Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
m (Bot: Automated text replacement (-{{NCwiki\|(.+?)\|(.+?)}} +{{NCwiki|\1}}) !!wikia-credits fix!!)
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-phase pistol +phase-pistol))
Tag: apiedit
(37 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
:''You may be looking for the [[Surak class]]''.
 
{{Sidebar starship class|
 
{{Sidebar starship class|
 
|Name= ''Suurok''-class
 
|Name= ''Suurok''-class
|Image= TiMur front.jpg
+
| image= TiMur front.jpg
|ImageCap= Port quarter view
+
|imagecap= Port quarter view
 
|Affiliation= [[Vulcan High Command]]
 
|Affiliation= [[Vulcan High Command]]
 
|Type= [[Science vessel]], [[combat cruiser]]
 
|Type= [[Science vessel]], [[combat cruiser]]
Line 8: Line 9:
 
|Armament= [[Particle beam weapon]]s, [[photonic weapon]]s
 
|Armament= [[Particle beam weapon]]s, [[photonic weapon]]s
 
|Defenses= [[Deflector shield]]s
 
|Defenses= [[Deflector shield]]s
|Image2= ShRaan profile.jpg
+
| image2= ShRaan profile.jpg
|ImageCap2= Port profile
+
|imagecap2= Port profile
|Image3= NiVar aft.jpg
+
| image3= NiVar aft.jpg
|ImageCap3= Aft view
+
|imagecap3= Aft view
 
}}
 
}}
The '''''Suurok''-class''' was a type of [[Vulcan]] [[starship]] designated by the [[Vulcan High Command|High Command]] as a [[science vessel]] and [[combat cruiser]] during the mid-[[22nd century]].
+
The '''''Suurok''-class''' was a type of [[Vulcan]] [[starship]] designated by the [[Vulcan High Command|High Command]] as a [[science vessel]] and [[combat cruiser]] during the mid-[[22nd century]].
 
In [[2151]], after [[Enterprise (NX-01)|''Enterprise'']] was disabled by an unknown alien spacecraft, [[Jonathan Archer]] was concerned that the Vulcans would have sent a ''Suurok''-class ship to "oh-so-politely" offer to tow them back home. ({{ENT|Silent Enemy}})
 
   
 
== Technical data ==
 
== Technical data ==
Line 27: Line 26:
   
 
[[File:ShRaan disables the Mazarites.jpg|thumb|left|Firing [[particle beam weapon]]]]
 
[[File:ShRaan disables the Mazarites.jpg|thumb|left|Firing [[particle beam weapon]]]]
The ''Suurok'' was armed with standard [[particle beam weapon]]s. In combat, these vessels were capable of disabling, if not destroying, a force of three [[Mazarite warship]]s in a confrontation. ({{ENT|Fallen Hero}})
+
The ''Suurok'' was armed with standard [[particle beam weapon]]s. In combat, these vessels were capable of disabling, if not destroying, a force of three [[Mazarite ship]]s in a confrontation. ({{ENT|Fallen Hero}})
   
 
[[File:T'Mir tractors shuttlepod.jpg|thumb|Tractor beam]]
 
[[File:T'Mir tractors shuttlepod.jpg|thumb|Tractor beam]]
Line 51: Line 50:
 
** {{e|United}}
 
** {{e|United}}
   
=== Background ===
+
=== Background information ===
 
==== Name ====
 
==== Name ====
It is commonly believed that the name of this class is "''[[Surak]]''" class, despite [[Jonathan Archer|Archer]]/[[Scott Bakula|Bakula]] clearly pronouncing the name as "''Suurok''" class in "Breaking the Ice", which also corresponded with the spelling that appeared in the episode's closed-captioning. This spelling was later confirmed as the spelling in the final draft of the script by [[Mike Sussman]], who noted the former spelling may have appeared in an early draft of the script. The former spelling of "Surak" appeared in an article on the design of the ship written by Doug Drexler in an issue of ''[[Star Trek: The Magazine]]'', and in an article focusing on the starship written in [[Star Trek Monthly issue 104|''Star Trek Monthly'' issue 104]].
+
It is commonly believed that the name of this class is "''[[Surak]]''" class. This name was used, for instance, by [[John Eaves]]. {{eavesdropping|2009/05/07/submarines-and-vulcans/}} It also appeared in an article on the design of the ship written by [[Doug Drexler]] in an issue of {{STTM}} ({{STTM|3|3}}, pp. 20-24), which was reprinted in ''[[Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection]]'' (issue 34), and in a different article focusing on the starship written in {{STM}} ({{STM|104}}, pp. 43-44). Conversely, [[Scott Bakula]] – in the role of [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer]] – clearly pronounced the name as "''Suurok''" class in "Breaking the Ice", which also corresponded with the spelling that appeared in the episode's closed-captioning. This spelling was later confirmed as the spelling in the final draft of the script by [[Mike Sussman]], who noted the former spelling may have appeared in an early draft of the script.
   
