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{{Sidebar starship class| |
{{Sidebar starship class| |
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|Name= ''Ambassador''-class |
|Name= ''Ambassador''-class |
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| − | | |
+ | |image= USS Enterprise-C.jpg |
|imagecap= Forward view |
|imagecap= Forward view |
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| − | |owner = |
+ | |owner = {{Federation}} |
|operator = [[Starfleet]] |
|operator = [[Starfleet]] |
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|Type= [[Heavy cruiser]] |
|Type= [[Heavy cruiser]] |
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|Active= [[24th century]] |
|Active= [[24th century]] |
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|Length= |
|Length= |
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| − | |Armament= Ten [[phaser bank]] |
+ | |Armament= Ten [[phaser bank|phaser arrays]]; two [[photon torpedo]] [[Torpedo launcher|launchers]] |
|Defenses= [[Deflector shield]]s |
|Defenses= [[Deflector shield]]s |
||
| image2= USS Zhukov.jpg |
| image2= USS Zhukov.jpg |
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|imagecap2= Aft view |
|imagecap2= Aft view |
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| − | | |
+ | |image3= USS Enterprise-C emerges from temporal rift.jpg |
|imagecap3= Profile view |
|imagecap3= Profile view |
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}} |
}} |
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== History == |
== History == |
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| − | One of the most notable ''Ambassador''-class ships was the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-C|-C}}. In [[2344]], while under the command of [[Captain]] [[Rachel Garrett]], the ship responded to a distress call from a [[Klingon]] [[colony]] on [[Narendra III]]. Four [[Romulan Empire|Romulan]] [[warbird]]s had surrounded the colony. The ''Enterprise'' responded to the attack, and despite being destroyed there, defended it long enough to impress the [[Klingon High Council]]; |
+ | One of the most notable ''Ambassador''-class ships was the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-C|-C}}. In [[2344]], while under the command of [[Captain]] [[Rachel Garrett]], the ship responded to a distress call from a [[Klingon]] [[colony]] on [[Narendra III]]. Four [[Romulan Empire|Romulan]] [[warbird]]s had surrounded the colony. The ''Enterprise'' responded to the attack, and despite being destroyed there, defended it long enough to impress the [[Klingon High Council]]; this act of bravery in combat was seen as extremely honorable, thus securing a treaty between the [[Klingon Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. ({{TNG|Yesterday's Enterprise}}) |
Ships of the ''Ambassador''-class were utilized in the 24th century during the [[Klingon Civil War]], and fought against the [[Borg]] and the [[Dominion]]. ({{TNG|Redemption II}}; {{DS9|Emissary|You Are Cordially Invited}}) |
Ships of the ''Ambassador''-class were utilized in the 24th century during the [[Klingon Civil War]], and fought against the [[Borg]] and the [[Dominion]]. ({{TNG|Redemption II}}; {{DS9|Emissary|You Are Cordially Invited}}) |
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A [[phaser emitter]] was also located on the secondary hull in proximity of the deflector dish. ({{DS9|Emissary}}) |
A [[phaser emitter]] was also located on the secondary hull in proximity of the deflector dish. ({{DS9|Emissary}}) |
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| − | According to [[Natasha Yar]], during the [[2340s]], the ''Ambassador''-class had "a lot more maneuverability than the [[Romulan]] counterparts of that era." ''Yar went on to explain that in her [[alternate timeline]], [[deflector shield]] [[technology]] of the 2360s would advance considerably during [[Federation-Klingon War (alternate timeline)|the war]], allowing the ''Galaxy''-class to |
+ | According to [[Natasha Yar]], during the [[2340s]], the ''Ambassador''-class had "a lot more maneuverability than the [[Romulan]] counterparts of that era." ''Yar went on to explain that in her [[alternate timeline]], [[deflector shield]] [[technology]] of the 2360s would advance considerably during [[Federation-Klingon War (alternate timeline)|the war]], allowing the ''Galaxy''-class to possess a heat-dissipation rate that was almost double those of the ''Ambassador''-class, allowing the ''Galaxy'' to hang in a firefight longer.'' ({{TNG|Yesterday's Enterprise}}) |
== Interior design == |
== Interior design == |
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</div> |
</div> |
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| − | === Background === |
+ | === Background information === |
==== Name ==== |
==== Name ==== |
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| − | Very little is known about the ''Ambassador''-class starship, whose designation dates back to an early draft of {{ |
