Well, when it rains, it pours, it would seem. Along with getting a revision for our PC small-scale destroyer, we also have a Mark II variant for our NPC small-scale destroyer to check out! Yep, Jared decided to have another crack at this long-term support vessel, and this is the result. There might be a new Engineering Director by the time this review ends, but that’s no reason for me not to start it! The standard two-week window for reviews applies to this spec, as well as the usual review standards and protocols.

The review will close on 14 August 2020.

Nicholas Villarreal
Engineering Director

AVENGER Class
Category: Destroyer
Variant: Escort
Designer: Jared Kurz
Mark II
Draft 1B
Date: 30 July 2020
Referenced URLs:
Mark I Plan: https://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/tm/avenger.html
Profile View: https://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/tm/images/tm/avenger-profile.png
Cutaway View: https://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/tm/images/tm/avenger-cutaway.png
Avenger near Earth: https://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/tm/images/tm/avenger-earth.jpg

Designer’s Notes:
I am thrilled that the Avenger has been in service for almost twenty years. The USS Centurion continues to stand sentry over Oed V, while many others Avengers have appeared in countless sims as support ships. They have also seen use in GAMM’s Star Trek RPG on the old Delphiforums. In short, this design has far exceeded all of my hopes. Over the years I have discussed updating the Avenger several times, and finally decided that it was the perfect project to help me get back into the swing of things.

Change Log:
The Brazen-class has made me rethink the upgrade paths that I chose for the Avenger. I had wanted to stay true to the original design as much as possible, but also wanted to include upgrades that reflected the progress of time. This has remained my goal, but I have decided to refocus on the original design for the Avenger to ensure that the two ships complement each other instead of compete. Numerous changes have been made to the text throughout, mostly reflecting the upgrades made by the “Mark II Project.” I have snuck some of the neater ideas from the Midway-class in, and I have also removed some sections from the design as a tradeoff to keep the spec light. I have a tendency to turn these things into ship encyclopaedias and operations manuals…

History and Mission Overview
The failed Borg invasion of 2367 led Starfleet to rush the development of the first dedicated combat design in years. The result was the Defiant-class, which was considered a total flop when the test ship was found to be incapable of performing. Discouraged with the results, Starfleet turned its attention elsewhere. But the Defiant was far from buried. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes it rose to fame in the Dominion war of the 2370’s, and played a crucial role in halting the second Borg invasion of 2373. The little warship had previously been described as “a starship squeezed into the shell of a fighter.” The ship was overpowered and over-gunned for its size, but had proven itself to be more than equal to many challenges.

With the end of the Dominion war however, Defiant-class ships were beginning to return very little. They had been designed primarily for combat, but now found themselves relegated to border patrols, diplomatic courier missions, and convoy escort assignments in a Federation without a war to fight. Many of these assignments were quickly being allocated to more capable starships, and Starfleet soon found itself considering the retirement of the Defiant-class. However, the tough little ships had created the need for a light, multirole vessel capable of rapid deployment and response. Phardos Shipyards responded with the Avenger-class and presented the specifications to Starfleet Engineering by 2375. The Avenger offered a significant increase in capabilities over the Defiant-class, while managing to keep the vessel small and compact.

Capable of the same patrol, escort, interception, and courier missions of its predecessor, the Avenger also includes the latest scientific instruments and two very well furbished general-purpose laboratories. Originally designed as a frigate, Starfleet Engineering insisted the design be reclassified as a destroyer. The Avenger entered service in 2378 and the design has proven itself to be extremely adaptable. The Avenger-class is currently produced at the Phardos Shipyards at a rate of eight vessels per year, which can be increased if required.

For the Mark II Project the designers at Phardos worked directly with Avenger crews throughout the fleet. After several years of study and modeling, the designers were finally ready to submit their plans to Starfleet. The Mark II Project has succeeded in updating the equipment aboard the ships, without requiring a complete rebuild of them. This has allowed Avengers that are already in service to receive the full range of upgrades at their midlife refits, increasing the capabilities of the fleet in a uniform fashion. In addition to the upgrades to their systems and equipment, Phardos has also managed to improve the habitability and flexibility of the Avengers. These changes will see that they continue to perform in support of frontline operations for many years to come.