 
==== Original design ====
 
==== Original design ====
  +
In the script for {{ENT|Breaking the Ice}}, this class of vessel is described as "tripod-shaped."
The ''Suurok''-class was designed by [[Doug Drexler]], and was the first Vulcan starship design to appear on ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', and first significant Vulcan starship design to appear in the ''Star Trek'' series. In designing the ''Suurok''-class, Drexler felt a ship for the Vulcans, one of the primary species that define ''Star Trek'', should be as memorable as possible.
 
  +
  +
Because regular ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' ship designer [[John Eaves]] was busy working on {{film|10}}, the job of designing the ''Suurok''-class fell to [[Doug Drexler]]. The vessel was the first Vulcan starship design to appear on the series of ''Enterprise'', and the first significant Vulcan starship design to appear in the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series. Given that there were few references that existed even though the Vulcans are one of the primary species that define ''Star Trek'', Drexler felt daunted by the request to design a craft for the species. In designing the ''Suurok''-class, he believed that – since it would likely make many appearances on ENT – the ship should be as memorable as possible. ({{STTM|3|3|20}})
   
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 64: Line 65:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
The goal of his design was simplicity, so he went to the most memorable ship designs in ''Star Trek'', those made by [[Matt Jefferies]]. One that caught his eye was the {{USS|Enterprise|XCV 330| XCV 330}}, as it was rather different from all other designs in ''Star Trek'' to that date. He also remembered that the Vulcan ship from {{e|Unification II}} (the ''[[T'Pau (starship)|T'Pau]]'') had a ring shape. So he based his idea on this, wanting a ship that would pass the "squint test": even when the ship is tiny on the screen, you can still easily recognize it. Drexler further adapted the reddish colors of the ''[[T'Plana-Hath (starship)|T'Plana-Hath]]'', which was featured in {{film|8}}, in an attempt to create as much of a design lineage as possible, using what few references existed.
+
The goal of Doug Drexler's design for the Vulcan ship was simplicity, so that it would pass the "squint test," making the vessel recognizable even if the ship was tiny on the screen. Consequently, he borrowed influence from what he thought were the most memorable ship designs in ''Star Trek'', those made by [[Matt Jefferies]]. One that caught his eye was the {{USS|Enterprise|XCV 330| XCV 330}}, as it was rather different from all other designs in ''Star Trek'' to that date. ({{STTM|3|3|21}}) He also remembered that the Vulcan ship from {{e|Unification II}} (the ''{{dis|T'Pau|starship}}'') had a ring shape. So, he based his idea on this. {{incite}} "''{{'}}Ah,' I thought, as I mulled over the Vulcan ship design question for ''Enterprise''. 'This is the perfect place to fit the hoop ship,{{'}}''" he remembered. ({{STTM|3|3|22}})
   
  +
Doug Drexler modified the basic ringed shape to make the craft look more Vulcan. He did so by giving the vessel curves and peaks which were inspired by the Vulcan temple and clothing from {{film|3}} and the ''{{dis|T'Plana-Hath|starship}}'' from {{film|8}}. ({{STTM|3|3|24}}) Drexler further adapted the reddish colors and the trio of engine pods of the ''T'Plana-Hath'', in an attempt to create as much of a design lineage as possible, using what little reference there actually was. ({{STTM|3|3}}, pp. 21 & 20)
Other designs he considered using resembled the ''T'Plana-Hath'' much more then the final version, and some had spherical primary hulls, similar to the {{ShipClass|Olympic}} starships, another design that was based off of an early Matt Jefferies design (the {{ShipClass|Daedalus}}). One of the final decisions of the design process was to flip it upside down, as had been done with several ships previously. For the full story, as well as additional class design concepts, see External links, below.
 
