Type-17 shuttlecraft



The Argo class shuttlecraft is the latest and most advanced design of shuttlecraft thus far.It is 20 meters in length and appears to be warp capable. It is used on Sovereign class starships.

The Argo was designed with recessed warp nacelles and fold-down wings. The retractable wings allow the craft to easily land on a variety of planet surfaces, the also assist in atmospheric maneuverability. In addition to these features the vessel is equipped with a large aft cargo door.

The Argo allows away teams to achieve quick and easy ship-to-shore missions, where it would be too dangerous to beam down an away team. This shuttle's primary role seems to be the transport of a Starfleet rover. Presumably, this shuttle and vehicle are intended for use in environments which do not allow transporter function, or which may be subject to other interference effects (as judged by the Argo shuttle's kicking up of dust upon lowering to ten meters above the surface, suggesting the use of thrusters instead of antigrav units). When in flight, the Argo puts out a significant amount of heat (possibly part of the thrust of the vessel in atmosphere), as judged by the atmospheric distortions observed in the scene of the vehicle below and the shuttle flying above.

The shuttle was equipped with an all-terrain buggy that could transport up to five passengers over rugged terrain. The buggy was secured aboard the shuttles cargo hold via wheel clamps. The shuttlecraft may be piloted by remote, as Data demonstrated using a small hand-held device obtained from the dash of the dune buggy.

The Argo is a specialized shuttlecraft developed by the crew of the Enterprise-E for ferrying cargo and vehicles between orbit and planetary surfaces when conditions preclude the use of transporters. The design is fairly conventional, though the nacelles are more integrated with the body than is usually the norm for Federation shuttles.

The Argo has been designed with a range of vehicles. Most prominent among these is a wheeled general purpose vehicle designed to enable away teams to cover larger areas of ground than they would otherwise be able to. The vehicle is fitted with a phaser cannon to provide a limited defensive capability.

Since it's introduction to the bulk of Starfleet, several uses have been found for the Argo class. From support for away teams on the surface of a planet, to air and group support for Marines. Even though the ground vehicle is lightly armed and armored, it still allows teams to move much quicker then if they hiked or marched, while allowing them to carry additional equipment.