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File:CardassianShuttle.jpg

Cardassian shuttle (forward)

File:CardassianShuttleCGI.jpg

Cardassian shuttle (aft)

File:CardassianShuttleDocking.jpg

Cardassian shuttle tractored into DS9 (2370)

Cardassian shuttles were small warp-capable craft utilized by the Cardassian Union during the 24th century. These vessels were much smaller than Cardassian patrol cruisers and could typically carry 3 to 5 occupants.

In 2370, a disabled Cardassian shuttle was tractored into Deep Space 9 after having it's engines completely disabled and it's life support systems operating on reserve power. Although it's pilot, Natima Lang, claimed they were damaged in a meteor storm, it was clear to the Starfleet repair crew that the shuttle had been hit by Cardassian disruptors. It was later determined that it was attacked by a Cardassian warship, which later arrived at DS9 to arrest it's crew. However, this was not allowed, and following repairs, the ship was able to slip away from the station unnoticed with help from a cloaking device installed in it's central engine core by Quark. (DS9: "Profit and Loss")

Although the top speed of these vessels is unknown, Quark suggested that after they engage the cloaking device that they leave at warp 8. It is unclear if this ship is actually capable of this speed or if Quark was speaking dramatically.

Later that year, Cardassian colonists living in the Demilitarized Zone utilized modified Cardassian shuttles, equipped with Galor-class phaser banks, to protect their colonial interests. Two of these vessels attacked a Federation merchant ship, but were deterred, and ultimately destroyed by a modified support courier operated by the Maquis. (DS9: "The Maquis, Part I")

In 2375, during the waning days of the Dominion War, members of Rusot's terrorist cell acquired a Cardassian shuttle with up-to-date security protocols for use to transport Rusot, Damar, Garak, Kira and Odo to the Cardassian repair facility in the Kelvas system. (DS9: "Tacking into the Wind")

The physical model for the 'Cardassian shuttle' first appeared in "Profit and Loss" and, although visually identical to the 'Hideki-class patrol ship' from DS9: "Tribunal", it was simply referred to as a 'shuttle' by Lang. The 'Cardassian shuttle' would later appeared in the slightly modified CGI form during the seventh season episode "Tacking into the Wind", where it was more clearly identified as such.
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