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{{realworld}}
[[File:USS Thunderchild.jpg|thumb|''Akira''-class {{USS|Thunderchild}}]]
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[[File:USS Thunderchild.jpg|thumb|''Akira''-class USS ''Thunderchild'']]
Responsible for the look of four new ship classes, introduced in {{film|8}} and which included the '''{{Class|Akira}}''', was [[Alex Jaeger]], who commented on the ships he designed for that movie, "''The main reason they look really different is that from a distance, the producers wanted them to be completely new looks, because we introduced a new ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|Enterprise]]'' in the film and didn't want it to get lost.''" An early favorite of creator and producers alike, it was decided that it was this design that would feature more prominently in the movie, "''They initially planned to have at least one ship that we could get closer to camera. That was the Akira, so it got the most attention to detail. It wound up being almost as big as the Enterprise-E - the E is longer, but the [[saucer section]] is almost the same size.''" ({{STTM|1|3}}, p. 48)
+
The '''{{Class|Akira}}''' is one of four ship classes that were created for the [[Battle of Sector 001]] in {{film|8}}. An early favorite of [[Alex Jaeger]] – who designed the class – and producers of the film alike, this design featured more prominently in the movie. "''They initially planned to have at least one ship that we could get closer to camera,''" stated Jaeger. "''That was the ''Akira'', so it got the most attention to detail. It wound up being almost as big as the [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|''Enterprise''-E]] – the E is longer, but the [[saucer section]] is almost the same size.''" ({{STTM|1|3|48}})
   
 
== Design ==
 
== Design ==
[[File:Akira class front plan schematic.jpg|thumb|Front plan schematic]]
+
[[File:Alex Jaeger, Akira class model.jpg|thumb|Jaeger and a, later, commercial ''Akira''-class [[Star Trek model kits|model]]]]
 
Along with the three other vessels of its ilk, the ''Akira''-class was designed by Alex Jaeger at [[Industrial Light & Magic]] (ILM) in {{y|1996}}. It was inspired by the {{Class|Miranda}} and the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] designs. Jaeger explained, "''I love the stance of the bird of Prey, so that was my main influence, to make a ship with an aggressive stance. I also wanted to make a carrier of sorts, more akin to the ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (ship)|Galactica}}'' with fly-through [[shuttle]] hangers and I also loved the 'roll bar' weapons pod of the ''[[USS Excelsior|Excelsior]]'' ''[sic: he meant the ''Miranda'' class]''. Therefore the bay doors are both front and rear and the weapons pod on the boom. There was considerable thought put into the placement of elements. Since we were going to flesh out one of these background ships for a close up I knew it would be scrutinized...and it has :) For more than 13 years!''" {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/}} The new class was named after the Japanese animated film ''{{w|Akira (film)|Akira}}''. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'')
[[File:Alex Jaeger, Akira class model.jpg|thumb|left|Jaeger and a commercial ''Akira''-class [[Star Trek model kits|model]]]]
 
[[File:Akira class concept art.jpg|thumb|''Akira''-class concept art]]
 
The ''Akira''-class was one of those four new classes designed by Jaeger at [[Industrial Light & Magic]] (ILM) in {{y|1996}}, and was inspired by the {{Class|Miranda}} and the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] designs, as was clarified by him, "''I love the stance of the bird of Prey, so that was my main influence, to make a ship with an aggressive stance. I also wanted to make a carrier of sorts, more akin to the Galactica with fly-through shuttle hangers and I also loved the ‘roll bar’ weapons pod of the Excelsior ''[sic: what he meant was the Miranda]''. Therefore the bay doors are both front and rear and the weapons pod on the boom. There was considerable thought put into the placement of elements. Since we were going to flesh out one of these background ships for a close up I knew it would be scrutinized….and it has :) For more than 13 years!''" [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/]. It was named after the Japanese animated film ''{{w|Akira (film)|Akira}}''. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'')
 
   
 
