«Last Updated on December 11, 2023 »
from FASA’s Star Trek© The Role Playing Game Supplement – The Orions Book of Common Knowledge
Part 2
NOTES (cont.):
The B-2 and B-3 models would be fielded almost simultaneously in 2266. Offered primarily in the Triangle, The B-2 version was armed with a medium torpedo that proved extremely popular with the A-4 and A-5 while the B-3 version used heavy disruptors. Both version proved popular with the more swashbuckling pirate captains. These model also ushered in the era of ostentatious interior designs that would soon dominate the production and christening of Lightnings. Theses ships soon became the focal points for merchants and families who continued to try and out-luxuriate each other. Function gave way to form with few vessels launched in any kind of standardized internal configuration. The B-3’s heavy weapons made it a popular target for pirate hunters, especially in the Klingon area of space. With the heavy firepower was equal to some destroyers and cruiser, the ships minor shields meant it would soon be destroyer in open combat. Because it is so targeted, the B-3 is now one of the least produced version of the Lightning.
The B-4 model was never placed into significant production. The capabilities were similar to the B-1, but the internal configuration was so inefficient that even the wealthiest of merchant families would not purchase the vessel. Elaborate dining facilities, meeting room, slave quarters and entertainment facilities reduced the cargo hold to such a small size that the vessel could not be fielded with any hopes of making a profit. While six B-4s were built, none were in fact fully paid for. Their disposition is unknown.
The B-5 was designed directly for pirate operation. With two heavy forward disruptors and a light torpedo, the B-5 has sufficient firepower and speed to chase down it’s targets and still have the ability to escape before help arises. However, operating costs are slightly higher than the B-6.
The last known design to be openly produced, the B-6 is also one of the most popular. It is one of the few Lightning designs that can quickly switch from pirate to merchant and still be profitable for crew and captain alike. The vessels six OD-3’s are sufficient to allow it to operate as a strike vessel or as a defensive platform. As with most Lightnings, the B-6 must prey on lighter vessels or risk significant damage during combat. It’s armored hull can take several hits, but protracted combat can quickly disable the ship. Despite these shortcomings, the B-6 remain in active service.
Truly accurate estimates of the number of Lightnings currently in service is extremely difficult to come by. It is estimated that over 700 various Lightnings have been produced since 2257. Less than 1/3 are legitimately registered with either the Federation or other governmental agencies. Star Fleet Intelligence has learned that a significant number of governments, agencies, corporations and interests have purchased Lightnings over the years. Romulan and Klingon forces, as well as Star Fleet Command account for a number of these vessels being captured over the years, as well as the known destruction of an estimated 70 or more.
| Construction Data: | |||||
| Model Number — | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-4 | B-5 |
| Ship Class — | IV | IV | IV | IV | IV |
| Date Entering Service — | 2260 | 2266 | 2266 | 2267 | 2268 |
| Number Constructed — | 100 | 50 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
| Hull Data: | |||||
| Superstructure Points — | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
| Damage Chart — | C | C | C | C | C |
| Size: | |||||
| Length — | 100 m | 100 m | 100 m | 100 m | 100 m |
| Width — | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m |
| Height — | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m | 32 m |
| Weight — | 30,840 mt | 30,790 mt | 32,610 mt | 33,930 mt | 33,705 mt |
| Cargo: | |||||
| Cargo Units — | 40 SCU | 30 SCU | 20 SCU | 40 SCU | 45 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 2,000 mt | 1,500 mt | 1,000 mt | 2,000 mt | 2,250 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | None | None | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | |||||
| Control Computer Type — | Mark IV | Mark IV | Mark IV | Mark IV | Mark IV |
| Transporters: | |||||
| Standard 5-person — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Emergency 14-person — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Other Data: | |||||
| Crew — | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Passengers — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Shuttlecraft — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||||
| Total Power Units Available — | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | OWA-1 | OWA-1 | OWA-1 | OWA-1 | OWA-1 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 15 ea. | 15 ea. | 15 ea. | 15 ea. | 15 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | G/F | G/F | G/F | G/F | G/F |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | OIB-2 | OIB-2 | OIB-2 | OIB-3 | OIB-3 |
| Power Units Available — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||||
| Beam Weapon Type — | OD-4 | OD-2 | OD-4 | OD-3 | OD-4 |
| Number — | 3 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 p/f/s, 1 a | 1 f/p, 1 f/s, 3 p/f/s, 2 a | 3 p/f/s, 1 f/p, 1 f/s, 1 a | 3 p/f/s, 1 p, 1 s, 1 a | 2 p/f/s, 1 a |
| Firing Chart — | T | J | T | R | T |
| Maximum Power — | 6 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||||
| +3 | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| +2 | (1-18) | (1-5) | (1-18) | (-) | (1-18) |
| +1 | (-) | (6-10) | (-) | (1-16) | (-) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | OP-2 | OP-1 | OP-2 | ||
| Number — | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Firing Arcs — | 1 f, 1 a | 1 f | 1 f | ||
| Firing Chart — | F | L | F | ||
| Power to Arm — | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Damage — | 6 | 10 | 6 | ||
| Shield Data: | |||||
| Deflector Shield Type — | OSF | OSF | OSF | OSF | OSF |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||||
| D — | 68.3 | 68.3 | 69.7 | 72.7 | 72.7 |
| WDF — | 18.3 | 17 | 30.6 | 17.4 | 16.8 |