Vor'cha Class

The Vor'cha-class attack cruiser was one of the largest and most powerful mainstays of the Klingon Defense Forces during the mid- to late-24th century.

History

The Vor'cha-class attack cruiser first appeared around 2367, where it was essentially limited to the disposal of the Klingon Chancellor and various other ranking officials, the class would eventually become fully integrated into the Klingon Imperial Fleet over the next five years.

For a time, one even served as the flagship of the Imperial Fleet, until the Negh'var warship was introduced in 2371. (TNG: "Reunion"; DS9: "The Way of the Warrior")

At least one Vor'cha-class entered the Gamma Quadrant through the Bajoran wormhole. (DS9: "Dramatis Personae")

Despite the fact the class was no longer the flagship of the Imperial Fleet, they maintained a strong presence during both the Klingon-Cardassian War and second Federation-Klingon War of 2372-2373. They were used during the First Battle of Deep Space 9 and, later that year, several were used to deploy a minefield around Bajoran space. (DS9: "The Way of the Warrior", "Sons of Mogh")

The class later served as capital ships during the Dominion War, beginning in 2374. They saw action during Operation Return, the First and Second Battle of Chin'toka and the final showdown of the conflict, the Battle of Cardassia. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")

In an alternate timeline, at least one Vor'cha-class cruiser participated in the Battle of Procyon V. (ENT: "Azati Prime")

Technical data

The Vor'cha-class was one of the more powerful ships in the Klingon Defense Forces; indeed, for a time, it was also one of the largest warships in the Empire, carrying a formidable armament and demonstrating great maneuverability considering their relative size. (DS9: "The Way of the Warrior", etc.)

Physical arrangement

Forward viewThe outboard plan of the Vor'cha-class design incorporated the same basic shape and classic avian design lineage dating back over two hundred years.

The bridge module was separated from the main body by a thin neck that flared out into the wings, which contained the warp nacelles. A triangular superstructure was located on the dorsal section of the ship, located above the ship's impulse engines. (TNG: "Reunion", etc.)

The Vor'cha-class's secondary hull was composed of duranium alloy. (DS9: "Dramatis Personae")

Tactical systems

Heavily armed, Vor'cha's were mounted with a forward disruptor cannon capable of firing solid and intermittent disruptor beams, in addition to torpedoes. (TNG: "Redemption"; DS9: "The Way of the Warrior", "Sacrifice of Angels", "What You Leave Behind") The Vor'cha's that were utilized by the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance in the mirror universe were additionally armed with nacelle mounted disruptor cannons. (DS9: "Crossover")

The Vor'cha's were well reputed for having enough firepower to threaten a subterranean base. (DS9: "Return to Grace") Despite this reputation, the Vor'cha does have its limitations against heavily fortified targets. During the Dominion War when Chancellor Gowron chose to attack Sarpedion V, he wanted the initial strike to be lead by fifteen Vor'cha class battle cruisers "to soften their defenses," however, according to General Martok, fifteen battle cruisers would "barely scratch their defenses." (DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind")

According to a line cut from "Redemption", a Vor'cha had twice the firepower of a Bird-of-Prey. These vessels, like all Klingon starships of the time, also incorporated cloaking technology, which protected them from detection in most evasive situations. (TNG: "Reunion"; DS9: "Sons of Mogh")

Interior design

Main bridge

The design of the main bridge of a Vor'cha-class shared numerous similarities to other Klingon bridge designs.

Located in the front of the bridge, against the forward bulkhead, was the ship's main viewscreen. The command chair was located in the center of the bridge, and had the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing the captain to visually monitor all bridge operations. At the rear of the bridge were several aft stations, including the tactical position. (TNG: "Redemption")

Ready room

The ready room aboard a Vor'cha was designed to emphasize the prestige and prowess of the ship's captain. Along the walls, the captain displayed weapons and trophies. (TNG: "Redemption")

Armory

The armory was located in the upper half of the ship. (DS9: "Dramatis Personae")

The episode suggests that it was located somewhere between Deck 5 and 12.

Engineering

The main engineering section of the ship, which contained the reactor core, was located on Deck 26. (DS9: "Dramatis Personae")

Computer access room

The computer access room was a small, unmanned room, had a computer consoles and equipment placed in a semi-circle, located in the center of the room, as well as several located along the perimeter bulkheads. The computer room allowed unobstructed access to the defense system database, as well as the computer core diagnostic and navigational control systems. Access to the computer room required DNA-based hand print verification. (DS9: "Sons of Mogh")

VIP quarters

VIP quartersThe VIP quarters aboard the Vor'cha-class was a large cabin intended for visiting dignitaries.

Lush by Klingon standards, the cabin on board the attack cruiser that transported Klingon chancellor K'mpec had walls emblazoned with weapons and decorative banners of the Empire, denoting his position. There were also several movable chairs and tables located in the center of the room. (TNG: "Reunion")

Technical Manual

The following information of specifications and defenses comes exclusively from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual:

• Production Base: Qo'noS Orbital Factory Base.
• Type: Heavy Cruiser.
• Accommodation: 1,900 plus flight crew and troops.
• Power Plant: One M/A warp system; two impulse systems.
• Dimensions: Length, 481.32 meters; beam, 341.76 meters; height, 106.87 meters.
• Mass: 2,238,000 metric tonnes.
• Performance: Warp 9.6.
• Armament: Eighteen ship-mounted disruptor cannons; one large forward disruptor; three torpedo launchers.

Ships of the class

• IKS Bortas
• IKS Drovana
• IKS Maht-H'a
• IKS Qu'Vat
• IKS Toh'Kaht
• IKS Vor'nak