The Defiant-class is the first pure warship designed by Starfleet and is the basis for many of the technologies found in ships that would later come out of the advanced starship initiative. The Defiant was rushed into production after the first Borg attack and was designed specifically to counter any future Borg incursions. As time passed and the Borg did not reappear, work on the vessel slowed. Its prototype was eventually assigned to Deep Space 9 in order to aid in skirmishes with the Dominion. When the Borg reappeared in 2373, the Defiant-class was put to its original use and was invaluable to the defense of Sector 001. The Defiant is heavily armored and extremely maneuverable, allowing it to infiltrate enemy territory at high warp. Today the vessel serves many functions in Starfleet, mostly military in nature.

Notable vessels in the Defiant-class include the U.S.S. Defiant, NX-74205, assigned to station Deep Space 9, which fought several key battles and was eventually destroyed in the Dominion War. The U.S.S. Sao Paulo was then assigned to Deep Space 9 as a replacement. By special Starfleet dispensation, the ship was renamed Defiant and given that ship’s former registry number.

The Saber-class starship was introduced in the late 24th century as part of Starfleet’s initiative to create a new generation of ships to combat any future Borg incursions. Designed primarily as a reconnaissance vessel, the Saber’s high maneuverability and versatility made it a reliable combat vessel in the defense against the Borg invasion of Earth, and later the Dominion War. The Saber’s compact design allows it to maintain faster impulse speeds and turn more tightly than other larger ships. The Saber needs this speed, as its design features a weaker hull than other Starfleet vessels and less shield power than most other ships.

Notable Saber-class vessels include the U.S.S Yeager, NCC-61947, which defended Sector 001 against Borg invasion in 2373.

The Norway-class Starship was designed in the same Starfleet initiative that produced the Saber-class “Frigate.” The Norway was intended primarily as an advanced escort vessel and was engineered with an eye toward defeating any future Borg invasions. Completed in time to assist the fleet against the Borg incursion into Sector 001 in 2373, the Norway proved itself as a versatile combat vessel and saw action again in the Dominion War. The Norway is fitted with heavier armor and more weapons than the smaller Saber-class “Frigate,” but sacrifices some of the speed and maneuverability of that class. For this reason, the Norway is used mainly for low-risk exploration and escort missions.

Notable Norway-class vessels include the U.S.S. Budapest, NCC-64923, which helped fight back the Borg in 2373.

The Intrepid-class starship features numerous new technologies that mark a change in Starfleet’s design philosophy. Instead of building ever-larger, more complicated ships, the new design initiative focused on smaller, more compact and streamlined vessels. The Intrepid is the first Starfleet vessel equipped with a computer system based on bio-neural gel packs, allowing for advanced processing at enhanced speed. The Intrepid also pioneered technology allowing a starship to land on a planet with minimal system damage. Another design breakthrough introduced with the Intrepid was variable geometry warp nacelles, which are capable of configuring to maximize the efficiency of the ship’s warp core to provide maximum warp for less power than on a regular warp drive.

Notable Intrepid-class vessels include the U.S.S. Voyager, NCC-74656. Lost on its first mission, Voyager was later discovered to have been transported into the Delta Quadrant. While there, the ship made more first contacts than any ship in Starfleet history and made significant research into the workings of the Intrepid class. Voyager returned to the Alpha Quadrant in 2377.

The Akira-class vessel was designed as one of Starfleet’s first combat-focused starships. Its design was originally used merely as a testing bed for advanced weapons systems being developed during the build-up of tensions between the Federation and the Cardassian Empire. After the battle of Wolf 359, Starfleet hurried the prototype into actual production, sensing the need for more ships designed for combat instead of exploration. The vessel proved itself during the second Borg attack and later during the Dominion War. Although its primary focus is tactical, the Akira can also be used for a wide variety of other purposes.

Notable Akira-class vessels include the U.S.S. Thunderchild, NCC-63549, which took part in the defense of Sector 001 against Borg invasion in 2373.

The Excelsior-class was originally designed and built in the 23rd century during Starfleet’s early experiments with transwarp drive. Transwarp was eventually proven unviable, and the Excelsior-class was refitted with a standard warp drive. An advanced ship for its time, the Excelsior has been continually refitted and upgraded to serve alongside Starfleet’s more advanced vessels. It still sees heavy use today, although usually in some of the less glamorous assignments. Due to its upgraded weapons systems, the Excelsior is still a formidable opponent in combat situations.

