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{{Sidebar starship class
  
{{Sidebar starship class
−
|Name = ''Oberth'' class
 +
|name = ''Oberth'' class
 
|image = USS Grissom (fore).jpg
  
|image = USS Grissom (fore).jpg
−
|imagecap = Forward view
 +
|caption = Forward view
 
|owner = {{Federation}}
  
|owner = {{Federation}}
−
|operator = [[Starfleet]]<br />Civilian
 +
|operator = [[Starfleet]]<br />[[Civilian]]
−
|Type = [[Scout]], [[science vessel]], [[transport]], [[supply ship]]
+
|type = [[Scout class]], [[science vessel]], [[transport]], [[supply ship]]
−
|Active = [[23rd century]] - [[24th century]]
+
|active = [[2270s]] &ndash; [[2380s]]
−
|Decks = 13
+
|decks = 13
−
|Crew = 80 (standard); 5 (minimal)
+
|crew = 80 (standard); 5 (minimal)
  +
|armament = [[Phaser bank]]
−
|Armament = 2 Type 4 [[Phaser]] Arrays, 1 [[Probe]]/[[Photon torpedo]] Launcher{{incite}}
 
−
|Defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s
+
|defenses = [[Deflector shield]]s
−
|image2 = USS Grissom (aft).jpg
+
|image2 = SS Tsiolkovsky.jpg
−
|imagecap2 = Aft view
+
|caption2 = Profile view
  +
|image3 = USS Grissom (aft).jpg
  +
|caption3 = Aft view
 
}}
  
}}
  +
{{aquote|I didn't spend seven {{bleeped|fuck}}ing years on a goddamn ''Oberth'' to get knocked down to [[station physician]]!|[[Doctor]] [[T'Ana]]|2381|The Stars At Night}}
−
The '''''Oberth'' class''' was a small [[Federation]] [[starship]] used primarily by [[Starfleet]] and civilian [[scientist]]s alike, as a [[scout class]] and [[science vessel]], from the late-[[23rd century|23rd]] to the late-[[24th century]].
+
The '''''Oberth'' class''' was a small [[Federation]] [[starship]] used primarily by [[Starfleet]] and [[civilian]] [[scientist]]s alike, as a [[scout class]] and [[science vessel]], from the late-[[23rd century|23rd]] to the late-[[24th century]].
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
−
In service as early as the [[2280s]], the ''Oberth''-class was designed and used almost exclusively for the study of [[astronomical objects|astronomical phenomena]], including data gathering missions on [[star]]s and [[planet]]s, well into the [[2360s]]. ({{film|3}}, {{film|6}}; {{TNG|The Naked Now|Hero Worship|Realm of Fear}}) By the latter half of the 2360s, these vessels would serve in a number of limited capacities, such as [[transport]]s and [[supply ship]]s. ({{TNG|The Drumhead|The Game|A Fistful of Datas}})
+
In service by [[2278]], the ''Oberth'' class was designed and used almost exclusively for the study of [[astronomical phenomena]], including data gathering missions on [[star]]s and [[planet]]s, well into the [[2360s]]. ({{film|3}}; {{film|6}}; {{TNG|The Naked Now|Hero Worship|Realm Of Fear}}) By the latter half of the 2360s, these vessels also served in a number of other capacities, such as [[transport]]s and [[supply ship]]s. ({{TNG|The Drumhead|The Game|A Fistful of Datas}})
   