Structure and Construction
The Avengers’ double hull has a turtle-like appearance. The ship’s bulbous bow droops downward, housing the navigational deflector and long-range sensor array. Aft of the bow the hull widens, and then curves downward to either side where it ends in stubby wings which conceal integral warp engines. The rear hull is rounded except for a blocky tail formed by the powerful impulse engines. The dorsal surface is smooth except for the raised bridge module, while the ventral surface sports a faired blister toward the rear that houses a rear-firing torpedo launcher. The ship’s smooth lines and integral nacelles help reduce the vessel’s cross-section, making it more difficult to target in battle. This also has the effect of increasing the efficiency of the energy transfer from the warp core to the nacelles.

The hull is built around a series of diagonal U-frames that form a geodetic structure that is amazingly resistant to damage. In fact, Avengers have returned to their base with damage that would have caused regular ships to disintegrate from the stress. The hull is protected by 1.5 cm of high density rodinium armour plating over the entire ship, with an additional 3.5 cm of DynaTech’s ArmoPlast™ advanced ablative composite over top. A series of articulated and jettisonable hull plates allow various internal systems access to the vessel’s exterior. These include docking ports, airlocks, landing bay doors, lifeboats, impulse vents, deuterium/anti-deuterium refill ports, mooring beam, and tractor beam emitters.

Internally the Avengers are composed of numerous prefabricated modular sections, which each serve as their own compartment. These internal modules are anchored to the ship’s hull by a series of flexible supports that are attached to the main framework. This method of rafting reduces the transfer of mechanical shocks to the interior of the hull. Each compartment is fitted with a series of emergency bulkheads and isolation pocket-doors that are supplemented by emergency force fields. All compartments where crew might be trapped have emergency escape scuttles with jumping ladders, supplemented by “kick out” panels as an alternative means of escape. The few windows that dot the hull’s surface are equipped with armoured blast shutters that close automatically during action.

The hull is strengthened by a high-level structural integrity field (SIF), which allows the vessel to withstand extreme stresses without causing structural damage. The space between the outer and inner hulls is filled with DynaTech’s TetraPlast™ and LiquiPlast™ materials. These two systems are designed to provide automatic patches of small hull breaches such as micro-fractures, preventing them from widening into larger breaches. TetraPlast™ are metallic polyalloy sheets that melt when exposed to high energy discharges. It then rapidly expands and re-solidifies, providing structural support to damaged sections of the hull. LiquiPlast™ is a high-density thermoplasticine memory gel which solidifies upon exposure to vacuum. It is designed to plug small breaches and maintain atmospheric integrity if emergency force-fields are unavailable.

Atmospheric thrusters and landing struts are located in the hull to facilitate surface landings up to but not exceeding 1.9g environments. A special turbolift runs through the central landing strut, providing direct access to planetary surfaces for the crew. Avenger-class ships have a standard endurance of 9 months, but can operate for up to 18 months without resupply. The ship’s hulls have an expected service lifetime of fifty years.

Science and Remote Sensing Systems
The Avengers employs a Type-7 sensor system which can scan 11.0 light-years of space in the low-resolution mode, and up to 3.11 light-years in the high-resolution mode. The ship’s sensors are the SPS-1200B Mk.2 navigation and long-range search array, and the SQS-5010 search and attack arrays. The sensors are adapted from the standard sensor pallets used on other Federation vessels, and are set behind selectively EM opaque hull plating. The sensors can be withdrawn into reinforced wells which protect them from sustaining damage during action, while slightly reducing their effectiveness.

The ships are normally equipped with twenty-seven sensor probes, three of each configuration from class I to class IX. In the event additional probes are required, torpedoes can be removed from the ships magazine and reconfigured as class VIII or class IX probes.

Computer Systems
The nerve centre of the ship is the CCS-2800 Command and Control System, which provides increased survivability, reliability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance over earlier types of computers. As a fully distributed system the CCS-2800 is built around a series of independent computing nodes, each of which serves as a control or monitoring console. Each node contains its own processor, data storage unit, and power regulator, and are interconnected to the other nodes by a triple redundant data bus that is augmented with bio-neural circuitry. Together the nodes share their processing power and data storage capacity throughout the shipboard computing network, creating a single main computer through all of their constituent parts. The main memory core is located on deck 5, where the protected file storage areas with backup copies of vital control software are kept if needed.

SHipboard INtegraded Processing And Display System (SHINPADS)
SHINPADS is an advanced operating system and user interface for starship computers. Controls include curved flat panel touch screens that have been optimized with clear sight lines and all controls within easy reach. Each console features an integrated holographic projector, allowing controls and data to be displayed and manipulated in 3D. In addition to the standard tactile, audio, and visual interfaces, SHINPADS allows the crew to explore and interact with space using all of their senses. The integrated holoemitters are not capable of altering the appearance of an entire room, but can display objects and are sufficient to operate the ship’s EMH.