Notable Excelsior-class vessels include the prototype U.S.S. Excelsior, NCC-2000, under the command of Hikaru Sulu, which played a key role in the defense of the Khitomer Conference in 2293, and the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-B, the third starship to bear the name.

The Nebula-class vessel was originally designed as a lower-cost alternative to the Galaxy class. The two vessels share many of the same advanced components, systems and design features, but the Nebula’s integrated hull structure and modest scale make it more cost-effective for mass production than its larger Galaxy-class cousin. In addition, the Nebula features a large dorsal equipment module. This module allows the Nebula to be alternately configured for either research or combat by housing either an advanced sensor package or weapons platform. Its wide array of uses makes the Nebula one of the most versatile ships in Starfleet, although its relatively weak armor keeps it from seeing the front lines as often as more combat-oriented vessels.

Notable Nebula-class vessels include U.S.S. Endeavor, NCC-71805, which participated in the Romulan blockade during the Klingon civil war, and the U.S.S. Phoenix, NCC-65420.

The Galaxy was designed as the Federation’s primary research and exploration vessel and is among the most advanced and powerful vessels in Starfleet, once serving as the flagship of the fleet. The Galaxywas designed to fill any role given to it, from combat to first contact duties, and is the first ship in the fleet to feature extensive civilian quarters, allowing families to be raised onboard the ship. Its sheer size makes it ideal for emergency evacuation and relocation duties. The Galaxy-class is also one of the most expensive ships ever constructed by the fleet, and, as a result, its production is limited. The smaller Nebula-class was designed as a lower-cost alternative to the Galaxy.

Notable Galaxy-class vessels include the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D, the flagship of the Federation under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard until its destruction in the Veridian system in 2371.

The Sovereign-class vessel is the most advanced ship in use in Starfleet today, and functions as the current flagship of the Federation. Featuring elements researched as a part of the advanced starship initiative in order to react to future Borg incursions, the Sovereign (at nearly 700 meters in length) is the largest and most impressive starship in the fleet. Designed as a multi-function vessel, the Sovereign is equipped with advanced weapons platforms and upgraded sensor and shield systems. It is effective both as an exploratory and research vessel, as well as a front-line combat vessel.

Notable Sovereign-class vessels include the Federation flagship U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC 1701-E, which stopped the Borg from interfering with Earth’s timeline after the Borg incursion in 2373, and the U.S.S. Sovereign, NCC-73811, which served a major role in the Kessok Incident.

There are three types of Federation starbases.  Each of them have the same overall design, but differ in size and purpose:

BASESTATION - A small, fixed installation. Basestations are lightly armed and shielded, and are usually constructed in areas where a permanent facility is needed but a full combat-ready station is not.

STARBASE - A large, fixed installation. Starbases serve to establish control points in space and to provide major staging areas from which to deploy starships. Starbases are heavily armed, heavily protected, dangerous facilities.

BATTLESTATION - Larger than a Basestation, the Battlestation is more heavily armed and protected. Battlestations are usually constructed in areas where some combat may be expected, but the expense of a full Starbase is not required.

The freighter is used for transport of civilians and goods.

The standard short ranged craft used by the Federation. Shuttles can carry up to 6 personnel and are generally used for short-range transport.

The Raptor-class vessel is a child of the same advanced design initiative that brought the Vales into the Romulan military. While the Vales was designed primarily as a combat vessel, the Raptor was to be a more rounded ship. In addition to advanced weaponry, the Raptor features high-bandwidth sensor packages and upgraded onboard research facilities, making it a very effective exploration and research vessel. Capable of extended periods away from base due to its low-bleed singularity core and extensive crew facilities, the Raptor is ideal for the more secretive missions of the Romulan military.

Notable Raptor-class vessels include the I.R.W. Antares, which aided in the downing and eventual salvage of a Borg scout vessel in the Relik sector, thwarting a Borg incursion and allowing the Romulans an insight into numerous new technologies.

