By Calvinboygenius
Notes:
The Durance class
is a radical departure in Federation starship design that has proved extremely
effective in it’s primary role as protector and escort. The Durance
was first proposed by Edoan designers in 2272 as a modified version of
one of their short-ranged exploration craft. It took over a year to convince
Star Fleet procurement to fund the design, which was eventually started
in early 2273. The Durance’s unusual appearance belies a strong
and capable craft that has been in service for over 50 years now.
The basic dual-curved hull
design allows for significant “dead” space with in the craft
– a design innovation that was proved on the Baker class of destroyer.
The hull design also allows for unique interior spaces for crew members,
many of whom comment on the vessels unusual crew quarter aesthetics. But
the unusual hull design also serves to easily give the craft excellent
handling capabilities during combat operations, a testament to the Edoan
design. The Durance is extremely maneuverable as both warp and sub light
speeds, making it idea for it’s primary escort mission. The Durance
is also well armored, with hull bracing equal to some cruisers.
Currently, the Durance remain
in active service along the Romulan, Gorn and Tholian boarders. Several
squadrons are also operating along the Cardassian boarder and the ever
expanding frontier. Main line production was halted in 2318 with a total
of 403 built over the years. Currently 258 Mk III’s remain in active
service, including 174 Mk II’s that have been converted. 30 Mk I’s
and 30 Mk II’s are in reserve fleets. 40 Mk I’s were sold
to various companies within the Federation. 5 Mk I’s, 11 Mk II’s
and 6 Mk III’s have been destroyer. 2 Mk II’s and 1 Mk III
are listed as missing. 3 Mk I’s, 4 Mk II’s and 3 Mk III’s
have been scrapped. 20 Mk II’s are currently used as training vessels.
.
