| Keldon class | |
| |
| Type: | Cruiser |
| Maximum Speed: | Warp 6+ |
| Standard Armament: | 2 forward phasers (observed) |
| Standard Defenses: | Deflector shields |
| |
| Aft view | |
The Keldon-class cruiser was a class of Cardassian warship utilized by the Cardassian Guard during the 2370s. The Keldon hull was similar to the Galor-class spaceframe, with additions to the aft end and main body.
History
A number of warships of this type were also secretly constructed by the Obsidian Order in the Orias system in 2371. Built jointly with the Romulan Tal Shiar, these Keldon-class warships were fitted with cloaking devices, enhanced top speeds and weaponry. During an encounter with the USS Defiant, one of these vessels was heavily damaged by phaser cannon fire and six quantum torpedos. However, due to the fact the Defiant was heavily outnumbered, the attack ended abruptly. (DS9: "Defiant")
These same Obsidian Order Keldons were used in the abortive attack on the Founders' homeworld later that year. Due to the Dominion's phased polaron beams mounted on their ships as well as their overwhelming numbers, the Obsidian Order's Keldons were destroyed with relative ease, along with the Romulan ships. (DS9: "The Die is Cast")
Ships Commissioned
- Named
- Unnamed
Appendices
Appearances
- DS9:
Background
Although the Keldon-class made only two appearances in Star Trek, it is plausable that one of the generic references made in later seasons to Cardassian battle cruisers or Cardassian destroyers were made in reference to the Keldon-class warship. It is, however, as equally plausable that those references were made with regards to the Galor or yet unseen class of warship.
Model
The Keldon-class studio model was a modification, made by Tony Meininger, of the Galor-class warship, originally built by Ed Miarecki. These modifications included the addition of fins located on the aft end of the hull, and a large attachment located on the upper-middle section of the hull. The purpose of these alterations are unclear.
Technical Manual
The following information of specifications and defenses comes exclusively from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual:
- Production Base: Cardassia Prime Orbital 3 Assembly Facility
- Accommodation: 500 plus flight crew and troops
- Power Plant: One and possibly two M/A warp system; two or more impulse system
- Dimensions:
- Length: 371.88 meters
- Beam: 192.23 meters
- Height: 70.13 meters
- Mass: 2,230,000 metric tons (est.)
- Armament: 8 or more spiral-wave disruptors, 1 large aft disruptor wave cannon
- Performance: Warp 9.6 (observed)
While the Technical Manual itself is not canon, it is a Memory Alpha permitted resource.