−
[[File:USS Pegasus.jpg|thumb|The {{USS|Pegasus}}, a failed [[prototype]]]]
 +
[[File:USS Pegasus.jpg|thumb|The USS ''Pegasus'', a failed prototype]]
−
In [[2358]], the ''Oberth''-class {{USS|Pegasus}} served as a [[prototype]] for testing advanced starship [[technology|technologies]]. The ''Pegasus'' was outfitted with an experimental engine and new weapon systems, some of which were used in the designs for {{ShipClass|Galaxy}} starships. In addition to this, the ''Pegasus'' was the test bed for an illegal [[phasing cloaking device|Federation cloaking device]]. ({{TNG|The Pegasus}})
 +
In [[2358]], the ''Oberth''-class {{USS|Pegasus}} served as a [[prototype]] for testing advanced starship [[technology|technologies]]. The ''Pegasus'' was outfitted with an experimental engine and new weapon systems, some of which were used in the designs for {{class|Galaxy}} starships. In addition to this, the ''Pegasus'' was the test bed for an illegal [[phasing cloaking device|Federation cloaking device]]. ({{TNG|The Pegasus}})
   
 
The Federation continued to construct ''Oberth''-class starships as late as [[2363]], at such locations as the [[USSR]]'s [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}} ''[[dedication plaque]]'')
  
The Federation continued to construct ''Oberth''-class starships as late as [[2363]], at such locations as the [[USSR]]'s [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}} ''[[dedication plaque]]'')
   
−
The ''Oberth'' was present in several major Federation engagements including the [[Borg]] invasion of [[2366]]-[[2367]], where it participated at the [[Battle of Wolf 359]], as well as the [[Battle of Sector 001]] in [[2373]]. ({{DS9|Emissary}}; {{film|8}})
 +
As a science vessel with limited combat capabilities, ''Oberth''-class starships tended not to be used in combat except in emergency situations such as the [[Battle of Wolf 359]] in [[2366]] and the [[Battle of Sector 001]] in [[2373]]. ({{DS9|Emissary}}; {{film|8}})
   
−
The class would slowly be phased out of service during the [[2370s]], shortly after the introduction of the more advanced {{ShipClass|Nova}} science vessel. ({{VOY|Equinox}})
 +
The ''Oberth''-class was still in service by [[2374]] during the [[Dominion War]], but did not see large scale deployments in major engagements as the vessel was never designed for combat. ({{DS9|In the Pale Moonlight}})
  +
  +
The class remained in service as of [[2381]]. ({{LD|First First Contact}})
   
 
== Technical data ==
  
== Technical data ==
−
The ''Oberth''-class had an standard crew complement of eighty, but was capable of operating with a minimum crew complement of five. ({{ENT|These Are the Voyages...}}; {{TNG|The Naked Now|Realm of Fear}})
 +
The ''Oberth'' class had a standard crew complement of eighty, but was capable of operating with a minimum crew complement of five. ({{ENT|These Are the Voyages...}}; {{TNG|The Naked Now|Realm Of Fear}})
   
 
=== Physical arrangement ===
  
=== Physical arrangement ===
  ⚫
{{dthumb|SS Vico, profile MSD.jpg|SS Vico, overview MSD.jpg|[[Master systems display]], profile|Master systems display, overview}}
−
{| style="float:right;"
  
  ⚫
The ''Oberth''-class design was atypical among Federation starships of the time. The outboard plan of the ''Oberth''{{'}}s design incorporated a unique split [[hull]] design, with an upper [[primary hull]] that was composed mainly of the [[saucer section]], which was mounted onto a rear extension that mounted the [[impulse drive]], and [[warp drive]] [[nacelle]]s to either side to the saucer. The [[secondary hull]] was connected to the primary hull at the nacelles by reinforced pylons. The secondary hull itself was oblong in shape. ({{film|3}}, etc.) In all, the ''Oberth'' contained thirteen decks. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
−
|<gallery>
  
⚫
File:SS Vico, profile MSD.jpg|[[Master systems display]], profile
  
−
File:SS Vico, overview MSD.jpg|Master systems display, overview
  
−
</gallery>
  
−
|}
  
⚫
The ''Oberth''-class design was atypical among Federation starships of the time. The outboard plan of the ''Oberth''{{'}}s design incorporated a unique split [[hull]] design, with an upper [[primary hull]] that was composed mainly of the saucer section, which was mounted onto a rear extension that mounts the [[impulse drive]], and [[warp drive]] [[nacelle]]s to either side to the saucer. The [[secondary hull]] was connected to the primary hull at the nacelles by reinforced pylons. The secondary hull itself was oblong in shape. ({{film|3}}, etc.) In all, the ''Oberth'' contained thirteen decks. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
  
