USS Black Hawk-A Specifications

USS Black Hawk-A
Class Information
Role:	Explorer
Decks:	24
Cruising Speed:	Warp 8
Personnel
Total Compliment:	780
Tactical Systems
Energy Weapons:	9x Type-XII Phaser Arrays
Torpedo Launchers:	4 Forward 4 Aft
Shields:	Regenerative Shielding System
Template:Shipclass

These are the technical specifications for the Century-Class USS Black Hawk-A.

Design Overview

The Akira Class starship entered service in 2364 and has quickly become the pride of Starfleet's next generation of starships. Akira Class vessels are part of the new belief Sovereign-class Development Sealthat smaller, faster, more maneuverable Starships are needed to better serve Starfleet's, and, by extension, the Federation's needs.

Initial production of the Akira class began at the ASDB Integration Facility, New Aberdeen Fleetyards, Aldebaran, and has since expanded to include the ASDB Integration Facility, Utopia Planitia, Mars where nearly 15 of these vessels enter service each year, and the newly revamped Atlas V Assembly Facility, Deneb V along with the Antares Fleet yard.

Unlike many larger starships of its development era, with saucer separation as a prerequisite, Akira Class vessels to date cannot separate into two vessels. As a result, the Akira Class no longer has the twin hull design that has been seen in vessels such as Excelsior, New Orleans, Galaxy and Ambassador Classes. This means that the primary hull and the engineering hull are no longer separate, with no "neck" section. While this division of Saucer and Stardrive has been blurred, it does allow the Akira Class to make a smoother, less polluted entry into subspace during Warp. Also, because of this "no stardrive" design, the surface between the two hulls has a much more gradual descent and streamlined appearance; the dorsal mid-ships section, which slopes up where the two hulls connect. The Akira spaceframe appears very similar in design to that of an ancient earth sailing boat known as a Catamaran. With the Nacelles parallel to the main hull, they can be more adequately protected by the primary and secondary shield generators with only a minimal loss in shield efficiency.

The final armaments for the Akira Class were finalized during the end of the primary development phase and implemented during the vessel's first production contract at both ASDB Facilities. Realizing that relations with the Cardassians was going to deteriorate before they improved, and the looming presence of a Borg incursion, Starfleet requested that a portion of the new Akira?s be refitted with more weaponry and upgraded shields. The resulting Akira class mounted no less than 15 Photon torpedo tubes spread between 3 launchers scattered around the vessel [2 located on the Aft sail, and 1 mounted on the ventral portion of the vessel just above the main deflector].

Heavily armed, the design philosophy for the Akira class created lessons later utilized in the Defiant Project, especially the early "Torpedo Gunboat" design that was later scrapped in favor of the current design. A Combined Forward/Aft torpedo bay is located both along the Aft Dorsal "Sail" portion of the hull, while a second set of forward launchers are located just under the nose of the ship. Combined with the Type X phaser array, the current Akira class is heavily armed, and in raw torpedo firepower, could return fire - torpedo for torpedo, with the vaunted Galaxy / Nebula Class launchers.

With the Saber class designed to replace the Miranda and her sister classes (Soyuz, etc) of starships on internal police patrols, and with the Merced and New Orleans Class functioning adequately in the role of Mission-Specific Frigate, it was a waste of scientific resources to assign those classes to defensive patrols on the Cardassian Frontier where they were clearly outgunned against Galor class Battlecruisers. Akira class starships were outfitted with a full-fly through hangar on deck 12 from which no more than 40 Kaneda Class fighters could be launched, combined with the 3 photon torpedo launchers and 6 Type X phaser array?s standard on the Akira class, gave the carrier impressive sublight combat capabilities and could stand toe-to-toe against even the most determined Cardassian attack.

General Information and Layout

Crew Breakdown

The Black Hawk currently holds 520 crew and 10 civilian passengers.

• Officers: 142
• Enlisted: 378
• Civilians: 10
• Emergency Capacity: 4,000 souls

Departmental Breakdown

	OFFICERS	ENLISTED	TOTAL
COMMAND	12	18	30
OPERATIONS	15	75	90
ENGINEERING	25	80	105
SECURITY/TACTICAL	15	65	80
MEDICAL	20	25	45
SCIENCE	20	25	45
FLIGHT SQUADRON	35	90	125

For a complete description of the departments and the positions therein, please review the Departmental Breakdown.

Measurements

• Length: 464.43 meters
• Beam: 87.43 meters
• Height: 316.67 meters
• Mass: 4,500,000 metric tons
• Number of Decks: 18 plus Decks A, B, C, D

Propulsion Systems

Warp Drive

The Akira-class starship is fitted with a highly advanced warp drive system, incorporating some of the most advanced technology and refinements made to offer in the past fifty years. The basis of the drive is built upon a somewhat more traditional structure and holds a number of performance advancements.