  +
  +
The first design for the ''Suurok''-class which Doug Drexler demonstrated, as a concept model, to Production Designer [[Herman Zimmerman]] and Executive Producers [[Rick Berman]] and [[Brannon Braga]] appeared much as the ship ended up looking. However, Matt Jefferies' engine support spar had become a lot larger and was clearly inhabited. ({{STTM|3|3|23}}) Despite loving the hoop design, Drexler was expected to present some alternatives to Zimmerman, Berman and Braga. He therefore devised two other designs to give them, one of which resembled the ''T'Plana-Hath'' much more than the final version. ({{STTM|3|3}}, pp. 24 & 22) The other potential candidate had conical engine pods and a spherical primary hull, similar to the {{class|Olympic}}, another design that was based on an early Jefferies design (the {{class|Daedalus}}). ({{STTM|3|3}}, pp. 22 & 24) "''Needless to say, I was delighted that Rick and Brannon went for the exotic hoop and arrow,''" enthused Drexler. ({{STTM|3|3|24}})
  +
  +
Refining the shape of the hoop ship constituted the next step in the design process. Doug Drexler firstly came up with some variations which showed it with slightly different body shapes and engine pods. A version he experimented with included engines matching those of the ''T'Plana-Hath'' as well as another of the early concepts for the ''Suurok''-class. One of the final decisions was to flip the craft upside down. "''I just realized that it looked better defying gravity,''" Drexler related, "''rather than hanging from the hoop and Herman, Rick, and Brannon heartily agreed.''" Afterwards, the engine pods were eliminated as was any physical connection between the main body of the vessel and the surrounding ring section, disconnecting the two separate elements. "''We liked the defiance of conventional structural support,''" Drexler stated. "''It makes the Vulcans look like they control powers beyond Human ken.''" In this way, Drexler believes the ''Suurok''-class was made to be like the {{class|Constitution}}, with the structure of both seemingly defying Human understanding. ({{STTM|3|3|24}})
  +
  +
Finally, the design for the ''Suurok''-class was approved. Doug Drexler himself was also happy with it. "''I feel that the ''Surak''-class ship will enjoy a longevity if only for that certain Jefferies 'je ne sais quoi,{{'}}''" he remarked. ({{STTM|3|3|24}}) John Eaves regarded the ship as highly influential and a "beautiful design." {{eavesdropping|2009/05/07/submarines-and-vulcans/}} Following its approval, the design was moved to [[Eden FX]], who added it into "Breaking the Ice". ({{STTM|3|3|24}})
  +
  +
Although a ''Suurok''-class ship appears in {{e|Shadows of P'Jem}}, the final draft script of that installment gives no indication of which configuration of Vulcan starship was to be used in the episode, merely that it be a "Vulcan ship." A reference to the craft's abilities that was scripted but not included in the installment's final edit had ''Enterprise'' [[armory officer]] [[Malcolm Reed]] comment to [[Sopek|the vessel's captain]], "''Your ship can fabricate as many [[phase-pistol|phase-pistols]] as you want.''"
   
 
==== Revised design ====
 
==== Revised design ====
 
[[File:ShRaan aft, closeup.jpg|thumb|Close-up of some of the more notable design variations]]
 
[[File:ShRaan aft, closeup.jpg|thumb|Close-up of some of the more notable design variations]]
Following the initial appearance of the ''Suurok''-class in "Breaking the Ice," the ''Suurok'' was redesigned for its later appearances in "Fallen Hero" and "United."
+
Following the initial appearance of the ''Suurok''-class in "Breaking the Ice", the ''Suurok'' was redesigned for its later appearances in "Fallen Hero" and "United".
   
 
According to [[Robert Bonchune]], ''"the design fell out of favor for a while,''" but was eventually revised by model builder [[Pierre Drolet]], to include "''better detail and texturing as well as modified dimensions.''" Bonchune further added that the reason for this was because, "''the original model was just not up to snuff for what we needed. So it was superseded. They are theoretically the same ship, not two different classes or types.''"
 
According to [[Robert Bonchune]], ''"the design fell out of favor for a while,''" but was eventually revised by model builder [[Pierre Drolet]], to include "''better detail and texturing as well as modified dimensions.''" Bonchune further added that the reason for this was because, "''the original model was just not up to snuff for what we needed. So it was superseded. They are theoretically the same ship, not two different classes or types.''"
  +
  +
Doug Drexler on the issue: "''It was my first pass concept model. Like all the concept models, it's low to medium resolution. Usually I only take 2 days to build something like that, because Herman [Zimmerman] needs it pronto for approval. A high rez version was built later by Pierre [Drolet] so that they could get close to it.''" This version was seen as the ''Sh'Raan'' [[combat cruiser]]. Later, Drexler added: "''I like to think that they are two different classes''." {{incite}}
   
 
Among the modifications made to the design included a longer [[primary hull]] with a flat underside, and a redesigned [[aft]] vertical nacelle strut, which changed from a blue glow to a red glow.
 
