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On many [[Federation]] [[starship]]s, including the [[Constitution class|''Constitution'']] and {{ShipClass|Galaxy}}es, the primary hull was usually referred to as the saucer section, because it has a roughly circular shape. ({{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}) |
On many [[Federation]] [[starship]]s, including the [[Constitution class|''Constitution'']] and {{ShipClass|Galaxy}}es, the primary hull was usually referred to as the saucer section, because it has a roughly circular shape. ({{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}) |
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| − | The primary hull typically contained most vital systems on board a starship, including the [[bridge|main bridge]], [[computer core]], [[Captain's ready room|captain's ready room]] [[Conference room|conference room]] , [[sickbay]], [[science lab]]s, [[Quarters|Captain's quarters]], [[crew quarters]], [[Ten Forward|ten forward]], [[Mess hall|mess hall]], and other crew support systems. It does not generally house the [[warp drive]] or any major engineering systems, although in many cases it does contain its own [[impulse drive]]. |
+ | The primary hull typically contained most vital systems on board a starship, including the [[bridge|main bridge]], [[computer core]], [[Captain's ready room|captain's ready room]], [[Conference room|conference room]] , [[sickbay]], [[science lab]]s, [[Quarters|Captain's quarters]], [[crew quarters]], [[Ten Forward|ten forward]], [[Mess hall|mess hall]], and other crew support systems. It does not generally house the [[warp drive]] or any major engineering systems, although in many cases it does contain its own [[impulse drive]]. |
[[File:USS Enterprise orbiting Rigel XII.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Constitution''-class primary hull]] |
[[File:USS Enterprise orbiting Rigel XII.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Constitution''-class primary hull]] |
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Ships capable of [[saucer separation]] were designed for this purpose in order to have the primary hull serve as a lifeboat for the crew in the event of catastrophic [[warp core breach|damage]] to the [[warp core]] or a loss of [[antimatter containment]]. It is for this reason the majority of crew comforts are nestled into the primary hull. |
Ships capable of [[saucer separation]] were designed for this purpose in order to have the primary hull serve as a lifeboat for the crew in the event of catastrophic [[warp core breach|damage]] to the [[warp core]] or a loss of [[antimatter containment]]. It is for this reason the majority of crew comforts are nestled into the primary hull. |
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Revision as of 00:34, 5 July 2013
The saucer section of a Template:ShipClass starship, after an emergency landing on a planet's surface
The primary hull, also known as the main section, saucer section or saucer module on some classes, was a major component of the overall hull structure of most Federation starships. The primary hull was generally located above and to the front of the secondary hull. (TOS: "The Apple")
On many Federation starships, including the Constitution and Template:ShipClasses, the primary hull was usually referred to as the saucer section, because it has a roughly circular shape. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint")
The primary hull typically contained most vital systems on board a starship, including the main bridge, computer core, captain's ready room, conference room , sickbay, science labs, Captain's quarters, crew quarters, ten forward, mess hall, and other crew support systems. It does not generally house the warp drive or any major engineering systems, although in many cases it does contain its own impulse drive.
The Constitution-class primary hull
Ships capable of saucer separation were designed for this purpose in order to have the primary hull serve as a lifeboat for the crew in the event of catastrophic damage to the warp core or a loss of antimatter containment. It is for this reason the majority of crew comforts are nestled into the primary hull.
The Galaxy class saucer section was also intended to act as a temporary means of escape for nonessential and civilian crewmembers while the secondary hull dealt with a dangerous situation. It can operate independently of the secondary hull and reconnect with its drive section after the resolution of a crisis. For this reason, it contains duplicates of many systems in the stardrive section, including a large shuttlebay/cargo bay complex, a torpedo launcher in the docking cavity for rear defense, and deflector array. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint")
Saucer sections on some starships, like the Galaxy-class, are even equipped to make planetfall and landing, although not all are designed to return to space following a landing. (Star Trek Generations)