Defiant Classtrek_ship_class.gif (711 bytes)

Image of Defiant Class

Class and Type: Defiant-class Escort
Commissioning Date: 2370
Lead Engineer: Don Mappin

Hull Characteristics
Size: 4 (170 meters long, 4 decks)
Resistance: 3
Structural Points: 120 (ablative armor, see Notes)
Operational Characteristics
Crew/Passengers: 40/150
   [4 pwr/round]
Computers: 2
   [2 pwr/round]
Transporters: 2 personnel, 1 cargo
   [2 pwr/round]
Tractor Beams: 1 av
   [2 pwr/rating used]
Propulsion and Power Characteristics
Warp System: 6.0/8.7/9.982 (12 hours)
   [2/warp factor]
Impulse System: .75 c/.9 c
   [7/9 pwr/round]
Power: 150
Sensor Systems
Long-range Sensors: +1/17 light-years
   [6 pwr/round]
Lateral Sensors: +1/1 light-year
   [4 pwr/round]
Navigational Sensors: +1
   [5 pwr/round]
Cloak: 10
    [40 pwr/round]
Sensor Skill: 5
Weapons Systems
Type I Pulse Phaser Cannons:
   Range: 5/20,000/75,000/200,000
   Arc: Fwd (60 degrees)
   Accuracy: 4/5/8/12
   Damage: 35/25 (see Notes)
   Power: [35]
Type II Quantum Torpedoes:
   Number: 16
   Launchers: 1 fv
   Spread: 4
   Arc: Forward but are self-guided
   Range: 15/300,000/1,000,000/3,500,000
   Accuracy: 4/5/7/10
   Damage: 26
   Power: [5]
Type XXV Photon Torpedoes:
   Number: 19
   Launchers: 2 av
   Spread: 4
   Arc: Aft, but are self-guided
   Range: 15/300,000/1,000,000/4,050,000
   Accuracy: 4/5/7/10
   Damage: 20
   Power: [5]
Weapons Skill: 5
Defensive Systems
Starfleet Deflector Shield
   Protection: 45/60
   Power: [45]

Description and Notes
Fleet data: The Defiant-class developed as a combat vessel to counter the foreseen future Borg incursions. This "fast track" design introduced radical new thinking into the design of a starship and some limitations not common with Starfleet vessels. The Defiant-class makes no qualms about its militaristic nature, even going so far as to employ a cloaking device with the approval of the Romulans.

The Defiants are ill-equipped to server on long-term patrols and are frequently assigned to a Starfleet facility where they perform patrol duties within the sector.

(For more detailed information the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual is highly recommended.)

Noteworthy vessels / service records / encounters: U.S.S. Defiant, prototype, stationed at Deep Space 9; U.S.S. Valiant, destroyed on training exercise.

Ship Notes
1 - Ablative armor provides an additional 50% structural points of protection over other vessels. However, this armor, once damaged, can only be repaired/replaced at a Starfleet facility or shipyard. For every nine points of damage the structure sustains (10%) reduce the effectiveness of the cloak by one until the armor is repaired. This reflects EM leakage.
2 - The pulse phaser cannons have a very restricted range and firing arc but do excellent damage, especially against shields. When calculating damage against shields use the full amount that the cannons have been charged to. Against armor lower the damage by 10 to represent its concussion versus piercing damage. The pulse phaser cannons can multifire but only against a single target.
3 - The Defiant-class relies on its toughness, maneuverability, and excellent weapons systems to stay in the fight. Make sure to use rules for varying ship sizes to reflect its difficulty to hit and maneuverability. If you are not using these rules impose a +2 penalty to hit the Defiant.
4 - All quantum torpedoes are stored in the forward torpedo magazines and photon torpedoes in the aft magazines. These can be changed at a Starfleet facility at the Captain's discretion. Keep track of the disposition of torpedoes and their placement as they can not easily be changed outside of spacedock.
5 - An additional 22 photon torpedo warheads are stored in the warhead section. These can be used to retrofit quantum torpedoes or sensor probes. Require a successful Shipboard Systems (Weapons Systems) to do so within 30 minutes (per torpedo).

Author's Notes
I've tried my best to represent the ship "realistically" without making the Size 4 vessel too much of a monster. Her defensive systems should allow her to stay in a battle long enough to do some damage. At a future date I'll draw up some rules on actually "firing" the warhead section (difficulty and damage).

After some extensive playtesting, I've upped the power and a comment in DS9 where the Defiant is described as "overpowered."


Star Trek® and all related marks ™, ®, & © Paramount Pictures. Star Trek The RPG™ and all related products are © Last Unicorn Games, Inc. Individual works are the property of respective authors and may not be reproduced without permission. HTML code, layout, and custom images are property of TrekRPGNet and may not be reproduced without permission. See the legal page for more information.