Category:Christopher-class

Technical Data
The Christopher-class were Human-built warp capable vessels which operated during the 2120s. Until the NX-class was launched all United Earth vessels of this time were limited to low warp factors, usually achieving speeds little above Warp 1 to 4.

Speed
However following the success of the Enterprise, along with the conflict with the Collectors, attempts were made to fit the Christopher-class with the same Warp 5 engine design as the NX, but due to their limited structural intregrity and power production facilities, they were limited to only Warp 2 - 3. With the advent of Colonial/Cylon FTL technology, the Christopher-class became one of the smallest vessels capable of performing a standard long-range FTL-jump.

Unlike the NX or Intrepids, the Christophers were were not intended to operate alone beyond planetary systems or within immediate distance of a fleet.

Physical Arrangement
The Christophers are much older than most of Starfleet's ships, entering service as early as the 2120s to act as escorts to the Earth's many colonization fleets during the Exodus Program. They were not designed for appearances and as such have a boxy appearance next to later Starfleet classes. This is due to the fact that Christopher's carry a much higher armor rating than a vessel of its size, due in part to shielding technology not being so advanced when they were launched and hull plating was the only thing that protected crews from most energy and radiation bursts. Due to the constraints of new colony's and their distance from Earth, most of these crafts were dismantled for their resources only a few years into service. Christopher-class vessels did not enter mainstream deployment until almost the 2140s.

Crew
Christopher-class corvettes were the smallest warp-capable vessel fielded by the United Earth Starfleet, only carrying a crew of 20.

Armaments
Compared to many vessels of its size, the Christopher-class only carried minor weaponry, one forward and aft facing phase turrent coupled with one pair of torpedo launchers. As such they were barely able to hold their own against most ships of the line but when grouped together, the light crafts were enough to overwhelm most capital ships, due to their ability to harry and harass their defenses.