NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Orion-controlled territory; Klingon Neutral Zone, Triangle
Data Reliability: B for Model A-1, C for Model B-1
Major Data Source: Orion Sector Intelligence
Considered by many Orions as the ugliest piece of artwork ever constructed, the Thunder class was Ripper Industries first and only attempt to take on the lucrative light transport market still dominated by the Lightning class of blockade runner. Ripper immediately started with the weapon system loadout and began designing the vessel.
Designers studies many of the possible targets and determined that three OD-3s would be sufficient to take down most freighter shields and bring target vessels out of warp. To ensure extra punch, designer also planned on four OP-1 torpedoes. Yet corporate executives, many of whom were retired naval officers and pirates them selves, insisted on significant aft weaponry to deter perusing vessels. Designers took the unorthodox approach of mounting the heavier OD-4 aft. To further placate corporate headquarters, designers used the lighter and smaller OP-2 torpedo. While not as powerful as the OP-1, the lighter torpedo needed less coolant and was a smoother operating system. The A-1 model was fitted with the powerful OWA-2 warp drive, coupled with an OID-1 impulse drive. A two year delay ensued when designers tried to couple a cheaper reaction control thruster system with the OWA-2 power system. Bowing to corporate pressure, designers eventually returned to the standard RCS and the vessel was soon ready for trial runs. Despite it’s superior design and larger cargo capacity, the Thunder class was still a significant investment for many independent merchants. The Lightning was simply more abundant and well known. By 2280, only 60 orders had been placed. But captains of the Thunder loved it’s general design. A roomy interior, two large docking ports and dual cargo transporters made the Thunder a force to be reckoned with. Several legitimate freight haulers requested an up gunned version of the Thunder. Ripper responded with pre-orders for the B-1 model, a heavier and more combat capable version.
The B-1 enlarged the available interior space by moving several secondary system to the wings. The primary system was also moved to the small wings to make room for the larger OD-4s. A more powerful impulse drive was also fitted, as were very powerful aft disruptors. Once launched, the B-1 was considered as powerful as a Klingon destroyer or Romulan light cruiser. The new systems did prove costly in upkeep, forcing most B-1 owners to conduct legal trading to ensure the vessels upkeep. But some wily pirates have managed to turn a profit with the dangerous vessel.
Corporate construction figures are dubious at best. Officially, 81 A-1s and 12 B-1s have been sold. Unofficial sources indicate that as many as 100 A-1s and possibly 30 B-1s may have been built. It is known that 2 A-1s and 1 B-1 have been destroyed, all by Klingon anti-pirate patrols near Orion space. Only 3 A-1s and 2 A-2s have been spotted in the Triangle, although the AOFW does have contract for the use of two A-1s within their boarder.
Star Fleet Intelligence has become concerned that the Orion Syndicate may have placed an order for an update to the Thunder Class. If true, this could indicate they are planning on forcefully overtaking several smaller pirate operations who at present are little more than an annoyance.
| Construction Data: | ||||
| Model Number — | A-1 | B-1 | A-2 | B-2 |
| Ship Class — | IV | V | IV | V |
| Date Entering Service — | 2278 | 2284 | 2307 | 2340 |
| Number Constructed — | 81 | 12 | 76 | 10 |
| Hull Data: | ||||
| Superstructure Points — | 15 | 18 | 15 | 25 |
| Damage Chart — | C | C | C | C |
| Size: | ||||
| Length — | 84 m | 84 m | 84 m | 84 m |
| Width — | 63 m | 63 m | 63 m | 63 m |
| Height — | 19 m | 19 m | 19 m | 19 m |
| Weight — | 39,085 mt | 43,825 mt | 38,695 mt | 57,650 mt |
| Cargo: | ||||
| Cargo Units — | 100 SCU | 100 SCU | 100 SCU | 100 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 5,000 mt | 5,000 mt | 5,000 mt | 5,000 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment Date: | ||||
| Control Computer Type — | Mark IV | Mark IV | Mark IIIa | Mark VI |
| Transporters: | ||||
| Standard 5-person — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Emergency 14-person — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Other Data: | ||||
| Crew — | 22 | 25 | 22 | 25 |
| Passengers — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Shuttlecraft — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Engines And Power Data: | ||||
| Total Power Units Available — | 39 | 41 | 39 | 44 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | OWA-2 | OWA-2 | OWA-2 | OWA-2 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 17 ea. | 17 ea. | 17 ea. | 17 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | G/F | G/F | G/F | G/F |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 | Warp 9 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | OID-1 | OID-2 | OID-1 | OII-1 |
| Power Units Available — | 5 | 7 | 5 | 10 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | ||||
| Beam Weapon Type — | OD-3 | OD-4 | OD-4 | OD-11 |
| Number — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Firing Arcs — | 3 f | 3 f | 3 f | 3 f |
| Firing Chart — | R | T | T | U |
| Maximum Power — | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Damage Modifiers: | ||||
| +3 | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| +2 | (-) | (1-18) | (1-18) | (1-20) |
| +1 | (1-16) | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| Beam Weapon Type — | OD-4 | OD-11 | OD-12 | OD-5 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Firing Arcs — | 1 p/a, 1 s/a | 1 p/a, 1 s/a | 1 p/a, 1 s/a | 1 p/a, 1 s/a |
| Firing Chart — | T | U | W | U |
| Maximum Power — | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 |
| Damage Modifiers: | ||||
| +3 | (-) | (-) | (1-7) | (-) |
| +2 | (1-18) | (1-20) | (8-15) | (1-10) |
| +1 | (-) | (-) | (16-20) | (11-20) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | OP-2 | OP-5 | OP-5 | OP-8 |
| Number — | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f, 2 a | 1 f, 1 a | 1 f, 1 a | 1 f, 1 a |
| Firing Chart — | F | Q | Q | K |
| Power to Arm — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Damage — | 6 | 10 | 10 | 16 |
| Shield Data: | ||||
| Deflector Shield Type — | OSI | OSM | OSM | OSR |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/4 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Combat Efficiency: | ||||
| D — | 116.0 | 127.7 | 119.0 | 175.8 |
| WDF — | 24.9 | 39.5 | 37.3 | 44.4 |