from Ships of the Star Fleet - Volume One, Calon Riel & Mastercom Data Center

Notes - circa 2288:

     A vessel of distinction, the Bonhomme Richard class of heavy cruiser is considered one of only a few designs based directly on the most notable and successful class of Federation starship, the Constitution class. The Bonhomme Richard was originally envisioned as an advanced version of the Constitution, but was not launched in time for Star Fleet Procurement to consider it the Mk II of the Constitution class. The Bonhomme Richard was soon referred to as a new class of vessel, and design changes were incorporated into all subsequent vessels.
     The Mk I was considered the perfect combination of power and flexibility. The Mk I, like the Mk I Constitution was armed with heavy lasers and twin accelerator cannons, and was nearly identical to the Mk I Constitution in combat capabilities. The Bonhomme Richard did have a larger crew and more laboratories, and plans to convert the Constitution class to the Bonhomme Richard specifications were quickly approved. But the Mk II Constitution was soon equipped with phases and photon torpedoes, far outclassing the Mk I Bonhomme Richards. Designers of the Bonhomme Richard quickly shifted into high gear and soon launched the Mk II, six months ahead of the official commissioning of the Mk II Constitution.
     Armed with powerful phasers, the Mk II Bonhomme Richard, and her sister ship the Monitor, were both immediately sent to explore the boundaries of the Federation. The Mk II Bonhomme Richard could remain in deep space for nearly 4 years, despite it large crew. Armed with the newly designed FH-3, the Mk II incorporated the “Saber” combat control system, which was soon standard equipment on many front line vessels. She was also equipped with the MK 12 version of the now standard FP-1. The Mk 12 required a smaller torpedo tube and less primary energy to fire than earlier attempts at automation of photon systems. The Mk 12 also used a non-toxic coolant system, offsetting the dangerous chemicals of the phaser system.
     Although the Mk II Bonhomme Richard class was superior to the Mk I Constitution, the Mk II Constitution nearly canceled the Bonhomme Richard project. Designers had underestimated the Mk II Constitution and were now playing catch up. By 2260, the Mk III Bonhomme Richard was launched and was again seen as a great success. The Mk III used the newly developed “Wolf” model 2 FP-5. Although more costly than the Awalt system, now in trial runs, the Wolf system was smaller and less crew intensive than the Awalt FP-5’s. The Mk III continued to serve until 2264, when the Mk IV was launched. The Mk IV continued to use the Wolf FP-5 system, but increased the phaser system to the Lockheed 447/54 model of the FH-10 system. The Lockheed system provided more power than the Constitution’s FH-3’s and were easier to maintain. The Bonhomme Richard class continued to serve until the premature launch of the USS Enterprise in 2271. By this time, the Bonhomme Richard, and other heavy cruisers had been outclassed by smaller combat craft, and were soon being mothballed.
     The Bonhomme Richard, like their cousin cruiser, were produced at various shipyards around the Federation. Of the 16 built, one was lost with all hands.