   
 
Design features of the secondary hull included a [[docking port]] located on the [[port]] side of the hull. ({{DS9|Emissary}})
  
Design features of the secondary hull included a [[docking port]] located on the [[port]] side of the hull. ({{DS9|Emissary}})
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=== Defensive systems ===
  
=== Defensive systems ===
 
[[File:Oberth class firing phaser.jpg|thumb|Firing forward phaser]]
  
[[File:Oberth class firing phaser.jpg|thumb|Firing forward phaser]]
−
More suited for science missions than combat missions, the ''Oberth''-class had minimal [[defensive system]]s; it was armed with at least one [[phaser bank]] and one [[photon torpedo launcher]] for defense. ({{film|3}}, {{film|8}})
 +
More suited for science missions than combat missions, the ''Oberth''-class had minimal [[defensive system]]s. They were tactically inferior to such enemy vessels as the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] and the [[Borg cube]]. ({{film|3}}; {{DS9|Emissary}}; {{film|8}})
   
  +
The weapon systems of the ''Oberth''-class included a forward [[phaser bank]]. ({{film|8}})
−
They were tactically inferior to such enemy vessels as the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] and the [[Borg cube]]. ({{film|3}}; {{DS9|Emissary}}; {{film|8}})
 
   
−
As a science vessel, the ''Oberth''-class was designed with specialized [[shields]], which allow them to push through [[gravitational wavefront]]s. In conjunction with this feature, the interior [[bulkhead]]s were composed of [[victurium]] alloy to better facilitate shielding. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
 +
As a science vessel, the ''Oberth''-class was designed with specialized [[shields]], which allowed them to push through [[gravitational wavefront]]s. In conjunction with this feature, the interior [[bulkhead]]s were composed of [[victurium]] alloy to better facilitate shielding. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
   
 
=== Auxiliary craft ===
 
=== Auxiliary craft ===
−
''Oberth''-class starships were equipped with [[escape pod]]s, stowing a minimum compliment of two on board a vessel with a crew of five. These escape pods were capable of transporting at least nine personnel at once. ({{TNG|Realm of Fear|The Pegasus}})
 +
''Oberth''-class starships were equipped with [[escape pod]]s, stowing a minimum complement of two on board a vessel with a crew of five. These escape pods were capable of transporting at least nine personnel at once. ({{TNG|Realm Of Fear|The Pegasus}})
   
 
== Interior design ==
  
== Interior design ==
 
=== Main bridge ===
  
=== Main bridge ===
−
Located on Deck 1 of the saucer section, the [[bridge]] housed the ship's command center. In general, the ''Oberth''-class had a fairly standard Federation starship floor plan.
 +
Located on [[Deck]] 1 of the saucer section, the [[bridge]] housed the ship's command center.
   
−
Located in the front was the [[viewscreen]], with side-by-side [[navigator]] and [[helm]] consoles, which are in contrast positioned opposite to the arrangement found aboard {{ShipClass|Constitution}} starships. The [[captain's chair]] is directly aft of the aforementioned stations.
 +
Located in the front was the [[viewscreen]], with side-by-side [[navigator]] and [[helm]] [[console]]s, which were positioned opposite to the arrangement found aboard {{class|Constitution}} starships. The [[Command chair|captain's chair]] was directly aft of the aforementioned stations.
   
