Takimora Inddependant Fleet Command:

Imperial Starship Design Bureau

Advanced Technical Specifications for the Archangel-Class Starship

1.0  ARCHANGEL-CLASS INTRODUCTION    

1.1  MISSION OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to Imperial Exploration Directives 1017.5 & 1022.8, Imperial Defense Directives 138.6, 141.1 & 154.7, and Imperial Security Council General Policy, the following objectives have been established for an Archangel Class Starship:

1. Replace Phoenix, Ambassador, and Sovereign class Starships as the primary instrument of Imperial deep-space defense.

2. Provide a mobile platform for a wide range of ongoing scientific and cultural research projects.

3. Provide autonomous capability for full execution of Imperial diplomatic, defensive, military, scientific, & cultural missions.

4. Enable Takimora Independent Fleet Command a first response capable vessel that can respond quickly to events in & beyond Imperial borders.

1.4  CONSTRUCTION HISTORY    

Takimora Independent Fleet Command issued a request to the major fleet yards in 2353 for a design and engineering specifications for a new Heavy Cruiser to supplant the Excelsior and Ambassador Class starships as the primary instrument of Imperial defense.  The production contract was awarded to the Cyberium Fleet Yards in the Caledonia system, with the now infamous Theoretical Propulsion Group as the primary engineering firm.  Takimora Independent Fleet Command requested, specifically, a slightly larger, more heavily armed and most importantly quicker constructed vessel than the Phoenix Class, without sacrificing firepower or shielding.

This stipulation was no small request, as the Phoenix Class vessel was by far the most heavily armed and armored vessel Takimora Independent Fleet Command could field at the time, and was also the most crew intensive in service.

The first test hull, now dubbed the EX Archangel by the development team after the project name, was laid in 2356 and basic compartmentalization was completed two years later, when the Consolidated Fusion Inc. M/ARA core and nacelle structure was installed.  Due to the unique configuration of the hull, along with the layout of the deckspace, which was unique compared to the Phoenix, Merced, Excelsior, and most other vessels of its classification, the standard General Propulsion Mark VI Impulse Plant and Malkinalis 8.5 M/ARA warp core used in the upgrades on the Excelsior Class and the Merced class Frigate, the standard Impulse and M/ARA configuration at the time, had to be abandoned (as it would later with the Steamrunner Project).  The Archangel hull, assigned the registry NX 62497, launched from the Cyberium Fleet Yards in the spring of 2358 for warp core testing. 

At the time of her warp core and engine testing, she was unarmed, with plans for Type VIII phaser arrays planned for deployment aboard the class, along with two photon torpedo launchers.  Starship Sao Paulo [Defiant Class - NCC 3995] and the Starship Serenity [Sovereign Class - NCC 2311] escorted the Archangel hull from her berth to deep space for trials.  The Archangel hull did not reach Warp 3 before the safety cutoffs dropped the hull from warp - under emergency power, she was towed back to the Cyberium Fleet Yards for review.  Simulations could not determine the exact cause of the error.  Two more tests gave the same results - the hull was decompartmentalized and the structural framework went into review.  

After this in-depth analysis, the Archangel project design team rejected Consolidated Fusion Inc’s M/ARA and Impulse engine design, after three Time trials utilizing the CFI M/ARA configuration, strong and potentially damaging hull stress fractures occurred within the main structural network.  It was determined that the warp harmonics generated by the Core was the cause of the damage, and the CFI M/ARA unit was scrapped (the design was later picked up by the Steamrunner project).  The Project Archangel hull was put away into cold storage for nearly 5 years. 

It wasn't until the development and widespread utilization of technologies found in the TPG Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Drive, by Theoretical Propulsion Group, that the Archangel Project was revived.  The new warp cores for the Phoenix Class utilized the latest in Plasma Induction and Warp Harmonic Control to create a stable, powerful warp core, and with Project Archangel's unique hull configuration, was a must if the vessel was to see active duty. Project Archangel took a new TPG Mark VII off of the assembly lines, updated it with the technologies developed by Theoretical Propulsion Group, which meant they had to abandon the traditional vertical warp core, instead using the horizontal mounting reminiscent of the Constitution-Refit class. However, a vertical pillar where the antimatter chamber and injection ports where traditionally located was added to allow ease of control and maintenance.  The resulting configuration completely eliminated the shearing forces created by the warp core, while also reducing deuterium usage by nearly fifteen percent in comparison to the original configuration.

To increase the combat efficiency of the Archangel class, ISDB lead designer Alex Jaeger proposed the addition of two additional torpedo launchers, each armed with 5 tubes, to be located both in the dorsal and ventral portion of the main dish hull and fixed to the forward firing arc.  This would give the Archangel class tremendous firepower in the forward firing arcs and could overwhelm even the vaunted shielding of the Orion Galor class battlecruiser, a vessel that clearly outgunned the Archangel class before the redesign, and was a match for both the Excelsior and Phoenix class starship.  With a total of 15 torpedo tubes, the Archangel Class earned the distinction of being the first vessel in Takimora Independent Fleet Command history to rely on the Photon Torpedo, not the Phaser, as her primary armament.  Further, the phasers were upgraded from Type VIII to Type XIV in mid-production - no Archangel Class vessel will ever enter service officially with anything less than a Type XII phaser array.

NX 62497 left the Cyberium Facility in 2363 for final Impulse engine stress testing near Wolf 359, flanked by the USS Ottawa [Excelsior Class - NCC 3299] and the USS Unification [Ambassador Class - NCC 19995]. Stress tolerances were well within expected levels, and the hull returned to Caledonia for final interior compartment completion. The hull, named the USS Archangel, had final compartmentalization completed on March 15, 2364 and took its final shakedown cruise through April 29, 2364 when she arrived at the Atlantis system for its official launch.

The Archangel class is known for being a durable and dependable vessel, thanks in part on being built using standardized Imperial components already tested and deployed successfully in no less than three classes of vessels.  With the advent of the Fundamentalist, along with increased tension between the Imperial and the Orions, & the ever present worry of the return of Species 8472, the Archangel class was designated to more and more defense and patrol related duties, leaving the Nebula class to serve as the Diplomatic and Exploratory arms of Takimora Independent Fleet Command.  Further, the deployment of the Kaneda Class Space Superiority Starfighter, mounting Micro-torpedoes and Type VI Shuttle class Phaser Emitters, extended the range of the Archangel class and provided unprecedented sublight combat capabilities and intelligence gathering capabilities.

It was a proven design, heavily armed for its size, and was well-suited for combat against Orion Threat vessels. Several small modifications have since been made to the specifications on the Archangel Class for deployment as Starship Avalon, including the addition of EMH technology in Sickbay and Ablative Armor to the nacelle and aft sail assembly, to further increase combat survivability.

