Andor Class IX Missile Cruiser

from FASA Star Trek^© Starship Tactical Combat Simulator – Federation Ship Recognition Manual (2^nd Edition), Re-draw by Brad R. Torgersen

 
NOTES:
The Andor class was one of the earliest operational missile Cruiser in Star Fleet. These unique vessels gained the respect and admiration of their crews because of their handling characteristics and offensive capabilities. The overall design came from Andorian design teams contracted to create a cruiser with photon torpedoes as its main weapons. These ships so captured the heart and spirit of the Andorians that the majority were originally crewed solely by them. All have been named for Andorian military leaders. The Andor class still forms the core of all squadrons in the famed ‘Blue Fleet’, and is an integral part of front line forces for Star Fleet. Like the Thufir class destroyer, the warp engines are mounted close together and center aft of the main hull. This affords the engines more protection during battle because of the partial cover provided by the secondary hull. As with all Star Fleet vessels, the engines can be jettisoned in case of an overload in the matter/anti-matter chamber.

The most unusual feature of the Mk II was is the weapons array. Mounting two FH-13 phasers and 8 FP-7 photon torpedoes, it well deserved its informal name of ‘missile boat’. Andor class vessels were capable of engaging the enemy at 1800,000 km with their phasers, and 160,000 km with their torpedoes. Due to the number of torpedoes and the ranges at which they are most effective, these vessels normally operated in combat at 120,000 km. By 2286, the Andor class had been encountered and engaged by both Romulan and Klingon forces, which were taken by surprise when the Star Fleet vessel fired a spread of torpedoes whose number was unexpected. In each case, the enemy withdrew from the field of battle before the cruiser could be fully put to the test.

The Andor Mk II class cruiser was manufactured at the Andor and Salazaar shipyards at a combined rate of 28 per year. Of the 280 Mk II Andors built, 278 were refit to Mk IIIs. Two were scrapped after a high-speed collision that resulted in irreparable damage. The original order for the remaining 120 Mk II hulls were eventually placed on hold in 2290, with the finalization of the Mk III.

First commissioned in 2291, the Mk III increased the cruiser primary phasers as well as implemented a radical torpedo refit. Created by Masrhal Fields Construction Consortium, the Mk III’s new torpedo layout increased the overall firepower by 45%. The firepower increase allowed the Andor class to engage significantly larger capital ships while maintaining the ability to use torpedoes again small and more nimble pirate craft. But construction time were greatly increased. The multiple torpedo systems required significant sensor upgrades as well as computer targeting system modifications that proved problematic at best. Production was further slowed by the introduction of new warp dynamics that were soon adopted by most front line vessels. While an additional 220 hulls were ordered, newer star-ship construction reduced the total hull first to 200, then to 150. In the end, 132 new hulls were built, bringing the total number of Andor cruiser to 410. Of the 410 Mk III’s placed in service, 2 were destroyed, 1 was scrapped and 10 were placed in reserve fleets.

In 2320, Star Fleet procurement initiated a call to upgrade the Andor yet again. By 2322, engineers at Threllvia, Andor, upgrading the warp drive of an older Mk III, completed refitting the vessel with a new shield systems as well as an enlarged torpedo bay. Although this required a larger crew complement, the increased firepower again gave the Andor class the ability to remain a powerful combat platform. Although only 26 new hulls were constructed, over 390 older hulls were upgraded before the launch of the Mk V. 9 Mk IV was lost in combat and 1 is listed as missing and 1 was scrapped. 50 older converted Mk IIs were placed in reserve fleets.

First fielded in 2336, the Mk V was a significant upgrade to the now aged cruiser. The primary computer was replaced with the more efficient and flexible Isolinear system. The main phasers were also replaced with the newly designed coliminator system; also upgraded was the shields to the powerful FST system, allowing the cruiser to remain engaged with enemy target long enough to bring its full weapon load to bear. Despite the age of the design – 11 new hulls were built. 362 Mk IVs were eventually upgraded to the Mk V. Of the 373 Mk Vs that saw service, 7 were destroyed and 3 were scrapped and 20 were placed in reserve fleets.

In 2360, with the increased need for front line combat vessels to help secure the Federation, the Andors were refit one final time. The Mk VI was the first significant change to the primary warp drive in nearly 100 years with the installation of the new FNWD-1a drive. The new drive required significant structural reinforcing through the main hull, but allowed the installation of heavier torpedo systems and a larger phaser array. The Mk VI would see a total of 343 older hull refit and upgraded. Serving with distinction during several recent conflicts, 21 Mk VI’s were destroyed and 17 scrapped. One is listed as missing and believed destroyed by Cardassina or Dominion forces. It is believed that the Andors have reached their structural limits and no further upgrades will be possible. To date, 200 Mk VIs have been decommissioned and placed in reserve fleets. Despite it’s age, 104 Andor class cruisers remain on active duty conducting military and secondary mission throughout the Federation.