In a July 1999 partly published interview, conducted by [[Larry Nemecek]], Alex Jaeger stated that he created the ''Akira'' as a sort of "carrier/gunship," elaborating, "''This was my gunship/[[Battle cruiser|battlecruiser]]/aircraft carrier. It has 15 [[torpedo launcher]]s and two [[shuttlebay]]s – one in front, with three doors, and one in the back. I really got into it with this one, with the whole idea that the front bay would be the launching bay, and then to return they'd come into the back, because they'd be protected by the rest of the ship.''". ({{STTM|1|3|48}}) Visual inspection of the hull and design drawings show all fifteen, plus two more: twelve on the ship's weapons pod, one forward torpedo launcher under the deflector dish and four flanking torpedo launchers on the saucer, two on each side. {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/}}
[[File:Akira class finalized production concept art.jpg|thumb|Finalized production concept art]]
 
[[File:Akira class homing in on the final design.jpg|thumb|left|Homing in on the final design, still called the USS ''Akira'']]
 
In parts of the July 1999 [[Larry Nemecek]] "Designing the ''Akira''-class" interview that ''were'' published in {{STTM|1|3}}, page 48, designer Alex Jaeger stated that he created the ''Akira'' as a sort of "carrier/gunship," armed with fifteen [[torpedo launcher]]s, elaborating, "''This was my gunship/[[Battle cruiser|battlecruiser]]/aircraft carrier. It has 15 [[torpedo launcher]]s and two [[shuttlebay]]s – one in front, with three doors, and one in the back. I really got into it with this one, with the whole idea that the front bay would be the launching bay, and then to return they'd come into the back, because they'd be protected by the rest of the ship.''". Visual inspection of the hull and design drawings show all fifteen: ten on the ships weapons pod, one forward torpedo launcher over the deflector dish and also four flanking torpedo launchers on the saucer.[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/]
 
   
 
A decade later, in June 2009, Jaeger commented in far more detail about the overall design of the ''Akira''-class on [[Doug Drexler]]'s {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class|web blog}}:
[[File:Akira class detail concept art.jpg|thumb|Bridge detail concept art, now the USS ''Thunderchild'']]
 
  +
{| class="wiki-sidebar" style="float:right;"
In June 2009 Jaeger commented in far more detail about the overall design of the ''Akira''-class on the web blog of [[Doug Drexler]],
 
  +
|-
<blockquote>"So the design started with the overall shape layout. Then in order to start the details I needed to set the scale, so I started with the bridge and worked out from there. Set nestled between the catamaran split [[secondary hull]]s the [[bridge]] is nicely protected. Just on either side of the bridge in a notch on top of the secondary hulls are the [[shield generator]]s. This further protects the command unit of the ship since one of its duties is launching smaller craft, [[Communications|communication]] protection is a must. At the back of the bridge there are emissary [[Docking port|docking hatches]] and just below that the circular hatch is the [[Captain's yacht|captain's lifeboat]]. The rear view at the back of the saucer is the [[Main shuttlebay|main shuttle bay]] and shuttle control center. This area is also well protected tucked down between the hulls and below the weapons pod flanked by the [[Nacelle]]s. This serves as a safe haven for the smaller craft in a fire fight and a calm entry point.</blockquote>
 
 
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class finalized production concept art.jpg|180px]]
  +
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class homing in on the final design.jpg|180px]]
  +
|-
  +
|-
  +
| class="even" | <center>Initial concept art of the ship, named USS ''Akira''...</center>
  +
| class="even" | <center>...and homing in on the final design of the still USS ''Akira'' (NCC-2497)</center>
  +
|-
  +
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class front plan schematic.jpg|180px]]
  +
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class concept art.jpg|180px]]
  +
|-
  +
|-
  +
| class="even" | <center>Detailed front plan schematic...</center>
  +
| class="even" | <center>...translated into beauty concept art of the now USS ''Thunderchild''</center>
  +
|-
  +
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class detail concept art.jpg|180px]]
 
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class shuttle bay detail concept art.jpg|180px]]
  +
|-
  +
| class="even" | <center>Bridge detail concept art</center>
  +
| class="even" | <center>Aft shuttlebay concept art</center>
  +
|}
 
