USS Aphrodite
THE MIRANDA CLASS STARSHIP
Taking advantage of the new advances in linear warp drive systems in the 2270’s, Starfleet decided to develop a fast, light cruiser to compliment the refit Constitution class heavy cruiser. The Miranda class was designed as a multi role light cruiser with many of the versatile features of its heavy cruiser cousin. In addition, although the shielding and power output of the Miranda class wasn't as high as that of the Constitution class, its weaponry was greatly augmented by the addition of a weapons "roll bar" consisting of a pair of heavy Phaser cannons on the sides, and a photon torpedo pod in the center. The torpedo pod was equipped with both fore and aft tubes, allowing the Miranda class to lay down defensive fire in the usually under defended aft quarter.
In addition to its defensive features, the Miranda class also had an impressive sensor system, comparable to that of the Constitution class. It also had a pair of large Shuttlebays at the aft end of its hull, allowing the cruiser to carry more shuttles than the Constitution class.
HISTORY
In the year 2273 a new class of ship entered service in Starfleet. Designed to be a smaller but capable counterpart to the Constitution class, the USS Miranda entered service at the same time its larger cousin was undoing major refit. There was a very high degree of commonality between the two classes, with the nacelles and most of the primary hull being almost identical. The smaller size of these ships was largely accounted for by a lower level of habitability for the crew and a reduction in the number of science labs from fourteen to ten. Moving all of its torpedo tubes to the 'roll bar' above the ship helped keep these reductions to a minimum. Even so the Miranda's were full Explorer type ships, fully capable of conducting long duration research missions. Their considerable armament also made them an important addition to the defense of the Federation.
They continued to act as Explorer class units for the next century, forming the backbone of Starfleet throughout this period. In time however, their relatively low cruising speed combined with the gradually increasing distances they had to cover, caused by the expansion of the Federation, began to wear on the ships. Their relative lack of recreational facilities and the cramped quarters began to lead to a marked drop-off in crew performance, and Starfleet considered retiring the class.
Instead, it was decided to use the Miranda design as the basis for a general purpose vessel for use within the body of the Federation. In some ships, the science labs were removed and replaced with expanded cargo bays and an upgraded weapons system. Some ships had their 'roll bar' removed and were used more for research purposes. The Miranda class was used extensively to patrol the Klingon and Romulan borders, as well as cargo carriers and particularly as colony transport craft. In fleet actions they acted in support of the larger ships, acting as outer pickets to the fleet. Some vessels were refitted as ammunition ships, using their extra cargo space to carry photon torpedo reloads and Phaser components. Others were converted to tankers, carrying supplies of Deuterium and Antimatter. A group of sixty ships was fitted with modern extra sensor pods and used in the electronic intelligence role. Their ability to look after themselves during a battle made them an excellent choice for these roles.
Today the Miranda's operate in a similar capacity, and although they are not front-line combat units in themselves they are still to be seen operating in major fleet actions in support of the modern vessels. Recently several Miranda class vessels have begun to show signs of serious stress fractures in their hulls, investigations are underway with all ships in the class, and although the results are yet to be announced it is thought that the problem is likely due to the age of the hulls. If so, the Miranda class is likely to be forced into retirement sometime over the next few years.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Destroyer (Merchantman)
Length: 254 meters
Beam: 148 meters
Draft: 62 meters
Maximum Speed: Warp 9.1 (6 hours)
Armament: 6 Type VIII Phaser turrets; 2 Phaser Cannon Turrets.
Normal Cruise Warp 6
Maximum Cruise Warp 8.1
Maximum Rated Warp 8.5 for twelve hours.
Cargo Capacity: 29,700 metric tons.
COMMENTS
The USS Aphrodite is the flagship of the New Horizon Shipping fleet and the personal ship of Demora Stanton.