During normal peacetime operations, the Archangel’s Fighter Wings can be transferred to fixed orbital facilities or ground based Imperial or Allied Facilities to allow for additional cargo space and the addition of modular laboratories installed into the unused Hangar space.  This gives the Archangel class more laboratories and, most of all, doubled the normal loadout of sensor probes, making the class a premier exploration vehicle with half of the crew and construction costs of a Phoenix or Sovereign Class Starship.

2.0  COMMAND SYSTEMS    

2.1  MAIN BRIDGE

General Overview: Primary operational control of the Archangel Class is provided by the Main Bridge, located at the top of the primary hull. It is located on it’s own deck, just above Deck One. The Main Bridge directly supervises all primary mission operations (with the exception of the Flight bay and assorted craft) and coordinates all departmental activities.

The Main Bridge is a highly restricted area; only Beta-Two security clearance personnel (Officers with the Rank of Ensign or Higher) and authorized bridge personnel are allowed on the bridge. All bridge officers carry a type II phaser.

Layout: The new primary Bridge configuration is in part taken from the Phoenix Class. The central area of the Main Bridge provides seating and information displays for the Captain and two other officers. The level below provides Helm & Navigational access, with the surmounting level containing Operations and Tactical controls.

Directly fore of the command area is the Flight Control Officer, who faces the main viewer. The FCO is equipped with a console that allows the officer to maintain ongoing flight operations from the Hangar Bays.

At the very front of the bridge chamber is a large viewscreen. This main viewer performs all the standard duties expected of it. However, the viewscreen is not always activated like most other Starships. It is a full Holographic display, that can be activated upon request. When the screen is not active, a standard bulkhead is present. This addition was made into the Archangel Class, so that Star-Field syndrome among Bridge officers would be stopped. Too many officers became hypnotized during warp.

Aft and to the left of the command area is an elevated platform on which is located the tactical/security control station (comprised of two consoles, one for tactical, and one for security, located directly behind tactical and along the back of the bridge area). These consoles are to the left side of the Command Area.

To the Captain's right is the Operations manager's console, usually manned by an Engineering Officer.  Identical in size and design to the Tacitcal/Security station, the Operations manager is located closer to the bridge engineering station rather than close to the front of the bridge.  The Operations Panel, due to the tremendous amount of sensitive information found there, has security protocols as stringent as the TAC consoles.   Directly aft of the Ship Operations Console is the Mission Operations Console, for use during Away team missions.

Also located on the platform, against the aft wall of the bridge, is a large master systems display monitor, similar to the one in main engineering. All relative ship information (such as damage, power distribution, etc.) is displayed on the cutaway image of the Archangel Class. This monitor can be used to direct ship operations and can be configured for limited flight control if necessary.

Against the port side walls of the main bridge are the consoles for Science and others that are programmable for a multitude of functions. There are two Science consoles with Science 2 being a fully programmable multi-mission Console. Science I, which is the primary science console.  Science I has priority links to Conn, Ops, Computers, and Tactical.

Science II has access to all science, navigational, sensor, and communications systems. Science II can be configured to operate in tandem with Science I, although security links and all other non-science data is withheld from Science II. Science II usually works independently of Science I.

Against the starboard wall of the main bridge is the large engineering console. This has a smaller cutaway diagram of the Archangel Class, which displays all engineering-relevant data and shows warp fields and engine output. This console also has priority links to the computers, the WPS (Warp Propulsion System), the IPS (Impulse Propulsion System), navigation, SIF, and IDF. Although usually unattended, the Chief Engineer can bring this console to full Enable mode by entering voice codes and undergoing a retinal scan.  Directly aft of this console is the Engineering II console, which is fully programmable to run any Secondary Console function, including Sciences, Medical, Operations, Limited Helm control, or Security.

This console, as does every console on the bridge, also has the hand-input sub-console for use in setting the auto-Destruct of Archangel Class. The auto-destruct sequence follows Standard Imperial security procedures which can be accessed via any secured Memory Alpha ODN connection.

There is a single turbolift on the bridge that can handle normal transit around the Archangel Class.  There is also an emergency ladder that connects the bridge to Deck two. There is also one door, on the aft platform of the bridge, that leads to the Conference Room, which is directly aft of the Main Bridge. Other connected rooms to the Main Bridge include the Captain's Ready Room.

2.2  TACTICAL/MARINE DEPARTMENT    

The MCO's office is decorated to the officer's preference. It contains a work area, a personal viewscreen, a computer display, and a replicator.

Brig:  Located on decks 4&5, the brig is a restricted access area whose only entrance is from within the Security department. The Archangel class vessel has 10 double occupancy cells, which contain beds, a retractable table and chairs, a water dispenser, and a toilet. The cells are secured with a level 10 forcefield emitter built into each doorway.

Ship's Armory:  This room is located in a restricted area on deck 6 and is under constant guard. The room is sealed with a level 10 forcefield and can only be accessed by personnel with Alpha 3 security clearance. Inside the armory is a work area for maintenance and repair of phasers as well as multiple sealed weapon lockers. The Archangel Class carries enough type-I and type-II phasers to arm the entire crew. Type-III phaser rifle and Necromancer Assault Rifles are available as well, but only in enough numbers to arm approximately 1/3 of the crew & the entire Marine Detachment. Heavy ordinance is available in limited numbers.

Torpedo/Probe Magazine:  This restricted area on deck 9 is for storing unarmed photon torpedoes, quantum torpedoes (if the mission dictates), and science probes I - VI (VII - X if mission dictates). Also stored here are the components for manufacturing new photon torpedo as well as the equipment to put it all together. This room is also accessed by the loading mechanism for the torpedo launchers.

2.3  FLIGHT INFORMATION CENTER    

This is the nerve center for Flight Operations, conducting combat operations utilizing the Archangel's Spacefighter Wing, and sifting through the numerous sensor plots and intelligence gathered by the starfighters.  Comprised of two Small Rooms, one in each Hangar Bay, and is fully manned through all duty shifts.  The FIC is typically commanded by the Chief Flight Officer.

FIC General Overview: Primary Flight Operational Control of the Archangel Class is provided by the TIC, located on the hangar deck. The FIC directly supervises all primary and secondary Flight Operations and coordinates all Flight, Search and Rescue, and Fighter-based activities.

Layout: The central area of the FIC provides a large holographic display, viewable from the entire TIC.  Attached to the holoprojector are the FIC Supervisor, and his two consoles.  Identical in size & design to the bridge Mission Operations console, these consoles are the heart of the FIC.  All information pertaining Flight Operations, Maintenance Schedules, Intelligence Gathering, and whatever operations the FIC is currently engaged with, can be accessed by these consoles.

2.4 MAIN ENGINEERING    

Located on Deck 5, Main Engineering is the “heart” of the ship, comparable to the bridge as the “brain”. It has access to almost all systems aboard the starship, and manages repairs, power flow, and general maintenance.

Entrance to the primary engineering spaces is provided by two large blast doors on decks 5, and can be closed in cased for internal or external security reasons, as well as in case of emergencies.