The D’Deridex-class “Warbird” is the most powerful vessel in the Romulan Empire. Although “Warbirds” were in service long before the more advanced Romulan weapons and systems were developed, the vessels are constantly upgraded to keep their technology current. The “Warbird” fills many duties in the fleet, including combat, exploration and science missions. The “Warbird’s” enormous size (nearly twice as long as a Federation Galaxy-class vessel) houses research labs, reverse-engineering terminals, and intelligence gathering equipment which make it instrumental in Romulan combat operations, both direct and covert.

Notable Warbird-class vessels include the I.R.W. D’Trell, leader of the Romulan division of the Alpha Quadrant alliance in the attack on the Chin’Toka system in 2374.

After the first indications of the coming Borg threat along the Neutral Zone in 2364, the Romulan military began researching advanced systems and ship designs in an effort to upgrade their military against future incursions. The project was accelerated after the Romulans obtained intelligence reports on the full capabilities of the Borg after the battle of Wolf 359, and the Hawk was the first ship to emerge from the new design initiative. Taking numerous cues from the powerful Romulan “Warbird” in its design, the Hawk is a well-armed and maneuverable strike vessel with cloaking capabilities designed for heavy combat duties.

Notable Vales-class vessels include the I.R.W. Cathex, the ship captained by the legendary Commander Astran, which disappeared in 2372.

The Shrike-class is a light cruiser designed primarily as a scout vessel. As conflicts along the Romulan-Federation Neutral Zone tapered off, the Romulan military realized that assigning its heavier ships to the region was a waste of resources. They set about designing a smaller vessel that could fill the patrol duties and yet still defend itself adequately if the need arose. The Shrike, which requires a minimal crew and is relatively cheap to produce, is the result of this design. The vessel is also equipped with a standard Romulan cloaking device, allowing it to investigate disturbances in secret.

Notable Shrike-class vessels include the I.R.W. Soren, which was instrumental in detecting and eliminating the presence of Cardassian minelayers along the Neutral Zone during the Dominion War.

After the Talon proved itself as a versatile high-speed combat vessel, the need arose for a version of the ship more capable of defending itself for use in high-risk insertion and escort missions. The result was the Falcon-class, which is based on the same hull design as the Talon, but features additional weapon mounts to make the vessel a more formidable opponent if it is unable to use its speed and cloaking device to escape. The added systems lower the overall top speed and maneuverability of the ship, but raise its overall survivability significantly.

Notable Falcon-class vessels include the I.R.W. Taval, which leads the Romulan fleet’s prestigious Omicron Fast Attack Wing.

The Talon-class “Frigate” fills the fast-attack role in the Romulan fleet. Extremely quick and very agile, the ship is capable of out-maneuvering any vessel it comes across. The Talon was designed primarily to avoid combat in favor of stealth, using its standard cloaking device to penetrate enemy fortifications and extract spies or sabotage enemy defenses. Although lightly armored and featuring relatively weak weapons, the Talon is a formidable and often deadly opponent.

Notable Talon-class vessels include the I.R.W. Deunan, which single-handedly defended the Romulan Briareos Outpost from attack by 3 rogue Klingon B’Rel-class “Birds of Prey” in 2371.

There are three types of Romulan starbases.  Each of them have the same overall design, but differ in size and purpose:

BASESTATION - A small, fixed installation. Basestations are lightly armed and shielded, and are usually constructed in areas where a permanent facility is needed but a full combat-ready station is not.

STARBASE - A large, fixed installation. Starbases serve to establish control points in space and to provide major staging areas from which to deploy starships. Starbases are heavily armed, heavily protected, dangerous facilities.

BATTLESTATION - Larger than a Basestation, the Battlestation is more heavily armed and protected. Battlestations are usually constructed in areas where some combat may be expected, but the expense of a full Starbase is not required.

The standard short ranged craft used by the Romulan Star Empire. Shuttles can carry up to 6 personnel and are generally used for short-range transport.

The common freighter used in the Romulan Star Empire.

The Negh’Var is the flagship of the Klingon Defense Force, and the largest and most powerful ship in the Klingon fleet. The ship was designed to showcase the military might of the Empire and features the most advanced weapons and sensor packages available, including support for a Polaron Torpedo refit. Due to the sheer size and advanced nature of the vessel, it is also the most expensive ship ever built by the Empire, meaning that while powerful, it will never replace the Vor’cha for sheer usefulness. The Negh’var is slow-moving and sacrifices maneuverability for armor and weapons, making it a feared opponent in combat.

