Argonaut class
With the success of the Arrow Class Runabout as used on Star Base 118, Star Fleet began looking at ways to further implement this craft and slowly phase out the aging Danube Class Runabouts. Before such a phase out was to occur which would in effect retire a great many Danube Class Runabouts from active service Star Fleet Command decided that further development should be done to see if was worth using the Arrow Class or any of it's offshoots as the platform for the next fleet wide multipurpose Runabout. As a result the Argonaut Class Runabout was created.
While the Arrow Class Runabout was designed to use the same modular approach as the Danube Class Runabouts, the Argonaut does not follow in this tradition. Instead the ship designers took a note from the usage of vessels like the Delta Flyer (The first and second iteration of this unique craft) in the sense that while both of those vessels were not modular they both successful completed a range of missions as a complete unit. It was also reasoned that the amount of effort needed to re-purpose a "modular" vessel also defeated the purpose when a timely response was required. Even though, from the outset, the ship designers decided against the modular approach they included the basic shape of the Arrow Class when constructing the Argonaut.
Given that politically relations between the major powers has become more tenuous an added objective was when developing the Argonaut. That was that the runabout would be able to complete its varied missions with a maximum of comfort to the personnel aboard (considering that the Argonaut like the Arrow was designed to be able operate independently for extended periods of time over) but also the ability to travel discretely. In the past traveling discretely either meant having a fast warp cruise factor or having the ability to cloak which is a technology still banned to Star Fleet. It was also known that it wasn't possible to include faster warp engines on the Argonaut so another alternative had to be found. What was developed was a nano-polymer infused into the standard Tritanium composite. This new alloy gave the Argonaut the somewhat unique ability to avoid long range and passive sensor scans as it allows the vessel to absorb a certain amount of energy. Argonaut Class Runabouts still remain detectable at close range and constantly visible. This hull material is also thicker then a normal Tritanium hull so the Argonaut Class Runabout does not possess a torpedo launcher.
The Cockpit may be used as an Emergency Escape Pod, complete with independent Life Support system, RCS Thrusters and Combat Rations. As shown in the diagrams below, should the need arise for Emergency Egress, the entire warp engine section may be jettisoned, freeing all the Cockpit for independent maneuvering.
The one other significant improvement made over the Arrow Class Runabout was minimum crew needed to operate the Argonaut. The Argonaut's systems were streamlined to allow a single person to operate the Argonaut but still provide maximum functionality. In light of this the ship designer's did away with the dedicated CO's seat in the Cockpit of the Argonaut. Similarly there is only one science and tactical stations in the Argonaut's cockpit as apposed to two of each in the Arrow's base design. This was done to maximize space in other sections of the ship.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | Danube Class | Arrow Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 23.1 Meters | 26 Meters | 25 Meters |
| Width | 13.7 Meters | 16.1 Meters | 15.5 Meters |
| Height | 5.4 Meters | 5.4 Meters | 5.4 Meters |
| Decks | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Transporter pads | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew | |||
| Minimum | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Standard | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Weapons | |||
| Phaser Emitters | 2 Type IX | 2 Type IX | 2 Type IX |
| Torpedo Launchers | 2 Micro-Photon | 2 Standard | None |
| Defenses | |||
| Shields | Auto-Modulating Shields | Auto-Modulating Shields | Auto-Modulating Shields |
| Hull | Duranium-Tritanium Composite | Tritanium Composite | Tritanium Nano-polymer Composite |
