star trek akira

Navigation menu

• Mission Logs
• Chronologies
• Library Computer

Akira class

The Akira class fast attack heavy cruisers were designed for superior speed, durability, and firepower, and was capable of multiple mission types, including first strike, reconnaissance, incursion, and perimeter defense, as well as colonization support and planetary evacuations. [1] The Akiras were produced at the Antares Fleet Yards on Antares IV , [2] as well as at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars . [3] First commissioned in 2367 , [4] the Akira class was the first vessel class authorized by the Perimeter Defense Directive (PDD). Other classes developed under this classified directive—including the Norway , Steamrunner class , and Saber clases—were brought into active service over the next several years. [5] [6] [1]

Of the twelve new ship classes placed into accelerated development by the PDD, the Akira class emerged as one of the most versatile. [6] The Akira class was one of the first Starfleet designs since the Andor class [7] to focus primarily on superior firepower and the projection of force in a quick and decisive manner. [1] Armed with both photon and quantum torpedoes, [8] six Type X Phaser arrays, [2] the Akira class possessed a devastating first-strike capability. [1] The Akira class also incorporated three quick-pressure shuttlebays; the single forward shuttlebay served as the primary launching facility, while the two aft bays were typically used for shuttle recovery. Shuttlecraft ranged from standard multi-role craft like the Type 8 Shuttlecraft to specialized fighters, which could be used for picket defense or patrol duties. [1] Squadrons of 30-50 [6] such support craft allowed the Akira class to fulfill a unique support role, and to project a Starfleet presence further than most other starships. [1]

Originally envisioned merely as the test-bed for new phaser and torpedo technologies, the Akira class was not initially intended for mass production or as a front-line combat vessel. Following the destruction of a sizable portion of Starfleet's forces during the Battle of 359 , the Akira class was pressed into development, bringing the experimental class into the spotlight under the auspices of the PDD. [1] This mission redesign coincided with increased Cardassian crises and the Dominion War , and Starfleet commissioned many more PDD ships than Starfleet Command had initially anticipated, desperate to throw a generally proven design onto the front lines. [6]

The most noteworthy deployment of the Akira class was, perhaps, the defense of Sector 001 during the Borg incursion of 2373. Akira class vessels, including the U.S.S. Thunderchild NCC-63549 , performed with distinction during the incident. [8] Limited engagements against Cardassian and Tholian forces also helped to bolster confidence that the Akira class was, indeed, a viable design. Wide-scale production began shortly before the outbreak of the Dominion War ,, which would again extract a terrible toll on all sides. Conflicts at the Chin'toka system and Deep Space 9 during Operation Return would serve to ensure the Akira class' place in history. [1]

Akira class vessels

• Prime Timeline

U.S.S. Spector NCC-63015  •  U.S.S. Thunderchild NCC-63549

Columbia Timeline

U.S.S. Akira NCC-62497  •  U.S.S. Black Elk NCC-62878  •  U.S.S. Constant  •  U.S.S. Geronimo NCC-62501  •  U.S.S. Korolev  •  U.S.S. Mateo NCC-63002  •  U.S.S. Nez Perce NCC-62891  •  U.S.S. Osceola NCC-62743  •  U.S.S. Rabin NCC-63293  •  U.S.S. Red Cloud NCC-63306  •  U.S.S. Spector NCC-63015  •  U.S.S. Susquehanna NCC-63419  •  U.S.S. Thunderchild NCC-63549

STO Timeline

U.S.S. Akira NCC-63444  •  U.S.S. Kelvin  •  U.S.S. Rideout

Notes and References

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Heinig, Jess Ross A. Isaacs (Line Developers). Starships . Star Trek Roleplaying Game . Book 4. Written by Bill Bridges , Andrew Greenberg , Kenneth Hite , Ross A. Isaacs , and Doug Sun . Illustrations by David Pipgras . Decipher, Inc. . 2003 .
• ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Zimmerman, Herman   et al (Authors). Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual . Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . Book. Pocket Books . 1998 .
• ↑ Berman, Rick & Brannon Braga ( Executive Producers ). " Relativity ." Star Trek: Voyager , Season 5, Episode 23 (Production 218). Directed by Allan Eastman . Story by Nick Sagan . Teleplay by Bryan Fuller & Nick Sagan & Michael Taylor . Paramount Pictures , 12 May 1999 .
• ↑ The Akira's commissioning date was given as 2268 in material from both the Last Unicorn Games and Decipher roleplaying games, but this conflicts with the U.S.S. Nez Perce NCC-62891 participating in the Romulan Blockade during the Klingon Civil War of 2367. To resolve the conflict, the commissioning date has been adjusted.
• ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 Isaacs, Ross A. (Line Developer). The Price of Freedom: The United Federation of Planets Sourcebook . Star Trek: The Next Generation Roleplaying Game . Book 25100 . Written by Brian Campbell , Heather Curatola , Harry Heckel , Kenneth A. Hite , Ross A. Isaacs , Steve Long , Christian Moore , Nicky Rea , Aaron Rosenberg , John Snead , and Ray Winninger . Original art by Bryan Gibson . Last Unicorn Games, Inc. . February 1999 .
• ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Heinig, Jess (Line Developer). Starfleet Operations Manual . Star Trek Roleplaying Game . Book 3 . Written by Kenneth Hite . Original Art by C. Brent Ferguson and David Pipgras . Decipher, Inc. . 2003 .
• ↑ Brown, Forest G. (Author). Federation Ship Recognition Manual . Star Trek: The Role Playing Game . Book 2302 , Second Edition. Cover art by Dana Knutson . Illustrations by Dana Knutson and Robert Oswald . FASA Corporation . 1985 .
• ↑ 8.0 8.1 Berman, Rick (Producer). Star Trek: First Contact . Directed by Jonathan Frakes . Story by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga & Ronald D. Moore . Screenplay by Brannon Braga & Ronald D. Moore . Paramount Pictures . 22 November 1996 .
• Dominion War
• Ships & Vehicles
• Ship Classes
• Starfleet Vessels
• Privacy policy
• About Trekipedia
• Disclaimers
• Login / Create Account

