Endeavor Class XI Heavy Cruiser

from Ships of the Star Fleet – Volume One, by Calon Riel & Mastercom Data Center

 
NOTES:
One of the last classes to continue using the older style hull layout, the Endeavor class was a moderately successful attempt to merge older but useful design elements with newer technologies. Although the Endeavor class was by no mean a grand leap in technology or design, it basic capabilities were prosperous, and the class entered history as a sturdy, capable, successful design that helped expand the boundaries of the Federation.

The Mk I was intended to compete directly with the Achernar class, who’s Mk II had just recently been approved. The Mk I Endeavor cruisers were fitted with the less powerful FWC-1 warp power system. Although not as powerful as other heavy cruisers, the FWC-1’s power transfer to maneuvering was more efficient than most similar cruisers. The FWC-1 also provided a higher overall warp speed, extending the range of the Endeavor class to well over 5 years when necessary. The Mk I was fitted with the RIN-6 version of the FH-13 main phaser. Although split banks were becoming the norm for Star Fleet vessels, the Endeavor Mk I used the independent single location mount, rather than the over-under mounts. This allowed for extremely quick refit time, and allowed for rapid crossover from damaged weapon subsystems when necessary. The RIN-6 also drew power from the overall power grid, rather than directly from the warp sub-system. Although the more powerful FP-4 was available, the FP-5 was a better match to the “Awalt” launch system already installed on most of the Endeavor class vessels. Most fleet planner agreed that the “Awalt” FP-5 system was sufficient for the purpose of combat against enemy vessels, and the Mk Is were not kept from hostile boarders. The Mk I was employed in the traditional heavy cruiser role along the Klingon, Romulan and Tholian boarders for nearly 6 years before the first combat casualties forced a quick re-evaluation of the now aging Endeavor class. The USS Saratoga was badly mauled by indeterminate forces, believed to be Klingon or IKS forces well beyond the Triangle boarder, near Beta Xela, where she was conducting a routine survey of an ion cloud. The Saratoga was attacked by 4 enemy vessels. Although one enemy vessel was believed destroyed, the Saratoga too extremely heavy damage, and would have been completely destroyed were it not for fast arriving reinforcements. 373 crewmen were lost in the battle and the Saratoga was scrapped.

After the incident, Endeavor class vessels were assigned at least one escort or destroyer for protection during their operations. This reallocation of vital ships was a serious strain on front line operations, and in mid 2277, the remaining 4 Endeavor class vessels were refit while still in dry-dock. The Mk II saw several expensive upgrades to the heavy cruiser, including the installation of the more powerful FIF-3. Weapons were also extensively overhauled, with the inclusion of the FH-9 as replacement of the FH-13. Although not as powerful, the FH-9, even in the RIN-6 configuration, had greater range and accuracy. The FH-9 required a smaller coolant system, which allowed internal rearrangements that made room for the larger FP-4 torpedo system. Although the FP-4 required a specially modified “Awalt” track, the heavier torpedo increased the overall combat ability of the Endeavor class by nearly 5%. The most significant improvement was the replacement of the trinary FSL shield system with the improved RSAT/HIRAM variant FSP shield generator system. The FSP was 25% more efficient than trinary systems, and gave the Endeavor class a significant advantage over other cruisers.

But Endeavor class cruisers days were still numbered. The Mk II served with distinction for 10 further years, but by 2287, the vessel was employed in escort duties and other destroyer/escort roles. Although a Mk III was proposed, the cost of refitting the aging cruisers was deemed too great, and the Cruisers were slowly decommissioned. A total of 16 Endeavors cruisers were launched, including 12 Mk Is, all refits from other Heavy Cruiser designs, and 4 Mk IIs, new built ships. One Mk I was lost, and one what destroyed. The remaining 10 were converted to the Mk II specs by 2280. 5 have been retired so far, with the remaining expected to be retired as their missions end. None are employed along actively hostile boarders.