ) surface, regardless of LZ altitude. This minimizes the drag on the vessel. Once prepared for landing, Aft impulse engines are shut down and four vents on the ventral hull are opened.

These vents cover the ventral impulse thrust plates. Impulse engines in miniature, the thrust plates serve only to provide lift to the vessel as the anti-gravity generators effectively reduce its weight. The RCS thrusters provide final maneuvering power.

Once on the ground, crew or equipment can be transported to the surface from the vessel, or use the ship’s turbolift system that connects to channels inside the landing struts themselves, and open out near the ‘feet’.

Take-off is done in reverse.

10.4 MAINTENANCE    

Though much of a modern starship’s systems are automated, they do require regular maintenance and upgrade. Maintenance is typically the purview of the Engineering, but personnel from certain divisions that are more familiar with them can also maintain specific systems.

Maintenance of onboard systems is almost constant, and varies in severity. Everything from fixing a stubborn replicator, to realigning the Dilithium matrix is handled by technicians and engineers on a regular basis. Not all systems are checked centrally by Main Engineering; to do so would occupy too much computer time by routing every single process to one location. To alleviate that, systems are compartmentalized by deck and location for checking.  Department heads are expected to run regular diagnostics of their own equipment and report anomalies to Engineering to be fixed.

Systems Diagnostics
All key operating systems and subsystems aboard the ship have a number of preprogrammed diagnostic software and procedures for use when actual or potential malfunctions are experienced. These various diagnostic protocols are generally classified into five different levels, each offering a different degree of crew verification of automated tests. Which type of diagnostic is used in a given situation will generally depend upon the criticality of a situation, and upon the amount of time available for the test procedures.

Level 1 Diagnostic - This refers to the most comprehensive type of system diagnostic, which is normally conducted on ship's systems. Extensive automated diagnostic routines are performed, but a Level 1 diagnostic requires a team of crew members to physically verify operation of system mechanisms and to system readings, rather than depending on the automated programs, thereby guarding against possible malfunctions in self-testing hardware and software. Level 1 diagnostics on major systems can take several hours, and in many cases, the subject system must be taken off-line for all tests to be performed.

Level 2 Diagnostic - This refers to a comprehensive system diagnostic protocol, which, like a Level 1, involves extensive automated routines, but requires crew verification of fewer operational elements. This yields a somewhat less reliable system analysis, but is a procedure that can be conducted in less than half the time of the more complex tests.

Level 3 Diagnostic - This protocol is similar to Level 1 and 2 diagnostics but involves crew verification of only key mechanics and systems readings. Level 3 diagnostics are intended to be performed in ten minutes or less.

Level 4 Diagnostic - This automated procedure is intended for use whenever trouble is suspected with a given system. This protocol is similar to Level 5, but involves more sophisticated batteries of automated diagnostics. For most systems, Level 4 diagnostics can be performed in less than 30 seconds.

Level 5 Diagnostic - This automated procedure is intended for routine use to verify system performance. Level 5 diagnostics, which usually require less than 2.5 seconds, are typically performed on most systems on at least a daily basis, and are also performed during crisis situations when time and system resources are carefully managed.

11.0  EMERGENCY OPERATIONS    

11.1 EMERGENCY MEDICAL OPERATIONS

Pursuant to Starfleet General Policy and Starfleet Medical Emergency Operations, at least 25% of the officers and crew of the Norway class are cross-trained to serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, to serve as triage specialists, medics, and other emergency medical functions along with non-medical emergency operations in engineering or tactical departments. This set of policies was established due to the wide variety of emergencies, both medical and otherwise, that a Federation Starship could respond to on any given mission.

The Main Lounge on Deck 3 along with the VIP/guest quarters on Deck 5 can serve as emergency intensive care wards, with an estimated online timeframe of 30 minutes with maximum engineering support. Cargo Bays 2 and 3 also provide additional space for emergency triage centers and recovery overflow. Portable field emitters can be erected for contagion management.

11.2 EMERGENCY MEDICAL HOLOGRAM    

Pursuant to new Medical Protocols, all Medical Facilities are equipped with holo-emitters for the emergency usage of the Emergency Medical Hologram System. Additional holo-emitters for EMH use are located in Main Engineering and on the Bridge.

Starships of this type carry the newest EMH Mark-IV, with options to upgrade to new versions as they become available.