+ | Very little is known about the ''Ambassador''-class starship, whose designation dates back to an early draft of {{e|Patterns of Force}}, which describes the source of cultural contamination arriving aboard a small ''Ambassador''-class vessel called the ''Magellan''. The term was later used in {{e|Conspiracy}} to describe the starship ''Horatio''. It was connected to the ''Enterprise''-C design on display graphics in "Yesterday's Enterprise." |
[[Michael Okuda]] did designate a class ship in ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers' Technical Manual]]'', 3rd ed., page 28: |
[[Michael Okuda]] did designate a class ship in ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers' Technical Manual]]'', 3rd ed., page 28: |
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==== Size ==== |
==== Size ==== |
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| − | The first and subsequent editions of the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' popularized a length of 526 meters for [[Rick Sternbach]]'s final design. Several years before the ''Encyclopedia'' was published, the number had been added to |
+ | The first and subsequent editions of the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' popularized a length of 526 meters for [[Rick Sternbach]]'s final design. Several years before the ''Encyclopedia'' was published, the number had been added to ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers' Technical Manual]]'', which also gives an imperial equivalent of 1,725 feet. No reasoning has been provided for this size. |
| − | [[Gary Kerr]] calculated a second figure of 1,570 feet and a metric conversion of 478.5 meters, explaining that the ''Enterprise''-C is just short of 35.75 inches long in the blueprints of its miniature, and that the blueprints are in scale with the four-foot miniature of the ''Enterprise''-D. |
+ | [[Gary Kerr]] calculated a second figure of 1,570 feet and a metric conversion of 478.5 meters, explaining that the ''Enterprise''-C is just short of 35.75 inches long in the blueprints of its miniature, and that the blueprints are in scale with the four-foot miniature of the ''Enterprise''-D. {{DrexFiles|2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/}} Kerr used 2,108 feet for the length of the latter and 48 inches for the length of the four-foot miniature, although he also determined that it was probably closer to 49.25 inches long. {{DrexFiles|2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/comment-page-1/#comment-920}} Nevertheless, Rick Sternbach fully supports the 1,570-foot calculation, saying that he worked with the same assumptions when drafting the ''Enterprise''-C blueprints. {{DrexFiles|2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/comment-page-1/#comment-838}} |
| − | Aside from the unexplained figure of 526 meters, it is unclear whether the size implied by Rick Sternbach was deliberately changed during the original development process. His initial full-scale blueprints were blown up by 15%, which means that the final size of the miniature (41.19 inches) could have influenced the ship's conceptual size next to the ''Enterprise''-D. |
+ | Aside from the unexplained figure of 526 meters, it is unclear whether the size implied by Rick Sternbach was deliberately changed during the original development process. His initial full-scale blueprints were blown up by 15%, which means that the final size of the miniature (41.19 inches) could have influenced the ship's conceptual size next to the ''Enterprise''-D. {{DrexFiles|2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/comment-page-1/#comment-826}} [[Greg Jein]] does not recall scaling up the blueprints, and whoever did remains unknown. {{DrexFiles|2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/comment-page-1/#comment-1004}} |
| − | [[Andrew Probert]] has stated that his original concept is |
+ | [[Andrew Probert]] has stated that his original concept is precisely 1,720 feet long (524.256 meters). The number is consistent with an early TNG size comparison chart, also provided by Probert, although he did not write the 1,721-foot callout on that drawing. [http://flare.solareclipse.net/cgi2/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/6/2311.html?#000000] [http://www.trekbbs.com/showpost.php?p=983885&postcount=199] |
==== Studio model ==== |
==== Studio model ==== |
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| + | :''See main article'': [[Ambassador class model|''Ambassador''-class model]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | [[File:USS Enterprise-C first Probert design.jpg|thumb|Probert's concept painting of the {{Class|Ambassador}}]] |
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| − | [[File:USS Enterprise-C Sternbach design sketches.jpg|thumb||left|Sternbach's modified design sketches of the {{Class|Ambassador}}]] |
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| − | The [[studio model]] was designed by [[Rick Sternbach]], based on sketches as well as on a design concept painting produced by [[Andrew Probert]] for the [[TNG Season 1|first season]] of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]''. The design was intended to suggest an intermediate step between the ''Excelsior''-class and the ''Galaxy''-class starships. A relief sculpture of Probert's design was placed in the [[observation lounge]] aboard the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}}. Unfortunately, the model was needed for {{e|Yesterday's Enterprise}} much sooner than the time it would take to fabricate the smoother lines of Probert's concept, requiring Sternbach's alterations which ended up on [[Greg Jein]]'s final model. As Sternbach remembered: |