Just inside of the doors is an observation area where technicians monitor various systems of the ship. Also in that area, is a floor-mounted situational display similar to the Master Systems Display found on the Bridge. Affectionately referred to as the “pool table”, the Chief Engineer can use the display to more easily get a broad view of the situation with just a glance.

Farther in from observation area is the warp core and main control systems. Circular in shape, the room is an outgrowth of the Galaxy Class design, but exceedingly functional to save space inside the ship. Usable consoles are mounted on every piece of ?real estate? around the circumference of the room and provide primary control access for the engineers and technicians.  Additionally, there are numerous ladders and access panels to Jefferies tubes, leading throughout the starship - the Sovereign Class being the first series of starship to take full advantage of these access spaces for more than extraordinary maintenance.  The technical complexity of the starship dictates the use of these spaces to maintain peak efficiency and affect proper repairs.

Off to the starboard side of Main Engineering is the Chief Engineer’s Office, which is equipped with a diagnostics table, assembly and repair equipment, a small replicator, and a personal use console with built-in private viewscreen.

In the center of Main Engineering is the Matter/Anti-Matter Assembly (M/ARA). This is where primary power for the ship is generated inside the Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Chamber (M/ARC). This system is checked on a regular basis due to its importance to the ship. Access to the warp core is restricted, with a front port to get to the Dilithium matrix as well as an over side port for access to the warp plasma conduits.

A second tier rings the second level of Main Engineering. Two small single-person elevators, as well as a ladder on the opposite end, provide access to this catwalk.  Controls for the various Fusion Power Plants, along with the Impulse Engines, are monitored from here.

A lower tier runs below Main Engineering.  Damage Control Teams are mustered here, as well as internal ship maintenance teams.  Numerous consoles and replicators line this section, serving as auxiliary consoles for Main Engineering, along with providing engineering research space and secondary computer core support.

Access to the Jeffries Tubes is provided in various places on both the First, Second and Third Tier of the Engineering Spaces.

Typical crew compliment in Main Engineering consists of twenty engineers and forty technicians of various grades. During Red or Yellow Alert, that number is increased.

3.0  TACTICAL SYSTEMS    

3.1  PHASERS

Phaser array arrangement: Two dorsal phaser arrays on the primary hull, extending from just aft of the bridge to almost midway around the saucer section. The arrays converge to intersect at the bow of the ship, giving them an almost oval appearance. Two ventral phaser arrays on the primary hull, extending from the very back of the primary hull almost to the bow. These arrays also converge gradually as they approach the widest part of the primary hull, converging near the bow. Two phaser arrays are located on or near the aft sail covering the rear firing arc. Additonally, the Avalon is equipped with 4 Quad Turreted Pulse Fire Arrays, two fore and aft, topside & below, and is used for AAA but can be directed towards larger enemy vessels.

Phaser Array Type: The Archangel Class utilizes the Type XIV array system. The seven arrays are all type XIV, the new standard emitter. Each array fires a steady beam of phaser energy, and the forced-focus emitters discharge the phasers at speeds approaching .986c (which works out to about 182,520 miles per second - nearly warp one). The phaser array automatically rotates phaser frequency and attempts to lock onto the frequency and phase of a threat vehicle's shields for shield penetration.

Phaser Array Output: Each phaser array takes its energy directly from the impulse drive and auxiliary fusion generators. Individually, each Type XIV emitter can only discharge approximately 7.5 MW (megawatts). However, several emitters (usually two) fire at once in the array during standard firing procedures, resulting in a discharge approximately 15.2 MW.

Phaser Array Range: Maximum effective range is 300,000 kilometers.

Primary purpose: Assault

Secondary purpose: Defense/anti-spacecraft/anti-fighter

3.2  TORPEDO LAUNCHERS    

Arrangement: Three fixed-focus torpedo launchers, one located just above the main deflector dish and another at the bow of the primary hull along with a third launcher within the main sail.  These launchers are the next generation of automated, high-speed launchers originally developed and found on the Sovereign and Phoenix Class (and later seen aboard Defiant Class Starships as part of their refit schedule) starships and each launcher is armed with 7 tubes per launcher, giving the Archangel Class the ability to launch up to twenty-one torpedoes in a single salvo.

Type: Mark XXV photon torpedo, capable of pattern firing (sierra, etc.) as well as independent launch. Independent targeting once launched from the ship, detonation on contact unless otherwise directed by the Chief Tactical Officer or TIC Weapons Officer. Avalon is also equipped with new Naquida Enhanced Photon & Quantum Torpedoes, though in limited quantities.

Payload: The ship can carry a maximum of 375 torpedoes.

Range: Maximum effective range is 3,000,000 kilometers.

Primary purpose: Assault

Secondary purpose: Anti-spacecraft

3.3  DEFLECTOR SHIELDS    

Type: A symmetrical subspace graviton field. This type of shield is fairly similar to those of most other Starships. However, besides incorporating the now mandatory nutation shift in frequency, the shields alter their graviton polarity to better deal with more powerful weapons, such as the neutron-carbide beams of Tamarian vessels. During combat, the shield sends data on what type of weapon is being used on it, and what frequency and phase the weapon uses. Once this is analyzed by the tactical officer, the shield can be configured to have the same frequency as the incoming weapon - but different nutation. This tactic dramatically increases shield efficiency. Also, the next generation of Regenerative Shielding was deployed in the Archangel Class (see Avalon-C Specs, Phoenix Class Specifications), which allowed for quicker recharging times and defensive capabilities.

Output: There are sixteen shield grids on the Archangel Class, and each one generates 186 MW, resulting in a total shield strength of 2976 MW.   However, during normal combat operations, only 10 of the 16 shield generators are activated, with the remaining 6 generators serving as the emergency shield system.  This means that, in normal combat operations, the Archangel class has a rated shield strength of 1860MW.  The power for the shields is taken directly from the warp engines and impulse fusion generators. If desired, the shields can be augmented by power from the impulse power plants. The shields can protect against approximately 36% of the total EM spectrum (whereas the standard Galaxy Class Starship's shields can only protect against about 23%), made possible by the multi-phase graviton polarity flux technology incorporated into the shields.

Range: The shields, when raised, stay extremely close to the hull to conserve energy - average range is ten meters away from the hull.

Primary purpose: Defense from enemy threat forces, hazardous radiation and micro-meteoroid particles.

Secondary purpose: Ramming threat vehicles.

3.4  ABLATIVE ARMOR    

Originally deployed only on ships of the Phoenix & Sovereign class, ablative armor showed remarkable dispersion properties against various beam-type energy weapons, including the various types of phaser, disruptor, polaron, and focused-plasma beams employed by nearly all threat races.  The armor works by first dispersing incoming beam energy across the hull of the ship where, after reaching an undisclosed threshold, causes part of the armor to boil away, taking with it a large fraction of that energy.  The effect also creates a modest vapor cloud, which effectively disperses the incoming beam further, causing it to do less direct damage to the hull.  It should be noted, however, that the armor is not a hull replacement, but a supplement and must be replaced over time due to the boiling away process. 

