CS-6 (Vess’Ru) Class II Courier/Scout

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation:  Hegemony-wide Use
Data Reliability:  D
Major Data Source:  Gorn Sector Intelligence

The CS-6 is one of the simplest and most common front line couriers within the Gorn Alliance, and is the only known Gorn vessel to be sold on the open market. Designed primarily as diplomatic courier and light transport, the CS-6 is Spartan when compared to other courier vessels, even the frugal Romulan CS-2.

The A model is the most common variant, and is found in great numbers on every Gorn home world. Based on the four man CB-6 scout, the CS-6 has a much smaller cargo compartment and only two luxury suites used by the Prime diplomat and his first assistant. Other passengers and crew are confined to dual cabins with few amenities. Despite its sparse appearance, the CS-6 has a full range of diplomatic on-board systems that allow the vessel to tie in to any know planetary network. The CS-6 also has a full suite of covert sensor systems, allowing diplomats the ability to analyze potential client worlds and their military assets. The A model is lightly armed with a single GBL-3, use primarily to discourage armed shuttle attack. The CS-6 Model A is produced at a rate of 20 per year.

With the violent reaction of the Romulans to first contact with the Alliance, Gorn designers quickly improved the CS-6. The Model B was introduced some time during 2268 and quickly began replacing the A model along the Outmarch boarder. The Model B could better defend it self, mounting two BL-3’s and an enlarged impulse drive. The Model B reduced the diplomatic contingent as well as the cargo space, but could conduct combat operations when used in small squadrons of 3 or more. Although successful for nearly 10 years, the B model was eventually replaced by the E model in 2280. Of the roughly 1300 built, only 720 are believed to still be in operation. Both the A and B models have been sold to allies and political associates of the Alliance, but exact numbers are not yet know.

The Model C was the first heavy combat departure of the CS-6 design. Believed to have been designed to operate behind enemy lines, the Model C was heavily armed with short-range disruptors that, when concentrated, could threaten most light to medium combat starships. The Model C was intended to operate alone, contacting worlds subjugated by Romulan forces. It’s single engine and small size allowed the Model C to operate well behind enemy lines, and is credited with bringing arms and military consultants to nearly a dozen worlds under Romulan control. None the less, the short range of the Model C’s weapons left it vulnerable to attack when operating along. Reports indicate than nearly 100 have been lost, most believed to have been destroyed behind enemy lines. Of the remaining 250 know to have been built, most are still operating along the Romulan boarder. To date, Star Fleet has no knowledge of any Model C being sold or captured.

The Model E, which saw an improvement on the unsuccessful D model, is believed to be the replacement for the aging A model. The E mounts two GBL-4’s which give the courier the ability to defend against small pirate vessels that have begun appearing in the Outmarch and along the Gorn/Tholian boarder. The E model is less maneuverable than previous models, though, and is no more spacious, making it somewhat of a less desirable design. To date, only 260 are believed to have been constructed. Field reports indicate that many Gorn diplomats and administrators prefer the A model despite it’s age. The E model, like the C variant, is not known to be available commercially. Two are known to have been captured by the Romulans and may have been retrofitted. Star Fleet has been unable to confirm which production facility is producing the E model, but talks at the Clanhaven conference seem to indicate that the model will most likely be retired soon.