SHINPADS includes updated personal digital assistants that are smaller than older models, and can easily fit inside a uniform pocket. They are made of a clear piece of polymer with a high resolution display, and can be customized to appear different colours when activated. Portable SHINPADS are fully integrated into the CCS-2800 computer system, and allow data to be “dragged” and “dropped” between the devices and the fixed consoles and terminals. Data can also be shared between users in the same manner. These smaller devices are often the only part of the system referred to by its users as SHINPADS.

“Priya” Artificial Intelligence
To mediate the crew’s interactions with the computer an advanced artificial intelligence with an adaptive neural network has been installed. Her name is Priya (“dear, beloved”), and she has been charged with protecting the wellbeing of the ship and its crew. Her voice patterns were provided by a young woman from Brighton, which is south of London in the United Kingdom on Earth. Her demeanor can best be described as “matronly.” When someone interacts with the computer she appears on displays and as a hologram. While the designers had intended her to be humanoid, Priya decided that she preferred to be a cat. She usually appears as a tuxedo coloured european shorthair with piercing blue eyes. She sometimes drools when she purrs.

MARS Battlespace Artificial Intelligence
MARS was named for the Roman god of war, and has been programmed with every space, air, surface, and subsurface combat tactic used by every known species encountered to date. The system employs an integrated neural network which allows it to analyze and adapt to new situations. The MARS system works in combat and non-combat situations to provide the Captain and crew with nearly instantaneous tactical information, including recommended strategies and a thorough analysis of potential weaknesses in enemy space, air, surface, and subsurface forces. MARS uses a series of distributed processing units which interface directly with all tactical, mission planning, and intelligence systems aboard the ship, allowing a complete tactical picture to be developed from all of these individual sources. MARS can simultaneously track and compute firing and evasive-firing solutions on dozens of targets, allowing the Avenger to engage multiple threats at once while proving a very difficult target for other vessel’s fire-control systems to lock onto.

The system has four modes of operation which range from manual to fully automatic. In manual mode the operator must initiate the tracking, identification, and engagement of all contacts. The semi-auto and auto-assign modes allow for a mix of crew and computer operations, with the operator retaining the control of all engagements. In the highest mode, auto-engage, MARS will automatically detect, track, identify, and engage hostile targets once pre-set criteria have been met. These include the availability of suitable weapons, the ship’s current defensive posture, and the defined rules of engagement.

Pegasus Artificial Intelligence (PAI)
PAI helps reduce the workload of the engineering crew by automating many of the routine maintenance and diagnostic tasks, as well as handling simple adjustments to maximize efficiency of the ship’s systems. This includes adjusting the continuously variable geometry warp field of the new LFI engines. Where PAI really shines is in damage control. The Avengers have an extensive damage control system with forward and aft section bases capable of independent action. However, both sections are normally co-ordinated from the damage control headquarters (DCHQ) in main engineering. PAI allows this process to be fully automated, directing damage control parties efficiently and providing them with detailed information via their portable SHINPADS.

Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH)
The Avenger is equipped with a standard EMH to provide supplemental support to the ship’s medical staff. Due to the integration of holographic technology with the ship’s consoles, the EMH can operate anywhere that consoles are installed.

Warp Propulsion Systems
The new Orenda TR-5 matter/antimatter reactor assembly is a Class-8 unit rated at 1900+ Cochranes. The TR-5 was actually designed to power a ship over three and a half times larger than the Avenger, and is installed horizontally in the ship. To utilize every watt of available power, the Avenger has a unique Multiphasic EPS (MEPS, pronounced “MEEPS”) system. This allowed the designers to increase the ship’s armament, deflector shield power, and sensor capabilities in order to put as much energy as possible to use. In catastrophic emergencies the reactor ejects aft, emerging underneath the ship’s tail.

The ship’s engines employ the Linear Field Induction (LFI) design which utilizes a continuously variable geometry warp field. This is automatically managed by the PAI program in the computer. PAI also manipulates the field’s z-axis to achieve optimal performance and prevent subspace pollution. The ship’s cruising speed is warp 6.0, which can be maintained until fuel exhaustion. Maximum sustainable speed is warp 9.2. Maximum sustainable speed for twelve hours is warp 9.6. Emergency speed is warp 9.8.