Because of the tactical nature of the Archangel class, Starfleet Command requested that the ablative armor be used to supplement the defenses of its new flagship class.  Initially considered to supplement the majority of starship classes, production complications and long fabrication time makes the usage of the armor limited to warships and high-risk classes, resulting in only limited usage around vulnerable areas of Galaxy starships and total body coverage of the Phoenix and Sovereign.  It was then only natural that the design team saw the need to outfit the Avalon with this additional layer of defense should the Orion or other threat races find a means of penetrating the regenerative shielding.

Each Sovereign-class vessel is equipped with an average depth of 10 centimeters of armor hull-wide, which can be replaced as wear permits at select fleet yards.  Due to the supply demands, repairs made to the hull of a starship in the field will lack the extra layer of armor until the vessel is able to dock at a facility with spare plating.

 4.0  COMPUTER SYSTEMS    

4.1  COMPUTER CORE

Number of computer cores: Three; The primary & secondary cores occupies space on decks 7, 8 and 9 far astern. The third, emergency core is much smaller than the first and is located adjacent to Environmental Control on Deck 3.

Type: The AC-22 Bio-Neural Super-series computer core is built under contract for the Archangel-class vessel by Shazar Data Systems, an independent contractor based on Atlantis. The structure of the computer is similar to that of most other supercomputing systems in use by Imperial vessels with stack segments extending through the ship forming trillions of trillions of connections through the processing and storage abilities of modern isolinear chips. The core essentially consists of two independent processing systems that work in concert for maximum performance.  Bio-neural-based processors throughout the core are utilized for complex calculations while an isolinear-based system is used for the storage and cataloging of core information. Cooling of the isolinear system is accomplished by a regenerative liquid helium loop, which has been refit to allow the usage of a delayed-venting heat storage unit for "Silent Running” operations that require the highest level of starship stealth.  For most missions, requirements on the computer core rarely exceed 45-50% of a single core's processing and storage capacity. The rest of the core is utilized for various scientific, tactical, or intelligence gathering missions - or to backup data in the event of a damaged core.

Bio-Neural Gel Packs: Referred to typically as BNGs, Bio-Neural Gel Packs are a new innovation in shipboard data processing and routing. Mounted at strategic locations along the ODN pathways, each BNG consists of an artificial bio-fluid that allows transmission of neural signals. The heart of the BNG is a packet of neural clusters, grown copies of strands similar to those found in the brains of sentient beings. These clusters give the ship’s computer ‘instinctive’ data processing and routing ability as well as allowing the ship’s computer to utilize ‘fuzzy logic’ to speed up probability calculations much as a living, breathing entity would.  The system is not a replacement for existing isolinear computer systems currently in use Imperial-wide, but is rather an upgrade to its existing processing powers. By distributing gel packs throughout a starship's computer system information can be organized more efficiently, therefore processed more quickly and speeding up response time. Developed for the Intrepid class, this type of computer system did not see full deployment until the launch of that class.  Aboard these starships, the new system proved successful, although the biological nature of the packs has led to problems such as infection and subsequent slowdown of the computer processing powers. Despite this short-coming, that they are now being used as the standard computer system aboard all new starship designs.

4.2  LCARS      

Acronym for Library Computer Access and Retrieval System, the common user interface of 24th century computer systems, based on verbal and graphically enhanced keyboard/display input and output. The graphical interface adapts to the task which is supposed to be performed, allowing for maximum ease-of-use. The Archangel Class operates on LCARS build version 6.2 to account for increases in processor speed and power, and limitations discovered in the field in earlier versions, and increased security.

4.3  SECURITY LEVELS      

Access to all Takimora Independent Fleet Command data is highly regulated. A standard set of access levels have been programmed into the computer cores of all ships in order to stop any undesired access to confidential data. 

Security levels are also variable, and task-specific. Certain areas of the ship are restricted to unauthorized personnel, regardless of security level. Security levels can also be raised, lowered, or revoked by Command personnel.

Security levels in use aboard an Archangel Class are:

Level 10 - Captain and Above

Level 9 - First Officer

Level 8 - Commander

Level 7 - Lt. Commander

Level 6 - Lieutenant

Level 5 - Lt. Junior Grade

Level 4 - Ensign

Level 3 - Non-Commissioned Crew

Level 2 - Civilian Personnel

Level 1 - Open Access (Read Only)

Note: Security Levels beyond current rank can and are bestowed where, when and to whom they are necessary.

The main computer grants access based on a battery of checks to the individual user, including face and voice recognition in conjunction with a vocal code as an added level of security.

4.4  UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR      

All Takimora Independent Fleet Command vessels make use of a computer program called a Universal Translator that is employed for communication among persons who speak different languages. It performs a pattern analysis of an unknown language based on a variety of criteria to create a translation matrix. The translator is built in the Takimora Independent Fleet Command commbadge and small receivers are implanted in the ear canal.

The Universal Translator matrix aboard an Archangel Class starships typically consists of well over 100,000 languages and increases with every new encounter.

5.0  PROPULSION SYSTEMS    

Warp Drive:

Designed specifically for the Archangel-class starship, the TPG Mark VII M/ARA drive and power system was a first for Starfleet.  Compared to other starships of similar size and mass, the Mark VII would at first appear to be quite over-powered for the Archangel, but this is not so.  Originally equipped with a more standard Consolidated Fusion Warp Core, the shearing forces created by the core nearly tore apart the vessel at warp, and was abandoned in favor for the TPG Mark VII (see construction history).  

A breakthrough design came about with the advent of the warp reactor designed during the Phoenix Class Project, which makes use of four-lobed magnetic constriction segment columns that allow for additional reactant streams to surround the primary stream that travels down the center of the magnetic constrictor columns.  Advances in pressure vessel construction and compact reactor injector nozzles made the reactor a reality, with a six-lobed design that allowed for a total of seven reactant streams of both matter and antimatter to collide in the dilithium articulation chamber, resulting in the most powerful starship-grade reactor output to date.  The matter/antimatter reactor assembly spans a single deck with its horizontal design, with the dilithium chamber and plasma transfer conduits located on the second level of Main Engineering.

