U.S.S Currach: an experiment that went nowhere
By the late 23rd century, Starfleet had begun to test out the limits of their deflector arrays. It would typically be used to push microscopic particles away from the ship while at warp. This is done by generating a Force beam in front of it.
However, the deeper Starfleet explored in space, the more perils they found themselves in. And so they Came to the conclusion that their usual deflector wasn't going to cut it anymore.
They hoped to construct a new version that would be capable of deflecting macroscopic object in space.
Thus leading us to the U.S.S Currach. This project lead them to making a new prototype vessel meant to be the testbed for this experimental deflector array.
This caused the ship to have a very unique design compared to most other Starfleet vessels. As rhe Currach was essentially just a overpowered engine with a gigantic deflector array slapped on top. Because of this, it had very limited living space with only the bare essentials.
After it's shakedown cruise, the ship's experimental deflector ended up actually exceeding Starfleet's expectations, being multiple times more powerfull then intended.
In fact, it was so powerfull that it could even function as a sort of shielding. Even out of warp it could be used to deflect large asterioids and even some torpedo's. And even be focused into a powerfull beam that could rip entire astroids and small Moons apart
Sadly, after more testing, more and more complications began to reveal themselves.
Firstly, the immense amount of power required to operate this deflector made it unable to operate at peak capacity for longer periods of time. And would have to be shut down for a few hours after each usage.
Secondarily, the sheer power of the deflector array was so great that it even caused drag while in warp. Thus putting great pressure on both the warp core and the ship's superstructure. Causing it to need constant repairs.
Thirdly, the power output of the deflector made it very easy to detect on scand. If activated, it would immediately be seen even on long range scans by anyone around.
Because of all these complications, further development on this project was stopped. And Starfleet went back to their usual deflector designs albeit with minor improvements
The USS Currach would quickly after be unceremoniously decommisioned and forgotten.
By the late 23rd century, Starfleet had begun to test out the limits of their deflector arrays. It would typically be used to push microscopic particles away from the ship while at warp. This is done by generating a Force beam in front of it.
However, the deeper Starfleet explored in space, the more perils they found themselves in. And so they Came to the conclusion that their usual deflector wasn't going to cut it anymore.
They hoped to construct a new version that would be capable of deflecting macroscopic object in space.
Thus leading us to the U.S.S Currach. This project lead them to making a new prototype vessel meant to be the testbed for this experimental deflector array.
This caused the ship to have a very unique design compared to most other Starfleet vessels. As rhe Currach was essentially just a overpowered engine with a gigantic deflector array slapped on top. Because of this, it had very limited living space with only the bare essentials.
After it's shakedown cruise, the ship's experimental deflector ended up actually exceeding Starfleet's expectations, being multiple times more powerfull then intended.
In fact, it was so powerfull that it could even function as a sort of shielding. Even out of warp it could be used to deflect large asterioids and even some torpedo's. And even be focused into a powerfull beam that could rip entire astroids and small Moons apart
Sadly, after more testing, more and more complications began to reveal themselves.
Firstly, the immense amount of power required to operate this deflector made it unable to operate at peak capacity for longer periods of time. And would have to be shut down for a few hours after each usage.
Secondarily, the sheer power of the deflector array was so great that it even caused drag while in warp. Thus putting great pressure on both the warp core and the ship's superstructure. Causing it to need constant repairs.
Thirdly, the power output of the deflector made it very easy to detect on scand. If activated, it would immediately be seen even on long range scans by anyone around.
Because of all these complications, further development on this project was stopped. And Starfleet went back to their usual deflector designs albeit with minor improvements
The USS Currach would quickly after be unceremoniously decommisioned and forgotten.