The Achilles-class starship was a warship originally designed in 2367 to combat the Borg, but later developed during the Dominion War in response to the massive warships used by the Dominion. Originally designed in 2367, the Achilles class was envisioned as a task group leader for a group of Defiant class ships and would lead the group into battle against the Borg. However, after the original Borg scare died away, as well as design problems with the Defiant class, the Achilles was stored away before the prototype was even completed. Then...contact is made with the Dominion...
The Federation needed a hard-hitting heavy cruiser that was easier to construct than a Galaxy Refit or Sovereign class vessel. Starfleet specified a long-range, multi-purpose, heavy cruiser that could penetrate enemy defenses and strike strategic installations with little or no escort...similarly to the Prometheus class. The Achilles' exceptional low profile, quickness and armament could pit it against fast destroyer class vessels, heavy cruisers, and small defended installations.
The Achilles is a fairly conservative design that follows the lineage of the Intrepid, Prometheus, and Sovereign Classes. Slightly smaller than a Galaxy Class, the Achilles was a far cry from the size of the Dominion heavy ships, but was of a sleeker design, and armed with the advanced weapons used for the Defiant Class escorts for fighting the Borg. The saucer and engineering hull are directly connected with no neck as on most of the previous Starfleet designs. The nacelles are connected to the aft of the engineering section by struts at the top of the section that curve downwards, this places the nacelles in line with the saucer section, which helps to keep the ship streamlined.
The primary weapons on the Achilles-class are six pulse phaser cannons in two
banks of three located on the front dorsal section of the saucer.
The ship's other weapons' systems are three quantum torpedo launchers, two at
the forward edge of the saucer and one launcher at the rear of the engineering
section. The ship also has four Type-12 phaser arrays, two located dorsally and
two ventral arrays.
By 2389, four of the class had been built and were in service.
2367: Starfleet issues a general design brief for a multi-purpose vessel capable of scouting, high speed ship with heavy fire power, with the ability to lead smaller Defiant class ships into battle against the Borg. The general idea is for a modular starship based on a totally new design, using design principles pioneered with the Intrepid and Prometheus classes. The Class will be called the Achilles Class. Starfleet views the theoretical proposals for the and approve briefs for the propulsion, computer, weapons and spaceframe parameters are sent out to Starfleet design agencies for consultation. Propulsion dynamic are approved and sent to the Jupiter Station for in-depth study. Mid year M/ARA design is standardized for the class. Spaceframe design is approved and full specifications are forwarded to Utopia Planitia for designations. USS Achilles Production begins.
2368: Intrepid Class warp coils are approved for use in the Achilles class. The stardrive section nears chassis completion. Saucer section nears 30% chassis completion.
2369: Primary and secondary chassis's now at 100% completion on USS Achilles. Computers are delivered for fitting work. Work continues on habitat and out hull sections. Late in year, construction is halted and the USS Achilles is moved into storage as Starfleet believes the Borg threat to be passed.
2371: Late in the year, construction resumes aboard USS Achilles. Computer cores are activated and ship functions begin to be transferred from station control to ship control. Computer system now operating at 77% of maximum. System expected to become self aware within 11 months. Warpcore begins primary testing. Antimatter regulation control is found to be within acceptable levels. Power flow to weapons systems found to be insufficient and redesign is made. Stardrive section near completion with final attachment of navigational deflector array. Bridge module attached to primary hull.
2372: Warp Core passes Review Three and it tested to 92% peak. Computer system fully self aware and umbilical from the station are cut as the ship become self sufficient. Impulse systems pass Review Three and being autonomous low level power control. Secondary Back up Generators are shut down and become Auxiliary system control. USS Achilles leaves Dry Dock for primary testing. Second Achilles class ship begins construction.
2373: USS Achilles returns to Utopia Planitia and warp stress coating is applied. USS Achilles begins deep space assessments. USS Achilles returns for final exterior markings and paint. On 7, August 2373 the USS Achilles is officially commissioned by Starfleet at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards during a brief ceremony. Bridge plaque is put in pride of place and Captain Richard O'Dell takes command. USS Achilles is ordered to begin a brief shakedown cruise estimate to last three months.