Registration:

NCC-1701-E

Name:

u.s.s. enterprise

Location:

deck 16

Plan:

main engineering

Many systems aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-E have undergone extensive redesign in the transition from its Galaxy Class predecessor, including the engineering room. The size and complexity of this section gives a clear indication of recent technological advances.

At the time of its launch in 2372, the U.S.S. Enterprise-E is Starfleet's most advanced vessel. It incorporates a number of system modifications and developments including the revolutionary new warp drive, in common with Intrepid Class ships, such as the U.S.S. Voyager, this system is fitted with the latest advances in warp field design.

Main Engineering contains the controls for both warp and impulse drive systems. The Sovereign class's increaced size calls for more power, and it is therefore unsurprising that the Enterprise's engineering section is much larger than on previous classes. Entrances to its various areas can be gained through red double doors, as well as thick single sliding emergency bulkheads. In case of power failure, these doors have a manual release lever which can be accessed via a control panel. The doors can also be hotwired via an access panel at the bottom of the opening's bulkhead frame.

Access All Areas

Access to the warp coil can be gained from a number of directions, but the usual way is through a collection of ancillary corridors which run off from this area, the largest section of engineering. The corridors have inwwardly angled walls and large illuminated white panels, as well as a double column of lights running along the celing.

Engineering personel are able to access information via a number of large display panels covering one entire bulkhead wall. In addition, a small, single stand alone console is situated at the end of the corridor as it opens out into the main warp coil assembly area

The main warp core assembly, which fills the majority of main engineering, is an impressive piece of design. In common with all Enterprises after the refitted Constitution class vessels, the warp coils are mounted vertically and run over a number of decks. The assembly consists of four connected tubes with indicators rings surrounding the coils themselves, and is protected by a low barrier wall around the the entire periphery of the coils at lower deck level. The tubes feed down from the upper housing of the warp core room and up from deck level into the reaction control chamber. The lower warp coils glow red and give a visual indication of status through a coloured pulse, while the upper set glows blue.

Plasma Coolant Tanks

The large, roughly cylindrical silver coloured reaction control chamber is supported by two large circular pillars which run from deck up to the celing. These contain highly dangerous plasma coolant and if damaged they can release the plasma into main engineering, destroying organic tissue on contact. Under normal operating conditions, the plasma tanks glow white. Two rectangular power transfer conduits feed off from the warp reaction chamber and angle out of main engineering to the port and starboard warp nacelles.

Master Systems Display

In addition to the main area is a large, low level tabletop monitoring station close to the entrance from the main corridor. The station comfortably houses four personel, who can either stand, or sit low on stools. To the rear of the warp coils are a number of large curved conduits seperated by bright white panels.

Engineering operates on at least 3 levels, although the majority of controls are situated on the main deck and an upper level gantry. The two raised walkways are reached by a series of metal ladders, some of which are enclosed by clear cowels or metal safety cages. In addition a crew member can also access ladders which lead to the very top of the engine room, where large crawlways house EPS conduits. A saftey barrier runs alongside of the gantry, although this is not always adequate in stopping a person from being thrown to the ground level during attacks against the ship.

A large saftey door slides into place in times of an emergency. This effectively traps the crew inside, but such drastic measures may be unavoidable. Once sealed, fires or burning deuterium can be quickly and effectively put out or contained through use of numerous saftey hoses located within the engineering section.