11.3 LIFEBOATS    

Pods are located on decks below Deck 2. Each pod can support a total of eighty-six person-days (meaning, one person can last eighty-six days, two can last for forty-three, etc.). Two pods are reserved for the top four officers in the chain of command on the Norway Class, because they are the last four to leave the ship. These are located on Deck 3. As the number of experienced Captains dwindles in Starfleet, the notion of a Captain going down with his ship has been abolished. If the ship is abandoned, the top four officers in the chain of command will wait until everyone else is off the ship, opt to arm the auto-Destruct (not always necessary, but there if needed), and then leave in the two escape pods. The current lifepods are called ASRVs, or autonomous survival and recovery vehicles. The first group of these were delivered in 2337 to the last Renaissance class starship, the USS Hokkaido.

In situations when the base vessel is not near a habitable system, up to four ASRVs may be linked together in a chain at junction ports to share and extend resources.

11.4 RESCUE AND EVAC OPERATIONS    

Rescue and Evacuation Operations for a Norway-class starship will fall into one of two categories - abandoning the starship, or rescue and evacuation from a planetary body or another starship.

Rescue Scenarios

Resources are available for rescue and evacuation to a Norway class starship include:

• The ability to transport 300 persons per hour to the ship via personnel transporters.
• The availability of two shuttlecraft to be on hot standby for immediate launch, with all additional shuttlecraft available for launch in an hours notice.  Total transport capabilities of these craft vary due to differing classifications but an average load of 100 persons can be offloaded per hour from a standard orbit to an M Class planetary surface.
• Capacity to support up to 500 evacuees with conversion of the shuttlebay and cargo bays to emergency living quarters.
• Ability to convert the Main Lounge to an emergency triage and medical center.
• Ability to temporarily convert Cargo Bay 2 to type H, K, or L environments, intended for non-humanoid casualties.

Abandon-Ship Scenarios

Resources available for abandon-ship scenarios from a Norway class starship include:

• The ability to transport 350 persons per hour from the ship via personnel and emergency transporters.
• The availability of two shuttlecraft to be on hot standby for immediate launch, with all additional shuttlecraft available for launch in an hours notice.  Total transport capabilities of these craft vary due to differing classifications but an average load of 150 persons can be offloaded per hour from a standard orbit to an M Class planetary surface.
• Protocols also include the use of Lifeboats. Each Norway class vessel carries 58 of the 6-person variants, which measures 5.6 meters tall and 6.2 meters along the edge of the rectangle. Each Lifeboat can survive longer if they connect together in "Gaggle Mode.”
• Environmental Suits are available for evacuation directly into a vacuum. In such a scenario, personnel can evacuate via airlocks, the flight bay, or through exterior turbolift couplings. Environmental suits are available at all exterior egress points, along with survival lockers spaced throughout the habitable portions of the starship. Standard air supply in an EV suit is 4 hours.  

11.5 WARP CORE EJECTION    

Though rare, starships occasionally face the horrible concept of a warp core breech. As the primary power source for a starship, the explosive power of a warpcore far surpasses the superstructure and structural integrity field strengths and most often ends in the complete destruction of the starship and anything within a 20km blast radius.

Modern starships have been equipped for this possibility and have the capability to eject their warpcore. The Norway class has an ejection port on the aft section ventral of the saucer. Magnetic rails inside the channel accelerate the core once explosive bolts disengage it from the ship and ‘fires’ it as far as 2000 meters away from the ship. The ship then moves away from the core as fast as possible under impulse power.

Should the core not go critical, the Norway Class can recover its warpcore by use of tractor beams or shuttlecraft and careful manipulation.

APPENDIX A - VARIANT DESIGNATIONS    

APPENDIX B - BASIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS    

ACCOMMODATION

Officers and Crew 190
Evacuation Limit 500

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 445.02 meters
Overall Draft 64.00 meters
Overall Beam 275.24 meters

PERFORMANCE

Full Impulse: .25c
Cruise Speed: Warp 6.5
Maximum Velocity warp 9.7 (12 hours maximum)

ARMAMENT

6 Type X phasers, 1 forward photon torpedo launcher [2 tube], 1 aft torpedo launcher [1 tube]

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT

Auxiliary Craft

• 1 Norway-Class Integrated Craft (Captain’s Yacht)

Shuttlecraft

• Two Type-8 Medium Short-Range Shuttlecraft
• Two Type-9 Light Short-Range Shuttlecraft  
• Two Type-11 Heavy Long-Range Shuttlecraft
• Three Work Bee-Type Maintenance Pods

Transporters

• Three Personnel
• Two Cargo
• Two Emergency

APPENDIX C - DECK LAYOUT    

Legend
(P/S) – Port/Starboard
(#) Number
Ex: (2 - 1 P/S) – “Two <object>, 1 Port and 1 Starboard”
============

Deck A: Dorsal Sensor systems palette, Warp nacelle pylon struts, Warp nacelle power transfer conduits (2 - 1 P/S, Up from Deck 7)

