designed by Unknown

Notes:
     Although nearly identical to the Federation Class of dreadnought, the Overlord battlecruiser was originally designed to function as a support combat platform for research groups in hostile areas. Although a number of combat craft were able to defend them selves while conducting scientific missions, it was felt that the speed and power of a dreadnought would significantly improve the Federations ability to expand it boarders while maintaining security.
     The Mk I, started in 2284, immediately ran into design problems. Star Fleet Science division insisted that a minimum of 10 full size labs be included to give the design the proper research base, while Star Fleet Procurement insisted that the Tri-Engine design not be compromised. Needing twice the normal room in the secondary hull, Star Fleet and Arbing & Lidde Starship Construction of Boston both struggled with re-arranging the internal compartments of the Overlord to meet design specifications. Finally, in early 2289, through some creative arrangement, enough internal space had been created to install all the necessary warp core support systems and crew’s quarters. By mid 2290, the Mk I was launched.
     The Mk I used the lighter FWE-1 drive system, giving the battlecruiser surprising maneuverability, further opening up the internal spaces. Although this gave the Cruiser only a moderate power curve, it was felt that the newly designed FSS shielding system would allow enough power to be allocated for combat. The Overlord was evaluated in late 2291, and production on three was completed by the end of that year. Only three more would be completed in 2292, bringing the total to 6.
     The Overlord Class’s tremendous versatility was bore out on Stardate 9992.7, when the USS Overseer began research near the Dravela Expanse. This newly formed cosmic cloud had plagued travel lanes for nearly two years, sending out waves of unstable cosmic strings, disrupting normal warp signatures, and even destroying a Federation cargo drone. When the Overseer arrived, she immediately began mapping the expanse and charting the various energy fields. Two days after their arrival, the Overseer was attacked by three unknown vessels. Unable to scan the vessels with long range sensors, the Overseer was caught completely off guard. Despite being damaged, the Overseer was able to drive off the three attackers with only moderate damage. Suspecting the unknown opponents were using the expanse as a cover for a larger base, the captain of the Overseer used a leap frog technique to send probes along multiple trajectories. Using the separate science labs as data collection/deciphering points, the Overseer finally located the base, learning that it was part of an Orion pirate cove. Follow up missions captured several pirate ships in the area and closed the base.
     The Overlord was produced at the Arbing & Lidde Starship Construction, Boston, Sol III at a rate of 3 per year. All are still in service, and one is used as a Cadet Training Cruiser vessel.