Due to the design of the Akira-class, having no separate stardrive section, the warp core has been compacted down into a horizontal version instead of the traditional vertical warp core using a RamJet Mark 1 Standard Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Assembly with modification added by Theoretical Propulsion Group. Because of the compact design, a more efficient and smaller warp field is generated around the vessel by the engines.

The Black Hawks's warp drive is fueled by a powerful matter/antimatter reaction assembly (MARA). Another recent advancement incorporated into the class is a fifth-phase crystalline dilithium as reaction element. Unlike older starships, the dilithium matrix can be recomposited if necessary, thereby extending the lifespan of the dilithium crystals.

Like most traditional starships, the Black Hawk uses both deuterium and antimatter to create a powerful reaction to generate plasma. Deuterium slush is kept supercooled in four large primary tanks located on deck 18. Deuterium is routed to the impulse engine systems in addition to the upper matter reactant injectors attached to the magnetic constrictors. The antimatter systems work in a similar fashion. Antimatter is stored in a set of 4 smaller pods where they feed the lower matter reactant injectors. Because of the unstable and dangerous nature of antimatter, they must be contained in forcefields constantly to prevent it from physically touching any part of the ship.

Once deuterium and antimatter reach the magnetic constrictors, they are injected into the dilithium chamber where they cause an explosive reaction. The result of this is a highly charged plasma substance, capable of powering the entire ship. This plasma is then transferred to the warp engine assembly via a series of power transfer conduits.

Once the plasma reaches the set of twin engines, they are sent through phase inducers, and then in turn to a set of 26 warp coils. The warp coils are responsible for generating a powerful energy field, which physically warp space and allow the ship to enter a region known as subspace where faster-than-light speeds are achievable.

Recent refinements in warp field geometry pioneered by the Intrepid-, and even the Akira-class, allows the Black Hawk to fly at greater warp speed without damaging subspace, a problem that had been plaguing older starships. The Black Hawk is currently capable of speeds reaching warp factor 9.8, making it one of the fastest ships in Starfleet. It can withstand maximum speed for up to 12 hours. Normal cruising speed is warp factor 7 for periods substantially longer.

In addition to sporting a more powerful warp core, the Black Hawk has a number of preventative safety measures in place. These protocols can be activated due to a variety of different reasons, including a possible warp core breach.

Supplementing the warp drive are two additional components used for limited fuel replenishment. The primary being the Bussard ramscoops, which draw in interstellar hydrogen, used in the production of deuterium. The ramscoops are mounted on the front of each warp engine. Other gases can be collected and stored as well. The second method of fuel replenishment is through an antimatter generator located on decks 14 and 15. Using elements of hydrogen, the antimatter generator is capable of producing small amounts of antimatter, a crucial element of warp drive.

Impulse Drive

When the Black Hawk is not at warp speed, it relies upon impulse engines for secondary propulsion. Impulse is a sub-warp speed used primarily within star systems or other areas where warp speed is not necessary. Akira-class starships are equipped with two (2) standard Akira-class primary impulse engines developed by HighMPact Propulsion. These engines are located in the very aft section of the sails. Each impulse engine is powered by a series of fusion reactors, with 6 in all. Each reactor is fueled by deuterium slush.

The Black Hawk's impulse engines are comparable, but slightly more advanced, to the Ambassador-class. The size and power of the engines allows the Black Hawk to be extremely maneuverable at impulse speeds, allowing it greater combat efficiency.

RCS Thrusters

These small thrusters are positioned around the external hull of the Black Hawk such as the rim of the saucer section and the end of the warp engines. There are 24 thrusters in all. The Reaction Control System (RCS) is used for maneuvering at speeds below impulse. They are used in conjunction to propel the ship by venting pressurized gasses. RCS thrusters are usually employed for docking procedures and maneuvering within starbase facilities and the like. Each thruster additionally is fitting with mooring beam emitters that allow for greater efficiency when docking with other ships or stations and can help hold the ship in place.

Tactical Systems

Defensive Systems

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.

There are sixteen shield grids on the Akira-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 Akira-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.

Offensive Systems

Phasers

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.

The Akira-class utilizes the Type X array system. The seven arrays are all type X, 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.

Each phaser array takes its energy directly from the impulse drive and auxiliary fusion generators. Individually, each Type X emitter can only discharge approximately 5.1 MW (megawatts). However, several emitters (usually two) fire at once in the array during standard firing procedures, resulting in a discharge approximately 10.2 MW.