The ship’s fuel supply is replenished en route by next generation multi-inlet bussard collectors, which provide greater scoop capacity. While normal bussard collectors collect interstellar hydrogen molecules, the new multi-inlet bussard collectors also harvest interstellar dust and other particulate matter for conversion into raw material. The harvested particles are processed through the ship’s waste reclamation facilities. From here they can be integrated into the ship’s storage of raw material for use in shipboard replicators, and can also be used for en route antimatter generation. This increases the effective range of the Avenger between resupply stops.

Impulse Propulsion Systems
Four powerful Merlin Subatomic unified energy impulse units were selected to power the Mark II upgrade. They are installed in the tail at the rear of the hull, and are equipped with thrust vectoring systems to help increase the vessel’s maneuverability. The maximum impulse velocity of the ship with all engines running is limited to 0.30c by PAI. This is to prevent the ship from experiencing any of the time dilation effects which begin above this speed. PAI can allow access to the full available power of the engines in emergencies, which when overloaded with the ships auxiliary reactors or injected with raw anti-matter can provide 130-140% of their rated power for a limited amount of time.

To augment the impulse propulsion system, an above average complement of RCS thruster assemblies has been installed. These thrusters are normally used for precision flight maneuvers, such as docking, but can also be used to increase maneuverability during combat situations.

Tactical Systems
The Avenger’s armament is very heavy for a ship of its size, though the individual weapons are lighter when compared to the Defiant and Brazen-class starships.

Defensive Shields
FSRM-1 Full-Spectrum Regenerative Metaphasic Primary Forcefield and Deflector Control System
The new FSRM-1 has been selected for the Mark II project. Based on the successful FSQ-120 series, the FSRM-1 is specifically designed for combat vessels. From uprated generators with improved cooling systems and energy relays, to enhanced emitters that run at higher peak efficiencies, every aspect has been optimized to provide the maximum level of protection. All of the components are easily accessible and designed to be replaceable in the field.

A powerful subspace-field discriminator/amplifier coil was included in the system, allowing the MARS combat computer to automatically adjust the shields’ nutation and modulation. The system also allows for fully automatic regenerative and metaphasic capabilities. The FSRM-1 is powered by eight shield generators, which provide a maximum graviton load of 1444 megawatts with a maximum energy dissipation rate of 4.00x10^5 kilowatts.

Phaser Systems
2x Type-VII Guardian Linear Phaser Arrays
For point defence the Avenger has come to depend on her two type-VII Guardian linear phaser arrays, which are integrated into the wing tips just outboard of the engine nacelles. They provide excellent all-around coverage and each contain 80 emitters. They are rated at 1.3 MW and have an effective range of 75,000 kilometers. An up-rated cooling system and a secondary phaser power coupling allow the Guardian arrays to engage up to two targets at once, and provide continuous covering fire throughout even long battles.

2x Type-VIII Long Lance Collimated Phaser Banks
The Mark II Project uncovered a weakness in the original design; the Avenger lacked mid-range phaser capability against hostiles. To rectify this two Long Lance collimated phaser banks have been added to the ship’s shoulders, outboard of the torpedo launchers. Each bank contains a single emitter, and can engage targets in a 90° forward arc. Developed from the standard type-VIII phaser, the Long Lance uses quantum optical focussing to collimate the beam output to increase the effective range. This allows them to engage targets at up to 187,500 kilometres, but at a reduced output of only 2.2 MW.

4x Type-VIII Damocles Multiphasic Pulse Phaser Cannons
The Avenger’s main armament are her four Damocles multiphasic pulse phaser cannons. Concentrated in the ship’s nose they have a 45-degree forward arc and contain three emitters per cannon. Based on the type-VIII phaser, these emitters have been optimized for engagements at close range. Tapping into the power of the ships’ MEPS system they are rated at an incredible 3.25 MW. The phased plasma loses cohesion faster than traditional phasers however, which limits their effective range to only 112,500 km.

Torpedo Systems
2x Type-3 Standard-Fire Torpedo Launchers (forward)
Rounding out the Avengers armament are two type-3 torpedo launchers forward, which are located at the shoulders. They are each capable of firing two torpedoes every four seconds. In actual combat these proved to be too light, and it was clear that they needed to be replaced with something bigger. Unfortunately the torpedo loading mechanism had been installed sideways to allow both launchers to be fed from the ship’s central magazine. This prevented the installation of the autoloader for a newer burst-fire model, which kept jamming during simulated combat.

