Steamrunner class

Steamrunner-class starships were deep space escort and utility vessel introduced by Starfleet in 2353. Not many of these vessels were seen until the Battle of Sector 001 in 2373.

Schematics
One of the last vessels designed and launched before the debacle at Wolf 359, the Steamrunner-class of starships was the quintessential utility vessel of Starfleet, with a low profile and an increased firing rate for both torpedo banks and phasers. The Steamrunner also incorporated an enhanced threat analysis system and enhanced shield phasing technology. The Steamrunner vessel is less costly to build than the similar, and although it is also less powerful it does offer an impressive payload. This vessel is slightly more maneuverable than the Defiant at warp, due to its tighter warp bubble formation.

The class was originally designed as a replacement for the elder statesman of the fleet, the, in the role of cruiser and deep space fleet escort. The Steamrunner-class was launched and quickly slipped into the role of exploration and deep space patrol, working in tandem with the, in the expansion of the Federation. Equipped with modest scientific resources and diplomatic facilities, the Steamrunner proved to be a capable stand-alone deep space vessel.

The Steamrunner is a warship, designated as an escort vessel, like but slightly less powerful. The Steamrunner-class also features a new hull design with the nacelles built into the structure.

Armaments
The Steamrunner was dedicated to delivering torpedoes, and delivering them fast. However, the excessive torpedo launchers meant everything else- save warp speed- had to be sacrificed. Later, torpedoes could fire with less power, allowing for better protection, but the improvement was modest at best. The Steamrunner was inept in maneuverability, had few phasers, weak shields, but a whole lot of torpedoes, meaning she was still very powerful.