<blockquote>"So the design started with the overall shape layout. Then in order to start the details I needed to set the scale, so I started with the bridge and worked out from there. Set nestled between the catamaran split [[secondary hull]]s the [[bridge]] is nicely protected. Just on either side of the bridge in a notch on top of the secondary hulls are the [[shield generator]]s. This further protects the command unit of the ship since one of its duties is launching smaller craft, [[Communications|communication]] protection is a must. At the back of the bridge there are emissary [[Docking port|docking hatches]] and just below that the circular hatch is the [[Captain's yacht|captain's lifeboat]]. The rear view at the back of the saucer is the [[Main shuttlebay|main shuttle bay]] and shuttle control center. This area is also well protected tucked down between the hulls and below the weapons pod flanked by the [[Nacelle]]s. This serves as a safe haven for the smaller craft in a fire fight and a calm entry point."</blockquote>
   
 
<blockquote>"Also in this protected center region are most of the [[sensor array]]s for the [[transporter]]s and communications with the remainder of the sensors atop the weapons pod. Moving forward the notch in the front of the saucer is the forward launch bay doors(3). This is for the fast exit of small craft into battle. There are extra shield generators on either side of this notch as this would be a target for enemy ships. Surrounding most of the saucer section is the [[phaser array]] strip. Also on the saucer there are flanking torpedo launchers. At the rear of the saucer are the [[impulse engine]]s. Underneath is the [[deflector dish]], 2 flanking phaser arrays and a forward facing torpedo launcher."</blockquote>
[[File:Akira class shuttle bay detail concept art.jpg|thumb|Shuttlebay concept art]]
 
  +
{| class="wiki-sidebar" style="float:right;"
<blockquote>"Also in this protected center region are most of the [[sensor array]]s for the [[transporter]]s and communications with the remainder of the sensors atop the weapons pod. Moving forward the notch in the front of the saucer is the forward launch bay doors(3). This is for the fast exit of small craft into battle. There are extra shield generators on either side of this notch as this would be a target for enemy ships. Surrounding most of the saucer section is the [[phaser array]] strip. Also on the saucer there are flanking torpedo launchers. At the rear of the saucer are the [[impulse engine]]s. Underneath is the [[deflector dish]], 2 flanking phaser arrays and a forward facing torpedo launcher.
 
   
"You'll also notice that the ''Akira'' class utilizes the [[escape pod]]s from the {{Class|Sovereign}}, but the panel details more like the {{Class|Galaxy}}. That's because I imagined this ship was commissioned right before the "E" and served as a testbed for the new escape pods. At the rear is the weapon's pod with spreads of both [[Photon torpedo|photon]] and [[quantum torpedo]] launchers. And of course the [[warp nacelle]]s. This overall design makes for a much more narrow side profile and a more friendly crew environment as the [[engineering]] folks are no longer in "the bowels" of the ship :) Also the crew get a better view of their own ship as the split hull allows for more windows and a view of the bridge, something that's not very common in the previous ship designs. I’m sure there are flaws (like I've heard there are too many torpedo launchers etc…) as the time frame to do this plus all the other work I had to do was very short, so some of these details evolved during that process.
+
<blockquote>"You'll also notice that the ''Akira'' class utilizes the [[escape pod]]s from the {{Class|Sovereign}}, but the panel details more like the {{Class|Galaxy}}. That's because I imagined this ship was commissioned right before the 'E' and served as a testbed for the new escape pods. At the rear is the weapon's pod with spreads of both [[Photon torpedo|photon]] and [[quantum torpedo]] launchers. And of course the [[warp nacelle]]s. This overall design makes for a much more narrow side profile and a more friendly crew environment as the [[engineering]] folks are no longer in 'the bowels' of the ship :) Also the crew get a better view of their own ship as the split hull allows for more windows and a view of the bridge, something that's not very common in the previous ship designs. I’m sure there are flaws (like I've heard there are too many torpedo launchers etc...) as the time frame to do this plus all the other work I had to do was very short, so some of these details evolved during that process. The overall design didn’t change much during the approval process, in fact I believe the note was 'excellent shape! must see detailed!'. So here you go!"</blockquote>
   