Another large advancement utilized in the development of the warp propulsion system was the utilization of a rotatable dilithium articulation chamber within the warp core, where the matter and antimatter reactants are combined to create the high-energy warp plasma needed to power the engine nacelles, as well as shipboard systems through the use of EPS power taps.  Computer-controlled rotation of the frame allows for manipulation of the manner in which the reactants meet, allowing for further control of the warp plasma into a "cleaner" power source.  Redesigned verterium cortenide components within each pair of warp field coils is then able to use the warp plasma to generate a more energy-efficient subspace field with less particle waste products and stresses that were found in older propulsion systems to damage subspace.  After the fleet-wide installation of this new variable warp geometry system, Takimora Independent Fleet Command was able to remove the so-called "Warp Speed Limit" of Warp 5, established after the discovery of pollution by Dr. Valara in the Hekaras Corridor.  Pursuant to Takimora Independent Fleet Command Directive 12856.A, all starships traveling within Imperial space have received engine upgrades that prevent the further pollution of subspace.

Type: Theoretical Propulsion Group Mark VII Horizontal Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Drive (with classified Trans-warp Capability)

Normal Cruising Speed: Warp 7

Maximum Cruising Speed: Warp 9.7 for 12 hours

5.2 IMPULSE PROPULSION SYSTEM    

Type: Vectored Thrust Archangel Class mass drivers developed and built by BRC Propulsion Inc.  Output is comparable to Phoenix Class, however with one difference. Being equipped with the new VT Nozzles over the standard impulse engines allows for extremely enhanced maneuverability at sublight speeds by allowing the thrust to be “vectored” in a direction through the movement of the nozzles. So great is the thrust provided by each individual engine that the Archangel class has 0% loss of performance with the loss or destruction of one of her Impulse engines. Like other ships before her, Archangel-class vessels utilizes space-time driver coils within its impulse engines to create a non-propulsive symmetrical subspace field that effectively lowers the ship's mass, making it capable of pushing the entire spacecraft using less fuel. There are two impulse engines on the ship, each operating at 25% rating for standard operations, but can boost their output to 50% for combat operations.

Output: Each engine (there are two impulse engines) can propel the Archangel Class at speeds within the area known as Standard impulse operations.  These speeds are limited to a maximum speed of .25c, with each engine working at .125c, due to time dilation problems.  Quarter impulse is rated at .0625c, half impulse being .125c and full impulse is rated at .25c or 1/4th the speed of light.

5.3 REACTION CONTROL SYSTEM    

Type: Standard Version 4 magnetohydrodynamic gas-fusion thrusters, identical to thrusters deployed on the Phoenix Class starship.  There are 24 of these thrusters spread across the primary hull to facilitate precise movement.  

Output: Each thruster quad can produce 4.5 million Newtons of exhaust.

6.0  UTILITIES AND AUXILIARY SYSTEMS    

6.1 NAVIGATION DEFLECTOR

A standard Phoenix Class main deflector dish is located along the ventral portion of the Archangel Class's primary hull, and is located just forward of the primary engineering spaces. Composed of molybdenum/duranium mesh panels over a tritanium framework (beneath the Duranium-Tritanium hull), the dish can be manually moved twelve degrees in any direction off the ship's Z-axis. The main deflector dish's shield and sensor power comes from two graviton polarity generators, each capable of generating 128 MW, which can be fed into two 550 millicochrane subspace field distortion generators.

6.2 TRACTOR BEAM    

Type: Multiphase subspace graviton beam, used for direct manipulation of objects from a submicron to a macroscopic level at any relative bearing to the Archangel Class. Each emitter is directly mounted to the primary members of the ship's framework, to lessen the effects of isopiestic subspace shearing, inertial potential imbalance, and mechanical stress.

Output: Each tractor beam emitter is built around three multiphase 15 MW graviton polarity sources, each feeding two 475 millicochrane subspace field amplifiers. Phase accuracy is within 1.3 arc-seconds per microsecond, which gives superior interference pattern control. Each emitter can gain extra power from the SIF by means of molybdenum-jacketed waveguides. The subspace fields generated around the beam (when the beam is used) can envelop objects up to 920 meters, lowering the local gravitational constant of the universe for the region inside the field and making the object much easier to manipulate.

Range: Effective tractor beam range varies with payload mass and desired delta-v (change in relative velocity). Assuming a nominal 15 m/sec-squared delta-v, the multiphase tractor emitters can be used with a payload approaching 116,380,000,000 metric tons at less than 2,000 meters. Conversely, the same delta-v can be imparted to an object massing about one metric ton at ranges approaching 30,000 kilometers.

Primary purpose: Towing or manipulation of objects

Secondary purpose: Tactical; pushing enemy ships into each other.

6.3 TRANSPORTER SYSTEMS    

Number of Systems: 6

Personnel Transporters: 2 (Transporter Rooms 1-2)

• Max Payload Mass: 900kg (1,763 lbs)

• Max Range: 40,000 km

• Max Beam Up/Out Rate: Approx. 100 persons per hour per Transporter

Cargo Transporters: 2

• Max Payload Mass: 800 metric tons. Standard operation is molecular resolution (Non-Lifeform).

• Set for quantum (lifeform) resolution: 1 metric ton

• Max Beam Up/Out Rate (Quantum Setting): Approx. 100 persons per hour per Transporter

Emergency Transporters: 2

• Max Range: 15,000 km (send only) [range depends on available power]

• Max Beam Out Rate: 200 persons per hour per Transporter (800 persons per hour with 4 Emergency Transports)

6.4 COMMUNICATIONS    

Standard Communications Range: 42,000 - 100,000 kilometers (without relay)

Standard Data Transmission Speed: 18.5 kiloquads per second

Subspace Communications Speed: Warp 9.9997

7.0  SCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING SYSTEMS    

7.1 SENSOR SYSTEMS

Long range and navigation sensors are located behind the main deflector dish, to avoid sensor "ghosts" and other detrimental effects consistent with main deflector dish millicochrane static field output. Lateral sensor pallets are located around the rim of the entire starship, providing full coverage in all standard scientific fields, but with emphasis in the following areas:

1. Astronomical phenomena

2. Planetary analysis

3. Remote life-form analysis

4. EM scanning

5. Passive neutrino scanning

6. Parametric subspace field stress (a scan to search for cloaked ships)

7. Thermal variances

8. Quasi-stellar material

Each sensor pallet (twenty-four in all) can be interchanged and re-calibrated with any other pallet on the ship. Warp Current sensor: This is an independent subspace graviton field-current scanner, allowing the Archangel Class to track ships at high warp by locking onto the eddy currents from the threat ship's warp field, and then follow the currents by using multi-model image mapping.

7.2 TACTICAL SENSORS    

There are fifty independent tactical sensors on Archangel class. Each sensor automatically tracks and locks onto incoming hostile vessels and reports bearing, aspect, distance, and vulnerability percentage to the tactical station on the main bridge. Each tactical sensor is approximately 92% efficient against ECM, and can operate fairly well in particle flux nebulae (which has been hitherto impossible).

