Like the Intrepid class which is now replacing it, the Steamrunner is capable of holding only limited diplomatic venues. Those vessels already damaged had to have some of their main hull support structure replaced, a task which set construction of the class back some time.Īlthough the Steamrunner is relatively limited in its capabilities to perform scientific and exploratory functions compared to a larger ship, its real difficulties lie in the diplomatic area. Several fixes were tried to correct this problem Starfleet finally found that a combination of a modified Structural Integrity Field system and slight changes to the Warp drive itself eliminated the harmonic vibrations which were causing the problem. Steamrunner class ships which engaged in extended periods of high warp speed found some cracking in the structural members of the primary hull.
However, some flaws have surfaced in the design. This made for greater acceleration at both impulse and warp. Her hull form was also rather unusual in appearance the angular profile of the primary hull was claimed to be an inherently stronger shape than the traditional circular/elliptical shape, allowing a reduction in the thickness of the structural beams which decreased the overall vessel mass by some 12%. The Steamrunner introduced several innovations into Starfleet she was the first to be equipped with an isolinear computer system rather than the duotronic system then in use. The first of the class was launched in 2342, and series production began after a six month flight test program. Essentially the Steamrunner's serve a similar function to the modern day Intrepid class - a smaller, faster counterpart to the cruiser class ships which would be deployed in large numbers to augment the more capable designs. The Steamrunner design was fielded in the early 2340s along with the Saber class as part of a major fleet wide program of modernization. Rapid expansion of the Federation was also putting a great strain on both the exploratory and defence capacities of Starfleet, and although the Nebula class was under development Starfleet was predicting that it would be unable to meet all of its commitments by 2365. Although vessels such as the Miranda class and Excelsior class were performing adequately as mid sized cruisers and destroyers, these designs dated back between 50 and 100 years and were lagging behind the latest technology despite frequent refits. During the late 2340's Starfleet became increasingly worried about the average age of the ships in the fleet.
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