| STARSHIP CLASS | |
|---|---|
| Ganges-class | |
| |
| Affiliation: | United Earth Starfleet, United Earth; Federation Starfleet, United Federation of Planets; Terran Empire, Imperial Starfleet |
| Type: | frigate, escort |
| Service period: | 22nd century |
| Dimensions | |
| Length: | 130 meters |
| Specifications | |
| Crew: | 20 (initially), 30 (post refit) |
| Maximum speed: | up to Warp 2 (initially), Warp 3 (post refit) |
| Armaments: | Plasma cannons |
| Defences: | Polarized hull plating |
| |
The Ganges class was a type of starship that served in the United Earth Starfleet during the early 22nd century and the Earth-Romulan War and later in the Federation Starfleet.
History and specifications[]
History[]
By the mid-22nd century the Ganges class was considered to be an older ship design, but several ships were still in active service. Along with the Intrepid two such vessels chased away a Klingon bird-of-prey when it attacked Enterprise in the Sol system after its return following the Xindi attack in 2153. (ENT episode: "The Expanse")
In 2154, at least three Ganges class ships were part of the fleet that welcomed back the Enterprise to Earth. (ENT episode: "Storm Front")
This class was also present in the mirror universe. (ENT episode: "In a Mirror, Darkly")
The class even served in the Earth-Romulan War, for example the Eberswalde patrolled Romulan territory. (ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: Uncertain Logic)
As part of UESPA Chief of Staff Admiral Jonathan Archer and Alpha Centauri Chief of Staff Alexis Osman's fleet modernization program, a new wave of Ganges class vessels were under construction by 2165. (ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: Live by the Code)
Specifications[]
Ganges class ships were equipped with forward and aft phase cannons for offense and polarized hull plating for defense. (ENT episodes: "The Expanse", "Twilight")
Known vessels[]
Gallery[]
Background information[]
The CGI model of this ship was designed by John Eaves and built by Foundation Imaging. This type of vessel was referred to by the special effects team as the "Warp Delta."
Robert Bonchune described the inspiration of this design as "a kind of Romulan/Federation hybrid." The model originally started out as the "back end" of the warp ship model seen flying above Luna during the opening credits of the Star Trek: Enterprise.
In the final draft script of "The Expanse", where these ships appeared, the script called for "warp two ships." According to Bonchune, "The next season when we needed some "older" starships (than NX-01), John Eaves went ahead and truly finalized the complete shape as was seen in the episodes. However, since this was considered a more advanced production version, the "back end" old style rocket exhausts were deleted and replaced with more "advanced" 'nurnies' and 'greebling'."
Additional views can be found at the Drex Files.
In Christopher L. Bennett's novel Uncertain Logic, the ship is referred to as the Ganges-class.