Akira Class

Akira class

• VisualEditor
• View history

The standard Akira class design

• Akira Heavy Escort
• Thunderchild Heavy Escort Refit
• Armitage Heavy Strike Wing Escort
• Fleet Akira Heavy Strike Wing Escort
• Alita Heavy Strike Wing Escort
• Class overview
• Steamrunner Blockade Runner Escort
• Federation Escort (Mob)
• Terran Escort (mob)
• Armitage Class Escort Carrier (mob)
• Terran Armitage Class Strike Wing Escort (mob)
• Heavy Escort Modifications Set

The Federation Akira -class starship is a set of starship classes from the 24th century and redesigns from 2409 onwards.

The Akira continues the design philosophy of the 22nd century NX class and featured prominently during the Battle of Sector 001 and throughout the Dominion War . The Akira' s proven effectiveness have led to its current production and to one being always within one light-year of Earth .

See the template to the right for a list of playable starships and NPC mobs in Star Trek Online based on the Akira. Most ships parts from the design variants are interchangeable where the relevant ship has been bought.

• 2.1 Akira -class variants
• 3 External links

Ships of the class include the;

• U.S.S. Akagi
• U.S.S. Akira
• U.S.S. Armitage
• U.S.S. Cheron
• U.S.S. DeWitt
• U.S.S. Geronimo
• U.S.S. Kelvin
• U.S.S. Okita
• U.S.S. Thunderchild
• U.S.S. Thunderchild (NCC-63549)
• I.S.S. Armitage

Stats [ | ]

Akira -class variants, external links [ | ].

• Akira class at Memory Alpha , the Star Trek Wiki.
• Akira class at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek Wiki.
• 2 Playable starship
• 3 List of canon starships

Designing the Akira Class

The Akira class was one of the four computer-generated starships that appeared in the battle with the Borg early in Star Trek: First Contact . It became the favorite of the Industrial Light and Magic artists who created it.

One designer, Alex Jaeger, recalled that the radically different look of the ships in the battle was born out of necessity.

“The main reason they look really different is that from a distance, the producers wanted them to be completely new looks, because we introduced a new Enterprise in the film and didn’t want it to get lost,” he told Star Trek: The Magazine in 1999.

They initially planned to have at least one ship that we could get closer to camera. That was the Akira , so it got the most attention to detail. It wound up being almost as big as the Enterprise -E — the “E” is longer, but the saucer section is almost the same size.

It was the one design the producers liked instantly, said Jaeger. “It has some of the feel of the old USS Reliant NCC-1864 and its rollbar effect, but with a catamaran-style with the split hull design.”

In the side view you almost can’t see the bridge because between the sides of the hull, down between the two sections, is a protective device.

Jaeger produced several drawings that depicted parts of the ship in greater detail for First Contact and the vessel went on to appear on several episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Voyager .

• More to Explore
• Series & Movies

Published Jul 5, 2021

The Fleet's In: 24th Century Federation Starships

Does your favorite ship make the cut?

StarTrek.com

For those of us who lovingly refer to ourselves as “starship nerds,” Star Trek 's 24th century is populated with an astounding array of Starfleet vessels for us to gaze upon with awe. The series and films set in this era, namely Star Trek: The Next Generation , Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , Star Trek: Voyager , Star Trek: Picard , and the four movies helmed by the TNG crew, produced vast fleets that demonstrated the Federation's prestigious shipbuilding capabilities.

Narrowing down choices, and ranking my favorites proved difficult enough, so we have excluded 23rd century holdovers (so no Excelsior -, Miranda -, Constellation -, and Oberth -class staples), non-Starfleet vessels such as Ambassador Spock's craft from Star Trek (2009) , the relatively diminutive Danube -class runabouts, and auxiliary shuttles. With that in mind, let's take a look at the ships that have been deployed from Utopia Planitia, Riverside, Beta Antares, Eridani A, and other Federation fleet yards.