 
As far as the heavy armament was concerned, Jaeger mused,
"The overall design didn’t change much during the approval process, in fact I believe the note was "excellent shape! must see detailed!". So here you go! The name ''Thunderchild'' was given to me by production and is named after the ship in [[H.G. Wells]] "[[The War of the Worlds|[The] War of the Worlds]]". And Akira of course is for the awesome anime of the same name." [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/]</blockquote>
 
 
<blockquote>"As far as Torpedo launchers go, I believe it was 15 photon and 2 quantum for the total of 17, the Quantum ones would be the center 2 forward facing ones in the weapons pod. And to say a little something to the carrier aspect and 'fighters'. I hesitate to use the word 'fighters' as I know that those are not only a thing of the past, but also a thing not ''[[Star Trek]]''-ish. So the 'small craft' would be more like [[runabout]]s and shuttles."</blockquote>
   
  +
Though Alex Jaeger was careful to make the ''Akira''-class seem versatile, the process of designing the class was nonetheless influenced by ''First Contact'' featuring a heightened military "feel" to the Starfleet vessels. Jaeger continued,
As far as the heavy armament and overall "militaristic" look in general for the movie were concerned, Jaeger mused,
 
 
<blockquote>"So naturally when i was designing the ''Akira'' I was in military mode and since it was only going to show up in [[Earth]]'s defense for the film I loaded it up with lots of defensive/offensive weapons. Also 'Earth defense' was another task I had in mind with the carrier aspect. The 'peace mission' wasn't on the forefront of my mind, but I can see how as a rescue ship the fly-through bays would work great for evacuation efforts in regions where transporters may not work. So having the ability to quick dock shuttles and get them back out asap would be a big plus. And the 'weapons pod' could be converted into a science sensor array for 'exploring strange new worlds'. :)" {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/#comment-13396}}</blockquote>
<blockquote>"As far as Torpedo launchers go, I believe it was 15 photon and 2 quantum for the total of 17, the Quantum ones would be the center 2 forward facing ones in the weapons pod. And to say a little something to the carrier aspect and "fighters". I hesitate to use the word "fighters" as I know that those are not only a thing of the past, but also a thing not Star Trek-ish. So the "small craft" would be more like runabouts and shuttles. But to be honest, when we were working on First Contact, there was a more military feel going on, especially with the design of the E and it's color scheme and panel details. The E is actually painted an almost sand color with dark brown-gray sections and harder angles.
 
   
 
== CGI model ==
"The movie it's self has a bit more military feel as well, so naturally when i was designing the Akira I was in military mode and since it was only going to show up in [[Earth]]'s defense for the film I loaded it up with lots of defensive/offensive weapons. Also "Earth defense" was another task I had in mind with the carrier aspect. The "peace mission" wasn't on the forefront of my mind, but I can see how as a rescue ship the fly-through bays would work great for evacuation efforts in regions where transporters may not work. So having the ability to quick dock shuttles and get them back out asap would be a big plus. And the "weapons pod" could be converted into a science sensor array for "exploring strange new worlds". :) In design and in life it's always better to adaptable and perform multiple functions, that way you insure you'll be around a lot longer!" [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/#comment-13396]</blockquote>
 
  +
{| class="wiki-sidebar" style="float:right;"
  +
|-
 
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class CGI wireframe model by ILM.jpg|180px]]
  +
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[File:Akira class ILM CGI model.jpg|180px]]
  +
|-
  +
|-
  +
| class="even" | <center>ILM's CGI wireframe model, translated into...</center>
  +
| class="even" | <center>...their final completed CGI model</center>
  +
|}
 
Alex Jaeger's design of the ''Akira''-class was quickly approved by the producers of ''First Contact''. He proceeded to produce blueprints for [[CGI]] modelers [[Larry Tan]] and [[Paul Theren]] at ILM, who had to build and map the [[CGI model]] using {{w|Electric Image Animation System|Electric Image}} software for animation, and {{w|Form-Z}} software for the model. {{DrexFiles|2009/06/10/sabre-class/#comment-13012}} Orthographic views and wire meshes of their model have been published in {{STTM|1|3}} (pp. 49, 51).
   
