Hyperion III Class VI Light Cruiser

design by Guidomc

 
NOTES:
The Hyperion III class of light cruiser was a marvel of engineering and capability when first commissioned in 2242. Designed to provide a moderate exploration and research package in an affordable hull design, the Hyperion III class drew from several previous ship designs to help achieve a balance that would fuel the “Great Awakening.”

The Hyperion III class was built with what would later become a nearly standard layout of primary and secondary hull. Unlike its predecessors, which used spherical primary hulls, the Hyperion III cruisers returned to the disk-like primary hull design that would become the Star Fleet hallmark for years to come. The secondary hull contained a small shuttle bay and the main engineering and support systems. The secondary hull was divided into a larger forward section and a smaller aft section. The two sections were separated by dead-space walls that would reduce damage in the event of a major fire in the engineering space or a crash in the shuttle bay. The Mk I was fitted with the easily serviced L-14 computer systems. Although other computers were available at the time, the L-14 was easier to repair in the field. In addition, a number of on-board systems could be cannibalized to refit the L-14 should the need arise. It was felt this would extend the range of the Hyperion III class. Although the L-14 was capable of handling the FWB-1 warp drive, there were some problems with warp power combat maneuvers. Despite some minor concerns, the Hyperion III class was commissioned in 2242 and quickly began the exploration of know space.

The Hyperion III class soon became a part of a concerted effort to expand the frontier, exploring along the coreward and spinward frontiers. As with most cruisers of the time, the Hyperion III class was credited with a lengthy list of discoveries and first contacts. Sadly, many of these accomplishments would be overshadowed by the Hyperion IIIs class cruiser’s performance during the Four-Years War.

The first encounter between the Hyperion III class and the Klingons would actually come at the Battle of Donatu V. Part of the responding Federation fleet, the USS Eunomia was destroyed after successfully fending off two Klingon cruisers. While the conflict was a Federation victory, it would foreshadow things to come.

The Mk I Hyperion IIIs were soon assigned to follow-up missions near Constitution and Bonhomme Richard class cruisers. It was felt that the Hyperion III class could easily respond to distress calls from their large cousin, and vice-versa. Unfortunately, the Mk I did not have the top speed of its larger brethren, and was soon relegated to more escort roles. By 2252, on the eve of war, the Hyperion III class was nearly recalled. The discovery of Klingon forces as Axannar changed everything.

The remaining Hyperion III cruisers were paired together and became part of the main thrust to push the Klingons back from Federation space. By early 2254, both squadrons of Hyperion IIIs had engaged Klingon forces at the Battle of Lea, the Encounter of Vola V and the Battle of Tini and survived despite Federation losses in those engagements. Unfortunately, at Giso, all four of the remaining Hyperion III cruisers were seriously damaged. Three of the four Hyperion III vessels were scrapped after significant combat damage, including the Selene, who’s entire crew except for two individuals, was lost in the battle. The USS Deimos, the only Hyperion III cruiser able to be salvaged was credited for saving nearly 400 Federation lives during the battle, including the two Selene survivors.

But the Hyperion III class was not out of contention just yet. Even as the war raged, designers at the Vulcanis Space Facilities proposed an upgrade to the Hyperion III class. The Mk II would us a significantly improved computer and the new phaser and photo torpedo technology to make the Hyperion III class a combat capable vessels to help win the war. Ironically, the war ended before the Mk II saw combat. Star Fleet cancelled orders for 11 more Hyperion III class cruisers and allowed Vulcanis Space Facilities to finish the hulls already under construction. The Mk II saw service until 2268.

The Hyperion III class was built at the Vulcan and Sol IV shipyards. Of the eight built, two have been destroyed, including one Mk I and one Mk II. Three Mk Is were scrapped. Three Mk IIs are on reserve fleet status, including one Mk I that was converted. All three remaining Hyperion III crusiers are scheduled for demolition in 2300.