Prometheus Class

Type: Strike Cruiser

After the first major encounter between the Dominion and the Federation at the end of 2370, Starfleet responded to the new threat by reactivating the Defiant CLass project and continuing development of the Sovereign Class project. However, it was felt that further action was needed. The Sovereign ships were relatively resource intensive and, while the Defiants were easy to build, they were also rather limited on range and endurance. Hence, it was decided to combine various technologies into the new ship. The ablative armour and quantum torpedoes that equip the Defiant and Sovereign classes were included, as were the advanced hull geometry and warp field technology of the Sovereign and Intrepid class. In separated mode the ship is thus able to attack an enemy from three different directions simultaneously, a tactic known as "multi-vector assault mode".

The development and construction of the prototype vessel took three years, and the USS Prometheus was launched in April of 2374. The ship included all of the latest systems, including holographic projectors on every deck so as to facilitate operations of the EMH Mark 4 and other such holographic supplements planned to come into service in the future. Initial trials went well but, during the shakedown cruise, the Prometheus encountered external problems that resulted in a live combat situation. Although the prototype was still in the test phase, it was able to inflict devastating damage on a Nebula class ship and withstand a combined attack by two Defiant class escort vessels and an Akira class cruiser. In the same battle, it used multi-vector assault mode to destroy a Romulan Warbird with ease. The performance of the Prometheus during this accidental live-fire trial has exceeded all expectations for the ship. The ability to pack firepower little short of a Sovereign class into a ship the size of an Intrepid class offers the prospect of a prodigious increase in Starfleet's potential combat capability.