10. Nova -class in Voyager

When the Nova -class U.S.S. Equinox first popped up on U.S.S. Voyager 's sensors in “Equinox,” Captain Janeway noted that the starship was a planetary research vessel designed for scientific missions rather than long-range tactical excursions. The Nova -class bore streamlined similarities to its larger Intrepid and Sovereign -class cousins, but its limited scope and small crew left it vulnerable to a lonely jaunt through the Delta Quadrant. If Captain Ransom had commanded a sturdier vessel, perhaps he would not have resorted to the deplorable tactics he employed to find a faster route home. However, the design apparently stood an excellent chance of enduring, as Captain Harry Kim sat in the center seat aboard the Nova -class variant U.S.S. Rhode Island in the alternate future seen in “Endgame.”

9. Ambassador -class in The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine

The U.S.S. Enterprise-C remains the most well known Ambassador -class vessel due to its namesake, its prominence in the classic “Yesterday's Enterprise,” and its valiant rescue of the Klingon outpost on Narendra III from Romulan aggressors. Variants of this starship also notably appeared in Captain Picard's blockade during the Klingon Civil War, at the Battle of Wolf 359, and as a transport in “Data's Day.” The explorer's design proved to be an elegant mid-point between its Excelsior -class predecessors and Galaxy -class successors, and it would have been wonderful to see the vessel show up on a more frequent basis.

8. Prometheus -class in Voyager

Who can forget the stunning sight of the prototype U.S.S. Prometheus becoming three independent vessels as it separated into multi-vector assault mode during “Message in a Bottle?” The Prometheus 's computer and resident EMH informed Voyager 's doctor that the advanced ship was intended for deep space tactical assignments and could achieve speeds faster than any other member of the fleet. The pair of holographic physicians managed to wrest control of the Prometheus from Romulan hands and deploy its experimental defensive systems against Tal Shiar warbirds. While it is unknown if further Prometheus -class ships were constructed, the prototype was spotted again as part of the armada sent to intercept the Borg sphere in “Endgame.”

Star Trek Ships of the Line — U.S.S. Prometheus

7. Akira -class in Star Trek: First Contact , Deep Space Nine , and Voyager

First seen on screen in the Battle of Sector 001, the Akira -class's earliest chronological appearance occurred during a flashback at the Utopia Planitia shipyards in the Voyager episode “Relativity.” While no single starship of this design ever received an excessive amount of attention, numerous Akira -class vessels substantiated their worth in battle during the height of the Dominion War. From retaking Deep Space 9 in “Sacrifice of Angels” to assaulting Cardassia in “What You Leave Behind,” these resilient craft evidently became an instrumental element in Starfleet's defense forces by the end of the 2370s.

6. Inquiry -class in Picard

The imposing task force led by Captain Riker above Coppelius was composed of Inquiry-class vessels, including Riker's own U.S.S. Zheng He . Representing the most up-to-date Federation design of the 24th century, the reinstated captain described these ships as the toughest, fastest, and most powerful ones that Starfleet had ever produced up until that time. Although the entire fleet that confronted the Romulans in the Ghulion system fell into the Inquiry-class designation, there seemed to be two variants with differing nacelle configurations present. A whole armada of vessels more advanced than either the Galaxy - or Sovereign -classes? Now that is a majestic view to behold. I'd love to see a rundown of the entire roster of over 150 ships (by my latest count) that participated in Riker's defense formation.

5. Nebula -class in The Next Generation , Deep Space Nine , Voyager , Star Trek Generations , and Star Trek: First Contact

With primary hulls resembling those of its Galaxy -class counterparts, the Nebula -class explorers were featured heavily across multiple series and movies. Captain Maxwell demonstrated their tactical prowess as the U.S.S. Phoenix overwhelmed Cardassian targets in “The Wounded,” Data assumed temporary command over the U.S.S. Sutherland in “Redemption II,” the U.S.S. Farragut aided the U.S.S. Enterprise-D 's crew on Veridian III, and Professor Seyetik's U.S.S. Prometheus conducted solar experiments in “Second Sight.” The Nebula -class's diverse mission profile and extensive use over the years helped it secure such a high rank on our list.

4. Sovereign-class in Star Trek: First Contact , Star Trek: Insurrection , and Star Trek Nemesis

With its on screen credits confined to the U.S.S. Enterprise-E 's roles in the final three TNG films, the beautifully-fashioned Sovereig n-class is often considered to be an underutilized design by starship aficionados. However, given the class's appearances on background LCARS graphics in DS9, I would love to imagine that many Sovereigns were built and saw service somewhere just off-camera during those epic Dominion War battles. Geordi La Forge considered the Enterprise-E to be Starfleet's most advanced ship in 2373, and the new Federation flagship lived up to its reputation in engagements with the Borg, Son'a, and Praetor Shinzon's Scimitar . While not as voluminous as the Enterprise-D , Picard's latest command maintained a larger-than-life presence as it warped across the quadrant to extinguish diplomatic and strategic brush fires.

