Difference between revisions of "Scout Ship"

The Scout designation is attributed to these smaller vessels whose task it is to scout and patrol the borders and sensitive regions for fleet movements and the military activity of rival powers. Such an example would be the Neutral Zones, DMZs, and the general outlying perimteres of local space. The Hermes is specifically designed to operate alone in various long range deployments to such regions from nearby outposts and starbases.

The Scouts are so designated because their power consumption is not geared to weapons or shields - it is not a strong combat performer - but fundamentally to scan power most critically, as well as range and fuel economy. The Soyuz class Scout is modelled largely on its impressive Miranda class cousin, and thus utilizes much of its key strengths.

This Heavy Scout promises to excel in Starfleet's new long-range scouting deployments. Granting a variety of key tactical advantages, the Sabre operates best when dispatched ahead of the fleet for early warning, and when regrouping with the fleet for combat they have an increased capability in discerning ship strengths and orders. This is the Scout's main strength, and in this capacity the Sabre is master, and sets it apart from other fleet deployments as a unique, but important component.

The R'Mor class Scout is a new and very special class of ship. Its purpose was envisaged to maximize the tactical advantage of the cloaking device. It will be the Scout's task to scout and patrol the borders and sensitive regions for fleet movements and the military activity of rival powers. Of particular concern to the hierarchy is the protection of (and early warning to) outlying colonies and starbases, and the security of Neutral Zone territory. The Scout's critical strength is high resolution sensors with a multi-spectral deep scan capacity, and because their power consumption is not geared to weapons or shields it can conduct these operations vigilantly and indefinitely. But the penalty is a general combat weakness, and battle should always be avoided if at all possible. All commanders should be reminded that a Scout's chief defence and protection is stealth, and not weapons.

The D'Kor class is the natural successor of the R'Mor that was in dire need of upgrade and improvement. Whether or not the cloaking systems of the R'Mor were flawed, or too many commanders were guilty of over-extending the ship's capability, the truth may never be established – the point is moot, but it is expediently addressed in this upgrade. The cloaking device has been enhanced, and streamlined to offset the extreme power demands. The result being an increased energy reserve available for improved tactical effectiveness. Now, should the need arise, D'Kor crews will discover that they are more than capable of fending off an attack, at the very least.

There have been a number of key technological advances during the service life of the D'Kor class, and so varied and so important have they been that it warranted a successor. The R'Kovar class is that successor, and it is aptly timed. Of particular significance is the improved cloaking system. A groundbreaking construct has been devised involving a new form of scattering field, which employs a nutation variance that it is believed no known sensor technology can penetrate. The potential importance of this tactical improvement can be scarcely measured, if it proves to be as effective in reality as it has been in field trials. This breakthrough may well prove to be the tipping point in a precariously balanced galactic situation. We may even see a time in the not too distant future when our long range Scout Ships can pass, undetected and unchallenged, into enemy territory and beyond.

R'Kuf class

K3 class

B'Rel class

The Drexoran has answered the call for a long range observation and patrol vehicle – an extension of the intelligence arm in more ways than one. The Drexoran is a small Scout, conceived and designed with the sole purpose of discrete deep space tactical assignments, particularly to sensitive regions where security is paramount, and where early warnings of fleet movements would prove most valuable. A berth on a Scout would be a noble career choice for any officer, as their duties provide an important service for the Union. But it comes at a price, as one is often duty-bound to exile for their numerous extended missions, for Scouts operate best alone, and sometimes far from the comforting sovereignity of Cardassian space. As such, it is a pertinent point to note that Scouts operate a highly sophisticated subspace mapping system, thanks in no small part to careful management of its power reserves. The subspace signatures are also blanketed meticulously – it is a virtue of comparative 'stealth' that grants the Scout a certain flexibility in long-range exercises. But the Drexorans do not excel in battle; they are vulnerable alone, and all commanders should proceed with all due care and wisdom in delegating combat strategy.

If there was to be observed any failure in the lauded achievements of the Drexoran class, it was its tactical performance in combat. This has been addressed with the introduction of its successor: the Komax class. The Komax class Scout is an admirable performer all round, and could be treated almost as a regular Destroyer-type starship, but with the added faculties and properties of the Scout. It is thus not be underestimated, and can at last operate far from the Cardassian border without the need to persistently retreat – its weapons can now deal out as much as it can take, making it an exceedingly valuable addition to the fleet. Military commentators should note that along with increased sensor resolution, the hull armour is immensely strong, and its manoeuvrability is exceptional. The Komax is a prodigious and quite formidable piece of hardware.

Technology has moved forward a long way since the Komax was introduced. Advances in power generation and distribution protocols promise a new era in the effect of deep-space tactical missions. The capabilities of a Scout have now, in effect, been merged into that of a combat vessel; such assets being somewhat limited in the past to short and medium range vessels. With a superior arsenal, extra sensor clusters and a specialised deep-scan gravitic array, the Tra'Kor class is a very, very dangerous ship... if you are an enemy of the Cardassian Union.

Monitor class

Cobra class

Crusader class