from Starfleet Dynamics: A Starfleet Academy Reference Guide & Textbook – by David Schmidt & Strategic Design
NOTES:
The Clarke class of clipper is one of the lightest and most unique tri-nacelle designs fielded by Star Fleet. The vessel is designed to provide long-range transport for crew and dignitaries alike, as well as light cargos and resupply materials when necessary. Crew quarters are spacious, owing to the limited science and exploration components found on the vessel. The Clarke also has three independent cargo transporters, allowing for quick loading and unloading of needed supplies. Three small cargo holds are located near each of the small shuttle bays, further providing quick load and unload times. The Clarke does have a moderate diplomatic capability, with a large secure conference room located near the primary guest quarters.
The Mk I was first fielded in 2280 and was an immediate success. The three FWA-2 warp nacelles worked well together to maintain both cruising speed and emergency speed for extended periods of time. The most startling aspect of the Clarke was it’s powerful twin mounted phasers. Unlike many ships of this size, the Clarke mounted the most powerful phasers of the day – the FH-11. Review by the Saess’Tan Testing Facility of Benecia did notate that the twin phasers were vulnerable during battle situations, but could offer no alternative due to the ships internal configuration. HiBeam Energies and Agusta Ansadado both attempted to find adequate rerouting of the weapon power conduits; however, all proposals required routing the conduit by the guest quarters, making these spaces vulnerable during combat operations. Starfleet continued with production of the Mk I with a total of 170 hulls being fielded.
The Mk II moved several support systems and some crew quarters to enlarge the impulse drive to the more powerful FIB-3. The main phasers were upgraded to the more powerful FH-19, requiring very little retooling of the weapon support systems. An improved bridge module as also installed. 165 Mk I’s were eventually modified to the Mk II specification. The Clarke would see significant military action during the Second Tzenkethi war, being forced to act as an in-system gunboat during much of the are. Only a handful saw actual combat, with all being victorious. However, most were also significantly damaged.
Currently, 137 Clarke class vessels remain on active duty. Of the 170 built, 3 Mk Is and 7 Mk IIs have been destroyed. 1 Mk I is listed as missing. 2 Mk Is are in reserve fleets. 2 Mk Is and 9 Mk IIs have been scrapped. 6 Mk IIs have been sold to various UFP governments and 2 Mk IIs have been disarmed and sold.
Construction Data: | |||
Model – | Mk I | Mk II | Mk III |
Ship Class – | IV | IV | IV |
Date Entering Service – | 2280 | 2320 | 2352 |
Number Constructed – | 170 | Refit | Refit |
Hull Data: | |||
Superstructure Points – | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Damage Chart – | C | C | C |
Size: | |||
Length – | 102 m | 102 m | 102 m |
Width – | 103 m | 103 m | 103 m |
Height – | 40 m | 40 m | 40 m |
Weight – | 38,805 mt | 39,105 mt | 39,190 mt |
Cargo: | |||
Total SCU – | 70 SCU | 70 SCU | 70 SCU |
Cargo Capacity – | 3,500 mt | 3,500 mt | 3,500 mt |
Landing Capacity – | None | None | None |
Equipment Date: | |||
Control Computer Type – | M-1 | M-1 | I-2 |
Transporters: | |||
Standard 6-person – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Emergency 22-person – | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Cargo – | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Other Data: | |||
Crew – | 61 | 61 | 61 |
Passengers – | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Shuttlecraft – | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Engines And Power Data: | |||
Total Power Units Available – | 28 | 30 | 30 |
Movement Point Ratio – | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 |
Warp Engine Type – | FWA-2 | FWA-2 | FWA-2 |
Number – | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Power Units Available – | 8 ea. | 8 ea. | 8 ea. |
Stress Chart – | K/N | K/N | K/N |
Max Safe Cruising Speed – | Warp 7 | Warp 7 | Warp 7 |
Emergency Speed – | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 8 |
Impulse Engine Type – | FIB-2 | FIB-3 | FIB-3 |
Power Units Available – | 4 | 6 | 6 |
Weapons And Firing Data: | |||
Beam Weapon Type – | FH-11 | FH-19 | FNH-31 |
Number – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Firing Arcs – | 2 p/f/s | 2 p/f/s | 2 p/f/s |
Firing Chart – | Y | Y | Y |
Maximum Power – | 10 | 14 | 23 |
Damage Modifiers: | |||
+3 | (1-10) | (1-10) | (1-10) |
+2 | (11-17) | (11-17) | (11-17) |
+1 | (18-24) | (18-24) | (18-24) |
Shield Data: | |||
Deflector Shield Type – | FSH | FSH | FNSF |
Shield Point Ratio – | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/3 |
Maximum Shield Power – | 15 | 15 | 22 |
Combat Efficiency: | |||
D – | 74.7 | 76.7 | 100.7 |
WDF – | 21.4 | 28.6 | 43 |