Torpedoes

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 second generation of automated, high-speed launchers originally developed and found on the Photon torpedo casing (typical) New Orleans- and Saber-class (and later seen aboard Excelsior-class Starships as part of their refit schedule) starships and each launcher is armed with 5 tubes per launcher, giving the Akira-class the ability to launch up to fifteen torpedoes in a single salvo. The third generation of this launcher has seen deployment aboard the Sovereign-class and Norway-class.

Mark XXV Photon Torpedoes, 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.

The Black Hawk also carries 225 Quantum Torpedoes and 15 Tri-Cobalt Torpedoes.

Sensor Systems

Navigational Sensors

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:

• Astronomical phenomena
• Planetary analysis
• Remote life-form analysis
• EM scanning
• Passive neutrino scanning
• Parametric subspace field stress (a scan to search for cloaked ships)
• Thermal variances
• 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 Akira-class to track ships at high warp by locking onto the eddy currents from the threat ship's warp field, then follow the currents by using multi-model image mapping.

A standard Akira-class main deflector dish is located along the ventral portion of the Akira-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 located on deck 17, each capable of generating 128 MW, which can be fed into two 550 millicochrane subspace field distortion generators.

Long- and Short-Range Sensors

There are twenty-eight independent tactical sensors on the Akira-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 84% efficient against ECM, and can operate fairly well in particle flux nebulae (which has been hitherto impossible).

A probe is a device that contains a number of general purpose or mission specific sensors and can be launched from a starship for closer examination of objects in space.

There are nine different classes of probes, which vary in sensor types, power, and performance ratings. The spacecraft frame of a probe consists of molded duranium-tritanium and pressure-bonded lufium boronate, with sensor windows of triple layered transparent aluminum. With a warhead attached, a probe becomes a photon torpedo. The standard equipment of all nine types of probes are instruments to detect and analyze all normal EM and subspace bands, organic and inorganic chemical compounds, atmospheric constituents, and mechanical force properties. All nine types are capable of surviving a powered atmospheric entry, but only three are specially designed for aerial maneuvering and soft landing. These ones can also be used for spatial burying. Many probes can be real-time controlled and piloted from a starship to investigate an environment dangerous hostile or otherwise inaccessible for an away-team.

Primary Systems

Computer Systems

The primary computer core occupies space on decks 7, 8 and 9 far astern. The secondary, emergency core is much smaller than the first and is located adjacent to Environmental Control on Deck 16.

The updated Computer cores found on the Akira-class are newer versions of the Galaxy-class Isolinear Processing cores. The system is powered by a smaller, regulated EPS conduit directly from the warp core. Cooling of the isolinear loop is accomplished by a regenerative liquid nitrogen loop, which has been refit to allow a delayed-venting heat storage unit for "Silent Running." For missions, requirements on the computer core rarely exceed 45-50% of total core 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.

Computer access throughout the ship is accomplished via a complex network. The primary method of data transfer is through the Optical Data Network (ODN). The ODN connects subprocessor systems to the computer core through a hierarchical structure. ODN lines are capable of an amazing rate of transfer speed, at 6200 kiloquads/second.

Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS) is 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 Akira-class operates on LCARS build version 5.2 to account for increases in processor speed and power, and limitations discovered in the field in earlier versions, and increased security. This system is run on all stations, consoles, displays, and support tools. Support tools can include a variety of different equipment, such as desktop terminals, which are placed in every office and crew quarter aboard the ship. Another popular method of portable computer access is the Personal Access Display Device (PADD). These handheld devices have direct access to the computer systems and can provide the user with portable access. PADDs have their own power and storage matrix as well, allowing them to be transported easily between different ships or facilities.

All Starfleet 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 Starfleet badge and small receivers are implanted in the ear canal.

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

Environmental Systems

One of the most important systems on the Black Hawk, or any starship for that matter, is the extensive network of environmental systems. Making sure that these systems operate and perform as designed is one of the top priorities. The main environmental system is comprised of many separate systems. These systems include replication, air, gravity, recycling, water, and waste extraction. All environmental systems have multiple redundant back-ups throughout the ship, including emergency back-up power supplies.

One of the most important systems is the air supply system. This system constantly monitors the air supply aboard the ship, filtering out any unnecessary or unwanted particles. The air is constantly recycled to provide a clean Class-M environment. In certain areas of the ship, such as crew and guest quarters, the air supply can be adjusted to provide atmosphere to species other than Class M such as Class K, L, and N. Key areas of the ship such as the bridge and main engineering have back-up emergency life support systems adjacent to them in the event of systems failure. In addition, there are several designated life support shelters throughout the ship.

