from Star Trek© Star Fleet Technical Manual – by Franz Joseph
NOTES:
The Saladin class destroyer has often been called on of the most capable light combat platforms to ever be fielded by the Federation. It’s simple design, layout and ease of repair have remained a testament to the designers and their ability to balance design with cost in a front-line starship that has remained popular well over 200 years.
The Saladin class, and it’s subsequent sister ships – Siva and Cochise classes, were not the first single-engine deep space designs, but they did prove superior to other designs in a wide range of capabilities. When first fielded in 2245, the Saladin class was as advanced as it’s big sister – the Constitution class heavy cruiser. Nearly all of the primary systems were designed in a redundant cascade layout that gave the destroyer a surprising resilience while conducting its duties. Like all Star Fleet vessels, the Saladins class had fully functioning lab facilities and accurate sensor systems. But the Saladin’s combat capabilities are what would eventually prove desperately needed during the Four-Years War.
The Mk I was fitted with the new multitronic computer system – the M-1. Far superior to traditional computer systems, the M-1 was sturdy and efficient which worked well for the Saladin class. The FWC-1 engine gave the Saladin excellent speed and adequate maneuverability. Yet the most impressive feature of the Saladin class was it’s six independent medium lasers. Each laser had redundant power supplies and isolated fire-control facilities. These systems proved easily repairable in the field and, coupled with the powerful FAC-1, gave the Saladin the significant firepower during battle.
The Saladin Mk I held one of the strangest distinctions during the war. Every fielded Saladin class destroyer saw multiple combats through out the war, and yet not a single platform was “lost” during the long conflict. However, the Saladin class saw more damage and loss of life per capita than any other front line combat design. The redundancy factors aboard the Saladin class allowed the design to continue combat well beyond the point of other craft, and yet escape when needed. Despite it’s abilities, most Saladin class crews saw significant turnover due to losses and injury during combat. By wars end, nearly every Saladin had less than 30% of it’s original crew still serving. Many Saladin’s class destroyers were know for having a disheartening patch-work hull appearance. During the war, many crew were forced to hot-bunk as sections of the vessel would be significantly damaged. The Saladin class’ contribution to the war was so significant, though, that they would continue to be well loved by crews and fleet commanders alike well after they ended their service life.
Towards the end of the war, the entire fleet of Saladin class destroyers was recalled for major upgrading. Even as other design were being scrapped, the Saladin Mk II was fielded. With so many Mk I’s needing significant outer hull replacement as well as a wide range of internal reconstruction, the decision was made to enlarge the impulse drive. Once the decision was made to improve the impulse system, designers procured improvements to all of the major systems. The lasers were replaced with the more compact and efficient phaser system, while the accelerator cannons were replaced with the new photon torpedo system. Far less cumbersome than the accelerator cannon system, the new photon torpedo system allowed for greater diversity in payloads. The Mk II also saw replacement of the main deflector system and well as the primary shields.
The Mk III would be fielded in 2261, and was the most efficient of the designs. The Mk III fielded a more powerful power plant and used the FWC-2 warp system. While not as fast as older designs, the additional power allowed the vessel to increase it’s main weapons and enlarge the shield system. The Mk III remained in service until 2272.
A total of 20 Saladin Mk Is were fielded. While all Mk Is saw extensive damage during the Four-Years War, all 20 survived and were refit to Mk IIs and then again to Mk IIIs. 18 were refit to Saladin II’ class destroyers and 2 were refit to Jenghiz class destroyers.
| Construction Data: | |||
| Model – | Mk I | Mk II | Mk III |
| Ship Class – | VII | VII | VII |
| Date Entering Service – | 2245 | 2255 | 2261 |
| Number Constructed – | 20 | Refit | Refit |
| Hull Data: | |||
| Superstructure Points – | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Damage Chart – | C | C | C |
| Size: | |||
| Length – | 242.5 m | 242.5 m | 242.5 m |
| Width – | 127.1 m | 127.1 m | 127.1 m |
| Height – | 60 m | 60 m | 60 m |
| Weight – | 97,880 mt | 96,885 mt | 97,835 mt |
| Cargo: | |||
| Total SCU – | 190 SCU | 190 SCU | 190 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity – | 9,500 mt | 9,500 mt | 9,500 mt |
| Landing Capacity – | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | |||
| Control Computer Type – | M-1 | M-2 | M-2 |
| Transporters: | |||
| Standard 6-person – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Emergency 22-person – | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Other Data: | |||
| Crew – | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Passengers – | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Shuttlecraft – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||
| Total Power Units Available – | 18 | 20 | 26 |
| Movement Point Ratio – | 3/1 | 3/1 | 2/1 |
| Warp Engine Type – | FWC-1 | FWC-1 | FWC-2 |
| Number – | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power Units Available – | 14 | 14 | 20 |
| Stress Chart – | N/L | N/L | M/K |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed – | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 7 |
| Emergency Speed – | Warp 10 | Warp 10 | Warp 9 |
| Impulse Engine Type – | FIB-2 | FIB-3 | FIC-3 |
| Power Units Available – | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||
| Beam Weapon Type – | FL-2 | FH-2 | FH-5 |
| Number – | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Firing Arcs – | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s |
| Firing Chart – | F | H | R |
| Maximum Power – | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||
| +3 | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| +2 | (-) | (-) | (1-8) |
| +1 | (-) | (1-10) | (9-16) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type – | FAC-1 | FP-1 | FP-1 |
| Number – | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Firing Arcs – | 2 f | 2 f | 2 f |
| Firing Chart – | F | L | L |
| Power to Arm – | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Damage – | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Shield Data: | |||
| Deflector Shield Type – | FSC | FSF | FSK |
| Shield Point Ratio – | 1/1 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Maximum Shield Power – | 8 | 10 | 16 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||
| D – | 48.6 | 61.6 | 87.6 |
| WDF – | 7 | 11.8 | 22.6 |
| |||