Editing Defiant Class (section)

==TORPEDO LAUNCHERS==

In the earlier production line, Defiant-class vessels had a total of four torpedo launchers, two forward and two aft. During the Dominion War however, it was found that Defiant-class starships were better suited to engage in hostile encounters with their Phaser cannons, and the extensive number of torpedo launchers only served to use up the relatively small stockpile that the ship could handle. As a result, the second and current production line of Defiants makes use of a total of three torpedo launchers, using a location underneath the bridge originally intended for tactical systems for a third shuttlebay.  

On both variants, the aft launchers can be found just behind the aft landing struts and Shuttlebay’s one and two. The first production line vessel's two launchers were located in the space between the warp engine housing and the detachable Warhead. The Defiant (UPRTD) retains the aft torpedo launchers and replaces the other two launchers with additional tactical and scientific sensor packages.  The removal of the stockpile space and older targeting systems allowed for the addition of a third shuttlebay in this variant. The new single forward-facing launcher is located just below the main deflector at the fore of the ship in a location originally used for a variable-setting beam emitter.

Along with the Sovereign-class, Defiant-class vessels were the only starships in the fleet initially outfitted with the Mark Q-II Quantum Torpedoes. But like all Starfleet ships, the launchers onboard a Defiant are capable of firing standard photon torpedoes as well.

Typically armed with the Mark XXV photon torpedo and/or the Mark Q-II Quantum Torpedoes, capable of pattern firing, spread firing, as well as independent launch. Independent targeting once launched from the ship, detonation on contact unless otherwise directed by the Chief Tactical Officer. 

Payload: The upgraded design is capable of carrying a maximum of 64 torpedoes, while the original design had a standard load-out of 96.

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

[[Image:defiant_class.jpg|thumb|right|The Defiant Class, now one of the most heavily armed vessels in Starfleet.]]