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| − | <blockquote>"The deadline for sketching and blueprinting the Ent-C was pretty normal in that I had a few days preproduction to sketch up the ship as first suggested in Andy Probert's color painting, get it approved as an intermediate shape between the [[Excelsior class|''Excelsior'']] and the [[Galaxy class|''Galaxy'' classes]], and then work up the blueprints. Greg Jein was given the miniature job, as we know. I suppose it took about three or four days to draft up the hull shape. The port elevation sketch was the first and, ultimately, the only sketch view of the ''Ambassador'' class ''Enterprise''-C done for the TNG episode "Yesterday's Enterprise." Time constraints dictated that the blueprints and filming miniature be started as soon as possible, and the general look of the ship was quickly approved.<br />The genesis of the design came from a small color painting done by Andy Probert back in the early preproduction for Season 1, plus a mental blending of the ''Excelsior''/''Enterprise''-B and ''Galaxy'' class ''Enterprise''-D. While Andy's color sketch showed an elliptical cross section for the [[secondary hull|engineering hull]] and an intended elliptical [[Primary hull|saucer]] (not clearly visible but confirmed by Andy), the ''Enterprise''-C would require some simplifications if it were to be constructed in time for filming. I began drawing up the blueprints with a circular saucer and a circular cross section for the engineering hull, knowing that they would make model maker Greg Jein's job markedly easier. Swinging compass arcs for the major saucer thickness changes and secondary hull bulkheads took much less time in the drafting stage than calculating ellipses, which is not impossible with pencil and tracing vellum (using something called the trammel method), just tedious. With the basic line work completed for a combined top/bottom view and a fore/aft view, all of the expected details on a [[Starfleet]] ship were added. [[Deflector shield|Shield]] grid lines, [[phaser]] strips, [[Escape pod|lifeboat]] hatches, [[reaction control thruster]]s, running lights, engineering access hatches, and windows populated the surface.<br />Understanding Greg Jein's knowledge of starship modeling, I felt comfortable penciling in a single "wedge" of saucer details and then instructing him to repeat the wedge around as necessary, rather than draw every single component. Did anything get left off the blueprints? [[Torpedo launcher]]s, I think, and maybe a [[tractor beam emitter]] or two. Why Greg didn't catch that, I'll never know.<br />Once in his hands, Greg added a lot more surface texture in the form of more shield grid lines, as well as a unique paint scheme. The front view was inked (inked?!) to become part of the bridge displays on the ''Enterprise''-C. If you didn't know before, black line art was typically shot on high-contrast negative film and then colored from behind with gels, mounted to light gray smoked plexiglas, and backlit. Okay, you knew that. Today, of course, it's all {{w|Adobe Illustrator}} and {{w|Corel Draw}} and a bunch of other image apps printed out to backlit inkjet film. Anyhow, most of the status displays and engineering cross section diagrams were originally done with black technical pen and Xerox pasteup and thin black crepe tape. Half of a top view could be flopped and copied and pasted together to make a full top view, and incorporated into a control panel.<br />One thing you'll notice from the front view is that the nacelles don't peek over the top of the saucer, but rather "look under" the saucer to allow the [[Bussard collector]]s to work. Same goes for ''Voyager'' and the ''Enterprise''-D. I may have doodled the ''Ambassador'' class pylons reaching way up over the saucer but discarded the idea; some shapes just don't feel right, so they get reworked. The [[nacelle|nacelles]] themselves are deliberately a bit oversized, as if Starfleet was experimenting with a new warp coil that was perfected later in the ''Galaxy'' class.<br />The ''Enterprise''-C was certainly a fun ship to work on despite the short time frame, and to see it come out as a couple of different model kits was an added bonus." [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/]</blockquote> |
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| − | Probert revisited his original design in 2007 in preparation for a possible release of a [[Star Trek model kits|model kit]]. [http://www.probertdesigns.com/Folder_STORE/Folder_CONCEPT-KITS/Ambassador_Kit.html] [http://www.trekplace.com/l1d_probertambassador.html] |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | [[File:Enterprise-C studio model battledamage applied by Greg Jein.jpg|thumb|left|Jein applying battle damage on the studio model]] |
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| − | [[File:USS Enterprise-C studio model.jpg|thumb|The [[studio model]] as {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-C|-C}}]] |