 
A year later, ILM was requested by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] to hand over their models made for ''First Contact'' &ndash; amongst them, the ''Akira'' &ndash; to [[Digital Muse]] in preparation for use in the upcoming ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'' [[DS9 Season 6|sixth season]] episode {{e|Sacrifice of Angels}}. Due to software differences, the model had to be largely rebuilt in the {{w|LightWave 3D}} software, and was remapped at a higher, but still relatively low, resolution in the process. The model was completed early enough to be already showcased in the [[DS9 Season 5|season five]] episode {{e|Call to Arms}}. {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/}} [http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=17454] Muse's model, as a variety of [[Unnamed Akira class starships|unnamed ''Akira''-class starships]], soldiered on to be featured in the [[Dominion War]] in eight more episodes of ''Deep Space Nine'', including that series' finale, {{e|What You Leave Behind}}. Additionally, it made three appearances in ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', for the very last time featured in that series' finale, {{e|Endgame}}.
This design was further notable as an inspiration for Doug Drexler's later design of the {{EnterpriseNX}}, the central ship of the fifth ''[[Star Trek]]'' series, [[Star Trek: Enterprise|of the same name]].[http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/articles/enterprise_design_comment.htm] In defending the NX class, and contrasting the two designs, ''Star Trek'' scenic artist [[Geoffrey Mandel]], stated that "''while the ''Akira'' is a rather ugly, bowlegged vessel from some angles, the NX-01 is streamlined and elegant, and looks good from almost any angle. Having been around then, I also know that [the ''NX''-class designers] Doug Drexler and [[John Eaves]] did ''exactly'' what the producers asked them to.''" [http://www.trekweb.com/stories.php?aid=xCW9imJ8mIzUQ]
 
   
 
[[File:Akira class Digital Muse CGI model.jpg|thumb|Muse's upgraded CGI model]]
== CGI model ==
 
 
In 2001, Digital Muse's model was refined by [[Adam Lebowitz]] and [[Robert Bonchune]] for representation as the {{USS|Thunderchild}} (the same ship featured in ''First Contact'') in their [[Reference works|reference book]], ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]]''. Though a [[Trekkie|fan]] favorite, the model has, outside the movie references, hardly been featured in other licensed print publications, such as the ''[[Star Trek: Ships of the Line]]'' calendars or their [[Ships of the Line|book derivative]]. Nevertheless, the model received in 2014 its own entry in the ''[[Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection]]'' magazine [[partwork]] publication.
[[File:Akira class ILM CGI model.jpg|thumb|ILM's completed CGI model]]
 
  +
[[File:Akira class CGI wireframe model by ILM.jpg|thumb|left|ILM's CGI wireframe model]]
 
 
While no physical studio models were constructed for on-screen use, a foam core [[studio model|camera test model]] used for ''First Contact'', or more likely the television shows, was sold as {{stala|10184|Lot 10184}} in January 2009 in ''[[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]]'' for US$86.85 and is one of the few physical representations of the class constructed by the production staff.
Jaeger's design, being an early favorite of the producers, was quickly approved and Jaeger proceeded to produce blueprints for CGI modelers [[Larry Tan]] and [[Paul Theren]] at ILM, who had to build and map the [[CGI model]]. Jaeger has noted in regard to the software used that, "''(...)ILM was using {{w|Electric Image Animation System|Electric Image}} for animation and {{w|Form-Z}} for the models of these ships back then.''" [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/sabre-class/#comment-13012] Orthographic views and wire meshes of their model have been published in {{STTM|1|3}}, page 49 and 51.
 
   
  +
==Legacy==
A year later ILM was requested by Paramount to hand over their models made for ''First Contact'', amongst them the ''Akira'', to [[Digital Muse]] in preparation for use in the upcoming ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'' episode {{e|Sacrifice of Angels}}. Due to software differences, the model had to be largely rebuilt in {{w|LightWave 3D}} and was remapped at a higher resolution in the process, but was completed early enough to be already showcased in {{e|Call to Arms}}.[http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/][http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=17454]
 
