design by Morgan Donovan
NOTES:
Known sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: C
Major Data Source: Romulan Sector Intelligence
The V-53 was one of several vessel designs based on the popular V-30 class of cruiser. Know for their distinctive bird-like design, the V-53 have become a popular exploration cruiser for the Romulan Star Empire and a often seen in unexplored space throughout the Alpha and Beta quadrants.
The V-53 is listed as a light cruiser, but is most often noted for a scout cruiser role. The class had several specialized sensor bays that allow for different configurations of primary and secondary sensors. Multiple cargo bays and extensive replication systems also allow the V-53 to operate for extended periods away from main-line support. Like its cousins, the V-53 also has a wide range of secondary system found in duplicate throughout the massive wings. This give the class excellent resiliency if combat and in it’s exploration duties. Oddly enough, although the V-53 is the largest of the Winged Defender variants, it is also the lightest.
Launched in 2306, the Type 1 uses the RWF power plant which provides slightly less power than the traditional RWG system, but give the class extended range by using less overall fuel. To compensate for some of the power reduction, designers used the RIG-1 impulse system giving the vessel main power equal to it’s older cousin. The overall design was solid and the V-53 became well established in it’s front line role.
Despite it’s capabilities, the decision was made to upgrade the V-53 in 2353. The Type 2 saw the replacement of the main warp drive to the RWJ system. The RWJ-1 produced significantly more power than the older RWF drive, but was slower than the less powerful system. However, the RWJ-1 could maintain its emergency speed for three time as long as the RWF-3. This allowed the V-53 Type 2 to cover greater distances. The V-53 was soon known as the “backup” often being the first vessel to be able to respond to trouble along the frontiers. The V-53 was well known for arriving at the site of an engagement just as the tide of battle was turning. With the V-53’s firepower, the engagement would often swing back in favor of the Romulans and the enemy vessels were forced to withdraw or were destroyed.
A total of 60 V-53’s have been built. 2 Type 1s and 1 Type 2 have been lost, 1 Type 1 has been destroyed and 1 Type 2 has been scrapped. 57 Type 1s were converted to Type 2s. 55 remain in active service, although many are expected to be retired due to the financial strain on the Romulan Free States.
The class is named for the Romulan Arrenhe Slenov, a martial combat form popular among Romulan farmers and fieldworkers. The class is known to Star Fleet as the Swan in deference to it’s Terran swan-like appearance.
| Construction Data: | ||
| Model – | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| Ship Class – | XI | XI |
| Date Entering Service – | 2306 | 2353 |
| Number Constructed – | 60 | 57 refit |
| Hull Data: | ||
| Superstructure Points – | 32 | 32 |
| Damage Chart – | B | B |
| Size: | ||
| Length – | 255 m | 255 m |
| Width – | 332.5 m | 332.5 m |
| Height – | 105 m | 105 m |
| Weight – | 164,354 mt | 177,309 mt |
| Cargo: | ||
| Total SCU – | 460 SCU | 460 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity – | 23,000 mt | 23,000 mt |
| Landing Capacity – | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | ||
| Control Computer Type – | R7M | R7M |
| Transporters: | ||
| Standard 9-person – | 4 | 4 |
| Emergency 20-person – | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo – | 1 | 1 |
| Cloaking Device Type – | RCD | RCD |
| Power Requirements – | 22 | 22 |
| Other Data: | ||
| Crew – | 532 | 536 |
| Passengers – | 30 | 30 |
| Shuttlecraft – | 6 | 6 |
| Engines And Power Data: | ||
| Total Power Units Available – | 64 | 85 |
| Movement Point Ratio – | 4/1 | 4/1 |
| Warp Engine Type – | RWF-3 | RWJ-1 |
| Number – | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available – | 22 ea. | 30 ea. |
| Stress Chart – | G/N | F/H |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed – | Warp 7 | Warp 6 |
| Emergency Speed – | Warp 9 | Warp 8 |
| Impulse Engine Type – | RIG-1 | RIH-1 |
| Power Units Available – | 20 | 25 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | ||
| Beam Weapon Type – | RB-12 | RB-12 |
| Number – | 8 | 8 |
| Firing Arcs – | 4 f, 2 f/p, 2 f/s | 4 f, 2 f/p, 2 f/s |
| Firing Chart – | W | W |
| Maximum Power – | 9 | 9 |
| Damage Modifiers: | ||
| +3 | (1-10) | (1-10) |
| +2 | (11-15) | (11-15) |
| +1 | (16-20) | (16-20) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type – | RP-7 | RP-8 |
| Number – | 2 | 2 |
| Firing Arcs – | 1 f, 1 a | 1 f, 1 a |
| Firing Chart – | R | S |
| Power to Arm – | 1 | 1 |
| Damage – | 20 | 30 |
| Shield Data: | ||
| Deflector Shield Type – | RSR | RNSB |
| Shield Point Ratio – | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Maximum Shield Power – | 24 | 41 |
| Combat Efficiency: | ||
| D – | 149.3 | 195.8 |
| WDF – | 94.2 | 107.8 |