| STARSHIP CLASS | |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne-class | |
| |
| Affiliation: | Federation Starfleet |
| Type: | light cruiser |
| Service period: | 24th and 25th centuries |
| Length: | 362 meters |
| Specifications | |
| Crew: | 320 |
| Maximum speed: | Warp 9.6 |
| Defences: | Deflector shields |
| Auxiliary craft: | Federation shuttlecraft |
| |
The Cheyenne-class was a type of Federation starship in use by Starfleet in the 24th and 25th centuries. (ST reference: Star Trek Encyclopedia)
History and specifications[]
The Cheyenne-class was a 24th century design of light cruiser, consisting of a saucer section derived from the Galaxy-class project with four warp nacelles attached by branching pylons to the aft saucer.
One of the more famous ships of this class was the USS Ahwahnee, which was lost at the Battle of Wolf 359. (TNG episode: "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II")
In the 25th century, the Cheyenne-class would continue in Starfleet service as a modernized heavy cruiser, generally commanded by an officer with the rank of commander. By this time the Cheyenne, like it's parent design, had been the basis for several other starships, most notably the Dakota- and Stargazer-classes. (STO video game: Star Trek Online)
Class variations[]
In the early 25th century, the design of the Cheyenne-class heavy escort allowed its commanding officer to choose from different hull liveries, which could be modified further. Due to the ship's modular design, hull components were easily exchangebale with those of other four-nacelled heavy cruisers. (STO - "The Klingon War" mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
Furthermore, the installation of deflector shields from specific factions modified the hull appearance, including shields from the Reman Resistance, the Breen Confederacy and the Dominion. (STO missions: "Coliseum", "Cold Storage", "Boldly They Rode")
Known vessels[]
- USS Ahwahnee (NCC-73620)
- USS Cheyenne
- USS Constellation (NCC-73606-A)
- USS Corinth
- USS Emperor
- USS Marauder
- USS Porksauce (NCC-07480)
- USS Rapid
Background[]
The Ahwahnee model was built for the battle sequence in "The Best of Both Worlds" and later described to Star Trek fans by Michael Okuda's appearances at conventions, where he showed slides with images of the behind-the-scenes models.
Apocrypha[]
The ebook The Dominion War Sourcebook: The Fires of Armageddon, published by Last Unicorn Games after they had lost their Star Trek license lists the USS Periyar and USS Utrecht as Challenger-class vessels. LUG's Ship Recognition Manual also lists the USS Paiute and USS Haida.