1x Type-4 Burst-Fire Torpedo Launcher (aft)
The solution to increasing the Avenger’s torpedo armament was elegant and unconventional. A third torpedo launcher was installed in a blister that was slung underneath, and fared into the ventral hull. This solved the problems with the autoloader, but because of the pronounced droop of the Avenger’s bow the launcher was required to face aft. The launcher is capable of firing a burst of five torpedoes every ten seconds.

Magazine
The standard torpedo load-out is forty-eight torpedoes, but the magazine can store up to seventy-five when all of the sensor probes are removed. The ship’s magazine includes storage for photon and quantum warheads which each have an effective range of 350,000 kilometers, and Firefly torpedoes which have an effective range of 200,000 kilometres.

Firefly Multiple Independent Weapons System (MIWS) Torpedo
A modified type-VI torpedo, the Firefly has the warhead and guidance systems removed. In their place a ripple-fire micro-torpedo launching system is installed, which fires a burst of twenty micro-torpedoes in under five seconds. Each micro-torpedo is guided by the MARS combat computer after release, and allows the Avenger to engage multiple targets or to hit a single target from multiple vectors at the same time. Micro-torpedoes are not as effective as normal torpedoes, but can be used to temporarily blind or confuse an enemy, and make effective flak bursts to knock out incoming ordnance. The Firefly torpedo can be launched at targets up to 200,000 kilometres away. The torpedo can travel up to 125,000 kilometres and release the micro-torpedoes at any point in its flight path. The micro-torpedoes have an additional range of 75,000 kilometers after being released.

Command And Support Systems
Seat Restraint System (SRS)
All operator chairs are equipped with position sensors that are embedded in the seating surface. Data from these sensors is combined with biometric data from the occupants communicator to determine the most ergonomically efficient position. The seating surface then automatically adjusts, helping to reduce operator fatigue and preventing repetitive strain injuries. In the event of a violent impact which would throw the occupant out of the chair, a series of restraining fields activate to pull them back into the proper seating position. This reduces the chance of receiving common acceleration or deceleration injuries, such as whiplash. To accommodate operators who prefer to stand, or whose anatomy prevents the use of a chair, all chairs are designed to fold and stow underneath their consoles.

Main Bridge
The new bridge module is slightly larger than the old one. It has a more circular configuration, and now projects above the rest of deck one. It has been designed to provide the ultimate in crew interaction and to maximize their situational awareness. The peripheral stations now all face in toward the centre of the bridge, and each has a clear line-of-sight to the viewscreen. Each operator’s console is circular, completing 270-degrees around them. The peripheral stations are all open on the left, providing access for the operator. These stations blend into the bulkheads behind the operators, providing additional workspace and displays.

The bridge is divided into four quadrants, which are separated by access corridors or turbolifts. The forward quadrant is dominated by the holographic viewscreen, which rises from below the bridge level and curves onto the ceiling above. Capable of projecting the surrounding space in full 3D, this provides a tremendous view of the surrounding space. A shallow maintenance area is located directly in front of the viewscreen, which is accessed by a pair of short step ladders on either side and guarded by a narrow rail. A pair of general status displays are located to the left and right of the viewscreen, which provide a general overview of the ship’s current condition.

A turbolift separates the forward and starboard quadrants. The starboard quadrant has the science, environmental, and environmental subsystems stations. A short corridor separates the starboard and aft quadrants. This provides access to the ready room, the starboard side of the conference room, and the deck one corridor leading aft. The aft quadrant has the communications/intelligence, tactical, and internal security stations. A short corridor separates the aft and port quadrants, providing access to the port side of the conference room and the second bridge turbolift. The port quadrant has the engineering, damage control, and mission operations stations. A corridor separates the port and forward quadrants, and provides access to the officer’s lounge, a restroom with a single sink and water closet, and the deck one corridor leading forward.

In the centre of the bridge is the command module, which faces forward. The CO’s chair is directly centered, with seats for the XO and 2O in a line to port and starboard. Each chair has a console to the right that wraps 90-degrees around. Ahead of the command staff are the operations management and conning stations. These consoles also wrap 270-degrees around their operators, but are open at the rear. They have a multifunction pedestal display positioned between them, which provides astrogation information or a master systems display for the ship’s command staff.

Conference Room
Behind the bridge on deck one, the conference room provides a private place for the senior staff to conduct briefings and situational analysis. The room is an irregular octagon, with the longest wall being the forward bulkhead that it shares with the bridge. In the centre of this wall is a holographic viewscreen, with two large SHINPADS displays on either side. The table is an isosceles trapezium, with four seats along the forward edge, one on each of the left and right sides, and three seats along the aft edge. Several windows look aft over the ship’s hull and are equipped with armoured blast shutters.