Deck 1: Main Bridge, Captain’s Ready Room, and Officer’s Briefing Room

Deck 2: Shuttlebay High-Bay, Captain’s Quarters, Senior Officer Quarters, Non-Specific Science Lab (6 - 3 P/S), Cargo Storage (8), Lifeboat station (8), Executive Officer's Office, Defensive Shield Emitter Subsystems (2 - 1 P/S), Defensive Shield Emitters (4)

Deck 3: Main Shuttlebay, Shuttle Maintenance Bay, Flight Control, Officer Quarters, Transporter Room 1, Cargo Transporters (4 - 2 P/S), Crew Lounge, Tactical Planning Station, Lifeboat Station (8)

Deck 4: Deuterium Tanks, Matter Injector, Crew Quarters, Primary Sensor Palette (Upper), Sensor Analysis Station (P), Space Imaging Laboratory, Chief Science Officer's Office, Defensive Shield Emitter Subsystems (2 - 1 P/S), Defensive Shield Emitters (2), Lifeboat Stations (10)

Deck 5: VIP Accommodations, Event Coordinator Office, Honor Guard Armory, Communications Center, Transporter Room 2, Main Computer Core Access Station, Primary Sensor Palette (cont.), Conference Hall, Lifeboat Stations (12)

Deck 6: VIP Accommodations, Transporter Pattern Buffers (2 - 1 P/S), Mid-Size Holodeck (3 - 2 P/1 S), Crew Recreational Room (2 S)

Deck 7: Main Engineering, Chief Engineer’s Office, Atmospheric Physics Lab, High Energy Biophysics Lab, Sensor Monitoring, Engineering Support Systems, Inertial Dampening Systems, Operations Office, Lifeboat Stations (12)

Deck 8: Sickbay, Primary Sickbay Support Systems (ICU, Biohazard Support, Radiation Treatment Wards, Surgical Ward, Critical Care, Null-Gravity Treatment, Isolation Suites, etc.), Chief Medical Officer's Office, Counselor's Office, Stellar Cartography High-Bay, Crew Quarters, Lifeboat Stations (14)

Deck 9: Stellar Cartography, Crew Quarters, Forward Phaser Emitter, Photon Torpedo Magazine, Photon Torpedo Loading Mechanism, Lifeboat Stations (16)

Deck 10: Arboretum, Antimatter Injector, Stellar Cartography Low-Bay, Library, Forward Photon Torpedo Launching System, Transporter Room 3, [Warp Nacelles (Connected from nacelle struts on Deck A), Warp Nacelle control chamber, Warp plasma infusers], Lifeboat Stations (18)

Deck 11: Antimatter Storage Pods, Variable Environment Crew Quarters (16), Antimatter Pod Ejection Systems, Transporter Pattern Buffers (1 P), Lifeboat Stations (18)

Deck 12: Warp Core Ejection Port, Warp Core Ejection Systems, Deflector Subsystems, Defensive Shield Emitter Subsystems (2 - 1 P/S), Defensive Shield Emitters (6), Antimatter Pod Ejection Port (Aft),

Deck 13: Main Deflector Dish, Phaser Emitter (P/S), Deflector Subsystems, Aft Photon Torpedo Launching System, Crew Quarters, Atmospheric Processing Systems, Cetacean Operations (3 - 2 P / 1 S), Cetacean Lab (1 S), Cetacean lifeboat (4-persons), Lifeboat Stations (16)

Deck 14: Main Brig, Main Security Personnel Station, Chief Tactical Officer's Office, Photon Torpedo Magazine, Photon Torpedo Loading Mechanism, Type X Phaser Array (2 - 1 P/S), Torpedo Launcher, Small-Arms Arsenal (P), Phaser Maintenance (S), Phaser Practice Range (2 P), Cargo Bays, Three-pad Emergency Transporter (2 - 1 P/S), Lifeboat Stations (16), Target Range (1-S)

Deck 15: Primary Impulse Engine (P/S), Impulse Engine Deuterium Surge Tanks (P/S), Environmental Waste Processing Systems, Landing Strut Support Systems (4 - 2 P/S), Atmospheric Control Jets, Captain’s Yacht Docking Port

Deck 16: Captain’s Yacht, Crew Quarters, Cargo Bays, Tractor Beam Emitter, Transporter Emitter Consumables Storage, Landing Struts (4 - 2 P/S), Defensive Shield Emitter Subsystems (2 - P/S), Defensive Shield Emitters (2), Lifeboat Stations (18)

APPENDIX D - AUTHOR'S NOTES    

Working with a blank slate seems like fun to most people. One can doodle, or dawdle, and draw hands and hearts on a blank slate. Nevertheless, when working with these specs, a blank slate was a bit of a nightmare.

