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ARF-1 "SCORPION"

ARMED RECONNAISSANCE FIGHTER

Combining the capabilities of a starfighter with those of a explorer-type vessel seems an odd combination, but the unique environment of the trans-Briar Patch sectors require novel approaches to old problems. With the conclusion of the Second Mulluran War, a way was sought to convert some of Starfleet's purely military assets to more peaceful pursuits without giving up too much of their military advantage in the area.

The ARF-1 Scorpion Armed Recon vessel combines the firepower and maneuverability of a starfighter with the adaptability and range of a small scout ship — the perfect combination for the still-dangerous environment in which they were designed to operate.

When used in concert with an EA-10 Cat's Eye support vessel, mission durations could be stretched to several months.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

DESIGN NOTES

ARMAMENTS

Phaser Turrets

The Scorpion is armed with 4 small phaser turrets, 2 on each warp nacelle, 1 fore and 1 aft, giving the Scorpion a full 360 degree field of fire. Targeting is computer-assisted.

Missile Launchers

Slung underneath each wing are a pair of missile launchers (total of 4), which fire small warp-powered homing missiles with quantum warheads. Four missiles can be launched simultaneously, one from each tube. Expended missiles are automatically replaced by a built-in replicator system. Reload time is 1 second.

DEFENSIVE

Triadium Armored Hull

The main spaceframe of the Scorpion is composed of standard tridanium and duranium. The hull has an outer sheathing of triadium, an alloy discovered in the Delta Quadrant by the USS Voyager. Triadium is extremely heavy and dense, but when manufactured in thin enough sheets, its strength and flexibility provide excellent protection against kinetic and particle weapons.

Automodulating Refractive Shields

The Scorpion carries a standard automodulating shield system. The shield generators also project a refractive bubble around the ship. As a result, 80% of enemy sensor beams are reflected away in random directions never returning to the sending ship, rendering the ARF-1 very stealthy, though not invisible in the way that a true cloaking device would provide.

POWER PLANT

The main power plant aboard the Scorpion is a miniature dilithium-focused Matter/Antimatter Intermix Reactor. Additional power is provided by the 2 fusion generators in the impulse engines.

PROPULSION

Warp Engines

In keeping with its role as long-range scout, the ARF-1's warp engines can propel the ship at WF9.2, or WF9.98 in emergencies.

Impulse Engines

The impulse engine is powered by a standard micro-fusion plant. The power plant has enough stored fuel for 1 month of continual operation. The external Bussard collectors can replenish the fuel cells from the gas from any nebula of the appropriate composition.

MISSION POD

The ARF-1 can be fitted with a variety of specialized mission pods, some of which are listed here:

Sensor Pod

Extremely detailed scans can be made from as far away as 5 lightyears, individual target tracking scans have a range of 10 lightyears, and long-range scans can reach a maximum of 60 lightyears at full sensor gain. All tactical data collected can be retransmitted on secure frequencies to any and all friendly vessels in the area, giving all friendly assets in the theater full situational awareness.

Torpedo Launcher Pod

This version houses a complete micro quantum torpedo launching system, including a replicator to fabricate more torpedos.

Armor Pod

Based on the auto-armor technology brought back from the future by the USS Voyager, this pod enables the entire Scorpion fighter to be encased in armor.

IMAGES