Among the modifications made to the design included a longer [[primary hull]] with a flat underside, and a redesigned [[aft]] vertical nacelle strut, which changed from a blue glow to a red glow.
   
 
==== Apocrypha ====
 
==== Apocrypha ====
T'Uerell's ship in the ''[[Star Trek: Legacy]]'' [[games|videogame]] was a ''Suurok''-class vessel.
+
T'Uerell's ship in the ''[[Star Trek: Legacy]]'' [[games|videogame]] was a ''Suurok''-class vessel. Throughout the game, the vessel adopts several green and gray accents to depict its gradual [[assimilation]]. It is the game's final boss.
   
== External links ==
+
=== External links ===
 
* {{mbeta||''Suurok'' class}}
* [http://www.starshipdatalink.net/art/timur.html Designing the ''Ti'Mur''] - on-line version, by Doug Drexler, of the article that originally appeared in the {{m|July|2002}} Issue 39 of ''[[Star Trek: The Magazine]]''
 
* {{NCwiki|Suurok class}}
 
 
* {{wikipedia|Vulcan starships}}
 
* {{wikipedia|Vulcan starships}}
   

Revision as of 01:23, 28 February 2016

You may be looking for the Surak class.

The Suurok-class was a type of Vulcan starship designated by the High Command as a science vessel and combat cruiser during the mid-22nd century.

Technical data

Design

The design of the Suurok-class possessed a long, cylindrical primary hull and a unique circular, ring-shaped warp drive.

Primary systems

During the 2150s, this design was among the fastest and most powerful starships operating in the Vulcan fleet.

The Suurok possessed a top speed of Warp 6.5 in the science vessel variant. The combat vessel variant could go to Warp 7. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice", "Fallen Hero") The technology behind this advancement was considered "classified" as of 2151 from Earth Starfleet. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")

File:ShRaan disables the Mazarites.jpg

Firing particle beam weapon

The Suurok was armed with standard particle beam weapons. In combat, these vessels were capable of disabling, if not destroying, a force of three Mazarite ships in a confrontation. (ENT: "Fallen Hero")

File:T'Mir tractors shuttlepod.jpg

Tractor beam

The Suurok-class also possessed tractor beam technology which was considered "classified" from Earth Starfleet. The tractor beam emitter was located on the lower section of the primary hull, in front of the warp drive. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")

Ships commissioned

Named
Unnamed

Appendices

Appearances

Background information

Name

It is commonly believed that the name of this class is "Surak" class. This name was used, for instance, by John Eaves. [1] It also appeared in an article on the design of the ship written by Doug Drexler in an issue of Star Trek: The Magazine (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 20-24), which was reprinted in Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection (issue 34), and in a different article focusing on the starship written in Star Trek Magazine (Star Trek Monthly issue 104, pp. 43-44). Conversely, Scott Bakula – in the role of Captain Jonathan Archer – clearly pronounced the name as "Suurok" class in "Breaking the Ice", which also corresponded with the spelling that appeared in the episode's closed-captioning. This spelling was later confirmed as the spelling in the final draft of the script by Mike Sussman, who noted the former spelling may have appeared in an early draft of the script.

Original design

In the script for ENT: "Breaking the Ice", this class of vessel is described as "tripod-shaped."

Because regular Star Trek: Enterprise ship designer John Eaves was busy working on Star Trek Nemesis, the job of designing the Suurok-class fell to Doug Drexler. The vessel was the first Vulcan starship design to appear on the series of Enterprise, and the first significant Vulcan starship design to appear in the Star Trek series. Given that there were few references that existed even though the Vulcans are one of the primary species that define Star Trek, Drexler felt daunted by the request to design a craft for the species. In designing the Suurok-class, he believed that – since it would likely make many appearances on ENT – the ship should be as memorable as possible. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 20)

The goal of Doug Drexler's design for the Vulcan ship was simplicity, so that it would pass the "squint test," making the vessel recognizable even if the ship was tiny on the screen. Consequently, he borrowed influence from what he thought were the most memorable ship designs in Star Trek, those made by Matt Jefferies. One that caught his eye was the USS Enterprise XCV 330, as it was rather different from all other designs in Star Trek to that date. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 21) He also remembered that the Vulcan ship from "Unification II" (the T'Pau) had a ring shape. So, he based his idea on this. (citation needededit) "'Ah,' I thought, as I mulled over the Vulcan ship design question for Enterprise. 'This is the perfect place to fit the hoop ship,'" he remembered. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 22)

