Updated and expanded from Ship Recognition Manual: The Federation, graphic updated from Christopher Cornelius, original text from Lee Wood
NOTES:
The C’laih is a Caitian designed long-range shuttle. The vessel has two low ceilinged decks with very little space. The vessel is operated by one crew member and is highly automated.
The C’laih was designed by M’Yengh Shipyards of Cait. Although resembling the SW-7 warpshuttle and self developed by Shuvinaaljis Warp Technologies, the C’laih was a totally independent design, as was the SW-7. M’Yengh used existing technology and established components to develop a warp capable standard shuttle whose role would be to ferry important individuals or small cargoes to rendezvous with ships deployed in the field. The warp-sled was to be capable of high warp speeds to ensure quick deployment and arrival to capital ships or font line outposts. In addition, the vessel needed to have good protection in the form of reinforced superstructure and excellent shielding.
The results of M’Yengh’s efforts culminated in the C’laih. Starfleet war initially impressed with the design and ordered a limited number of C’laih to be produced and deployed near moderately hostile frontiers, including the Klingon border. However, barley five years after the development of the C’laih, the first true dedicated warp shuttle, the Pulsar, was adopted with the Greyhound following later that year. These warpshuttles had several advantaged over the C’laih including higher passenger and cargo capability, better maneuverability and considerably less weight. With the SW-7 supplying short-distance and short duration capability, the C’laih quickly became an outmoded design.
While the cancellation of the Mk I was a blow to M’Yengh’s pride, designers quickly proposed a moderately armed Mk II. With a major internal reconfiguration, the Mk II was far more comfortable and roomy, but was still restricted on it’s passenger capability. A major upgrade to the deflectors also made the Mk II more popular along hostile areas where pirates often used political turmoil to attack smaller vessels. Despite its capability, only 100 Mk IIs were contracted, with production ended after 94 units were produced.
The C’laih remained in service with most Mk Is converted to Mk IIs by 2310. In 2333, despite their age, the efficient and sturdy design was again updated to the Mk III configuration. Designers were able to fit the warp coils from the third generation FWA-2 system into the existing C’laih, increasing overall power. Two FNH-5 phaser strips were added, replacing the single mount FH-7. An improved shield system was also installed. This allowed the C’laih to continue service on the front lines until 2363 when the last C’laih was officially retired.
Despite is age, 5 Mk IIIs remain in reserve fleets. 2 Mk Is, 1 Mk II and 3 Mk IIIs have been destroyed. 1 Mk I and 1 Mk III are listed as missing. 6 Mk Is, 4 Mk IIs and 2 Mk IIIs have been scrapped. 115 Mk Is, 6 MK IIs and 172 Mk IIIs have been sold.
| Construction Data: | |||
| Model Number — | Mk I | Mk II | Mk III |
| Ship Class — | II | II | II |
| Date Entering Service — | 2268 | 2294 | 2333 |
| Number Constructed — | 224 | 94 | Refit |
| Hull Data: | |||
| Superstructure Points — | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Damage Chart — | C | C | C |
| Size: | |||
| Length — | 25.7 m | 25.7 m | 25.7 m |
| Width — | 24.8 m | 24.8 m | 24.8 m |
| Height — | 7.6 m | 7.6 m | 7.6 m |
| Weight — | 14,610 mt | 14,075 mt | 14,613 mt |
| Cargo: | |||
| Cargo Units — | 2 SCU | 2 SCU | 2 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 1,100 mt | 1,100 mt | 1,100 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment Date: | |||
| Control Computer Type — | L-14A | L-14 | L-14 |
| Transporters: | |||
| Light 2-person — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Other Data: | |||
| Crew — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Passengers — | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||
| Total Power Units Available — | 14 | 14 | 18 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 1/1 | 1/1 | 1/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | FWA-1 | FWA-1 | FWA-2 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 6 ea. | 6 ea. | 8 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | G/K | G/K | J/M |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | FIA-2 | FIA-2 | FIA-2 |
| Power Units Available — | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||
| Beam Weapon Type — | – | FH-7 | FNH-5 |
| Number — | – | 1 | 1 |
| Firing Arcs — | – | 1 p/f/s | 1 f/p, 1 f/s |
| Firing Chart — | – | Q | W |
| Maximum Power — | – | 4 | 9 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||
| +3 | – | (-) | (1-15) |
| +2 | – | (1-8) | (16-18) |
| +1 | – | (9-14) | (19-20) |
| Shield Data: | |||
| Deflector Shield Type — | FSA | FSD | FNSA |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/1 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 11 | 12 | 22 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||
| D — | 44.6 | 64.2 | 90.2 |
| WDF — | 0.0 | 3.1 | 9.1 |