3. Defiant -class in Deep Space Nine , Star Trek: First Contact , and Voyager

Riker's legendary quip about a “tough little ship” perfectly encapsulates the Defiant -class's ability to contain such overpowered weapons and defensive shields within such a small spaceframe. Originally developed to combat the Borg (which the U.S.S. Defiant bravely did under Worf's leadership at the Battle of Sector 001), Captain Sisko's beloved flagship ultimately earned its fiercest accolades in clashes against the Jem'Hadar both before and during the Dominion War. The only member of Starfleet to be (unofficially) considered a warship and (legally) equipped with a cloaking device, the Defiant withstood everything that was thrown at it... until a Breen energy-dampening weapon brought about its untimely end. The U.S.S. São Paulo , fittingly renamed in honor of its sister ship Defiant , allowed Sisko to oversee the Dominion's final defeat at Cardassia from a familiar bridge.

2. Intrepid -class in Voyager and Deep Space Nine

Home to Captain Janeway and her crew for their entire venture through the Delta Quadrant, U.S.S. Voyager pioneered Starfleet's use of bio-neural circuitry, the Emergency Medical Hologram, and a warp core that managed a top cruising speed of warp 9.975. Of course, Voyager also reaped the unique benefit of Seven of Nine's Borg database, a valuable library that permitted them to add a finely-tuned astrometrics lab and the Delta Flyer to the ship's already impressive complement. Voyager' s capacity to outlast everyone from the Hirogen to the Devore in a firefight while still completing countless scientific surveys and first contact missions served as a testament to its durability. When Admiral Ross visited Romulus during the height of the Dominion War, even the high-ranking officer opted to travel on the Intrepid -class U.S.S. Bellerophon rather than any other craft.

1. Galaxy -class in The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Picard , and Star Trek Generations

In what is sure to become a controversial decision, the Galaxy -class explorer tops our list of incredible Federation vessels. Despite early concerns over potential design flaws, the Enterprise-D and its sister ships acquitted themselves admirably from TNG's opening moments through Voyager 's return to Earth. Whether hosting dignitaries or being transported to regions beyond the Milky Way's confines, the Enterprise-D acted as a home and refuge for its crew and their families. Although the U.S.S. Odyssey fell in the Federation's first skirmish with the Jem'Hadar, other Galaxy-class starships held the line against the Dominion throughout the war. In the alternate version of 2390 depicted in “Timeless,” the U.S.S. Challenger remained in service under Captain Geordi La Forge. If the Galaxy -class is good enough for Starfleet's most accomplished 24th-century engineer, who am I to disagree?

Star Trek Ships of the Line — U.S.S. Enterprise

Jay Stobie (he/him) is a freelance writer who contributes articles to the official Star Trek website and Star Trek Magazine, as well as to Star Wars Insider and the official Star Wars website. Jay also serves as a part-time assistant and consultant advising many actors and creatives who work on his favorite sci-fi shows and films. He can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @StobiesGalaxy.

Star Trek: Picard streams on Paramount+ in the United States,  n Canada on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave, and on Amazon Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories.

Get Updates By Email

Akira class

• Edit source
• View history

The Akira class was a Federation heavy cruiser that came into service with Starfleet during the latter half of the 24th century . One of Starfleet's more combat oriented vessels the Akira saw extensive service in the 2370s against the Borg and the Dominion .

Design features [ ]

An unconventional Starfleet design, the Akira has several notable features. Externally the most obvious is the catamaran engineering hull that is connected to the top of the saucer section . Between the catamaran hull at the rear of the vessel is a weapons pod containing several torpedo launchers . ( Star Trek: First Contact )

Because the ship's designers tried to fit so many tactical systems into the saucer section, the earliest ships of the class suffered from highly-stressed spaceframes, and almost all of them suffered structural defects. Although these were eventually rectified, a number of the early Akira ships were retired from front-line service at the end of the Dominion War because of this reason, and used primarily for training and tactical war games. ( Starship Independence : " Summon the Heroes ")

Also, in the early designs, the ship's magazine was situated centrally, heavily armoured and located deep inside the saucer, with an elaborate ammunition loading system that fed clusters of launchers around the outer hull of the ship. This design attempted to maximize the valuable center space of the hull, while improving ship safety from a catastrophic loss of the ship, in the event of a fire or magazine explosion. ( Starship Independence )

Each launch cluster was armoured heavily on the inside and thinly on the outside, in a way that would deflect an explosion outwards if one of the launchers was damaged in battle. ( Starship Independence )

Another unusual feature of the through-deck shuttlebay located in the saucer section. The large bay had access points at the bow of the ship as well as at the rear of the saucer, located between the engineering hulls. This large bay allowed the Akira to act as a carrier for smaller craft such as shuttles and attack fighters . ( Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3 )

External links [ ]

• Akira class article at Memory Alpha , the canon Star Trek wiki.
• Akira class article at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
• 1 Star Trek Continues
• 2 Dominion War
• 3 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-H) (Endurance class)

Starfleet Ship Classes A-K

Starfleet A-K Starfleet L-Z Uncertain Starfleet Class Unknown Starfleet Class

Known prefixes NCC: Starfleet, active service NX: Starfleet, experimental

https://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/schematics/starfleet_ships1.htm

Last modified: 20 Apr 2024

© Ex Astris Scientia 1998-2024, Legal Terms

This website is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with CBS Studios Inc. or the Star Trek franchise.