−
At the rear of the bridge, was a single [[turbolift]]-entryway. The primary stations, which were located at either side of the captain's chair included a primary [[science station]] to port (''pictured, below left'') with secondary stations trailing along the wall towards the back of the bridge. Along the [[starboard]] side of the bridge was the [[communications station]] (''pictured, below center''). ({{film|3}})
 +
At the rear of the bridge was a single [[turbolift]] entryway. The primary stations, which were located at either side of the captain's chair, included a primary [[science station]] to [[port]] with secondary stations trailing along the [[wall]] towards the back of the bridge. Along the [[starboard]] side of the bridge was the [[communications station]]. ({{film|3}})
   
−
The bridge layout during the 24th century included an [[emergency hatch]] set in the bulkhead, which could be used to escape from the bridge, into [[space]], during an emergency situation. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
 +
The bridge layout during the 24th century included an [[emergency hatch]] set in the [[bulkhead]], which could be used to escape from the bridge, into [[space]], during an emergency situation. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
   
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
−
File:USS Grissom bridge, forward port.jpg|Forward [[port]] section of the ''Grissom'' [[bridge]].
 +
File:USS Grissom bridge, forward port.jpg|Forward port section of the ''Grissom'' [[bridge]]
−
File:USS Grissom bridge, comm station.jpg|[[Communications station]], located on the [[starboard]] section of the ''Grissom'' bridge.
 +
File:USS Grissom bridge, comm station.jpg|Communications station, located on the starboard section of the ''Grissom'' bridge
−
File:SS Tsiolkovsky bridge emergency hatch.jpg|With a blown [[emergency hatch]].
 +
File:SS Tsiolkovsky bridge emergency hatch.jpg|Bridge with a blown emergency hatch
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
−
{{bginfo|The bridge of the ''Grissom'' was a redress of the bridge of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}}, altered only slightly to reflect the smaller size of the class. Among the more notable changes are the reupholstered chairs and the placement of center console.|The bridge of the ''Tsiokovsky'' was described simply as a "small bridge". The set was only a partial construction, containing a few chairs and consoles, dominated by the view of the open emergency hatch (pictured, above right).}}
 +
{{bginfo|The bridge of the ''Grissom'' was a redress of the bridge of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}}, altered only slightly to reflect the smaller [[size]] of the class. Among the more notable changes were the reupholstered chairs and the placement of the center console.|The bridge of the ''Tsiolkovsky'' was described in the [[script]] simply as a "small bridge". The set was only a partial construction, containing a few chairs and consoles, dominated by the view of the open emergency hatch.}}
   
 
=== Corridors ===
  
=== Corridors ===
−
[[File:SS Tsiolkovsky corridor.jpg|thumb|A typical [[corridor]] design]]
 +
[[File:SS Tsiolkovsky corridor.jpg|thumb|A typical corridor design]]
−
Because of its small size, many of the corridors doubled as auxiliary access points to various parts of the ship.
+
Because of its small size, many of the [[corridor]]s doubled as auxiliary access points to various parts of the ship.
   
−
The anteroom, just outside the bridge, was located at the end of a corridor. This section contained a viewscreen-monitor and the ship's [[dedication plaque]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
 +
The anteroom, just outside the bridge, was located at the end of a [[corridor]]. This section contained a viewscreen-monitor and the ship's [[dedication plaque]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
 
{{clear}}
  
{{clear}}
   
 
=== Main engineering ===
  
=== Main engineering ===
−
[[File:USS Pegasus engineering.jpg|thumb|[[Main engineering]]]]
 +
[[File:USS Pegasus engineering.jpg|thumb|Main engineering]]
−
[[Engineering]] was located in the center of the ship, it was where the ship's power systems were controlled and home of the ship's [[antimatter]] [[warp drive]] chamber and [[impulse engine]] controls. ({{TNG|The Pegasus}})
 +
[[Engineering]] was located in the center of the ship, being the location of the ship's [[warp drive]] chamber and [[impulse engine]] controls. ({{TNG|The Pegasus}})
 
{{clear}}
  
{{clear}}
   
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The ''Oberth''-class was equipped with numerous [[science lab]]s dedicated to [[science|scientific study]].
  
