design by Morgan Donovan
 
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: C for all models
Major Data Source: Romulan Sector Intelligence
One of the largest cutters in use by the Romulan Navy, the P-38 is nearly as powerful as many destroyers or even light cruisers currently in use. The vessels operating mission parameters are clearly that of a cutter, though, with most seemingly posted at established ports of call and trading posts.
The P-38 is used in squadrons of three rather than the more traditional five unit formations used with other cutters. The P-38 can easily intercept and inspect multiple cargo vessels while maintaining its vigilance just outside their assigned home port.
The Type 1 and Type 2 are equipped with the RIB-1 impulse drive, while the Type-4 is equipped with the larger RIB-2. The Type 1 was equipped with the RP-1, the Type 2 using the RP-2. The Type 3 is believed to have been mounted with a plasma torpedo. However, indications are that the internal configuration was so ineffective that only two prototypes were ever built. The Type 4 returned to a traditional torpedo by installing the RP-3. The Type 2 increased the shielding power and replaced several sensor systems found on the vessels large sweeping wings.
Production of the Type 1 and Type 2 ended some time after 2280. Production of the Type 4 was estimated at 10 new hulls per year until as later as 2290. Although the P-38 does not have the capabilities of other ships it’s size, it’s heavier firepower and excellent military capability ensured that it was used until it’s eventual retirement in 2361.
Of the nearly 300 built, 4 Type 1s, 6 Type 2s and 3 Type 3s are known to have been destroyed. 1 Type 3 is listed as missing. 10 Type 1s have been sold to the IKS. 3 of unknown model have been spotted operating independently in the Triangle. Star Fleet does not yet know if these ships were sold or are operating under the Romulan flag. Current estimates are that 250 Type 4s have been sold.
| Construction Data: | |||
| Model Number — | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 4 |
| Ship Class — | III | III | III |
| Date Entering Service — | 2268 | 2271 | 2280 |
| Number Constructed — | 80 | 120 | 80 |
| Hull Data: | |||
| Superstructure Points — | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Damage Chart — | A | A | A |
| Size: | |||
| Length — | 91.6 m | 91.6 m | 91.6 m |
| Width — | 39.3 m | 39.3 m | 39.3 m |
| Height — | 28.1 m | 28.1 m | 28.1 m |
| Weight — | 22,853 mt | 22,928 mt | 22,973 mt |
| Cargo: | |||
| Cargo Units — | 5 SCU | 5 SCU | 5 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 2,250 mt | 2,250 mt | 2,250 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | |||
| Control Computer Type — | R3M | R3M | R3M |
| Transporters: | |||
| Standard 9-person — | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cloaking Device Type — | RCA | RCA | RCA |
| Power Requirements — | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Other Data: | |||
| Crew — | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Troops — | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||
| Total Power Units Available — | 20 | 20 | 21 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 1/1 | 1/1 | 1/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | RWA-2 | RWA-2 | RWA-2 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 9 ea. | 9 ea. | 9 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | J/M | J/M | J/M |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 8 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | RIB-1 | RIB-1 | RIB-2 |
| Power Units Available — | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||
| Beam Weapon Type — | RB-7a | RB-7a | RB-7a |
| Number — | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f/p, 2 f/s | 2 f/p, 2 f/s | 2 f/p, 2 f/s |
| Firing Chart — | M | M | M |
| Maximum Power — | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||
| +3 | (1-3) | (1-3) | (1-3) |
| +2 | (4-9) | (4-9) | (4-9) |
| +1 | (10-14) | (10-14) | (10-14) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | RP-1 | RP-2 | RP-3 |
| Number — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Firing Arcs — | 1 f | 1 f | 1 f |
| Firing Chart — | F | H | Q |
| Power to Arm — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Damage — | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Shield Data: | |||
| Deflector Shield Type — | RSC | RSE | RSE |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||
| D — | 81.4 | 86.4 | 88.4 |
| WDF — | 12.7 | 13.6 | 16.7 |