Registration:

NCC-72381

Name:

u.s.s. budapest

Class:

norway class

Plan:

general overview

In 2357, Starfleet rolled out the newest of a class of ships intended to re-center Starfleet and move it away from the bigger-is-better philosophy envisioned in the largest ships of the last few build cycles; such as the Ambassador, Galaxy and Nebula-classes.

The Norway Class vessel began in the mind of engineers at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. The idea was that Starfleet should reawaken a building policy that was more directed and specific when it comes to the manufacture of vessels. However, general Starfleet policy of the last two decades had lead to the design of faster, more aggressive ships that are well armed against the emerging and hidden threats Starfleet had seen appear with alarming regularity.

Initial plans for the ship sketched it in the format of other vessels in service. However, that initial design was scrapped in favor of increasing numbers of uni-hull ships being developed by other departments in ASDB. Four test designs were proposed and elimination lead to the flattened arrowhead saucer and catamaran design put into service.

Designed to function for long periods in non-definitive missions, the Norway Class starship is visually impressive on first sight. Though not the largest ship in Starfleet by any means, its midsize condition allows it to both impose and relieve those that see it as an arm of Federation sovereignty when it is encountered.

As a ship tasked with diplomacy as much as scientific endeavors, the Norway Class starship is stronger than it is powerful. High-powered engines, computer systems, and shields allow the vessel to operate in relative safety even in the presence of larger more heavily armed enemy vessels. At the very least, the Norway Class’s non-standard configuration can be made use of strategically and allow the ship to escape to safety with its crew and any VIPs that may or may not be aboard.

The Norway Class’s small size allows the ship to be more determinedly designed for its task of Science/Diplomacy. Much of the interior of the ship is utilized primarily by science systems and has almost two full decks tasked specifically for diplomatic housing and functions.

An additional ability of the Norway Class is atmospheric entry and landing. With better ‘breathing’ intakes to handle the stresses of atmosphere, the Norway Class can enter planetary atmospheres with impunity and utilize its strategically placed and sensitive anti-gravity engines and ventral impulse engines when out of the relative weightlessness of space, and to maneuver the seven hundred thousand tonne starship over a planet. Additionally, the broad wing-type nacelle struts on the catamaran aft section allows simple lift to slow the ship’s descent and guide it with the help of etheric rudder in the form of manipulated gravity and impulse propulsion. Once near the surface, three landing struts are extended from the ventral hull with the aft legs angled toward the back to counterbalance the weight of the nacelles and catamaran.