The Norway Class is a blank slate. The only known canon information on the class is a short bit in the DS9 Technical Manual, and pictures from The Art of Star Trek, The Star Trek Encyclopedia-III and Star Trek: First Contact. To date, there has been no technical briefing in ST: Magazine concerning the Norway Class.

90% of what is in these specs is conjecture, or modifications of specifications on other ships. There was no way to get around that. However, with that great burden and responsibility, came flexibility as well.

Why a Diplomatic ship: The quickest answer to that is “Why not?” It’s a theory that isn’t hard to wrap your brain around when you consider the Star Trek world and what the Federation and Starfleet are all about. Exploration and meeting new civilizations. The Norway covers those both nicely, and has a Conference Hall to boot.

With a plethora of multi-role ships out there, I decided to go with a reasonably popular idea that floated around about the Norway Class Medium Cruiser being a Science and Diplomatic vessel. Working with that premise, she was outfitted that way. She has a large conference hall in the mid-upper of the ship in the middle. It’s a hollow cavity where big meetings and negotiations go on rather than a simple conference room where six or eight people chitchat. We’re talking around a hundred people can be packed in there to face a stage or dais.

The ship is a mobile platform for diplomacy. Its crew would be a little extra trained in protocol, and it has a dedicated Honor Guard for diplomatic functions as well as expanded facilities aboard for guests.

Where in TNG or DS9 or something you’d see the Doc, XO or Counselor sent off to chitchat with the new arrivals, the Norway has an Event Coordinator for that, and it would be one of the few ship types an Ambassador or Diplomatic Corps Officer (DCO) character would be truly feasible.

Does it use Bio-Neural Gelpaks: Nope. Why? Again, “Why not?”. Bio-Neural Gelpaks are one of the “latest and greatest” ideas in Trek. But not necessary. Isolinear technology works fine and is more reliable. Plus, SMs won’t be able to capitalize on that “Ship’s got a cold” stuff.

How come the Norway can land: It seemed feasible, given the size and shape of the vessel that she would be able to land. She’s big, but her shape seems to allow for it landing.

What’s with that New/Old age thing: Well, that was a compromise between what is seen on the screen, and what is printed on the hull. Some people believe that NCC registration numbers on the hull are consistent enough to use them as a chronological yardstick. And based on the NCC of the only Norway known (the USS Budapest from ST: First Contact) the class is fairly old.

Unable to properly reconcile its physical profile with that number, it was decided the ship would be ‘shelved’. As creatively as I could, I brought the ship into the world, made it bum around as a testing platform, and then reintroduced it. Sort of a rebirth. Like VW coming back out with the bug.

I thought only the Enterprise could have a yacht: That certainly can’t be the case. Even though the Enterprise has traditionally been applied to the largest and best of the ships in an era, there are certainly other vessels in a very close league. Case in point would have been when the Galaxy Class came out, it would have been the best of the best, but then it had a very close contemporary in the form of the Nebula Class with nearly identical capabilities. And there’s no reason the Nebula Class would not also have a Captain’s yacht.

The only other ship known to have a ‘yacht’ is the Sovereign Class.

But, there’s always a ‘but’. Two other known vessels have auxiliary vessels. The Nova Class has the WaveRider and the Intrepid has the Aeroshuttle. Therefore, it is not unprecedented for various sizes and types of ships to have integrated auxiliary craft.

With the premise that the Norway is a diplomatic ship, and Trek always saying Captain’s Yachts are at least partially intended for diplomatic intentions, it’s a very easy to understand match.

APPENDIX E - CREDITS AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION    

NORWAY-CLASS SPECIFICATIONS CREATED BY:  Kurt Goring

SOURCES USED:

1. Star Trek:  The Next Generation Technical Manual - Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda
2. Star Trek:  Deep Space Nine Technical Manual - Herman Zimmerman, Rick Sternbach and Doug Drexler
3. Star Trek:  First Contact
4. The Art of Star Trek

Copyright 2001 - Star Trek : A Call to Duty. Use of these specifications is restricted to the Star Trek: A Call to Duty (ST:ACTD) Technical Specifications domain at http://techspecs.acalltoduty.com and may only be reproduced with the express permission of the ST:ACTD on sites that clearly serve to provide information on ST:ACTD, its various ships and stations, or other related topics. Editing the contents of the information present on this page or reformatting the way in which it is presented is not permitted without the direct permission of ST:ACTD.  Wherever possible, published sources were consulted to add to the wealth of knowledge in this document, and in some cases, this text was reproduced here.  Sources used are properly cited in the "Credits and Copyright Information" appendix.  No copyright infringement is intended.