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| − | Time constraints also meant that the model was of less quality than normal, but in this particular case this was not necessary since the battle-damaged model was intended to appear only in wide shots on relatively low-resolution TV screens. In order to have the model ready in time Jein also needed the help of subcontractors [[Ed Miarecki]], who constructed the [[secondary hull]] master, and [[David Merriman, Jr.]], who built the master for the nacelles. Merriman, who had helped out Jein on previous occasions when the latter found himself in a time pinch (especially when it came to producing warp engines), later recalled, |
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| − | [[File:USS Enterprise-C warp nacelle master under construction.jpg|thumb|Warp nacelle master under construction at Merriman's workshop]] |
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| − | <blockquote>"I've indicated that ''[[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]'' didn't give Greg much lead-time to produce the miniatures for the '''ST:TNG''' TV show, Case in point: the ''Enterprise-C'' job! The next call from Greg involved his need for another ''warp engine'' master for a new ''Starfleet'' craft, but he needed it in hand within ten days. ''Weeeee!...'' About this time Ellie [remark: Merriman's wife] and I had adopted the playful title of "Warp Engines R Us". Oh well! Better to be type cast and get the work than not to be appreciated for possessing special talents and to not get the work at all.<br/>The next day the plans arrived. One break presented itself as I studied the drawings: The ''1701-C's warp engines'' were nearly circular in section, permitting me to lathe turn the master from wood and to carve, file and sand it to the final shape, streamlining our work a great deal.<br/>Turning the Sugar Pine piece on the wood lathe to the shape of the ''warp engine'', I cut in two radial recessed areas forward. The portions of the radial recesses that had to be brought back to the height of the ''warp engines'' surfaces were built up with ''{{w|Bondo (putty)|Bondo}}''. Thin gauge plywood sheet barriers defined the borders of the recessed areas. I used a molder's gauge to assure symetry of the cuts made into the wooden pattern-i.e. the left side was of the same contour as the right. Once roughed out the shape, the master was worked with sandpaper and primer to a smooth finish.<br/>With a big sigh of relief we sent the ''1701-C'' ''warp engine'' master off, not expecting to hear from the West Coast for some time." (''[[Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models]]'', issue 30, p. 39)</blockquote> |
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| − | The battle damage on the ''Enterprise''-C was painted on, but Jein also used sparkling fireworks, held close to the model, to apply smudges and scorching. The model came in at 41.19×26 inches in length and was constructed out of glass fiber reinforced cast resin with styrene details. |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:USS Zhukov studio model.jpg|thumb|The [[studio model]] as {{USS|Zhukov}}]] |
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| − | The next appearance of the ''Ambassador''-class was as the ''Zhukov'' in {{e|Data's Day}} (misspelled and mislabeled as "USS ''Zuhkov''", NCC-62136). As noted above, the model was noticeably changed after it was rehabbed to remove the battle damage it sported as the ''Enterprise''-C. Apart from these changes the layout and the number (from sixteen to twenty) of lifeboat hatches on the bridge module was changed. The model later appeared in {{e|Redemption II}} as the ''Excalibur'', appearing both as a redressed model and recycled footage, and made its final appearance in {{e|Emissary}} as the ''Yamaguchi''. At the time of its retirement, the studio model bore the markings of both the ''Excalibur'' and ''Yamaguchi''. [http://www.st-bilder.de/Gallery/Modelle/Sternenflotte/Ambassador/start=1.html#category] A final modification was to shorten the nacelle pylons, (possibly due to damage done after final filming) and thereby lowering the warp nacelles in their entirety below the saucer section, when the model was briefly considered to make an appearance in {{film|7}}. [http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/enterprise-c-pictorial-deluxe/comment-page-1/#comment-867] Established as an older design, no [[CGI model]] was created for the class. |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Ambassador class studio model at Christies.jpg|thumb|The [[studio model]] on display at Christie's]] |
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| − | [[File:Ambassador class studio model.jpg|thumb|left|Crated studio model, prior to auction]] |