Gravity is provided throughout the ship by a series of gravity generators. There are a total of 220 generators in all. Gravity is accomplished by graviton particles that are emitted from each generator. This effect is similar to that of a tractor beam. Each gravity generator has a limited range; thus, each field overlaps to ensure stable gravity.

Another primary system aboard starships is replication systems. Based off of the basic principle of transporter technology, replicators are the primary source of food distribution throughout the ship. Crew lounges, personal quarters, and offices are all equipped with replicator units. A replicator?s primary source of matter is a form of raw stock material, which can be reorganized at the molecular level into any desired form. In addition to conduits that carry replicator material, there are also a series of conduits that transport water throughout the ship. All crew quarters are equipped with sinks and water closets for personal hygiene. Much like air systems, water is also recycled. Waste is extracted and can either be ejected into space, or re-replicated and broken down into raw material.

Transportation Systems

The most common method of quick and easy transportation among Federation starships is accomplished via the transporters. The Black Hawk is equipped with standard transporter systems, as relatively few advancements have been made in the past few years. The Black Hawk has 4 primary transporter rooms located throughout the ship. Supplementing the primary ones are 4 emergency transporters capable of "beam-out" only. There are also 4 industrial cargo transporters used for transporting cargo and other large objects. The maximum range of the transporter systems is 40,000 kilometers.

The Black Hawk is capable of matching transporter beam frequency in conjunction with its shield frequency, allowing it to beam through shields that are currently active, an achievement that was once unable to be accomplished. In addition, the targeting scanners have been upgraded to allow for greater accuracy.

Communications Systems

• Intraship Transmissions: Voice and Data
• Personal Communicator Range: 800 km
• Ship to Ground Range: 20,000 - 60,000 km
• Communications Speed: 20.5 kiloquads/second
• Subspace Speed: 9.9997 warp

Communications systems aboard the USS Black Hawk are typical divided into three key areas; intraship communications, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-ground. Communications is an important system that allows not only the crew of the Black Hawk to stay in contact with one another, but also allowing for contact with Starfleet Command.

Intraship Communications can be accomplished either by voice or data. Both methods are directed and managed by the main computer. A large co-processor located in the secondary and primary cores receives, analyzes, and redistributes information at rapid speed, allowing for almost near-instant communication. The communications processors are connected to a series of 3,200 terminal node devices located throughout the ship.

Ship-to-ship communications involves the transmission of data between to or more starships or starbase-like facilities. Transmissions are sent via several long-range subspace transceivers located along the hull. Typical data transmissions of this type include general communication, messages, sensor logs, and tactical information. The subspace transceivers are also capable of receiving communications by utilizing their subspace antennas.

Ship-to-ground communications are accomplished much like the Ship-to-ship communications are. However, they make use of the short-range subspace transceivers. Short-range transceiver's range is generally between 20,000 and 60,000 kilometers. Ships generally don't orbit below 20,000 km. Thanks to recent advances in transceiver technology, the limits of transmissions have been extended. Should a ship need to contact a planet from over a distance of 60,000 km, the long-range transceivers would be used much like how ship-to-ship communications are carried out. Ship-to-ground communications are typical used for contacting planets in which the ship is in orbit of. It is also frequently used to monitor and stay in contact with any away teams that may be down on the planet.

Communications between two or more crewmembers, whether they are both on the ship, or both on the planet are handled by devices called communicators (or sometimes comm badges). These small devices shaped as the Starfleet logo are worn by Starfleet personnel at all times. Each communicator contains a small power supply and transceiver/receiver technology. The device is activated by simply tapping it and then communicating with another individual by voice. Communicators are the most often used way for personnel to stay in contact with each other. They are also useful during away missions because transporters can get an easy lock on them, should they need to beamed back aboard the ship.

Security personnel can monitor any communication sent to and from the Black Hawk. The exception to this is any transmission that has been encoded using advanced sets of Starfleet encryption protocols. Typically, messages of important nature from Starfleet Command are for the captain?s eyes only.

Support Craft

Shuttlecraft

• USS Mississippi, Danube-Class Runabout
• USS Tigris, Danube-Class Runabout -- Destroyed
• 6x Type-18 Shuttlepod
  • Edison | Telsa | Graham Bell | Franklin | Adams | Farnsworth
• 2x Type-7 Shuttlecraft
  • Shatner | Stewart
• 2x Type-8 Shuttlecraft
  • Nimoy | Frakes
• 1x Type-11 Shuttlecraft
  • Spiner
• 8x Type-M1 Sphinx Workpod

Fighter Craft

• 20x Valkyrie-class Fighter
• 1x Peregrine-class Fighter

Lifeboats

• 100x Lifeboats

Credits

The above information was adapted from the A Call To Duty Website on the Akira-Class starship.