Notable Negh’Var vessels include the class’s namesake, the I.K.S. Negh’Var, which functions as the Empire’s flagship and was commanded by General Martok during the Klingon Empire’s invasion of Cardassia.

The Vor’cha-class “Battlecruiser” makes up the bulk of the Klingon fleet. A powerful ship second only in size and firepower to the mighty Negh’Var, the Vor’cha manages to maintain its maneuverability despite its upgraded posture. Due to its versatility, the Vor’cha is tasked with numerous roles in the Klingon Empire. While it is the primary assault vessel of the Klingon Military during wartime, it is also equipped with a cloaking device and advanced long-range sensor systems, allowing it to be quite effective as an exploratory and reconnaissance vessel.

Notable Vor’cha-class vessels include the I.K.S. B’Err, which transported Klingon High Council leader K’mpec on his final mission in 2367, and the I.K.S. Vor’nak, commanded by General Tanas.

The Fek’lhr-class is named after a mythical Klingon beast who guards the gates of Gre-Thor, where dishonored Klingon warriors go after death. The vessel was designed as a heavy attack escort vessel. Better armored and mounted with better weapons than the smaller ships in the military, the Fek’lhr is also capable of long-range reconnaissance and scout duties thanks to its cloaking device and advanced sensor package. The Fek’lhr is also equipped with a modular equipment pod similar to that found on the Federation’s Nebula-class. This allows the vessel to be refitted quickly for other duties.

Notable Fek’lhr-class vessels include the I.K.S. Kosh, which led the assault on Cantessa Prime during the Klingon push toward Cardassia Prime in the Dominion War.

The K’Tinga-class vessel has been in service in the Klingon empire in one form or another for decades, even longer than the dependable B’Rel-class “Bird of Prey.” The ship has received constant upgrades and refits to keep it current, and still serves many important functions in the Empire today. The design is based on the original Klingon D7 vessel. While certainly dependable in combat, the K’Tinga is one of the only Klingon vessels adaptable to exploratory and research use, as well. The vessel serves many diplomatic functions and is a reliable light escort ship.

Notable K’Tinga-class vessels include Kronos 1, which was transporting Chancellor Gorkon to the Khitomer Conference when he was assassinated in 2293 by sources within the Klingon military.

The K’Vort-class “Destroyer” is a more advanced and upgraded version of the smaller B’Rel-class “Frigate.” Like the B’Rel l, it is capable of atmospheric flight and planetary landings, as well as interstellar warp travel, and is equipped with a standard Klingon cloaking device. The K’Vort features more weapon mounts then the B’Rel, and therefore requires a slightly larger crew to operate. The added durability and offensive capabilities of the craft make it a bit less maneuverable then the B’Rel. K’Vort-class vessels are primarily used as fast-attack combat vessels and scout ships.

Notable K’Vort-class vessels include the I.K.S. Thraxis, lost in the Battle of Meglar III in 2363.

The B’Rel-class “Frigate” also known simply as the “Bird of Prey,” has been in service in the Klingon Empire for over 80 years. The class has undergone several upgrades and refits, but is still used as a major component of the Klingon fleet. The ship is highly maneuverable, requires a minimal crew to run at maximum combat effectiveness, and carries very impressive firepower for its small size. The B’Rel is capable of atmospheric flight and planetary landings, as well as warp-speed interstellar flight. The craft is also equipped with a cloaking device, making it a very effective scout ship. The hull design and general layout were used to create the heavier K’Vort-class “Destroyer.”

Notable vessels in the class include the I.K.S. B’Redge, which was instrumental in the defense of the Vartha station during the brief Klingon civil war, and the I.K.S. RanKuf.

There are three types of Klingon starbases.  Each of them have the same overall design, but differ in size and purpose:

BASESTATION - A small, fixed installation. Basestations are lightly armed and shielded, and are usually constructed in areas where a permanent facility is needed but a full combat-ready station is not.

STARBASE - A large, fixed installation. Starbases serve to establish control points in space and to provide major staging areas from which to deploy starships. Starbases are heavily armed, heavily protected, dangerous facilities.

BATTLESTATION - Larger than a Basestation, the Battlestation is more heavily armed and protected. Battlestations are usually constructed in areas where some combat may be expected, but the expense of a full Starbase is not required.