The ''Oberth''-class was equipped with numerous [[science lab]]s dedicated to [[science|scientific study]].
   
−
One section, located on deck 4 in the saucer section, was a corridor-like chamber that contained a couple of science [[console]]s and adjacent [[monitor]]s against the wall. Access to the [[computer core]] could be interfaced via [[ODN junction]] located below the science consoles. The computer core itself was located on deck 13, inside the secondary hull. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
 +
One section, located on deck 4 in the saucer section, was a corridor-like chamber that contained a couple of science [[console]]s and adjacent [[monitor]]s against the wall. Access to the [[computer core]] could be interfaced via an [[ODN junction]] located below the science consoles. The computer core itself was located on deck 13, inside the secondary hull. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}})
   
−
Another section, known as science ops, contained multiple [[computer]] consoles and a personnel [[transporter pad]]. ({{TNG|Realm of Fear}})
 +
Another section, known as science ops, contained multiple [[computer]] consoles and a personnel [[transporter pad]]. ({{TNG|Realm Of Fear}})
   
 
=== Accommodations ===
  
=== Accommodations ===
−
[[Crew quarters]] found aboard the ''Oberth''-class were not unlike those found aboard other Federation starships. They included a main living area, with an attached bedroom and adjacent [[bathroom]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
 +
[[Crew quarters]] found aboard the ''Oberth''-class were not unlike those found aboard other Federation starships. They included a main living area with an attached [[bedroom]] and adjacent [[bathroom]]. ({{TNG|The Naked Now}})
   
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
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== Ships commissioned ==
  
== Ships commissioned ==
  +
[[File:USS Cochrane arriving at Deep Space 9.jpg|thumb|The USS ''Cochrane'']]
−
;Named:
 +
;Named
 
* {{USS|Biko}}
  
* {{USS|Biko}}
−
* {{USS|Cochrane}} (NCC-59318)
 +
* {{USS|Bonestell}} ([[NCC]]-31600)
  ⚫
* {{USS|Cochrane|NCC-59318}} (NCC-59318)
 
* {{USS|Copernicus|NCC-640}} (NCC-640)
  
* {{USS|Copernicus|NCC-640}} (NCC-640)
 
* {{USS|Grissom|NCC-638}} (NCC-638)
  
* {{USS|Grissom|NCC-638}} (NCC-638)
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* {{USS|Pegasus}} (NCC-53847)
  
* {{USS|Pegasus}} (NCC-53847)
 
* {{SS|Tsiolkovsky}} (NCC-53911)
  
* {{SS|Tsiolkovsky}} (NCC-53911)
−
* {{SS|Vico}} (NAR-18834)
 +
* {{SS|Vico}} ([[NAR]]-18834)
 
* {{USS|Yosemite}} (NCC-19002)
  
* {{USS|Yosemite}} (NCC-19002)
   
−
;Unnamed:
 +
;Unnamed
−
* [[Unnamed Oberth class starships|Unnamed ''Oberth''-class starships]]
 +
* [[Oberth unnamed 000|Unnamed ''Oberth''-class starships]]
   
−
;Uncertain:
 +
;Uncertain
  +
* ''[[Algonquin]]''
  ⚫
* {{USS|Helin}} (NCC-1692)
 
* {{USS|Raman}} (NCC-29487)
  
* {{USS|Raman}} (NCC-29487)
⚫
* {{USS|Springfield}} (NCC-1963)
  
⚫
* {{USS|Helin}} (NCC-1692)
  
   
 
== Appendices ==
  
== Appendices ==
 
=== Appearances ===
  
=== Appearances ===
 
<div class="appear">
  
<div class="appear">
−
* [[Star Trek films]]:
 +
* {{Star Trek films}}:
 