Fleet Yards

Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki

A friendly reminder regarding spoilers ! At present the expanded Trek universe is in a period of major upheaval with the continuations of Discovery and Prodigy , the advent of new eras in gaming with the Star Trek Adventures RPG , Star Trek: Infinite and Star Trek Online , as well as other post-57th Anniversary publications such as the ongoing IDW Star Trek comic and spin-off Star Trek: Defiant . Therefore, please be courteous to other users who may not be aware of current developments by using the {{ spoiler }}, {{ spoilers }} OR {{ majorspoiler }} tags when adding new information from sources less than six months old (even if it is minor info). Also, please do not include details in the summary bar when editing pages and do not anticipate making additions relating to sources not yet in release. THANK YOU

• Memory Beta articles sourced from CCGs
• Memory Beta articles sourced from video games
• Federation starships
• Akira class starships
• 24th century Federation starships
• 25th century Federation starships
• Federation cruisers
• Frontier Day fleet

USS Akira (NCC-62497)

• View history

The USS Akira ( NX-62497 , later NCC-62497 ) was a 24th century Federation starship , an Akira -class heavy cruiser that entered Starfleet service in the 2360s decade . When she was commissioned in the year 2368 , the Akira was the prototype for a new class of cruisers . ( ST reference : Starship Spotter ; Decipher RPG modules : Starfleet Operations Manual , Starships )

• 1 Service history and disposition
• 2.1 Connections
• 2.2.1 References
• 2.3 External link

Service history and disposition [ ]

The hull configuration of this new breed of starship was based on the design as a homage to some of the earliest Starfleet exploratory vessels, such as the NX -class . The Akira was also designed to perform border defense duties, which many vessels did during the brief conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire . ( CCG set: Second Edition )

In the Dominion War .

The Akira took part in the Dominion War . During one engagement, the Akira fired its phasers on a Jem'Hadar dreadnought pursuing the USS Centaur . ( SOTL - Ships of the Line calendar : 2021  October image: "The Dominion Conflict Goes Hot")

Akira had been modified for service as a fleet cruiser in active service around the year 2378 . ( ST video game : Starfleet Command III )

In 2401 , the Akira joined a Starfleet armada coordinated by the Singularity to deflect a massive energy burst from a newly formed Transwarp conduit . ( PIC Episode : " Farewell ") Later the Akira participated in Frrontier Day celebrations in the Sol System . It was among the vessels siezed by the Borg Collective after its younger crew were assimilated by a Borg signal transmitted via Jack Crusher. ( PIC episode: " Võx ")

Appendices [ ]

Connections [ ], appearances and references [ ], references [ ].

• ST video game : Starfleet Command III
• DS9 video game : Dominion Wars
• ST video game : Legacy
• ST reference : Starship Spotter

External link [ ]

• USS Akira article at Memory Alpha , the wiki for canon Star Trek .
• 1 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)
• 3 Odyssey class

Verify Your Credentials

Arc Defender

Looks like you are logging in with a new computer or browser. For your security, please verify your account prior to logging in. We have emailed you a pin to verify you are the owner of this account.

Please enter the pin we emailed you above

What is this and why am I seeing it?

Star Trek Online

You are leaving arcgames.com.

Heads up, you are now leaving Arc Games! Remember to not share ac- count information as the site you are attempting to reach is not affiliated with Arc Games.

Continue to link and leave Arc Games.

Take me back to Arc Games.

Ships of the Line: Akira Class

By Ambassador Kael | Tue 21 Apr 2020 09:00:00 AM PDT

We’re launching a brand new type of bundle this week to celebrate some of our favorite ships, called Ships of the Line! There are a lot of ships in the galaxy that have multiple tiers available, and we want to make it easier to get your hands on every version of your favorite starships. First up: The Akira Class! This classic ship appeared in First Contact, which we happen to be celebrating right now, so it seemed like the perfect time to feature it. The Ships of the Line: Akira Bundle will cost 6000 Zen, and will be 35% off from April 23rd at 8am PT to April 30th at 10am PT.  It contains the following:

• T6 Alita Class Heavy Strike Wing Escort
• T5 Armitage Heavy Strike Wing Escort
• T3 Thunderchild Heavy Escort Refit
• 1 Fleet Ship Module

Along with the launch of this bundle we have revamped the model for the Akira-class Heavy Escort! The new model is much more detailed, screen accurate, and includes as new material that matches how the ship looked as it appeared in Star Trek: First Contact.

All Heavy Escort variants can now also use the following materials: Akira, Defiant, Galaxy, Intrepid, NX, NX Refit, Sovereign, Type  0, Type 8, Type 8b, as well as Sovereign Type 2, if you own the legendary bundle.

To see the updated Akira model, make your Heavy Escort or Alita Strike Wing Escort (T6) your active starship, visit the Ship Customization screen and select the “Akira” template. This model update is free for everyone who owns a Heavy Escort or an Alita Strike Wing Escort (T6).

