Hartford Class IX Exploratory Cruiser

design by Guidomc

 
NOTES:
Hartford-class cruisers were designed to allow two large external bays to be opened to space for a range of specialized research projects while still providing the multi-mission functionality of a standard light to medium cruiser. Original plans for the Hartford-class called for a large bay to be mounted in the forward hull, and a small bay to be mounted along the bottom of the secondary hull. To better facilitate access to potential equipment, the two bays were moved to the port and starboard positions on the primary hull. Guest quarters and dedicated science labs were moved from their traditional locations to corresponding positions near the open bays. The Hartford-class was fitted with the sturdy PB-30 armored warp nacelles. The secondary hull was narrower than most cruiser designs and facilitated the move of the primary hull connecting dorsal farther aft. This had the added benefit of reducing the ships profile on long range sensors.

Designer realized that the Hartford-class may be called upon during the fast approaching conflict with the Klingons. The Mk I, launched in 2250, was well armed for it’s essentially non-combat role. While some mumbling was put forward, few thought that the rigors of deep space exploration would not include conflict and Star Fleet approved a total of 14 Hartford-class vessels. Surprisingly, the Hartford Mk I class saw little combat during the Four-Years War, despite four hulls being ready before the start of hostilities. The Hartford-class was instead assigned exploration duties far from the Klingon boarder where their smaller size and reduced requirements allowed them to operate with less support, much of which was needed for the war effort. Only the USS Honolulu saw action near the Triangle after the start of the war. The Hartford-class mapped hundreds of star systems and cataloged dozens of space phenomenon even as the Federation prosecuted the war.

Denobuloun designers were the first to propose an upgrade to the Hartford-class, increasing the overall power systems by over 50%. Simulations showed that the Mk II would be able to operate for even greater periods of time without refits or overhauls. With the backing of Denebian construction firms and the Vulcan Science Council, Star Fleet eventually approved the design changes and the Mk II was officially added to the inventory. Surprisingly, the distant war would prove the largest influence on the Hartford design when Denebian designers decided to install the new and still experimental phaser systems aboard. This extended the main weaponry range of the Hartford-class and gave the vessel significant military capability to help supplement its new power system. The USS Augusta was officially launched with the standard accelerator cannon weapons, but was recalled and refit with the new FP-1 torpedo system four weeks into her trial runs. The Mk II, was commissioned on January 3, 2256 and plans were immediately made to retrofit the new systems into the older Hartford-class ships.

But the end of the Four-Years War signaled the beginning of the end for the Hartford-class. Like so many other designs of the era, the Hartford-class was thought to be a liability rather than an asset. The PB-30 warp nacelles, while sturdy, required 11% more plasma energy to operate than standard PB-31 and PB-32 engines. The reduced range meant that the Hartford-class could operate only two years out from any established starbase. None the less, Vulcan support for the Hartford-class cruiser’s unique characteristics pushed through the launch of three Mk IIs. Two more hulls were scheduled, but put on hold as the older models were returned for refitting. While the upgrading to Mk II specs was still cheaper than new construction, it was still expensive during a time when the fleet was attempting to recover from the costly war. By the beginning of 2262, all Hartford-class vessels had been refit to Mk II specs, and designers began working on a Mk III.

The Mk III was proposed with a significant number of improvements by Denebian designers, some of whom had worked on the Mk I fifteen years before. The Mk III saw a complete replacement of the Monotronic computer system with a vastly improved Duotronic II version of the M-4 computer. The new computer systems could easily handle an increase in sensor data as well as targeting requirement of more powerful weapons. FH-9s were fitted to greatly increase the overall firepower of the Hartford-class. Internal changes include new gravity systems and a fully refit recreation facility which further enhanced the field capability of the vessel. But designers could no refit the popular PB-32 nacelle design without a major re-engineering of the entire craft. Star Fleet cancelled further production after construction of two more Mk IIIs was begun. Both Mk IIIs were commissioned on the same day, and plans to upgrade the remaining Mk IIs were cancelled in 2270. The Hartford-class was officially retired from service in 2275.

A total of 9 Hartford-class vessels were commissioned. All Mk Is were refit two Mk IIs. Most Hartford-class vessels were refit in part to Durrett-class vessels. One Mk III was scrapped after a confrontation with Gorn forces in the early 2270s. The Hartford-class were all built and modified at the Cameron Naval Center yards of Denev V.