** {{film|3}}
  
** {{film|3}}
 
** {{film|4}}
  
** {{film|4}}
Line 139: Line 141:
 
** {{e|The Game}}
  
** {{e|The Game}}
 
** {{e|Hero Worship}}
  
** {{e|Hero Worship}}
−
** {{e|Realm of Fear}}
 +
** {{e|Realm Of Fear}}
 
** {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}
  
** {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}
 
** {{e|The Pegasus}}
  
** {{e|The Pegasus}}
 
* {{DS9|Emissary}}
  
* {{DS9|Emissary}}
  +
* {{LD}}
  +
** {{e|Kayshon, His Eyes Open}} ([[model]])
  +
** {{e|First First Contact}}
 
</div>
  
</div>
   
−
=== Background ===
 +
=== Background information ===
−
Production sources dating back to ''Star Trek III'' established an overall length for the ''Oberth''-class at 395 feet (120 meters), a length also adopted by [[Andrew Probert]] during the early production phase of [[TNG Season 1]]. [http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/articles/excelsior/probert-sizechart.jpg]
 +
Production sources dating back to ''Star Trek III'' established an overall length for the ''Oberth''-class at 395 [[foot (unit)|feet]] (120 [[meter]]s), a [[length]] also adopted by [[Andrew Probert]] during the early production phase of [[TNG Season 1]]. {{eas|articles/excelsior/probert-sizechart.jpg}}
  +
  ⚫
According to the {{ste|4|2|97}}, the ''Oberth''-class was "''named for [[20th century]] [[German]] [[rocket]] pioneer {{w|Hermann Oberth}}.''" <!-- Note, the Encyclopedia says "German Rocketry", despite Oberth being Austrian -->
  +
  ⚫
Unofficially, the {{class|Nova}} was considered by some of the production staff as the replacement for the ''Oberth'' class as research and science platform. (''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]'', p. 36)
   
  ⚫
==== Studio model ====
⚫
According to the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'', the ''Oberth''-class was named for {{w|Hermann Oberth}}, the "Father of German Rocketry." <!-- Note, the Encyclopedia says "German Rocketry", despite Oberth being Austrian -->
  
  ⚫
* See [[Oberth class model|''Oberth''-class model]]
⚫
====Studio model====
  
⚫
* see [[Oberth class model]]
  
   
−
==Apocrypha==
 +
=== Apocrypha ===
  +
In the [[The Q Gambit, Part 1|first issue]] of the ''[[Star Trek: Ongoing]]'' story arc ''[[Star Trek, Volume 9: The Q Gambit|The Q Gambit]]'' set in the [[alternate reality]], the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701 alternate reality}} receives a [[distress call]] from the ''Oberth''-class [[civilian]] ship {{mb|SS Smallwood|SS ''Smallwood''}} in the {{mb|Menzies 216 system}}, supposedly a place where no Federation ship had been before. The ''Smallwood'' was under attack from a pair of Klingon Birds-of-Prey near {{mb|Menzies 216 V}}. The ''Enterprise'' intercepts the Klingons to rescue the ''Smallwood'' when another Bird-of-Prey uncloaks. Moments before the ''Enterprise'' is overwhelmed and destroyed, [[communications officer]] {{alt|Nyota Uhura}} realizes that "Smallwood" translates to "Kobayashi" in the [[Japanese language]]. The entire assault is then revealed to be an illusion created by [[Q]] and was deliberately based on Starfleet's {{Kobayashi Maru scenario}}.
⚫
Non-canonically, the {{ShipClass|Nova}} was considered by some of the production staff as the replacement for the ''Oberth''-class as research and science platform. ([[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]], p. 36)
  
   
−
== External links ==
 +
=== External links ===
  ⚫
* {{mbeta||''Oberth'' class}}
⚫
*{{exastris|page=/articles/oberth-size.htm|title=Size of the ''Oberth''-class}} - an in-depth article assessing the size inconsistencies of the various on-screen appearances of the ''Oberth''-class starship
  