The suite of tactical sensors aboard the Archangel class is the most technically advanced suite of tactical sensors found on an Imperial vessel, with the exception of the newer Phoenix Class. With over fifty independent sensor arrays, backed by the processing power of her computer network, an Archangel class can not only wage battle, but conduct and lead other Imperial and Allied vessels in tactical engagements.  An Archangel-class vessel can track and maintain sensor locks on over 1000 threat and friendly vessels within its sensor envelopes.  Further, the Archangel class can process and collect tactical data at much greater ranges than any starship before her, thanks in part to the redundancy of the arrays, but also the computing power and efficiency of her sensor systems.

7.3 STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY    

One stellar cartography bay is located on deck 3, with direct EPS power feed from engineering. All information is directed to the bridge and can be displayed on any console or the main viewscreen. This lab, as with the Phoenix class, is also equipped to act as a Tactical Information Center & Communications Center.

7.4 SCIENCE LAB    

There science lab on the Archangel Class is the newest in multifunction labs, able to handle biological, chemical, XT (extra-terrestrial), & other fuctions in a single area, allowing for greater space to be used for tactical systems. Defensive, cultural, scientific, and explorative policy in deep space or border territory can be followed using the facilities aboard the Archangel Class, and can also be used as an overflow for Sickbay.

(PROBES UNCHANGED)

8.0  CREW SUPPORT SYSTEMS    

8.1 MEDICAL SYSTEMS

Sickbay: There is one large sickbay facility located on deck 4, equipped with an intensive-care ward, a laboratory, a nursery, the CMO's office, surgical suites, null-grav therapy ward, morgue, biohazard isolation unit, and dental care. Also pursuant to new Medical Protocols, all Medical Facilities are equipped with holo-emitters for the emergency usage of the Emergency Medical Holograph System.

The Ship's Counselor has their office located on Deck 4, near the Medical section. It consists of a private office, with standard furnishings (decorated to the Counselors preference), personal viewscreen, a computer display, and replicator. An individual therapy room furnished with chairs and couch for one on one sessions.

In the event of a crewmember suffering a psychotic episode, and needing to be isolated from the crew, the ill crewman is kept in sickbay, in the isolation unit, or in the intensive care units, as determined by bed availability.

8.2 CREW QUARTERS SYSTEMS    

General Overview: Individuals assigned to the Archangel Class for periods over six months are permitted to reconfigure their quarters within hardware, volume, and mass limits. Individuals assigned for shorter periods are generally restricted to standard quarters configuration.

Crew Quarters: Standard Living Quarters are provided for both Imperial Non-Commissioned Officers and Ensigns.  These persons are expected to share their room with another crewmate(s) due to space restrictions aboard the starship.  After six months, crewmembers are permitted to bring family aboard the ship and a slightly larger room is allocated to them.

Four NCO's or Ensigns are assigned to a suite. Accommodations include 4 beds with standard beds, connected by a living/work area. A washroom with ultrasonic shower is located off of each bedroom. A food replicator and a personal holographic viewer are located in the living area. Small pets are allowed to NCO's.

Enlisted crewmembers share quarters with up to 4 others.

Officers' Quarters: Starfleet personnel from the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade up to Commander are given one set of quarters to themselves.  In addition, department heads and their assistants are granted such privileges as well, in an effort to provide a private environment to perform off-duty work.  After six months, officers are permitted to bring family aboard the ship and a slightly larger room is allocated to them.  Members of the Captain's Senior Staff can have these restrictions waved with the Captain's permission.

These accommodations typically include a small bathroom, a bedroom (with standard bed), a living/work area, a food replicator, an ultrasonic shower, personal holographic viewer, and provisions for pets.

Officers may request that their living quarters be combined to form one large dwelling.

Executive Quarters: The Captain of the vessel has special quarters. They are located on a higher deck because they must be closer to the bridge in the event of an Alert situation.

These quarters are much more luxurious than any others on the ship, and are larger than standard Officers Quarters, and this space generally has the following accommodations: a bedroom (with a nice, fluffy bed), living/work area, bathroom, food replicator, ultrasonic shower, old-fashioned water shower, personal holographic viewer, provisions for pets, and even a null-grav sleeping chamber. These quarters are similar in "comfort" to those of a high-ranking officer's quarters on a Galaxy Class Starship.

VIP/Diplomatic Guest Quarters: The Archangel Class is a symbol of UFP authority, a tool in dealing with other races. Starfleet intends to use Archangel Class in diplomacy several times, and the need to transport or accommodate Very Important Persons, diplomats, or ambassadors may arise.

These quarters include a bedroom, spacious living/work area, personal viewscreen, ultrasonic shower, bathtub/water shower, provisions for pets, food replicator, and a null-grav sleeping chamber. These quarters can be immediately converted to class H, K, L, N, and N2 environments.  While smaller in size than those facilities aboard a Galaxy Class or the newer Norway Class vessel, they are still far superior in fit and finish when compared to Starfleet Officer quarters.

8.3 RECREATIONAL SYSTEMS    

General Overview: The Archangel Class design has been maximized for tactical and scientific usage. However, it is realized that the stress of operating at 99% efficiency on a ship that is built for deep-space exploration can be dangerous, so there are some recreational facilities on the Archangel Class.

Holodeck: There is a standard holodeck facility on the Archangel Class. However, given the lack of space for such facilities on a warship, the holodeck is used for a variety of uses, including training & recreation.

Phaser Range: Sometimes the only way an Imperial officer or crewman can vent his frustration is through the barrel of a phaser rifle. The holodeck doubles as the phaser range aboard the Archangel class. The phaser range is heavily shielded, the walls being composed of a Duranium alloy, which can absorb setting 16 phaser blasts without taking a scratch.

Normal phaser recreation and practice is used with a type II or type III phaser set to level 3 (heavy stun). The person stands in the middle of the room, with no light except for the circle in the middle of the floor that the person is standing in. Colored circular dots approximately the size of a human hand whirl across the walls, and the person aims and fires. After completing a round, the amounts of hits and misses, along with the percentage of accuracy is announced by the ship's computer.

The phaser range is also used by security to train ship's personnel in marksmanship. During training, the holo-emitters in the phaser range are activated, creating a holographic setting, similar to what a holodeck does. Personnel are "turned loose" either independently or in an Away Team formation to explore the setting presented to them, and the security officer in charge will take notes on the performance of each person as they take cover, return fire, protect each other, and perform a variety of different scenarios. All personnel on an Archangel Class are tested every six months in phaser marksmanship.

There are 25 levels of phaser marksmanship. All personnel are trained in the operation of phaser types I and II up to level 14. All security personnel on a Archangel Class must maintain a level 17 marksmanship for all phaser types. The true marksman can maintain at least an 80% hit ratio on level 23. The Archangel Class carries both the standard phaser rifle and the new compression phaser rifles.

Weight Room/ Gymnasium: Some Imperial personnel can find solace from the aggravations of day-to-day life in exercising their bodies. The Marine department encourages constant use of this facility; tournaments and competitions are held regularly in this room.

Again, the weight room is found in the holodeck, used through a holographic program. This weight room has full body building and exercise apparatuses available for your disposal.     