  +
This design has been a notable source of inspiration for Doug Drexler's later design of the {{EnterpriseNX}}, the central ship of the fifth ''Star Trek'' series, [[Star Trek: Enterprise|of the same name]]. {{eas|articles/enterprise_design_comment.htm}} In effect, the producers of the new show at first wanted to reuse the ''Akira''-class without any changes, as a horrified Drexler recalled, "''Believe it or not, the producers were of the mind to just use the ''Akira'', lock stock and barrel.''" {{DrexFiles|2009/04/03/nx-approval-model/#comment-4751}} Production Designer [[Herman Zimmerman]] continued, "''We did not use that ship, but we took ideas from it and from those ideas eventually &ndash; and this process took about four months, all week and weekend CGI work by [...] Doug Drexler &ndash; we finally came up with [the eventual] shape.''" (''[[Broken Bow (novel)|Behind the Scenes of ''Enterprise'']]'') In contrasting the two designs, ''Star Trek'' scenic artist [[Geoffrey Mandel]] observed, "''The ''Akira'' is a rather ugly, bowlegged vessel from some angles, [but] the NX-01 is streamlined and elegant, and looks good from almost any angle.''" [http://www.trekweb.com/stories.php?aid=xCW9imJ8mIzUQ]
   
  +
Nevertheless, when fans were presented with the ''Enterprise'' NX-01 for the first time, they still were struck with the design resemblance of that ship with that of the ''Akira'', and for a time the new ship was in certain fan circles endowed with the somewhat derogative sobriquet "'''''Akiraprise'''''". {{eas|articles/enterprise_design_comment.htm}}
In 2001 Digital Muse's model was refined by [[Adam Lebowitz]] and [[Robert Bonchune]] for representation as the USS ''Thunderchild'' in their [[Reference works|reference book]], ''[[Star Trek: Starship Spotter]].'' Though a [[Trekkie|fan]] favorite, the model has, outside the movie references, hardly been featured in other licensed print publications, such as the ''[[Star Trek: Ships of the Line]]'' calendars or their [[Ships of the Line|book derivative]].
 
   
  +
== Appendices ==
While no physical studio models were constructed for on-screen use, a foam core [[studio model|camera test model]] used for ''First Contact'' or more likely the television shows, was sold as {{stala|10184|Lot 10184}} in January 2009 in a ''[[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]]'' for US$86.85 and is one of the few physical representations of the class constructed by the production staff.
 
  +
=== Further Reading ===
  +
* "Behind the Scenes: Designing the Akira Class", [[Larry Nemecek]], {{STTM|1|2}}, July 1999, pp. 48-51
  +
* ''[[Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection]]'', issue 12, 2014
   
== External links ==
+
=== External links ===
* [http://www.starshipdatalink.net/art/akira.html "Designing the Akira-class"-online version of ''The Magazine'' interview] at [http://www.starshipdatalink.net/ Federation Starship Datalink]
+
* {{Datalink|art/akira.html|"Designing the Akira class" on-line version|external}}
* [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class/|title= The CGI model of the ''Akira''-class] at [[Doug Drexler]]'s private blog
+
* {{DrexFiles|2009/06/12/alex-jaeger-week-the-akira-class|Alex Jaeger Week The Akira Class|external}}
   
  +
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Akira'' class model}}
 
[[Category:Studio models]]
 
[[Category:Studio models]]

Revision as of 11:23, 30 January 2015

Template:Realworld

USS Thunderchild

Akira-class USS Thunderchild

The Akira-class is one of four ship classes that were created for the Battle of Sector 001 in Star Trek: First Contact. An early favorite of Alex Jaeger – who designed the class – and producers of the film alike, this design featured more prominently in the movie. "They initially planned to have at least one ship that we could get closer to camera," stated Jaeger. "That was the Akira, so it got the most attention to detail. It wound up being almost as big as the Enterprise-E – the E is longer, but the saucer section is almost the same size." (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3, p. 48)