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| − | The studio model was featured in the documentary ''[[Star Trek: Beyond the Final Frontier]]'' due to its appearance in the [[40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection]] auction. The model, listed as {{stala|1778-0694|Lot #694}}, and estimated at US$8,000-$12,000, was sold on 7 October 2006 with a winning bid of US$40,000 (US$48,000 including buyer's premium) to Adrian Hancock, the same British collector who also acquired the {{USS|Voyager}} and the {{Class|D'deridex}} studio models.[http://www.myprops.co.uk/enterprise-c.htm] |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | [[File:USS Potemkin, Ambassador class, LCARS.jpg|thumb|left|''Ambassador'' display graphic]] |
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| − | Aside from the frequent appearances of the ''Ambassador''-class relief sculptures throughout TNG, and later {{film|7}} and the display [[model]] in {{film|8}} through {{film|10}}, there were at least two other depictions of the ''Ambassador''-class appearing on various [[LCARS]] displays, including a display shown in {{TNG|Second Chances}}, and a classroom "Starship Chronology" display appearing during [[DS9 Season 2]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Enterprise-C golden display model.jpg|thumb|One of the golden models]] |
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| − | The display model in {{film|8}} as one of the golden [[model]]s in the display case in the [[observation lounge]] was a creation of [[John Eaves]]. "''This was before eBay, so I went and scoured the hobby shops all the way from Los Angeles to PHX Arizona to find any and all kits of the ''Enterprise''s. What was available then was the ''Enterprise'' A, a TOS ''Enterprise'' that was too small so I opted to get the cutaway version that was substantially bigger, and the Ent. D. That left the "B", "C" and the new "E". For the "B" I grabbed one of the Playmates toy which was a good scale. For the "C" my friend Nelson tracked down a beautiful Garage kit that, too, was a good scale. For the "E", I had just finished making a big 28 inch study model for the producers here in LA and for the model guys and gals up at ILM. It was almost too big, but there was no time to sculpt another one so it had to do. Herman asked for 3 of each ship because we were now going to have the smashing of the case scene. In the end, we wound up making 6 of the "D's" and about 6 or 7 of the "C's" because it was the one that all the glass would fall on top of.''", Eaves remembers on his blog. [http://johneaves.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/the-golden-enterprise/] Molds were taken of the model and solid resin casts copies were made (since there were multiple takes of the scene). After smoothing out the surfaces, the models were gold electroplated at ArtCraft Plating. The models were subsequently smashed when the scene was filmed. |
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| − | |||
| − | For {{film|9}} there were again three models needed (though due to a script change they would not be used there), this time because there were three display cases and Eaves more or less repeated the procedure, this time using an [[AMT/Ertl]] [[Star Trek model kits|model kit]] (No. 8001), solidifying the models by filling them up with resin. They were seen as display models in the observation lounge in {{film|10}}. [http://johneaves.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/more-of-the-golden-starships/] |
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| − | |||
| − | Eaves and the studio initially retained most of the models but some of them were later sold at auctions; one was sold as [http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/11168226_star-trek-nemesis-enterprise-c-model Lot 17] with an estimate of $800-$1,200 in [[Star_Trek_auctions#STAR_TREK_III_auction|Propworx' "Star Trek III auction"]] on 24 March 2012 for $550 ($677 including buyers premium); one sold as part of a complete set of six in the [[Star Trek auctions#Profiles in History|Profiles in History]] [[Star Trek auctions#Hollywood Auction #44|Hollywood Auction #44]] on 15 May 2011 as Lot 1550 for US$11,000 (for the whole set); one sold as {{stala|9435 Lot#9435}} in November 2008 in [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] for $17,750, and another one has reportedly been sold in an on-line Sotheby's auction in October 2000. [http://www.joseralat.com/uploads/GoldModels/EntC.jpg] |
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==== Supplemental information ==== |
==== Supplemental information ==== |
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| − | According to the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' and the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', the [[prototype]] of this class was the USS ''Ambassador'', [[registry]] number NX-10521. |
+ | According to the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' and the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'', the [[prototype]] of this class was the {{mbeta|USS Ambassador|USS ''Ambassador''}}, [[registry]] number NX-10521. |
The ''Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual'' further established that the ''Galaxy''-class was designed to replace the aging ''Ambassador''- and {{Class|Oberth}}es as primary instruments of Starfleet's exploration programs. (pg. 1) The ''Technical Manual'' also explained that during the design phase, the combined vehicle mass of ''Ambassador'' was expected to be at least 3.71 million tons. (pg. 75) |
