Aeroshuttle

An Aeroshuttle (also known as Aerowing shuttle) was the term given to the ventrally docking subordinate craft of Intrepid-class starships. The craft was designed for atmospheric operations, and short-term missions as a support vessel, rather than as an independently operating small starship like the Danube-class on which it's based.

History
The Aeroshuttle was initially conceived as a support craft for the Intrepid-class, but some were also assigned to other starships and Starfleet installations. Construction of two prototypes began in 2369, closely followed by 15 production craft, seven of which were assigned to the new Intrepid-class ships. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3 #12: "DS9 10th anniversary collectors issue") The Aeroshuttle was then officially commissioned in 2370 and its success led to the development of the Waverider atmospheric operations shuttlecraft. (ST reference: Starship Spotter) The USS Voyager was equipped with an aeroshuttle but, for as yet unknown reasons, rarely used it. In 2374, when the ship's main power systems were down (as well as power to the shuttlebay doors), Chakotay used the Aeroshuttle's transporters to beam him aboard, and then used it to save an away team. (VOY comic: "Splashdown, Part Four") In 2379, the following report was released displaying assignments of Aeroshuttles on non-classified missions as per stardate 56734.21. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3 #12: "DS9 10th anniversary collectors issue")

Specifications
In its basic configuration, the Aeroshuttle was 24.8 meters long with a 29.6 meter wingspan, and displaced 222.5 metric tonnes. It could accomodate six crewmen on a standard two week mission. It was capable of effective operations within planetary atmospheres ranging from class D to class J and was highly maneuverable in flight. Its sensors were optimised for planetary surveys, but could also be used for reconnaissance or covert operations. All shipboard systems were controlled and monitored by an M-15 Isolinear III Processor. (ST reference: Starship Spotter)

Propulsion and navigation
The Aeroshuttle was mounted with two LF-9X4 Advanced Compact Linear Warp Drive Units and two FIB-3 Compact Subatomic Unified Energy Impulse Units, which gave it a cruising speed of warp factor 3 and a maximum velocity of warp factor 5. The primary navigation system was provided by RAV/ISHAK Mod 3 Warp Celestial Guidance. (ST reference: Starship Spotter)

Weapons and defense
An FSQ-2 Primary Force Field and Deflector Control System provided the main defensive systems, while offensive weaponry included four Type VI collimated phaser arrays and two Mark 25 direct-fire photon microtorpedo tubes. (ST reference: Starship Spotter) ===Interiors=== The inside of the Aeroshuttle was very similar to the Danube-class runabout on which it's based. It was equipped with a large 2-pad transporter, that was actually big enough to fit more than 6 people. The shuttle also had a large weapons locker, filled with Type-2 phasers and tricorders. (Star Trek: Voyager comic: "Splashdown" - Part 4)