Doug Drexler modified the basic ringed shape to make the craft look more Vulcan. He did so by giving the vessel curves and peaks which were inspired by the Vulcan temple and clothing from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and the T'Plana-Hath from Star Trek: First Contact. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 24) Drexler further adapted the reddish colors and the trio of engine pods of the T'Plana-Hath, in an attempt to create as much of a design lineage as possible, using what little reference there actually was. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 21 & 20)

The first design for the Suurok-class which Doug Drexler demonstrated, as a concept model, to Production Designer Herman Zimmerman and Executive Producers Rick Berman and Brannon Braga appeared much as the ship ended up looking. However, Matt Jefferies' engine support spar had become a lot larger and was clearly inhabited. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 23) Despite loving the hoop design, Drexler was expected to present some alternatives to Zimmerman, Berman and Braga. He therefore devised two other designs to give them, one of which resembled the T'Plana-Hath much more than the final version. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 24 & 22) The other potential candidate had conical engine pods and a spherical primary hull, similar to the Olympic-class, another design that was based on an early Jefferies design (the Daedalus-class). (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 22 & 24) "Needless to say, I was delighted that Rick and Brannon went for the exotic hoop and arrow," enthused Drexler. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 24)

Refining the shape of the hoop ship constituted the next step in the design process. Doug Drexler firstly came up with some variations which showed it with slightly different body shapes and engine pods. A version he experimented with included engines matching those of the T'Plana-Hath as well as another of the early concepts for the Suurok-class. One of the final decisions was to flip the craft upside down. "I just realized that it looked better defying gravity," Drexler related, "rather than hanging from the hoop and Herman, Rick, and Brannon heartily agreed." Afterwards, the engine pods were eliminated as was any physical connection between the main body of the vessel and the surrounding ring section, disconnecting the two separate elements. "We liked the defiance of conventional structural support," Drexler stated. "It makes the Vulcans look like they control powers beyond Human ken." In this way, Drexler believes the Suurok-class was made to be like the Constitution-class, with the structure of both seemingly defying Human understanding. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 24)

Finally, the design for the Suurok-class was approved. Doug Drexler himself was also happy with it. "I feel that the Surak-class ship will enjoy a longevity if only for that certain Jefferies 'je ne sais quoi,'" he remarked. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 24) John Eaves regarded the ship as highly influential and a "beautiful design." [2] Following its approval, the design was moved to Eden FX, who added it into "Breaking the Ice". (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 24)

Although a Suurok-class ship appears in "Shadows of P'Jem", the final draft script of that installment gives no indication of which configuration of Vulcan starship was to be used in the episode, merely that it be a "Vulcan ship." A reference to the craft's abilities that was scripted but not included in the installment's final edit had Enterprise armory officer Malcolm Reed comment to the vessel's captain, "Your ship can fabricate as many phase-pistols as you want."

Revised design

File:ShRaan aft, closeup.jpg

Close-up of some of the more notable design variations

Following the initial appearance of the Suurok-class in "Breaking the Ice", the Suurok was redesigned for its later appearances in "Fallen Hero" and "United".

According to Robert Bonchune, "the design fell out of favor for a while," but was eventually revised by model builder Pierre Drolet, to include "better detail and texturing as well as modified dimensions." Bonchune further added that the reason for this was because, "the original model was just not up to snuff for what we needed. So it was superseded. They are theoretically the same ship, not two different classes or types."

Doug Drexler on the issue: "It was my first pass concept model. Like all the concept models, it's low to medium resolution. Usually I only take 2 days to build something like that, because Herman [Zimmerman] needs it pronto for approval. A high rez version was built later by Pierre [Drolet] so that they could get close to it." This version was seen as the Sh'Raan combat cruiser. Later, Drexler added: "I like to think that they are two different classes." (citation needededit)

Among the modifications made to the design included a longer primary hull with a flat underside, and a redesigned aft vertical nacelle strut, which changed from a blue glow to a red glow.

Apocrypha

T'Uerell's ship in the Star Trek: Legacy videogame was a Suurok-class vessel. Throughout the game, the vessel adopts several green and gray accents to depict its gradual assimilation. It is the game's final boss.

External links