We hope you enjoy this new bundle, Captains, and we’ll see you in the Final Frontier!

sto-news , sto-launcher , star-trek-online ,

Follow / Subscribe

Most Recent More

hover media query supported

Akira class/Deck Layout

CRUISERS Achilles • Akira • Cheyenne • Constellation • Dakota • Inquiry • Miranda • Norway • Prometheus • Saber • Sagan • Steamrunner • Veritas

• Specifications
• Deck Layout
• Design Notes
• Individual Vessels

Ship Layout:

• Akira-class Crew Quarters
• Akira-class Captain's Ready Room
• Akira-class First Officer's Office
• Akira-class Main Bridge Layout
• Akira-class Briefing Room Layout
• Akira-class Observation Lounge
• Akira-class Primary Science Labs
• Akira-class Armory Layout
• Akira-class Main Engineering
• Akira-Class Standard Counselor's Office

Additional Class Unique/Specific Features:

• Marine Flight Operations CIC
• Flight Operations Center
• Akira-class Holodeck layout
• Akira-class Null-G Gymnasium

• Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
• Starfleet ship classes

Navigation menu

USS Thunderchild

• View history
• 1 Service history
• 2.1 Appearances
• 2.2 Background information
• 2.3 Apocrypha
• 2.4 External link

Service history [ ]

In 2373 , the Thunderchild was a part of the fleet that fought a Borg cube seeking to assimilate Earth . ( Star Trek: First Contact )

In 2384 , the Thunderchild joined a Starfleet armada sent to intercept the USS Protostar near Gamma Serpentis . Like all other ships in the fleet, it was subverted by the living construct and took severe damage when their weapons were turned against each other. ( PRO : " Mindwalk ", " Supernova, Part 1 ")

In 2401 , the Thunderchild joined a Starfleet armada assembled to confront the massive Singularity that emerged from a spatial anomaly . The ship was briefly compromised when the Borg Queen began assimilating the USS Stargazer and obtained its command codes . After an understanding was reached with the Queen, the Thunderchild joined the Borg in a coordinated effort to deflect a massive energy burst from a newly forming transwarp conduit . ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ", " Farewell ")

Listed on a fleet formation display

Later that year, the Thunderchild participated in Frontier Day celebrations near Sol Station . Along with the rest of the fleet, it was seized by the Borg Collective after its younger crew were assimilated by a Borg signal transmitted via Jack Crusher . ( PIC : " Vox ")

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• Star Trek: First Contact
• " The Star Gazer "
• " Farewell "
• " Mindwalk "
• " Supernova, Part 1 "

Background information [ ]

The name of the Thunderchild and its designation as an Akira -class vessel were taken from production sources such as the Star Trek Encyclopedia  (4th ed., vol. 2, p. 396). One image of the Thunderchild sketched in the Star Trek Encyclopedia  (3rd ed., p. 509) mislabeled the ship's registry as "NCC-83549". This image was replaced by a new image for the latest edition of the Star Trek Encyclopedia .

Alex Jaeger , who designed the ship's exterior, explained, " The name Thunderchild was given to me by production and is named after the warship in H.G. Wells ' [The] War of the Worlds '. " [1] (X) This is the source given for the name in the Star Trek Encyclopedia (4th ed., vol. 2, p. 396), as well. In that novel, HMS Thunder Child (two words, not one) diverted Martian fire away from transport ships evacuating civilians out of London . Tragically, HMS Thunder Child was destroyed, with all hands lost, but was able to destroy two of the Martian Tripods .

Star Trek: Picard production designer Dave Blass confirmed this ship's appearance in "The Star Gazer" and shared the CGI model by Thomas Marrone . [2] (X)

Apocrypha [ ]

The Thunderchild was mentioned in the Pocket DS9 Millennium novel The Fall of Terok Nor , when it docked at Deep Space 9 . In the Pocket TNG novel Rogue , part of the Section 31 series, the Thunderchild contacted the USS Enterprise -E .

The role playing game supplements Starships (from Decipher ) and The Price of Freedom (from Last Unicorn Games ) both described the Thunderchild among the lists of Akira -class starships . The Thunderchild also appears in the Star Trek Adventures role playing game (from Modiphius Entertainment ) as an NPC starship assigned to the Shackleton Expanse ( β ).

The Thunderchild made an appearance in the Peter David novel, Before Dishonor . It was the first vessel to make contact with a sentient Borg cube en route to assimilate Earth . The vessel became the victim of "absorption", the cube's method of assimilation, and was later destroyed by the planet killer . According to the novel, the captain of the ship at the time, as well as during the Battle of Sector 001, was named Matsuda ( β ).

External link [ ]

• USS Thunderchild at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 2 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)

Star Trek Discovery’s L’ak Actor Told Us About Learning His Character's Most Exciting Details At A Point When He Couldn't Immediately Freak Out

I would be losing my mind too.

Warning! The following contains SPOILERS for the Star Trek: Discovery episode "Mirrors." Watch the episode with a Paramount+ subscription before hopping in!