  +
*''[[Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection]]''
⚫
*{{NCwiki|Oberth class}}
  
  +
** Issue 36, December 2014
⚫
*{{wikipedia|List of Starfleet starships ordered by class#Oberth class|Oberth class starship}}
  
  +
** Issue XL28, October 2014
  ⚫
* {{eas|articles/oberth-size.htm|Size of the ''Oberth'' class|external}} &ndash; an in-depth article assessing the size inconsistencies of the various on-screen appearances of the ''Oberth''-class starship
  ⚫
* {{wikipedia|List of Starfleet starships ordered by class#Oberth class|''Oberth''-class starship}}
   
 
[[cs:Třída Oberth]]
  
[[cs:Třída Oberth]]

Latest revision as of 18:06, 16 December 2023

"I didn't spend seven *bleep*ing years on a goddamn Oberth to get knocked down to station physician!"

The Oberth class was a small Federation starship used primarily by Starfleet and civilian scientists alike, as a scout class and science vessel, from the late-23rd to the late-24th century.

History

In service by 2278, the Oberth class was designed and used almost exclusively for the study of astronomical phenomena, including data gathering missions on stars and planets, well into the 2360s. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; TNG: "The Naked Now", "Hero Worship", "Realm Of Fear") By the latter half of the 2360s, these vessels also served in a number of other capacities, such as transports and supply ships. (TNG: "The Drumhead", "The Game", "A Fistful of Datas")

USS Pegasus

The USS Pegasus, a failed prototype

In 2358, the Oberth-class USS Pegasus served as a prototype for testing advanced starship technologies. The Pegasus was outfitted with an experimental engine and new weapon systems, some of which were used in the designs for Galaxy-class starships. In addition to this, the Pegasus was the test bed for an illegal Federation cloaking device. (TNG: "The Pegasus")

The Federation continued to construct Oberth-class starships as late as 2363, at such locations as the USSR's Baikonur Cosmodrome. (TNG: "The Naked Now" dedication plaque)

As a science vessel with limited combat capabilities, Oberth-class starships tended not to be used in combat except in emergency situations such as the Battle of Wolf 359 in 2366 and the Battle of Sector 001 in 2373. (DS9: "Emissary"; Star Trek: First Contact)

The Oberth-class was still in service by 2374 during the Dominion War, but did not see large scale deployments in major engagements as the vessel was never designed for combat. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight")

The class remained in service as of 2381. (LD: "First First Contact")

Technical data

The Oberth class had a standard crew complement of eighty, but was capable of operating with a minimum crew complement of five. (ENT: "These Are the Voyages..."; TNG: "The Naked Now", "Realm Of Fear")

Physical arrangement

The Oberth-class design was atypical among Federation starships of the time. The outboard plan of the Oberth's design incorporated a unique split hull design, with an upper primary hull that was composed mainly of the saucer section, which was mounted onto a rear extension that mounted the impulse drive, and warp drive nacelles to either side to the saucer. The secondary hull was connected to the primary hull at the nacelles by reinforced pylons. The secondary hull itself was oblong in shape. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, etc.) In all, the Oberth contained thirteen decks. (TNG: "Hero Worship")

Design features of the secondary hull included a docking port located on the port side of the hull. (DS9: "Emissary")

Defensive systems

Oberth class firing phaser

Firing forward phaser

More suited for science missions than combat missions, the Oberth-class had minimal defensive systems. They were tactically inferior to such enemy vessels as the Klingon Bird-of-Prey and the Borg cube. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; DS9: "Emissary"; Star Trek: First Contact)

The weapon systems of the Oberth-class included a forward phaser bank. (Star Trek: First Contact)

As a science vessel, the Oberth-class was designed with specialized shields, which allowed them to push through gravitational wavefronts. In conjunction with this feature, the interior bulkheads were composed of victurium alloy to better facilitate shielding. (TNG: "Hero Worship")

Auxiliary craft

Oberth-class starships were equipped with escape pods, stowing a minimum complement of two on board a vessel with a crew of five. These escape pods were capable of transporting at least nine personnel at once. (TNG: "Realm Of Fear", "The Pegasus")

Interior design

Main bridge

Located on Deck 1 of the saucer section, the bridge housed the ship's command center.

