Design/concept by GEC

Notes - circa 2288:

     The somewhat unusual design of the Edwards class is attributed to its specific concentration on exploration and study at great distances. While most heavy cruiser and explorers of the era were designed to survey a wide range of area, the design team for the Edwards class was tasked with designing a ship that could conduct extremely extensive surveys and long term exploration operations with only moderate support from the Federation.
     The use of converted cargo containers continued to prove cost effective even into the 2260’s, but the limitations of these operations became increasingly forefront as the Federation continued to expand. Study of stellar nurseries and other deep space phenomenon often required years to completely understand. Specialized containers allowed the construction of space stations near these phenomenon, but still required the support of scout, transports and other vessels to ensure their success.
     The Edwards was designed to allow planners to quickly choose the equipment that would best focus on the needs of long term operations while still providing the flexibility of a heavy cruiser design. The Edwards incorporated a standardized secondary hull to house the main matter/anti-matter power source and all of the engineering support systems. Several versatile labs and recreation facilities were also included. The primary hull used an enlarged Surya style hull that offered significantly larger crew quarters, recreation facilities and other support systems. The container hull was designed to allow quick and efficient swap out of equipment, sensors and other mission specific equipment. Each container hull could be detached and left at a starbase or other facility to allow mission specific equipment to be swapped out, while the ship itself, equipped with a new container hull, continued on to its new mission.
     Surprisingly, the Edwards did not use an attachment style plate to connect the container hull, but instead was connected directly to a boom. This allowed better access and stress control and reduced the need for power diversion to keep the container hull attached. The container hulls are usually fitted with their own deflector and sensor systems, large open bays and surprisingly luxurious quarters for scientists and families when necessary. Up to 140 passengers can be accommodated for periods of three years without the need for resupply. This allows the Edwards class to proceed to their assignments without having to wait for commerce lanes to be established. Once on station, the Edwards can conduct both static and mobile observations for long periods of time. In extreme cases, the container hull can be switched out in less than a week’s time in deep space.
     The Edwards class proved extremely successful, helping to study numerous planetary systems and space phenomenon during their 20 years of service. Planetary system study became a favorite of crew members who often requested second and third tours of duty aboard Edward class ships. The Edwards class was no slouch in combat, with the Robards, Sheperdson and Willard all seeing combat with hostile forces during their operational lifetimes. But the unique ability of the Edwards could not offset the eventual cost of refitting the container hulls. By 2280, the Edwards were beginning to be scheduled for retirement. By 2287, the last of the Edwards class had been placed on reserve fleet status. Seven container hulls specifically designed for use with the Edwards have also been placed with the ships on reserve fleet status. A cost effective refit program is currently being investigated, but so far cost exceed the effective returns for refitting the Edward class. All five ships and the ten container hulls associated with them were constructed at the Tellar shipyards.