Star Trek: Discovery snuck in a significant reveal in its latest episode, and it answered a question that many fans have wondered for decades. We finally know what the Breen look like, and it turns out we've been looking at one almost the entire season. L'ak has the honor of being the first Breen face for fans to see, and actor Elias Toufexis had a great story of geeking out when he first learned about it.

For those who follow him on X , Toufexis is a massive Star Trek fan, but he didn't find out how significant his role as L'ak in the final season was until he was in a spot where, understandably, wild reactions and jerky movements are discouraged. The actor shared the details of when he first found out he was going to be a Breen and how he felt about it:

When I went to the makeup test I had, I had to go put on the whole plaster where you sit there for 20 minutes and try not to pass out, try not to freak out. But I said, ‘Can I look at what I'm going to look like?’ And they showed me some concept art and I said, ‘What is he?’ And they said, ‘Oh, he's, he's gonna be a Breen.’ And I was like, ‘Breen don't take their helmets off.’ That was the first thing I said, that's a much of a nerd I am. And I'm like, ‘Are you telling me I'm gonna be the first Breen that takes his helmet off?’ …The makeup guys are geeks too. So it's like, ‘Yeah, it's gonna be cool. It's gonna be the first time in Star Trek!’ And so that really got me excited.

I can't express how much I love it when a big fan of Star Trek finds themselves in a role for the franchise. Being the first unmasked Breen may not mean a ton to every actor who would get the honor, but I know Elias Toufexis was as enthusiastic as he stated in the quote above. At the same time, what awful timing to figure it out when you're in the makeup chair and have to contain your excitement physically for a set period of time!

The Breen were first mentioned Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1990, and then six years later, the species would make its debut in the Deep Space Nine episode "Indiscretion" but remained unseen until just recently. According to a quote from showrunner Ira Steven Behr from the Deep Space Nine Companion , Breen were originally fully covered up because he "wasn't in the mood" to design a new alien race.

Fast forward to now, we've seen an unmasked Breen on the run from his species with his lover, Moll (who is nothing like Ahsoka 's Shin Hati ). The couriers are searching for the Progenitors' device in hopes they can exchange it with the Breen for freedom and no longer have to live as fugitives.

I'm getting really excited about this.

Michael Burnham, being the inspiring captain that she is , offered to protect L'ak and Moll from the Breen, but her offer was rejected. The two made their escape, are off to continue to search for more clues and, hopefully, evade the Breen capture.

CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER

Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

It is cool to see Star Trek still surprising fans with reveals decades later, and I wonder if we'll see more unmasked Breen in upcoming Star Trek projects going forward. Perhaps whatever comes out of this conflict with the Breen will play a part in the story of the upcoming Starfleet Academy series , which is also set in the 32nd century. I can imagine we'll see at least one or two members of the Discovery cast there, though Mary Wiseman wouldn't spill the beans when I asked. Hey, you can't blame a guy for trying!

Star Trek: Discovery streams new episodes on Paramount+ on Thursdays. We're officially at the midpoint in the final season, so now would be a good time to remember what we've learned so far and gear up for the final episodes.

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.

As HBO's We're Here Returns For Season 4, New Drag Queen Stars Tell Us What The Title Means To Them: 'It's A Declaration'

‘Always Very Nice To Know Somebody Cares That Much’: Law And Order: Organized Crime Actor Responds To Fans Campaigning For Season 5 Renewal

After The Latest Episodes Of The Voice And American Idol, Is Anyone Else Having Deja Vu?

Most Popular

• 2 Looking Back At Game Of Thrones’ Battle Of Winterfell, Was Arya Truly The Right Choice To Take Out The Night King?
• 3 Critics Are Praising Elisabeth Moss In New Hulu Series The Veil But Have A Different View Of The Spy Thriller Overall
• 4 NCIS' Latest Episode Took Torres And Knight To Texas, And I'd Love To See The CBS Show Do More Travel Episodes
• 5 How To Watch The Veil Online And Stream The Limited Series Starring Elisabeth Moss From Anywhere

Screen Rant

Fusion isn't just one of goku & vegeta's strongest forms, it proves akira toriyama's genius.

The Goku-Vegeta fusion forms are not only an extraordinary display of a Dragon Ball power-up, but also a sly example of the series’ brilliance.

• Vegeta and Goku's fusion represents character growth through merging strengths and personalities.
• The fusion is a narrative device showcasing evolution and maturity in Goku and Vegeta's rivalry.
• Fusion highlights Toriyama's skillful storytelling, defying expectations and showing character development.

While Vegito and Gogeta - the fused forms of Goku and Vegeta - rank as some of the most powerful characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, their impact goes beyond how fierce they are in the arena or how many opponents they can overcome. Indeed, the decidedly cool power-up also serves as a cool albeit low-key narrative device that showcases important elements both within the story and with Akira Toriyama's creative process .

First appearing in Dragon Ball Z Chapter #309 (Anime Episode #298), Vegito comes into being after Super Buu defeats everyone he comes up against, including both Goku and Vegeta separately, and at this point is just having fun fighting anyone left before he destroys the Earth. However, just when all hope seems lost, Vegeta appears back on Earth and Goku convinces him that the only way to defeat Super Buu is to use the Potara Earrings and fuse.