There is also a wrestling mat in the weight room, which can be used for wrestling, martial arts, kick-boxing, or any other sort of hand-to-hand fighting. Generate a holographic opponent (if you can't find someone to challenge), trained in the combat field of your choice. The computer stores your personal attack and defense patterns as it gains experience on your style of fighting, and adapts to defeat you. All personnel on the Archangel Class must go through a full physical fitness and hand-to-hand combat test every six months.

There are also racks of hand-to-hand combat weapons, for use in training. Ancient weapon proficiencies for Imperial personnel are recommended by Archangel Class's security division; phasers may not always be available for use in contingencies, and non-energy weapons are available for training.

8.4 THE LOUNGE    

This is “mess hall” of the ship, located on deck 2, forward. It has a very relaxed and congenial air about it; the Lounge is the only place on the ship where rank means nothing - "sir" need not be uttered when a person of lower rank addresses an officer, and everyone is on an equal footing. Opinions can be voiced in complete safety. This lounge is the social center of the ship.

The Lounge has a battery of recreational games and assorted "stuff". 3-D chess, pool tables, poker tables (complete with holographic dealer and chips), windows that look out into space, heavily cushioned seats, and numerous other games. There is also a bar (with holographic bartender), and it stores various potent alcoholic beverages, such as chech'tluth, Aldebaran whiskey, Saurian brandy, Tzartak aperitif, Tamarian Frost, C&E Warp Lager, Warnog, Antarean brandy, and countless others.

9.0  AUXILIARY SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS    

9.1 FLIGHT BAY

General Overview: Located at the dorsal bow of the ship, the Flight bay module has replaced the shuttlebay module that is in previous Classes Starships. This Flight bay contains support services for the latest in Starfleet shuttle and runabout designs. The Flight bay is controlled by a space/air-traffic control room, known as "Flight Operations". This is supervised by the FIC. The Flight bay typically contains the following, though can change on a mission to mission basis:

10.0  ARCHANGEL CLASS FLIGHT OPERATIONS    

Operations aboard an Archangel class starship fall under one of four categories: flight operations, primary mission operations, secondary mission operations, and flight deck operations.

Flight Operations are all operations that relate directly to the function of the starship itself, which include power generation, starship upkeep, environmental systems, and any other system that is maintained and used to keep the vessel spaceworthy.

Primary Mission Operations entail all tasks assigned and directed from the Main Bridge, and typically require full control and discretion over ship navigation and ship's resources.

Secondary Mission operations are those operations that are not under the direct control of the Main Bridge, but do not impact Primary Mission Operations.  Some examples of secondary mission operations include long-range cultural, diplomatic or scientific programs run by independent or semi-autonomous groups aboard the starship.

Flight Deck Operations are those operations that typically fall under Secondary Mission operations, but fall under the control of the Tactical Information Center.  It is not uncommon for Flight Deck Operations to supercede Primary Mission Operations, particularly in combat missions.

10.1 MISSION TYPES    

Despite the fact that the Archangel Class design philosophy leaned heavily toward Tactical and Defensive Missions, she is still classified as a multi-role Starship, in keeping with Imperial Council Policy.  This offers the Takimora Empire flexibility in assigning nearly any objective within the realm of Takimora Independent Fleet Command’s assigned duties.

Mission for an Archangel Class starship may fall into one of the following categories, in order of her strongest capable mission parameter to her weakest mission parameter.

• Tactical/Defensive Operations: Typical Missions include patrolling the Gorn Border, Cardassian Occupation zones, Borg interdiction missions, or protecting any Imperial interest from hostile intent in planetary or interstellar conflicts.

• Emergency/Search and Rescue: Typical Missions include answering standard Imperial emergency beacons, extraction of Imperial or Non-Imperial citizens in distress, retrieval of Imperial or Non-Imperial spacecraft in distress, small-scale planetary evacuation - medium or large scale planetary evacuation is not feasible.

• Imperial Policy and Diplomacy: An Archangel class starship can be used as an envoy during deep-space operations.

• Deep-space Exploration: The Archangel class is equipped for long-range interstellar survey and mapping missions, as well as the ability to explore a wide variety of planetary classifications.

• Contact with Alien Lifeforms: Pursuant to Starfleet Policy regarding the discovery of new life, facilities aboard the Archangel class include a variety of exobiology and xenobiological suites, and a small cultural anthropology staff, allowing for limited deep-space life form study and interaction.

• Ongoing Scientific Investigation:  An Archangel class starship is equipped with scientific laboratories and a wide variety of sensor probes and sensor arrays, giving her the ability to perform a wide variety of ongoing scientific investigations.

10.2 OPERATING MODES    

The normal flight and mission operations of the Archangel class starship are conducted in accordance with a variety of Starfleet standard operating rules, determined by the current operational state of the starship.  These operational states are determined by the Commanding Officer, although in certain specific cases, the Computer can automatically adjust to a higher alert status.

The major operating modes are:

• Cruise Mode: The normal operating condition of the ship.

• Yellow Alert: Designates a ship wide state of increased preparedness for possible crisis situations.

• Red Alert: Designates an actual state of emergency in which the ship or crew is endangered, immediately impending emergencies, or combat situations.

• External Support Mode (Blue Alert): State of reduced activity that exists when a ship is docked at a starbase or other support facility.

• Reduced Power Mode: this protocol is invoked in case of a major failure in spacecraft power generation, in case of critical fuel shortage, or in the event that a tactical situation requires severe curtailment of onboard power generation.

During Cruise Mode, the ships operations are run on three 8-hour shifts designated Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Should a crisis develop, it may revert to a four-shift system of six hours to keep crew fatigue down.

Typical Shift command is as follows:

Alpha Shift - Captain (CO)
Beta Shift - Executive Officer (XO)

Gamma Shift - Second Officer / Night Conn

10.3 SEPARATED FLIGHT MODE    

Due to the unique shape of her hull, the Archangel class does not have a separated flight mode.  While the hull can eject the warp nacelle assembly quickly and flee via impulse, her lack of a clearly identifiable saucer section precludes this capability.

10.4 LANDING MODE    

Due to the unique shape of her hull, the Archangel class cannot land within a gravity well and maintain hull integrity for Transatmospheric operations.  This does not mean that the hull cannot withstand a landing - quite the contrary, in an extreme emergency, the Archangel class could effect a surface landing while only losing an estimated 45% of hull integrity while structural members are estimated to have failure rates as high as 75%.  While integrity is not high enough to allow for deep-space operations, enough of the internal volume and structural members should remain to allow for a landing that is safe for her crew.

10.5 MAINTENANCE    

Though much of a modern starship’s systems are automated, they do require regular maintenance and upgrade. Maintenance is typically the purview of the Engineering, but personnel from certain divisions that are more familiar with them can also maintain specific systems.