The ''Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual'' further established that the ''Galaxy''-class was designed to replace the aging ''Ambassador''- and {{Class|Oberth}}es as primary instruments of Starfleet's exploration programs. (pg. 1) The ''Technical Manual'' also explained that during the design phase, the combined vehicle mass of ''Ambassador'' was expected to be at least 3.71 million tons. (pg. 75) |
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* Width: 283.006 meters |
* Width: 283.006 meters |
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* Height: 101.955 meters |
* Height: 101.955 meters |
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| − | * Mass: 3,710,000 metric |
+ | * Mass: 3,710,000 metric tons |
* Number of Decks: 33 |
* Number of Decks: 33 |
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* Officer crew: 320 |
* Officer crew: 320 |
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* Enlisted crew: 1,000 |
* Enlisted crew: 1,000 |
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| − | === Apocrypha === |
+ | ==== Apocrypha ==== |
| ⚫ | |||
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| + | |||
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| + | |||
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| + | |||
| + | In the ''[[Star Trek: Typhon Pact]]'' novel ''[[Rough Beasts of Empire]]'', the USS ''Assurance'' is an ''Ambassador''-class starship in service at the time Starfleet's war with the [[Tzenkethi]]. |
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| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
[[File:Futurama - Bender's Game - Takei and Bakula's ships.jpg|thumb|''Futurama''{{'}}s take on the ''Ambassador''-class design (background)]] |
[[File:Futurama - Bender's Game - Takei and Bakula's ships.jpg|thumb|''Futurama''{{'}}s take on the ''Ambassador''-class design (background)]] |
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| − | + | In non-''Trek'' related media, a cartoon version of the ''Ambassador''-class vessel appeared in an episode of the Cinar-Paramount animated series ''The Busy World of Richard Scarry''. A ''[[Futurama]]'' parody of an ''Ambassador''-class, with [[Scott Bakula]] at the helm, also appeared in the direct-to-DVD film ''[[Futurama#"Bender's Game"|Bender's Game]]''. |
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| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | + | The [[Decipher]] role-playing [[games]] supplement ''{{dis|Starships|Decipher}}'' includes the USS ''Krotus'' (NCC-26544). |
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| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
[[File:USS Zhukov alongside USS Sovereign in Bridge Commander.jpg|thumb|The USS ''Zhukov'' alongside the USS ''Sovereign'' in ''Star Trek: Bridge Commander'']] |
[[File:USS Zhukov alongside USS Sovereign in Bridge Commander.jpg|thumb|The USS ''Zhukov'' alongside the USS ''Sovereign'' in ''Star Trek: Bridge Commander'']] |
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| − | + | The ''Ambassador''-class ships ''Excalibur'' and ''Zhukov'' make appearances in the ''[[Star Trek: Bridge Commander]]'' PC game. |
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| + | |||
| − | + | In ''[[Star Trek: Elite Force II]]'', an ''Ambassador''-class was among the ships sent to intercept [[Sphere 634]], due to the game's reuse of ''Bridge Commander'' ship models. |
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| + | |||
| + | The ''Ambassador''-class was released as a playable starship as part of the third anniversary for the game ''[[Star Trek Online]]''. In the game, the player gets the opportunity to take command of the USS ''Enterprise''-C after she winds up in the 25th century instead of returning to [[Narendra III]] at the end of {{e|Yesterday's Enterprise}}. |
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| + | |||
| + | In ''[[Star Trek: Legacy]]'' the ''Ambassador''-class is a playable Federation ship. |
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| − | == External |
+ | === External link === |
*{{NCwiki|Ambassador class|''Ambassador'' class}} |
*{{NCwiki|Ambassador class|''Ambassador'' class}} |
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| − | *[http://www.starshipdatalink.net/art/1701-c.html Designing the U.S.S. ''Enterprise'' NCC-1701-C] at [http://www.starshipdatalink.net/ Federation Starship Datalink] |
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| − | *[http://www.probertdesigns.com/Folder_STORE/Folder_CONCEPT-KITS/Ambassador_Kit.html ''Ambassador'' Kit] - Andrew Probert revisits his original ''Ambassador'' design |
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| − | *{{exastris|page=/articles/ambassador.htm|title=''Ambassador''-class Variants}}: a full analysis of the modifications made between the ''Enterprise''-C and ''Yamaguchi'' models |
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[[cs:Třída Ambassador]] |
[[cs:Třída Ambassador]] |
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Revision as of 20:59, 23 February 2015
