«Last Updated on May 20, 2024 »
design by D. Guthrie Scott
NOTES:
The Zephyr were designed as smack workhorse vessels used for a wide range of duties. Fulfilling a role similar to 21th century Terran Coast Guard Cutters, Zephyr were fielded in three primary configurations.
The Mk I was used as a patrol craft and was considered the standard configuration. They were moderately armed and could be used to supplement other in-system craft for interdiction, inspection and defense needs. The Mk I was well armed although power configurations did limit their combat capability. However, their high speed, maneuverability and efficient shields did make them a capable design.
The Mk II relied on multiple torpedoes to deliver significant firepower when needed. This torpedo boat configuration was used in more hostile regions were additional combat capabilities were needed.
The Mk III was used as a high speed courier, with a larger cargo bay and additional accommodations for diplomats and special cargoes. The Mk III was armed with a single long-range phaser to dissuade antagonists.
All three variants were also tasked with in-system operations including transport and tug duties. These vessels were used to deliver specialized parts and assist other tenders in the repair of stranded vessels. All Zephyr class vessels were equipped with small fabrication bays allowing them to quickly manufacture limited numbers of needed components. Three large external spotlights are also fitted to help illuminate external work areas in deep space.
The Zephyr were also equipped with low profile dual tractor beam emitters. This allow Zephyr class vessels to work in organized teams to clear debris fields when needed. These emitters also allowed the Zephyr to operate as small harbor tugs, towing and maneuvering larges vessels into docking slips and repair areas. Zephyr could tow up to and additional 25,000 mt of cargo or stranded vessel at warp speed. This capability allowed Zephyr to acts as a light rescue craft for Federation and privately owned vessels.
The Zephyr were also used extensively as training vessels. Their small size and constant variable mission profiles proved valuable in training cadets for the possibilities of front-line service.
Although the Zephyr were supplanted by other vessels with similar capabilities, their small size and ease of use made them popular with Star Base commanders and construction yard bosses through the 2280. In 2306, the last Zephyr was decommissioned.
Of the 190 Zephyr Is built, 47 Mk Is, 8 Mk IIs and 37 Mk IIIs are in reserve fleets, although most are expected to be sold or scrapped soon. 4 Mk Is, 3 MK IIs and 2 Mk IIIs have been destroyed. 9 Mk Is 2 Mk IIs and 1 MK III have been scrapped. 60 Mk Is, 7 Mk IIs and 10 Mk IIIs have been disarmed and sold to civilian concerns, many of which are still in operation owing to the capable and sturdy design.
| Construction Data: | |||
| Model Number — | Mk I | MK II | Mk III |
| Ship Class — | II | II | II |
| Date Entering Service — | 2257 | 2257 | 2264 |
| Number Constructed — | 120 | 20 | 50 |
| Hull Data: | |||
| Superstructure Points — | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Damage Chart — | C | C | C |
| Size: | |||
| Length — | 89.1 m | 89.1 m | 89.1 m |
| Width — | 50 m | 50 m | 50 m |
| Height — | 30.8 m | 30.8 m | 30.8 m |
| Weight — | 14,515 mt | 13,630 mt | 14,695 mt |
| Cargo: | |||
| Cargo Units — | 1 SCU | 1 SCU | 5 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 5,50 mt | 5,50 mt | 2,250 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | |||
| Control Computer Type — | L-14 | L-14 | L-14 |
| Transporters: | |||
| Standard 6-person — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Other Data: | |||
| Crew — | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Passengers — | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| Shuttlecraft — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||
| Total Power Units Available — | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Warp Engine Type — | FWA-1 | FWA-1 | FWA-1 |
| Number — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power Units Available — | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Stress Charts — | F/G | F/G | F/G |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | FIA-1 | FIA-1 | FIA-1 |
| Power Units Available — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||
| Beam Weapon Type — | FH-2 | FH-2 | FH-10 |
| Number — | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f/p, 2 f/s | 1 f | 1 f |
| Firing Chart — | H | H | W |
| Maximum Power — | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||
| +3 | (-) | (-) | (1-10) |
| +2 | (-) | (-) | (11-17) |
| +1 | (1-10) | (1-10) | (18-20) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | FP-2 | FP-2 | – |
| Number — | 2 | 4 | – |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f | 2 f | – |
| Firing Chart — | H | H | – |
| Power to Arm — | 1 | 1 | – |
| Damage — | 6 | 6 | – |
| Shield Data: | |||
| Deflector Shield Type — | FSD | FSD | FSD |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||
| D — | 84.6 | 84.6 | 86 |
| WDF — | 9.2 | 9.3 | 7.3 |
Special Rules:
We used as a tug, the Zeypher can tow up to a class II vessel at warp speed. Towing or transport of vessels larger than 25,000 mt can be moved 1 hex per turn at sub-light speed. To two vessels greater than Class II, the chief engineer must make a Warp Drive Technology (crew skill) roll. All warp power is diverted for this attempt. If successful, the Zeypher and it’s target may continue moving 1 hex per turn. If unsuccessful, the tractor beam is lost and the vessel and target do not move that round. An attempt may be made every turn, with success moving the vessel and failure halting all forward movement.