Buenos Aires Class

The design objective of the Buenos Aires class is essentially the same as of the slightly larger Himalaya class. The development of the Buenos Aires started five years later and therefore rather profited from the emerging technology that was going to be incorporated in the Galaxy class too. In comparison to the Himalaya, the warp drive, optical data network and sensor systems could be improved, and despite its smaller size, the overall performance of the Buenos Aires was rated better by both the yard engineers and the crews. One special feature is an auxiliary spacecraft, usually dubbed "boat", which is docked to the saucer underside. While not providing the comfort of the captain's yacht of a Galaxy class, the impulse-driven "boat" is equipped with sensors and structural reinforcement for planetary research. The ships were supposed to be used for different purposes within the Federation territory as well as in unexplored space.

The Buenos Aires class was among the ship types intended to replace the Excelsior class. However, due to the losses in the recent Borg battles and the Dominion War Excelsior-class starships were required for additional tasks and will be still in service for several years. Production of the Buenos Aires class has temporarily been stopped in favor of better armed ships like the Akira class and Sovereign class. It is expected to continue by 2380, as soon as Starfleet has reached its nominal strength again and a mass decommissioning of Excelsior-class ships will take place. Utopia Planitia and Cochrane Fleet Yards are currently working on an upgrade of the Buenos Aires class, which will have Type-10 phasers and an additional quantum torpedo launcher.

 

Gallery

 

Datasheet

 

Credits

Thanks to Jay Hagen for his 3D model and to Tadeo D'Oria for the MSD and bridge.

 

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