Design

Alex Jaeger, Akira class model

Jaeger and a, later, commercial Akira-class model

Along with the three other vessels of its ilk, the Akira-class was designed by Alex Jaeger at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in 1996. It was inspired by the Miranda-class and the Klingon Bird-of-Prey designs. Jaeger explained, "I love the stance of the bird of Prey, so that was my main influence, to make a ship with an aggressive stance. I also wanted to make a carrier of sorts, more akin to the Galactica with fly-through shuttle hangers and I also loved the 'roll bar' weapons pod of the Excelsior [sic: he meant the Miranda class]. Therefore the bay doors are both front and rear and the weapons pod on the boom. There was considerable thought put into the placement of elements. Since we were going to flesh out one of these background ships for a close up I knew it would be scrutinized...and it has :) For more than 13 years!" [1](X) The new class was named after the Japanese animated film Akira. (Star Trek Encyclopedia)

In a July 1999 partly published interview, conducted by Larry Nemecek, Alex Jaeger stated that he created the Akira as a sort of "carrier/gunship," elaborating, "This was my gunship/battlecruiser/aircraft carrier. It has 15 torpedo launchers and two shuttlebays – one in front, with three doors, and one in the back. I really got into it with this one, with the whole idea that the front bay would be the launching bay, and then to return they'd come into the back, because they'd be protected by the rest of the ship.". (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3, p. 48) Visual inspection of the hull and design drawings show all fifteen, plus two more: twelve on the ship's weapons pod, one forward torpedo launcher under the deflector dish and four flanking torpedo launchers on the saucer, two on each side. [2](X)

A decade later, in June 2009, Jaeger commented in far more detail about the overall design of the Akira-class on Doug Drexler's web blog(X):

Akira class finalized production concept art Akira class homing in on the final design
Initial concept art of the ship, named USS Akira...
...and homing in on the final design of the still USS Akira (NCC-2497)
Akira class front plan schematic Akira class concept art
Detailed front plan schematic...
...translated into beauty concept art of the now USS Thunderchild
Akira class detail concept art Akira class shuttle bay detail concept art
Bridge detail concept art
Aft shuttlebay concept art

"So the design started with the overall shape layout. Then in order to start the details I needed to set the scale, so I started with the bridge and worked out from there. Set nestled between the catamaran split secondary hulls the bridge is nicely protected. Just on either side of the bridge in a notch on top of the secondary hulls are the shield generators. This further protects the command unit of the ship since one of its duties is launching smaller craft, communication protection is a must. At the back of the bridge there are emissary docking hatches and just below that the circular hatch is the captain's lifeboat. The rear view at the back of the saucer is the main shuttle bay and shuttle control center. This area is also well protected tucked down between the hulls and below the weapons pod flanked by the Nacelles. This serves as a safe haven for the smaller craft in a fire fight and a calm entry point."

"Also in this protected center region are most of the sensor arrays for the transporters and communications with the remainder of the sensors atop the weapons pod. Moving forward the notch in the front of the saucer is the forward launch bay doors(3). This is for the fast exit of small craft into battle. There are extra shield generators on either side of this notch as this would be a target for enemy ships. Surrounding most of the saucer section is the phaser array strip. Also on the saucer there are flanking torpedo launchers. At the rear of the saucer are the impulse engines. Underneath is the deflector dish, 2 flanking phaser arrays and a forward facing torpedo launcher."

"You'll also notice that the Akira class utilizes the escape pods from the Sovereign-class, but the panel details more like the Galaxy-class. That's because I imagined this ship was commissioned right before the 'E' and served as a testbed for the new escape pods. At the rear is the weapon's pod with spreads of both photon and quantum torpedo launchers. And of course the warp nacelles. This overall design makes for a much more narrow side profile and a more friendly crew environment as the engineering folks are no longer in 'the bowels' of the ship :) Also the crew get a better view of their own ship as the split hull allows for more windows and a view of the bridge, something that's not very common in the previous ship designs. I’m sure there are flaws (like I've heard there are too many torpedo launchers etc...) as the time frame to do this plus all the other work I had to do was very short, so some of these details evolved during that process. The overall design didn’t change much during the approval process, in fact I believe the note was 'excellent shape! must see detailed!'. So here you go!"

As far as the heavy armament was concerned, Jaeger mused,

"As far as Torpedo launchers go, I believe it was 15 photon and 2 quantum for the total of 17, the Quantum ones would be the center 2 forward facing ones in the weapons pod. And to say a little something to the carrier aspect and 'fighters'. I hesitate to use the word 'fighters' as I know that those are not only a thing of the past, but also a thing not Star Trek-ish. So the 'small craft' would be more like runabouts and shuttles."

