Miranda-B

The Miranda-B refit program, begun in 2326, had been a goal of Starfleet Tactical for a number of years prior to the Harmony Crisis. With the crisis, however, the need for an escort vessel substantially superior to the existing Miranda-A became very clear. The refit program was undertaken on a crash basis, normal development time for such a project being shortened considerably, in view of the serious threat posed by the Harmony of Horizon.

The Miranda-B design selected fulfilled this escort role admirably, although several other possibilities were considered for the class. The refit focuses on science and response capability, to allow it to detect and engage hostile raiding elements before they can strike at Federation logistical capability.

The refit rips out and replaces the main deflector, giving the class substantially better range. The deflector is a refinement of the Response-Pattern version developed by Hagelan Gravimetrics for the Comet, combining with the replacement of the primary medical suite to boost response speed and mission endurance. New long-range sensors complete the upgrade, a generation advanced from those on the Ambassador and Comet, massively improving the detection capability of the class. The cutting edge medical facilities also require fewer specialist Technical crew.

Given the emergence of Harmony stealth fleets striking at Federation shipping, the boost to sensor capabilities is either very fortuitous, or prescient.

Refit Cost: 10br 10sr -1T