Orion Shield (D-4A) Class VII Cruiser

design by FASA STSTCS

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation:  Orion-controlled space; Triangle, Klingon Neutral Zone
Data Reliability:  C for A-1 & A-2 models; D for A-3 model
Major Data Source:  Orion Sector Intelligence
 
Originally purchased along with her sister ships in 2251, the D-4a would eventually become the Orion’s Shield class of cruiser and would go on to bring a minor degree of legitimacy to the underwhelming Orion navy of the time. These vessels, along with most purchased Klingon naval surplus, were originally intended to be used by the rented from the ruling Botchok families as heavy attack cruiser. They would soon become the primary support vessels of the small Orion Space Navy.

The A-1 model was the first to be completed, and immediately took to the space ways to defend injustice done to the Orion colonies. All four A-1’s were commissioned in 2252 and would spend the next ten years doing absolutely nothing. While the Klingon engines were less efficient than other native Orion engines, the cost of refurbishing was simply too high and the main drive was retained. The medium weapons mounted did give the A-1 some bite, but the paltry shields were little better than the original Klingon design, albeit significantly more efficient.

After the loss of an A-1 model to a single Klingon D-20, the decision to upgrade the remaining 3 vessels was made. Heavier weapons and a native impulse drive, far less hazardous than the Klingon version, were installed, and the A-2 became an unqualified success. The A-2 models would go on to engage Klingons, pirates and even a Romulan cruiser near the triangle. While no single engagement proved overly telling, the cruiser’s ability to stand and fight was now well established.

Political infighting in the Botchok Planetary Congress would mothball the three remaining cruisers in early 2282. Several families pulled financial support for the class due to the loss of “legitimate” trade vessels near Klingon territory. It would be a number of minor houses that would eventually foot the bill and help refurbish the class into the A-3 model, which proved to be the most dangerous of all. The addition of two heavy forward disruptors gave the class firepower that proved effective.

Although all three remaining hulls are in constant contention among the more powerful families in the BPC, each is still in operation and fielded with true Naval personnel rather than any single families supporters. The vessels remained on patrol, mostly near the Klingon boarder and Neutral Zone until 2304 when they were retired and scrapped for parts.