design by Morgan Donovan
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Klingon & Triangle border
Data Reliability: C for all models
Major Data Source: Romulan Sector Intelligence
By rights, the M-12 should probably be classified as a cruiser, rather than a frigate or escort. However, the M-12 has never been seen operating in any capacity other than an escort, often assigned to the Z-1 or V-30 classes. Based on an enlarged V-7, the Starwind is fast, maneuverable, powerful and well-armed. The enlarged hull allows for the inclusion of a complement of Romulan troops, as well as improved cargo handling and an enlarged flight deck for small craft.
Unlike many designs that are assigned to escort duties, however, the weapon systems of the M-12 are primarily oriented fore and aft, with minimal coverage of the vessels flanks. Star Fleet Intelligence believes that this more aggressive layout, along with the class’ Warp 9 emergency speed indicates that the Starwind is intended to actively chase down and destroy or capture pirate vessels and raiders, rather than simply fend them off during its escort mission.
The Type 1, launched in 2276, uses the RB-5 beam weapon while the Type 2, launched three years later used the more powerful but shorter ranged RB-6. Both variants used the RP-2 torpedo, which are considered light weight for a vessel of this size. However, the extensive number of launchers makes the Starwind class very dangerous.
The most notable feature of the class is the advanced sensor arrays (both active and passive) located in the massive “head” of the ship. Though unconfirmed, it is thought that these systems are some of the most sophisticated in the Romulan fleet and well-suited for detecting hidden raiders and cloaked Klingon vessels.
An estimated 25 Type 1s and up to 20 Type 2s were produced before production was halted. The Starwind was produced at a peak of 5 of each class. 2 Type 1s and 1 Type 2 were destroyed. 1 Type 1 was scrapped after combat. 22 Type 1s and 19 Type 2s were converted to Type 4s.
In early 2292, the first Type 4 was detected. This variant would nearly double the original firepower of the M-12. All Type 1s and Type 2s were eventually converted to this configuration, although records indicate the refits were slower than usual. Of the 41 Type 4s fielded, 1 was scrapped. The remaining 40 hulls were converted to the Type 5 configuration.
Star Fleet would not become aware of the Type 5 until the Dominion War, although the refit began in 2342. A number of these ships were originally used again the Gorn in the protracted conflict along that border. After the Romulans entered the Dominion War, these ships were assigned to patrol the lengthy supply routes between Romulan space and the Cardassian/Dominion front. A significant number of the remaining M-12s would be damaged or destroyed during that conflict, but proved effective in protecting the supply lines during the war. By wars end, 2 Type 5s had been captured, 11 had been destroyed, 2 were listed as missing and 16 had been scrapped due to combat damage. The remaining 9 hulls were eventually placed into active reserve fleets.
The class is named for the Romulan v‘Stelam.
| Construction Data: | ||||
| Model Number — | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 4 | Type 5 |
| Ship Class — | X | X | X | X |
| Date Entering Service — | 2276 | 2279 | 2292 | 2342 |
| Number Constructed — | 25 | 20 | Refit | Refit |
| Hull Data: | ||||
| Superstructure Points — | 30 | 30 | 28 | 28 |
| Damage Chart — | B | B | B | B |
| Size: | ||||
| Length — | 175.3 m | 175.3 m | 175.3 m | 175.3 m |
| Width — | 300.1 m | 300.1 m | 300.1 m | 300.1 m |
| Height — | 60.2 m | 60.2 m | 60.2 m | 60.2 m |
| Weight — | 158,470 mt | 157,670 mt | 157,200 mt | 159,767 mt |
| Cargo: | ||||
| Cargo Units — | 340 SCU | 340 SCU | 340 SCU | 340 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 17,000 mt | 17,000 mt | 17,000 mt | 17,000 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | None | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | ||||
| Control Computer Type — | R-5m | R-5m | R-6M | R-6M-1 |
| Transporters: | ||||
| Standard 9-person — | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Combat 20-person — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Emergency 20-person — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cloaking Device Type — | RCC | RCC | RCC | RCC |
| Power Requirements — | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Other Data: | ||||
| Crew — | 317 | 322 | 378 | 383 |
| Troops — | 80 | 80 | 80 | 60 |
| Passengers — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Shuttlecraft — | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Engines And Power Data: | ||||
| Total Power Units Available — | 52 | 52 | 60 | 65 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | RWF-2 | RWF-2 | RWF-2 | RWF-2 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 20 ea. | 20 ea. | 20 ea. | 20 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | G/M | G/M | G/M | G/M |
| 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 — | RID-3 | RID-3 | RIG-1 | RIH-1 |
| Power Units Available — | 12 | 12 | 20 | 25 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | ||||
| Beam Weapon Type — | RB-5 | RB-6 | RB-12 | RB-12 |
| Number — | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Firing Arcs — | 4 f, 1 p, 1 s, | 4 f, 1 p, 1 s, | 4 f, 1 p, 1 s, | 4 f, 1 p, 1 s, |
| 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 — | V | T | W | W |
| Maximum Power — | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
| Damage Modifiers: | ||||
| +3 | (1-10) | (-) | (1-10) | (1-10) |
| +2 | (11-16) | (1-18) | (11-15) | (11-15) |
| +1 | (17-21) | (-) | (16-20) | (16-20) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | RP-2 | RP-2 | RP-3 | RP-5 |
| Number — | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f, 1 p, 1 s, 2 a | 3 f, 3 a | 3 f, 3 a | 3 f, 3 a |
| Firing Chart — | H | H | Q | R |
| Power to Arm — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Damage — | 8 | 8 | 10 | 15 |
| Shield Data: | ||||
| Deflector Shield Type — | RSN | RSN | RSP | RSY |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 15 | 15 | 18 | 27 |
| Combat Efficiency: | ||||
| D — | 113.9 | 113.9 | 149.5 | 172.0 |
| WDF — | 55.2 | 55.2 | 103.4 | 123.8 |