design by Morgan Donovan
NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: D
Major Data Source: Project Grey Ghost; Romulan Sector Intelligence
The V-81 was a design that was hoped to provide the Romulans with a larger science cruiser. With few science ships in it’s inventory, designers studied the initial reports of the V-1 and S-3 and began designing a longer-ranged heavier platform. The V-81 was one of the most powerful combat vessels in the Romulan inventory and saw significant combat along the Klingon border.
The Type 1, launched in 2245, was equipped with the devastating RPL-1 plasma torpedo. In field operation reports indicated that the ship was moderately underpowered for it’s combat role, but had sufficient firepower to counter many Klingon designs of the time. The Type 1’s primary sensors also proved effective as did it’s science and exploratory capabilities. The V-81 continued to be a favorite among front line commanders, even as newer and more diverse designs came on-line.
The first major improvement to the V-81 was the Type 2, launched in late 2261. With vessels like the V-2 and V-5 drawing directly on the abilities of the V-81, designers quickly realized that the Firestar was slowly lagging in it’s design. Improvements in weapons systems, sensors and transporter technology were all installed into the Type 2, which was relaunched in 2261. However, fleet planners were clearly aware that the V-81 was an extremely expensive vessel to field. Production had ended in 2258 with a total of 30 hulls built. While the Type 2 was a significant improvement over the Type 1, production was not reinstated. 28 of the original 30 built were refit and remained on active duty until 2294.
One Type 1 has been destroyed and one is believed to have been sold. Several Type 2s are currently unaccounted for, possibly indicating that a Type 3 may have been built. The remaining 28 Type 2s are known to be in reserve fleets.
| Construction Data: | ||
| Model Number — | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| Ship Class — | VII | VIII |
| Date Entering Service — | 2245 | 2261 |
| Number Constructed — | 30 | Refit |
| Hull Data: | ||
| Superstructure Points — | 18 | 22 |
| Damage Chart — | C | C |
| Size: | ||
| Length — | 122.6 m | 122.6 m |
| Width — | 108.3 m | 108.3 m |
| Height — | 29 m | 29 m |
| Weight — | 95,465 mt | 103,855 mt |
| Cargo: | ||
| Cargo Units — | 100 SCU | 100 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity — | 5,000 mt | 5,000 mt |
| Landing Capacity — | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | ||
| Control Computer Type — | R4M | R5M |
| Transporters: | ||
| Standard 9-person — | 3 | 3 |
| Emergency 20-person — | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo — | 2 | 2 |
| Other Data: | ||
| Crew — | 218 | 232 |
| Passengers — | 15 | 10 |
| Shuttlecraft – | 3 | 3 |
| Engines And Power Data: | ||
| Total Power Units Available — | 36 | 45 |
| Movement Point Ratio — | 3/1 | 4/1 |
| Warp Engine Type — | RWD-1 | RWD-2 |
| Number — | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available — | 16 ea. | 20 ea. |
| Stress Charts — | O/O | O/Q |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed — | Warp 6 | Warp 6 |
| Emergency Speed — | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
| Impulse Engine Type — | RIC-2 | RIC-3 |
| Power Units Available — | 4 | 5 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | ||
| Beam Weapon Type — | RB-3a | RB-5 |
| Number — | 6 | 6 |
| Firing Arcs — | 2 f/p, 2 f/s, 2 a | 2 f/p, 2 f/s, 2 a |
| Firing Chart — | L | V |
| Maximum Power — | 6 | 5 |
| Damage Modifiers: | ||
| +3 | (1-3) | (1-10) |
| +2 | (4-8) | (11-16) |
| +1 | (9-12) | (17-21) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type — | RPL-1 | RPL-3 |
| Number — | 1 | 1 |
| Firing Arcs — | 1 f | 1 f |
| Firing Chart — | E | T |
| Power to Arm — | 10 | 8 |
| Damage — | RL-1 | RL-3 |
| Shield Data: | ||
| Deflector Shield Type — | RSD | RSI |
| Shield Point Ratio — | 1/1 | 1/3 |
| Maximum Shield Power — | 7 | 11 |
| Combat Efficiency: | ||
| D — | 52.7 | 94.5 |
| WDF — | 25.5 | 44.3 |