The Ambassador-class starship was a type of heavy cruiser in service with Starfleet during at least the mid- to late 24th century. (TNG: "Conspiracy")
History
One of the most notable Ambassador-class ships was the USS Enterprise-C. In 2344, while under the command of Captain Rachel Garrett, the ship responded to a distress call from a Klingon colony on Narendra III. Four Romulan warbirds had surrounded the colony. The Enterprise responded to the attack, and despite being destroyed there, defended it long enough to impress the Klingon High Council; this act of bravery in combat was seen as extremely honorable, thus securing a treaty between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. (TNG: "Yesterday's Enterprise")
Ships of the Ambassador-class were utilized in the 24th century during the Klingon Civil War, and fought against the Borg and the Dominion. (TNG: "Redemption II"; DS9: "Emissary", "You Are Cordially Invited")
Technical data
Physical arrangement
The Ambassador-class featured the saucer section-engineering section-warp nacelle layout common to most Starfleet vessels. It was intermediate in size between the Excelsior-class and the Galaxy-class. In addition, the class boasted at least three engineering levels. (TNG: "Yesterday's Enterprise")
A number of Ambassador-class ships were constructed with minor alterations from the original design. The saucer section's connection to the engineering hull was shifted slightly aft, with the nacelle pylon assembly moved a corresponding distance in the same direction. Cowlings were added around the Bussard collectors, making them appear closer to that of the Galaxy-class, while the impulse engine exhaust changed from a blue to a red glow. The lower sensor dome became more elaborate and closer in appearance to the Excelsior-class and the deflector dish was modified. Finally, the width of the shuttlebay was increased and a second facility resembling that on the Excelsior-class engineering hull was mounted directly underneath the original one. Graphics were upgraded with the Starfleet insignia of the 2360s. (TNG: "Data's Day"; DS9: "Emissary")
Families were allowed aboard Ambassador-class ships, but only if they were related to a Starfleet crewmember who had served on the ship exceeding six months. (TNG: "Second Chances")
Tactical systems
Forward ventral phaser emitter
The Ambassador-class was armed with both phaser banks and photon torpedoes with coverage to both fore and aft firing arcs.
A phaser emitter was also located on the secondary hull in proximity of the deflector dish. (DS9: "Emissary")
According to Natasha Yar, during the 2340s, the Ambassador-class had "a lot more maneuverability than the Romulan counterparts of that era." Yar went on to explain that in her alternate timeline, deflector shield technology of the 2360s would advance considerably during the war, allowing the Galaxy-class to possess a heat-dissipation rate that was almost double those of the Ambassador-class, allowing the Galaxy to hang in a firefight longer. (TNG: "Yesterday's Enterprise")
Interior design
Main bridge
Primary operational control of the Ambassador-class starship was provided by the main bridge. Located on top of the primary hull, the bridge directly supervised all primary mission operations and coordinated all departmental activities.
In 2344, the central area of the bridge provided seating for the captain only. Directly fore and to the right of the captain was the ops station, with the helm station to the left. The consoles were similar to that used on the bridges of Excelsior- and Galaxy-class starships. At the very front of the bridge was a large viewscreen, with a freestanding console located directly below. Against the back walls of the bridge were consoles for the tactical, engineering, and science positions. Additional displays flanked the aft consoles. The bridge was accessed through two doors, located on the forward halves of the port and starboard walls. (TNG: "Yesterday's Enterprise")
The original design incorporated flat-panel, LCARS-based, control panels using the interface introduced in the late 23rd century. (TNG: "Yesterday's Enterprise") By the 2360s, the Ambassador-class bridge was upgraded to include the standard LCARS interface and consoles typically found on board modern vessels of that era. (TNG: "Redemption II")
Ships commissioned
- Named
- USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-C)
- USS Excalibur (NCC-26517)
- USS Horatio
- USS Yamaguchi (NCC-26510)
- USS Zhukov (NCC-26136)
- Uncertain
- USS Adelphi
- USS Exeter (NCC-26531)
- USS Gandhi
- USS Valdemar
Appendices
Appearances
- TNG:
- "Conspiracy" (debris, and interior via subspace communication)
- "Yesterday's Enterprise"
- "Data's Day"
- "Redemption II"
- DS9: "Emissary"
- ENT: "Future Tense" (database image, saucer section only)
Background information
Name
Very little is known about the Ambassador-class starship, whose designation dates back to an early draft of "Patterns of Force", which describes the source of cultural contamination arriving aboard a small Ambassador-class vessel called the Magellan. The term was later used in "Conspiracy" to describe the starship Horatio. It was connected to the Enterprise-C design on display graphics in "Yesterday's Enterprise."