Officer’s Lounge
Accessed from the bridge’s forward port side corridor, the officer’s lounge is located behind the port bridge quadrant. It provides a place for officers to take a quick break, and for relief personnel to standby until needed. Two half-hexagon tables are located on the port and starboard sides of the room, with three cushioned chairs at each table, and a SHINPADS general status display above. A single small replicator is embedded in the bulkhead at the rear of the room, providing refreshments and snacks.

Ready Room
Accessed from the bridge’s aft starboard corridor, the ready room is located behind the starboard bridge quadrant. It provides a place for quiet contemplation or private meetings for the ship’s CO. An rounded L-shaped workstation with integrated computer terminal and three chairs are provided, as is a private restroom with a sink and water closet. The rear bulkhead has a large SHINPADS general status display. A single small replicator is embedded in the wall, providing refreshments and snacks.

Main Engineering
The warp core runs horizontally through the ship, hugging the ceiling on the main engineering deck with the power transfer conduits running port and starboard into the wings on either side of the hull. The way the core is aligned, it ejects aft right below the tail where the impulse engines are housed. This design is rather unconventional, but was necessary to facilitate the installation of a core that is too large for the Avenger’s hull.

The upper engineering deck provides access to the impulse engines that are housed in the ship’s tail. The lowest engineering deck serves as a repair and monitor area. Several dedicated offices and maintenance shops provide work space, while a large component replicator allows the fabrication of replacement parts. All engineering spaces are located along the vessel’s center line, providing the maximum amount of protection for the ship’s vital systems.

The ship’s auxiliary generators consist of four fusion reactors which supply two separate switchboards. The fusion reactors are fitted inside protected enclosures and each has a separate Local Control Panel (LCP). Two reactor units are located in the forward auxiliary generator room and two in the aft auxiliary generator room. This separation of the vital generators helps to ensure that one or more remain operational in the event of battle damage to a section of the ship.

Security Section
The ship’s security section is located on deck 5. There are two detention cells, each capable of housing two prisoners at one time. A briefing room is included for security staff, which has a large SHINPADS wall display showing a cut-away view of the ship with the current security status. Each cell has a double bunk, water closet, and sink, and is isolated by it’s own forcefield. The “exercise corridor” provides access to each cell and is also isolated by a forcefield. The security section also houses the ships armoury which is well equipped with a wide range of weapons for various tasks. Stores range from hand phasers and rifles, to photon-mortar launchers and stun grenades.

Science Laboratory
The Avenger is equipped with two general-purpose laboratories on deck 2. Each can handle most scientific studies that may be necessary. The labs are unfinished, with extra ODN and MEPS taps throughout. This makes it easy to modify should the crew need a more specialized lab, and also facilitates the addition of extra equipment.

Utility Systems
Cargo Bays
The Avenger-class was designed to operate away from bases and supply stations for extended periods of up to 18 months. As such it’s cargo bays can carry 2,500 metric tonnes of cargo which is divided into two bays. Cargo bays A and B each can store 1,250 mt and are each equipped with small cargo transporters and have external bay doors. Each cargo bay is outfitted with MEPS and ODN connections for quick modifications in the event the crew needs additional work space, a larger sickbay or a better equipped science lab. They are also capable of servicing the various sensor arrays located in pallets along the hull.

Tractor Beam Systems
There are several tractor beam emitters located around the ship. The main emitter is located on the ship’s belly and is capable of holding a 250,000 metric tonne object at a range of less than 1,000 meters.

Transporter Systems
There are two standard 6-person transporters located on deck 5, and two small cargo transporters on deck 3. The personnel transporters have a maximum range of 45,000 kilometers due to their use of ultra-high resolution pattern buffers. The ship’s cargo transporters have a range of 40,000 kilometers.

Crew Support Systems
Sickbay
Sickbay is located on deck 5. It is divided into two major sections. The first contains the examination/emergency room (4 beds) in a single operating/main diagnostic area. The second houses the ship’s medical storage area and bio-lab. Sickbay is fully equipped with holoemitters to support the ship’s EMH.

Variable Environmental Systems
Several areas of the ship are capable of supporting environments other than standard class-M. One of these locations is the ship’s cargo bays. Each bay has independent environmental controls which allow the environment to be changed in terms of atmosphere, pressure, gravity and temperature. Class H, K, L, M, N or N(2) environments can be recreated in the ship’s cargo bays, and allows the Avenger to serve as a diplomatic courier or a host to conferences.