Though Alex Jaeger was careful to make the Akira-class seem versatile, the process of designing the class was nonetheless influenced by First Contact featuring a heightened military "feel" to the Starfleet vessels. Jaeger continued,

"So naturally when i was designing the Akira I was in military mode and since it was only going to show up in Earth's defense for the film I loaded it up with lots of defensive/offensive weapons. Also 'Earth defense' was another task I had in mind with the carrier aspect. The 'peace mission' wasn't on the forefront of my mind, but I can see how as a rescue ship the fly-through bays would work great for evacuation efforts in regions where transporters may not work. So having the ability to quick dock shuttles and get them back out asap would be a big plus. And the 'weapons pod' could be converted into a science sensor array for 'exploring strange new worlds'. :)" [3](X)

CGI model

Akira class CGI wireframe model by ILM Akira class ILM CGI model
ILM's CGI wireframe model, translated into...
...their final completed CGI model

Alex Jaeger's design of the Akira-class was quickly approved by the producers of First Contact. He proceeded to produce blueprints for CGI modelers Larry Tan and Paul Theren at ILM, who had to build and map the CGI model using Electric Image software for animation, and Form-Z software for the model. [4](X) Orthographic views and wire meshes of their model have been published in Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3 (pp. 49, 51).

A year later, ILM was requested by Paramount to hand over their models made for First Contact – amongst them, the Akira – to Digital Muse in preparation for use in the upcoming Star Trek: Deep Space Nine sixth season episode "Sacrifice of Angels". Due to software differences, the model had to be largely rebuilt in the LightWave 3D software, and was remapped at a higher, but still relatively low, resolution in the process. The model was completed early enough to be already showcased in the season five episode "Call to Arms". [5](X) [6] Muse's model, as a variety of unnamed Akira-class starships, soldiered on to be featured in the Dominion War in eight more episodes of Deep Space Nine, including that series' finale, "What You Leave Behind". Additionally, it made three appearances in Star Trek: Voyager, for the very last time featured in that series' finale, "Endgame".

Akira class Digital Muse CGI model

Muse's upgraded CGI model

In 2001, Digital Muse's model was refined by Adam Lebowitz and Robert Bonchune for representation as the USS Thunderchild (the same ship featured in First Contact) in their reference book, Star Trek: Starship Spotter. Though a fan favorite, the model has, outside the movie references, hardly been featured in other licensed print publications, such as the Star Trek: Ships of the Line calendars or their book derivative. Nevertheless, the model received in 2014 its own entry in the Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection magazine partwork publication.

While no physical studio models were constructed for on-screen use, a foam core camera test model used for First Contact, or more likely the television shows, was sold as Lot 10184 in January 2009 in It's A Wrap! sale and auction for US$86.85 and is one of the few physical representations of the class constructed by the production staff.

Legacy

This design has been a notable source of inspiration for Doug Drexler's later design of the Enterprise NX-01, the central ship of the fifth Star Trek series, of the same name. [7] In effect, the producers of the new show at first wanted to reuse the Akira-class without any changes, as a horrified Drexler recalled, "Believe it or not, the producers were of the mind to just use the Akira, lock stock and barrel." [8](X) Production Designer Herman Zimmerman continued, "We did not use that ship, but we took ideas from it and from those ideas eventually – and this process took about four months, all week and weekend CGI work by [...] Doug Drexler – we finally came up with [the eventual] shape." (Behind the Scenes of Enterprise) In contrasting the two designs, Star Trek scenic artist Geoffrey Mandel observed, "The Akira is a rather ugly, bowlegged vessel from some angles, [but] the NX-01 is streamlined and elegant, and looks good from almost any angle." [9]

Nevertheless, when fans were presented with the Enterprise NX-01 for the first time, they still were struck with the design resemblance of that ship with that of the Akira, and for a time the new ship was in certain fan circles endowed with the somewhat derogative sobriquet "Akiraprise". [10]

Appendices

Further Reading

External links