Located in the front was the viewscreen, with side-by-side navigator and helm consoles, which were positioned opposite to the arrangement found aboard Constitution-class starships. The captain's chair was directly aft of the aforementioned stations.

At the rear of the bridge was a single turbolift entryway. The primary stations, which were located at either side of the captain's chair, included a primary science station to port with secondary stations trailing along the wall towards the back of the bridge. Along the starboard side of the bridge was the communications station. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

The bridge layout during the 24th century included an emergency hatch set in the bulkhead, which could be used to escape from the bridge, into space, during an emergency situation. (TNG: "The Naked Now")

The bridge of the Grissom was a redress of the bridge of the USS Enterprise, altered only slightly to reflect the smaller size of the class. Among the more notable changes were the reupholstered chairs and the placement of the center console.
The bridge of the Tsiolkovsky was described in the script simply as a "small bridge". The set was only a partial construction, containing a few chairs and consoles, dominated by the view of the open emergency hatch.

Corridors

SS Tsiolkovsky corridor

A typical corridor design

Because of its small size, many of the corridors doubled as auxiliary access points to various parts of the ship.

The anteroom, just outside the bridge, was located at the end of a corridor. This section contained a viewscreen-monitor and the ship's dedication plaque. (TNG: "The Naked Now")

Main engineering

USS Pegasus engineering

Main engineering

Engineering was located in the center of the ship, being the location of the ship's warp drive chamber and impulse engine controls. (TNG: "The Pegasus")

Science and service sections

The Oberth-class was equipped with numerous science labs dedicated to scientific study.

One section, located on deck 4 in the saucer section, was a corridor-like chamber that contained a couple of science consoles and adjacent monitors against the wall. Access to the computer core could be interfaced via an ODN junction located below the science consoles. The computer core itself was located on deck 13, inside the secondary hull. (TNG: "Hero Worship")

Another section, known as science ops, contained multiple computer consoles and a personnel transporter pad. (TNG: "Realm Of Fear")

Accommodations

Crew quarters found aboard the Oberth-class were not unlike those found aboard other Federation starships. They included a main living area with an attached bedroom and adjacent bathroom. (TNG: "The Naked Now")

Ships commissioned

USS Cochrane arriving at Deep Space 9

The USS Cochrane

Named
Unnamed
Uncertain

Appendices

Appearances

Background information

Production sources dating back to Star Trek III established an overall length for the Oberth-class at 395 feet (120 meters), a length also adopted by Andrew Probert during the early production phase of TNG Season 1. [1]

According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia (4th ed., vol. 2, p. 97), the Oberth-class was "named for 20th century German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth."

Unofficially, the Nova-class was considered by some of the production staff as the replacement for the Oberth class as research and science platform. (Star Trek: Starship Spotter, p. 36)

Studio model

Apocrypha

In the first issue of the Star Trek: Ongoing story arc The Q Gambit set in the alternate reality, the USS Enterprise receives a distress call from the Oberth-class civilian ship SS Smallwood (β) in the Menzies 216 system (β), supposedly a place where no Federation ship had been before. The Smallwood was under attack from a pair of Klingon Birds-of-Prey near Menzies 216 V (β). The Enterprise intercepts the Klingons to rescue the Smallwood when another Bird-of-Prey uncloaks. Moments before the Enterprise is overwhelmed and destroyed, communications officer Nyota Uhura realizes that "Smallwood" translates to "Kobayashi" in the Japanese language. The entire assault is then revealed to be an illusion created by Q and was deliberately based on Starfleet's Kobayashi Maru scenario.

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