Crew Quarters
Located on decks three and four. Due to space constraints, crew quarters are fairly small and cramped at only thirty square meters. Two persons of grades Junior-Lieutenant and below share a single room. A single washroom is shared between two quarters (four persons) containing a sonic shower/tub with Jacuzzi unit, two water closets, and two sinks. Quarters are sparsely furnished featuring two standard twin size beds in a two tier bunk configuration that is embedded into the wall. Each bunk is equipped with a foam mattress, pillow, individual reading lamps, and a privacy screen. Each person has an aluminum clothes locker and additional drawer space for personal belongings. A single table/desk slides out from the wall, and two chairs with foam cushions provide some living space. The table can be stowed to create an area for stretching and light exercise. All crew quarters have access to ship’s services such as intercoms, and a SHINPADS terminal is built into the wall providing library computer access for information and entertainment. There are no replicators due to the small size, instead one mess room provides replicators for the crew.

Officers Quarters
Located on deck five. Officers quarters are similar to crew quarters except they are slightly larger, as they include some office space. They contain only a single standard twin size bed that is embedded into the wall. The bed has a foam mattress, pillow, and a reading lamp. Two lounge chairs and a desk with a cushioned work chair are provided. SHINPADS terminals are built into the wall and the desk, providing library computer access as well as system monitoring. This allows officers to check their department status at a glance. A single washroom is shared between two quarters (two persons) and includes a sonic shower/tub with Jacuzzi unit, a single water closet, and a single sink. The ship’s CO and XO have larger quarters with private washroom facilities, and a divider separating the office from the living spaces. All officers quarters have access to ship’s services such as intercoms, but there are no replicators due to the small size. Instead an officers wardroom has a dining room and lounge, which provide replicators and relaxation space for officers.

VIP Quarters
Located on deck five. The four VIP quarters are arranged similarly to the CO and XO’s cabins in that they are equipped with private washroom facilities and the separated office space. VIP quarters also have variable atmospheric systems, and are capable of supporting class H, K, L, M, N and N(2) environments. VIP quarters are located back-to-back and can easily be linked to form two large ambassadorial quarters. When not in use the VIP quarters can be used as storage rooms, or can be reconfigured to house additional crew members. Like all crew and officers quarters, there are no replicators present in the VIP quarters. Instead VIP’s are usually served in the officers wardroom and dine with the ship’s command staff.

Crew’s Mess
The crew’s mess on deck three provides food replicators for the crew and gives them a place to meet for a friendly game of three dimensional chess. Four replicator terminals are built into the mess room’s forward bulkhead and can provide a wide selection of foods from many different worlds. There are two entrances located on the port and starboard sides and six square tables with four cushioned chairs at each. Due to the positioning of the mess room in the hull there are no windows, though several SHINPADS displays provide a means of entertainment.

Officers Wardroom
The officers wardroom is located on deck five, and is almost a carbon copy of the crew’s mess room. The only major differences are the single large table which can seat up to eighteen persons, and the anteroom that serves as an off-duty lounge. The officers wardroom is often used as a conference room for larger meetings or diplomatic functions where the smaller conference area located off the bridge is not sufficient. A larger SHINPADS display dominates the aft bulkhead and can be configured to display a variety of images. The anteroom is designed to serve as a medical triage station during action, with flip panels that reveal medical displays and surgical lights. This area is fully equipped to support the EMH, and can serve as a backup sickbay.

Recreation Room
The recreation room on deck four has some basic gym equipment, pull-up bars, and foam exercise mats. Several folding tables and chairs are stored in pockets in the wall, and a large SHINPADS display can be configured to provide a variety of entertainment. This includes 3D holographic projections, but the emitters are not powerful enough to alter the appearance of the entire room.

Auxiliary Spacecraft Systems
There are two landing bays that are accessed from the dorsal hull. Each is capable of operating a single craft, and includes maintenance and service facilities. Shuttlecraft up to ten meters in length and six meters in width can be supported from the landing bays. Below is a list of small-craft that could be employed on Avenger-class starships. Only those craft meeting the size restrictions of the Avenger’s landing bay are listed. Small-craft exceeding these restrictions are not listed, even if they could be carried externally beneath the hull.

