Type:

Inter-orbital and surface to orbit transport

Commissioned:

2272 - 2302

Dimensions:

Length:

11.37 m

Beam:

6 m

Height:

3.74 m

Decks:

1

Mass:

17,120 kg

Crew:

1 - 4

Armament:

None

Defense Systems:

Light Monotanium single hull

Warp Speeds:

None - Impulse only

Strength Indices:

Beam Firepower: 0

(Galaxy Class = 1000)

Torpedo Firepower: 0

Weapon Range & Accuracy: 0

Shield Strength: 0

Hull Armor: 0.7

Speed: 0.1

Combat Maneuverability: 50000

Overall Strength Index: 1

Diplomatic Capability:

Grade 1

Expected Hull Life:

60 years

Refit Cycle:

Minor: 1 year

Standard: 5 years

Major: 15 years

Added Features:

The orbital shuttle was fielded in the 2270's in order to enhance Starfleet's ability to move people and equipment both between orbital facilities and from planetary surfaces to orbit. The requirement stresses simplicity and low cost of both construction and operation, necessary in all such craft if they are to be effective competition to transporter systems. The designers chose single hulled construction to simplify manufacture and keep the mass down to a minimum. No shields or weapons where included, nor was any provision made for future installation of such systems. The computer core was a simple duotronic system, and the sensor suite was limited to a simple navigation/terrain scanning laser radar backed up by an inertial navigation system

Although not popular due to the limited capabilities, the Orbital shuttle was procured in substantial numbers and served its purpose adequately for many decades. The type began retiring from 2332, and although the last was due to go in 2362 some two hundred have been retained in service due to delays in finding a replacement