by Terry D. Shannon

NOTES:
Known Sphere of Operation: Gorn Alliance Defense Perimeter, Federation and Expansion Borders
Data Reliability: B for Model A & B, C for Model C & D, D for Model E, E for Model F
Major Data Source: Gorn and Romulan Sector Intelligence

        The MD-10 (Star Fleet code name ‘Ora’) was the result of an ambitious effort by Gorn designers to field a viable large warship with quad warp nacelles. The design was originally conceived during the development of the 1FG control computer development program in the mid-2260s. The Clan Hss’li MD-10 design was in direct competition with a number of other quad warp nacelle designs being considered for production to take advantage of the potential of the control capacity of the 1FG to handle four warp nacelles. The MD-10 was one of two designs approved for production. Skepticism over the necessity concerning the need for a battlecruiser design (and questions concerning the viability and reliability of the quad warp nacelles) limited the initial production of the MD-10 to 5 vessels to be constructed through the end of 2267.
        First contact with the Federation in 2267 (approximately 5 months after the first MD-10 entered service) caused the Gorn government to reconsider the need for heavier warships. Another five MD-10s were ordered into production through 2268. An evaluation of Federation starship combat capabilities (specifically, the Constitution Class) prompted the Gorn to order a refit of the A model to B model specifications starting in 2269. With improved weapon and shielding systems, 10 new B models were ordered and the original 10 A models began a rotation for refit to the B model specifications which were completed by the end of 2271.
        The C model was introduced in 2273 after first contact with the Romulans proved to the Gorn that even more aggressive neighbors existed on their borders. The specifications of the C model were also influenced by a desire by Gorn designers to continue to improve the design to compete with the Federation Enterprise Class. The installation of the 1HG control computer allowed for the installation of more powerful beam and torpedo weapons along with the improved GSP shields. Installation of the GIG-2 impulse engine provided for more power to the new weapons and shields. An additional 10 C models were constructed with 10 B models refit to C model specifications between 2273 and 2278. The C model served with distinction during this time along all theatres of operation along Gorn borders and beyond.
        The introduction of the D model in 2278 represented the expansion of the MD-10 to a ‘heavy’ battlecruiser design. The expansion of the design from class X to class XI was prompted by a need to continue to match improvements on the Federation Enterprise Class and to continue to counter Romulan aggression by introducing upgrades to existing Gorn starship designs. The installation of additional heavy medium range beam weapons along with the more powerful GIG-3 impulse engine kept the MD-10 on an even par with heavy units being fielded by neighboring powers. The number of troops carried aboard for boarding actions was also increased. 10 new D models were built with 5 Bs and 5 Cs being refit to the D specifications.
        Continuing upgrades of the Federation Enterprise class again influenced the E model, introduced in 2286. The Gorn recognized that they were falling significantly behind in warp speed technology versus their Federation neighbors. They chose to design the E upgrade to match the final Enterprise upgrades in sheer combat capability even if they could not match the Federation design in warp speed capabilities. The installation of the 1JG control computer allowed for the installation of 2 additional torpedo launchers. The mixture of eight GBL-10 and four GBL-6 beam weapons on the D model were replaced with 10 powerful GBL-11s. These ships anchored the Gorn defensive perimeter along their established borders for a number of years. Only 5 E models were built with 5 C and 5 D models being refit to E specifications. The E was the last model to see production.
        The final model, the F, (introduced in 2291), used the GSR shield system and further reinforcement of the superstructure to improve combat survivability. Accommodations for additional troops were also added. The most significant improvement to the model was the expanded fields of fire of its weapon suites. Past models of the MD-10 all utilized individual weapon mounts. The F model mounted a combination of banked weapons with expanded fields of fire to further enhance combat effectiveness. Advances in torpedo weapon fire and control were applied in this model to also expand the firing arcs for its torpedo weapons making the F model a very dangerous opponent. No new F models were built with all 15 existing models being refits of earlier models.
        The MD-10 was produced exclusively at the Hss’li facility. Of the 45 MD-10s built, 3 Cs, 12 Ds, 12 Es and 15 Fs are still in active service. Two Bs and one C were destroyed in action against the Romulans.
        The Star Fleet codename ‘Ora’ is the native word for the large monitor lizards (also known as Komodo Dragons) found on Komodo Island on Earth.