Shuttlecraft

Type 1 shuttle
Type 3 shuttle
Type 6 shuttle
Type 7 shuttle
Type 8 shuttle
Type 9 shuttle
Type 10 shuttle
Armadillo shuttle

Shuttlepods
Type 15 shuttlepod
Type 15A shuttlepod
Type 16 shuttlepod
Type 18 shuttlepod

Fighter craft
Compsognathus interceptor

The Avenger is equipped with a generic docking collar at airlock 5, located on the forward part of the ventral hull. The docking clamps can be used to carry small craft at speeds up to warp 6, providing the docked vessel does not exceed the size of a runabout. This allows the Avenger to carry additional equipment and engage in forced boarding operations. The Avenger can also dock with larger vessels for high warp flight, provided both vessels are equipped with docking ports and their engines are slaved together.

Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Structure

Length: 180.2 meters
Beam: 140.6 meters
Height: 38.0 meters
Decks: 6
Complement
Officers and Crew: 55
Visiting Personnel: 8
Maximum Evacuation Limit: 140

Computer Systems
System Architecture: CCS-2800
Operating System/User Interface: SHINPADS
Software: Priya, MARS, PAI

Warp Systems
Power Plant: One 1900+ cochrane M/ARA feeding two LFI engines
Cruising Velocity: Warp 6.0
Maximum Sustainable Velocity: Warp 9.2
Maximum Sustainable Velocity (12-hours): Warp 9.6
Emergency Speed: Warp 9.8

Impulse System
Full Impulse: 0.30c
Accelerate: 3.254 seconds
Decelerate: 6.671 seconds

Defensive Systems
Shield Maximum Graviton Load (Continuous): 1444 MW
Shield Maximum Energy Dissipation Rate: 4.00x10^5 kW

Offensive Systems
Torpedoes
2x Type-3 Standard-Fire (forward)
1x Type-4 Burst-Fire (aft)
Standard Payload: 48 torpedoes
Maximum Payload: 75 torpedoes

Phasers
2x Type-VII Guardian Linear Phaser Arrays (port/starboard 180°)
2x Type VIII Long Lance Phaser Emitters (forward 90°)
4x Type-VIII Damocles Pulse Phased Phaser Cannons (forward 45°)

Deck Layout
Deck 1
Main Bridge
Ready Room
Conference Room (9 seats)
Officer’s Lounge
Shuttle Landing Bays Port and Starboard

Deck 2
Science Lab
Shuttle Repair Bays Port and Starboard
Cargo Bays A and B (upper)
Lifeboat Stations 1-20
Impulse Engines (upper)

Deck 3
Crew Quarters
Crew Mess
Transporters 3 and 4 (small cargo)
Cargo Bays A and B (lower)
Airlock 2 and Docking Port (port)
Airlock 3 and Docking Port (starboard)
Engineering Deck A
Impulse Engines (lower)
Deuterium Storage Tanks

Deck 4
Crew Quarters
Recreation Room
Engineering Deck B
M/ARA
M/ARA Ejection Systems
Airlock 4 and Docking Port (forward)

Deck 5
Officers Quarters
Officers Wardroom
VIP Quarters
Transporter Rooms 1 and 2 (standard 6-person)
Sickbay
Computer Core
Security Section (includes detention cells and ships armoury)
Engineering Deck C
Lifeboat Stations 21-40

Deck 6
Emergency Landing Struts
Anti-Deuterium Storage Pods
Anti-Deuterium Storage Pod Ejection Systems
Deuterium/Anti-Deuterium Refill Ports
Observation Deck
Airlock 5 and Docking Port (lower)
Docking Clamps

Ships of Class
USS Avenger NCC-79500
USS Defender NCC-79501
USS Sentry NCC-79502
USS Centurion NCC-79503
USS Guardian NCC-79504
USS Devastator NCC-79505
USS Patriot NCC-79506
USS Scout NCC-79507
USS Pioneer NCC-79508
USS Warrior NCC-79509
USS Cavalier NCC-79510
USS Ardent NCC-79511
USS Dextrous NCC-79512
USS Chief NCC-79513
USS Champion NCC-79514

Conclusion
The Avenger-class is part of Starfleet’s efforts to return to missions of exploration and discovery, while retaining a heightened state of military readiness. As a rapid-reaction unit their high speed and agility will allow them to decide the time and place for an engagement. The changes brought to the design by the Mark II Project will see the ships remain competitive with the latest designs by potential aggressors. These upgrades should allow Avengers to continue to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the finest traditions of Starfleet.

SUBMITTED 30 JULY 2020
Jared Kurz