Michael Okuda did designate a class ship in Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers' Technical Manual, 3rd ed., page 28:
- USS Ambassador (NCC-10521)
Size
The first and subsequent editions of the Star Trek Encyclopedia popularized a length of 526 meters for Rick Sternbach's final design. Several years before the Encyclopedia was published, the number had been added to Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers' Technical Manual, which also gives an imperial equivalent of 1,725 feet. No reasoning has been provided for this size.
Gary Kerr calculated a second figure of 1,570 feet and a metric conversion of 478.5 meters, explaining that the Enterprise-C is just short of 35.75 inches long in the blueprints of its miniature, and that the blueprints are in scale with the four-foot miniature of the Enterprise-D. [1](X) Kerr used 2,108 feet for the length of the latter and 48 inches for the length of the four-foot miniature, although he also determined that it was probably closer to 49.25 inches long. [2](X) Nevertheless, Rick Sternbach fully supports the 1,570-foot calculation, saying that he worked with the same assumptions when drafting the Enterprise-C blueprints. [3](X)
Aside from the unexplained figure of 526 meters, it is unclear whether the size implied by Rick Sternbach was deliberately changed during the original development process. His initial full-scale blueprints were blown up by 15%, which means that the final size of the miniature (41.19 inches) could have influenced the ship's conceptual size next to the Enterprise-D. [4](X) Greg Jein does not recall scaling up the blueprints, and whoever did remains unknown. [5](X)
Andrew Probert has stated that his original concept is precisely 1,720 feet long (524.256 meters). The number is consistent with an early TNG size comparison chart, also provided by Probert, although he did not write the 1,721-foot callout on that drawing. [6] [7]
Studio model
- See main article: Ambassador-class model
Supplemental information
According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia and the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, the prototype of this class was the USS Ambassador at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works, registry number NX-10521.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual further established that the Galaxy-class was designed to replace the aging Ambassador- and Oberth-classes as primary instruments of Starfleet's exploration programs. (pg. 1) The Technical Manual also explained that during the design phase, the combined vehicle mass of Ambassador was expected to be at least 3.71 million tons. (pg. 75)
A line in the final draft script of "Yesterday's Enterprise" [8] establishes that the initial crew complement of the Enterprise-C was seven hundred. The line was not included in the final cut of the aired episode.
Ships of the Line 2012
According to this calendar, the Ambassador was launched in 2325. The following information of specifications comes exclusively from the tech fold in Star Trek: Ships of the Line (2012):
- Category: Explorer/Emissary
- Length: 524.256 meters
- Width: 283.006 meters
- Height: 101.955 meters
- Mass: 3,710,000 metric tons
- Number of Decks: 33
- Officer crew: 320
- Enlisted crew: 1,000
Apocrypha
Novels
The DS9 novel Antimatter mentions the Ambassador-class USS Hannibal under construction at the newly-reopened Okana shipyards on Bajor's surface.
The Ambassador-class Excalibur was the star of the Peter David Star Trek: New Frontier novel series.
The USS Gandhi, listed here as an Ambassador-class ship, is stated as being a Galaxy-class ship in John Vornholt's Double Helix book, Quarantine.
In the Star Trek: Typhon Pact novel Rough Beasts of Empire, the USS Assurance is an Ambassador-class starship in service at the time Starfleet's war with the Tzenkethi.
Television
Futurama's take on the Ambassador-class design (background)
In non-Trek related media, a cartoon version of the Ambassador-class vessel appeared in an episode of the Cinar-Paramount animated series The Busy World of Richard Scarry. A Futurama parody of an Ambassador-class, with Scott Bakula at the helm, also appeared in the direct-to-DVD film Bender's Game.
Video games
The Decipher role-playing games supplement Starships includes the USS Krotus (NCC-26544).
The USS Zhukov alongside the USS Sovereign in Star Trek: Bridge Commander
The Ambassador-class ships Excalibur and Zhukov make appearances in the Star Trek: Bridge Commander PC game.
In Star Trek: Elite Force II, an Ambassador-class was among the ships sent to intercept Sphere 634, due to the game's reuse of Bridge Commander ship models.
The Ambassador-class was released as a playable starship as part of the third anniversary for the game Star Trek Online. In the game, the player gets the opportunity to take command of the USS Enterprise-C after she winds up in the 25th century instead of returning to Narendra III at the end of "Yesterday's Enterprise".
In Star Trek: Legacy the Ambassador-class is a playable Federation ship.
External link
- Template:NCwiki