Edmund Fitzgerald Class
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The Edmund Fitzgerald Class is a warp-capable Federation freighter. The vessels are a fairly new design, that utilizes a sleek, high speed hull. Designed to be operated entirely in micro-to-null gravity, the class cannot operate inside any significant gravity well.
The ship is capable of hauling a massive amount of cargo, ranging from raw ores, to finished products. The individual cargo compartments can be set to varying environments, thus allowing for the transport of temperature or humidity sensitive cargos as well as live cargo such as livestock.
The vessel is 2200 meters long, making her longer than every other ship in the entire Federation fleet. There are currently only 12 operational Edmund Fitzgerald class freighters in operation.
The vessels shape is more reminiscent of a missile rather than a Federation starship, and it's singular axis design, marks a distinct departure from standard federation starship design. The vessel's numbers cargo containers are modular and are accessible for loading and unloading or replacement along the length of this ship's spine. beneath the cargo space, is the single warp nacelle that permits the vessel to achieve a maximum cruising speed of warp 6.2. The nacelle is integrated into the vessel's ensign for added stability and added protection against possible pirate attacks.
The ship is armed with four type VI phaser strips, one along each of the longitudinal axises (Dorsal, Ventral, Port, Starboard), as a result the ship is fairly well defended for a cargo ship, although it has a distinct weakness at the bow and stern, where blind spots form naturally as a result of the ship's weapons arrangement.
The crew and common areas are located forward and are considered well-appointed, especially for the type of vessel. The rooms are large for cargo ships, and the automation means that there are a small number of crew required to operate the vessel efficiently. As an emergency backup, there is a second bridge and an emergency crew shelter located near the rear of the vessel. The ship has no shuttle hangers, and depends upon either hard docking or transporters to move personnel. The primary docking junction is located on the port side forward nose.
The vessel is equipped with a very efficient impulse and maneuvering thruster system that makes the need for tugs almost non-existent.
A ship of this class, the SS Lalo was encountered by the USS Boudicca and the USS Rosenante, in 2414. It appeared to have been abandoned and was located in Sector 6903.
The Edmund Fitzgerald Class freighter was first seen in the USS Rosenante Mission : The Raven's Nest