The common freighter used in the Klingon Empire.

The standard short ranged craft used by the Klingon Empire. Shuttles can carry up to 6 personnel and are generally used for short-range transport.

The Cube is the primary vessel of the Borg Collective. Massive in size, the Cube features a highly decentralized design, making it difficult to effectively damage in a combat situation. In addition, Cubes are highly regenerative, able to repair damage to their armor very rapidly. Although lacking in maneuverability, the Cube features highly advanced weapons capable of destroying entire fleets of vessels. A typical Cube features assimilation facilities capable of assimilating an entire planet. The Cube is an awesome sight and a feared opponent.

The Borg Pyramid functions as a “Frigate” vessel in the Borg Collective. Its primary function is to assist the Cube in reducing enemy resistance to assimilation. The Cube’s massive size makes maneuvering to attack more agile vessels a problem. Instead, the Borg utilize the Pyramid for such purposes, as it is fast and highly maneuverable, yet still features powerful Borg weapons.

As the Borg began encountering an ever greater number of technologically advanced races, the Collective saw the need to upgrade the combat potential of even their smaller scout vessels. The Pyramid Prime features a larger mass limit than the standard pyramid, allowing greater latitude in selecting weapons and systems. In addition, the Prime has more powerful standard engine systems. The extra mass devoted to ship systems results in a slight decrease in top speed and maneuverability.

The Borg Diamond’s main function is to scout areas for races and technology to assimilate. Upgraded weapons systems and high maneuverability allow it to avoid enemy resistance if necessary and return to the Collective, so that heavier assimilation forces may be dispatched.

The Diamond Prime is an upgraded version of the standard Borg Diamond. While standard Borg design emphasizes a balance between a vessel’s offensive capabilities and its assimilation facilities, the rise of empires which pose a legitimate threat to the Collective necessitated a change in design. As a result, the Prime has more mass available to devote to weapons and systems. It also comes equipped with more powerful engine systems and additional weapons.

The Borg Sphere is second in size and power only to the mighty Cube. Its primary function is to aid the Cube in large-scale assimilations which require a high degree of combat. The Sphere is more maneuverable than the Cube and requires fewer resources, making it a reliable support ship. In addition, the Sphere has its own large-scale assimilation facilities, allowing it to complete low-risk assimilations on its own if need be.

As they spread into the Alpha quadrant, the Borg began encountering groups of technologically advanced races that were capable of mounting more of a resistance to forced assimilation. The Collective adapted by modifying its vessels to carry more advanced systems and firepower. The Sphere Prime is second only to the Cube in sheer power. The Prime features more available mass for weapons and systems, as well as a more powerful standard engine and weapon loadout. Due to the increased mass, the Sphere Prime is slightly less maneuverable than the standard Sphere.

There are three types of Borg starbases.  Each of them have the same overall design, but differ in size and purpose:

BASESTATION - A small, fixed installation. Basestations are lightly armed and shielded, and are usually constructed in areas where a permanent facility is needed but a full combat-ready station is not.

STARBASE - A large, fixed installation. Starbases serve to establish control points in space and to provide major staging areas from which to deploy starships. Starbases are heavily armed, heavily protected, dangerous facilities.

BATTLESTATION - Larger than a Basestation, the Battlestation is more heavily armed and protected. Battlestations are usually constructed in areas where some combat may be expected, but the expense of a full Starbase is not required.

The Cylinder is a freighter/transport vessel.

The standard short ranged craft used by the Collective. Shuttles can carry up to 6 drones and are generally used for short-range transport.

An orbital ship building and refit facility used by all races in the game.  It has different variations based upon how many docks it has.  The one in the picture has four docks.

The Scimitar is a new super battleship of Reman design. It mounts the highest amount of firepower seen on a starship, rivaling even that of a Borg Cube!

One of the most common Ferengi battleships encountered.  It is relatively well armed and has plenty of space for cargo.

A small, lightly-defended fixed installation normally used as a sensor platform or small outpost.

A joint venture between the Federation and Klingon Empire to develop a station that can detect cloaked vessels.

A neutral station.

A ship controlled by a rogue group of raiders.

One of the larger ships controlled by a rogue group of raiders.

A small attack ship armed with phasers.

A transport ship.

Larger than the Rakelli attack ship, the light cruiser is well shielded and armed.