Gogeta first appeared in Dragon Ball canon in the 2018 film Dragon Ball Super: Broly (while his first-ever appearance was in the 1995 movie Fusion Reborn ). To defeat the seemingly-unstoppable Broly, without any Potara Earrings available, Goku and Vegeta use the Fusion Dance technique to create the equally powerful Gogeta form (the debate about which one is stronger between Gogeta and Vegito is far from settled ).

No Opposites Attract Like Goku and Vegeta

Their fusions represent the growth of each character.

Since a fusion results in a complete merger of the two characters into one body, the emphasis on the Vegito and Gogeta forms in the manga and anime has always highlighted the power-ups each can achieve through the combination of Goku and Vegeta’s strengths and abilities. But the fusion is not only expressed in terms of fighting skill and abilities. One interesting side effect of a fusion is that Goku and Vegeta’s personalities remain present and active in the new physical form . While sharing experiences, ideas, and observations in real-time can be extremely helpful in combat, the potential for debilitating differences of opinion is also possible.

For Goku and Vegeta to really tap into the fusion to the fullest, they need to buy into and commit to the old “all for one, and one for all” mindset. The problem is that with the history of conflict, misunderstanding, dislike, and competition between the two, achieving a meeting of the minds that allows the two irrepressibly prideful warriors to put down their self-interest for the public’s greater interest is a demanding task. Vegeta proves as much in Dragon Ball Z Chapter #309 when he initially refuses to join Goku, even though a failure to do so has life-threatening consequences.

In that case … I’d rather die. - Vegeta

Even The Great Goku-Vega Rivalry Can Be Overcome With Fusion

This is where the genius of the fusion power-up as a narrative device shines through. It's not just a simple and effective means to dispatch yet another overpowered individual. It also marks the evolution of the two characters into someone more mature, more stable, and more comfortable with themselves than they were before the fusion. This is because, in order to effectively fuse, they must overcome the long and tortured history of bad blood between themselves, and also put aside their defining element: their warrior's pride.

Indeed, it's a rivalry that goes beyond who's the better warrior in the arena. Goku and Vegeta's conflict stems from their different ways of life, belief systems and values or what defines them to themselves. Accordingly, it's almost impossible to get past a loss to the other, since that would mean their existence - rather than their abilities - is inferior to the other. This tension is deeply felt in Vegeta who, as Saiyan Royalty, can't wrap his head around an out-world commoner being his better.

So, that Goku and Vegeta decide to share a body speaks volumes about how far they've grown over the years. While both characters have experienced this growth, it's more obvious in Vegeta's ultimate agreement to merge with Goku. This is especially true in the case of the earlier Portara Earrings fusion because, at that point of the story, Vegeta's understanding of the fusion was that it might be permanent . However, even with the prospect of a future sharing the mind and body of Goku, Vegeta ultimately agrees to fuse to save his family and the universe.

Why The Fusion Is So Important For Understanding Dragon Ball

Goku and Vegeta's fusion is not just an impressive element that advances the story and characters forward, it's also an equally impressive element of the story writing itself. A long-standing criticism of Dragon Ball argues that while its artwork is outstanding, its writing is very basic. The criticism takes particular umbrage at the series' lack of character development outside convenient power-ups. But, at least where the Fusion form is concerned, that criticism proves unwarranted. In fact, it is arguably one of the best examples of writing in the series.

The brilliance of the Fusion form's sub-plot storytelling lies in how skillfully Dragon Ball 's author Akira Toriyama defied fans' expectations of two characters they believed they had fully understood. While Goku might have been the nicer of the two characters, he nevertheless is ruthlessly selfish regarding what he believes he needs to do to become the strongest in the universe. Indeed, he is the man who abandoned his wife and child to practice and train. Conversely, Vegeta's abject contempt for anyone he deems below his status as heir to the once-great Saiyan Royal House is even stronger regarding Goku, a living reminder he will never be the strongest (at least during Dragon Ball Z ).

Toriyama baits the audience with these hooks only to upend them with the Fusion forms. Goku - who during the Cell Games went as far as giving Cell a Senzu Bean to make sure the fight was fair - accepts gaining an unfair advantage to beat Buu. Vegeta, on his hand, not only has to throw away his pride, but also accept sharing a body and mind with a person he loathes, all for the love of the family he acquired on Earth.

To be sure, fandom will always call out situations where their heroes make abrupt changes that are not substantiated in the story. In terms of the Fusion forms, family, friendship, and the security of Earth- the two Saiyan warriors' new home - are unquestionably uncontroverted reasons why each would sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

In a dangerous multiverse where the signature mindset of most characters is to become the strongest, the fact that Vegeta and Goku would agree to fuse is such a perfectly succinct way to show that they've matured and are willing to eject their pride when necessary in service of a greater good. It's a truly brilliant piece of Toriyama's Dragon Ball character writing that should be recognized for the excellence that it is.

Dragon Ball

From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.