Maintenance of onboard systems is almost constant, and varies in severity. Everything from fixing a stubborn replicator, to realigning the Dilithium matrix is handled by technicians and engineers on a regular basis. Not all systems are checked centrally by Main Engineering; to do so would occupy too much computer time by routing every single process to one location. To alleviate that, systems are compartmentalized by deck and location for checking.  Department heads are expected to run regular diagnostics of their own equipment and report anomalies to Engineering to be fixed.

Systems Diagnostics
All key operating systems and subsystems aboard the ship have a number of preprogrammed diagnostic software and procedures for use when actual or potential malfunctions are experienced. These various diagnostic protocols are generally classified into five different levels, each offering a different degree of crew verification of automated tests. Which type of diagnostic is used in a given situation will generally depend upon the criticality of a situation, and upon the amount of time available for the test procedures.

Level 1 Diagnostic - This refers to the most comprehensive type of system diagnostic, which is normally conducted on ship's systems. Extensive automated diagnostic routines are performed, but a Level 1 diagnostic requires a team of crew members to physically verify operation of system mechanisms and to system readings, rather than depending on the automated programs, thereby guarding against possible malfunctions in self-testing hardware and software. Level 1 diagnostics on major systems can take several hours, and in many cases, the subject system must be taken off-line for all tests to be performed.

Level 2 Diagnostic - This refers to a comprehensive system diagnostic protocol, which, like a Level 1, involves extensive automated routines, but requires crew verification of fewer operational elements. This yields a somewhat less reliable system analysis, but is a procedure that can be conducted in less than half the time of the more complex tests.

Level 3 Diagnostic - This protocol is similar to Level 1 and 2 diagnostics but involves crew verification of only key mechanics and systems readings. Level 3 diagnostics are intended to be performed in ten minutes or less.

Level 4 Diagnostic - This automated procedure is intended for use whenever trouble is suspected with a given system. This protocol is similar to Level 5, but involves more sophisticated batteries of automated diagnostics. For most systems, Level 4 diagnostics can be performed in less than 30 seconds.

Level 5 Diagnostic - This automated procedure is intended for routine use to verify system performance. Level 5 diagnostics, which usually require less than 2.5 seconds, are typically performed on most systems on at least a daily basis, and are also performed during crisis situations when time and system resources are carefully managed.

11.0  EMERGENCY OPERATIONS    

11.1 EMERGENCY MEDICAL OPERATIONS

Pursuant to Starfleet General Policy and Starfleet Medical Emergency Operations, at least 40% of the officers and crew of the Archangel class are cross-trained to serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, to serve as triage specialists, medics, and other emergency medical functions along with non-medical emergency operations in engineering or tactical departments.  This set of policies was established due to the wide variety of emergencies, both medical and otherwise, that an Imperial Starship could respond to on any given mission.

The observation lounge on deck A along with the VIP/guest quarters on deck B can serve as emergency intensive care wards, with an estimated online timeframe of 30 minutes with maximum engineering support.  Further, the primary flight deck has 5 mobile hospitals that can be deployed either on the flight deck, or transported to Cargo Bay 1 or 2 for emergency overflow triage centers.  Cargo Bay 2 also provides for the emergency atmosphere recalibration to type H,K, or L environments, intended for non-humanoid casualties.  All facilities are equipped with full Bio-hazard suites, to minimize and prevent crew exposure to potentially deadly diseases.

11.2 LIFEBOATS    

Aside from the escape options of shuttlecraft, fighter, or transporters, the primary survival craft of the Archangel class is the escape pod or lifeboat.  Each Archangel carries a total of 100 of the 8-person variants, which measures 5.6 meters tall and 6.2 meters along the edge of the triangle.  Each Lifeboat can support a full compliment for 6 months, longer if the lifeboats connect together.  All are equipped with navigational sensors, microthrusters, plus emergency subspace communication equipment.

11.3 RESCUE AND EVACUATION OPERATIONS    

Rescue and Evacuation Operations for an Archangel class starship will fall into one of two categories - abandoning the starship, or rescue and evacuation from a planetary body or another starship.

Rescue Scenarios

Resources are available for rescue and evacuation to an Archangel class starship include:

• The ability to transport 350 persons per hour to the ship via personnel transporters.

• The availability of the 4 Type 11 shuttlecraft to be on hot-standby for immediate launch, with all additional shuttlecraft available for launch in an hours notice.  Total transport capabilities of these craft vary due to differing classifications but an average load of 150 persons can be offloaded per hour from a standard orbit to an M Class planetary surface.

• Capacity to support up to 4500 evacuees with conversion of the flight bay and cargo bays to emergency living quarters.

• Ability to convert Holodecks, the Observation Lounge and the Crew Lounge to emergency triage and medical centers.

• Ability to temporarily convert Cargo Bay 3 to type H,K, or L environments, intended for non-humanoid casualties.

Abandon-Ship Scenarios

Resources available for abandon-ship scenarios from an Archangel class starship include:

• The ability to transport 350 persons per hour from the ship via personnel and emergency transporters.

• The availability of the 3 Type 6 shuttlecraft to be on hot-standby for immediate launch, with all additional shuttlecraft available for launch in an hours notice.  Total transport capabilities of these craft vary due to differing classifications but an average load of 150 persons can be offloaded per hour from a standard orbit to an M Class planetary surface.

• Protocols also include the use of Lifeboats.  Each lifeboat carries a total of 100 of the 8-person variants, which measures 5.6 meters tall and 6.2 meters along the edge of the triangle.  Each Lifeboat can support a full compliment for 6 months, longer if they connect together in "Gaggle Mode".

• Environmental Suits are available for evacuation directly into a vacuum.  In such a scenario, personnel can evacuate via airlocks, the flight bay, or through exterior turbolift couplings.  Environmental suits are available at all exterior egress points, along with survival lockers spaced through-out the habitable portions of the starship.

• Many exterior windows are removable, allowing for egress.  However, these manual releases are only activated in the event of atmosphere loss, power loss, certain Red Alert conditions, and only if personnel in contiguous compartments have access to an environmental suit.

APPENDIX A - VARIANT DESIGNATIONS    

ARCVE - Armored Escort Cruiser

APPENDIX B - BASIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS    

ACCOMMODATION

Officers and Crew:  800
Evacuation Limit:  4500

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length:  464.43 meters
Overall Draft:  87.43 meters
Overall Beam:  316.67 meters

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Velocity: Warp 9.8

ARMAMENT

6 Type XIV phasers, 12 photon torpedo launchers, 4 Quad Turreted Pulse Fire Phaser Cannon

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT

Fighters/Shuttlecraft

• 6 Type 18 Shuttlepods

• 2 Type 7 Personnel Shuttles

• 2 Type 6 Personnel Shuttles

• 4 Danube Class Runabouts

• 40 Kaneda Class Space Superiority Fighters

• 10 Sphinx Class Work Pods

Transporters

• Two personnel

• Two cargo

• Two emergency