V-8 class (FASA)
| First Appearance | TOS09 (15 Dec 1966) |
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The V-8 class Bird of Prey entered service in Reference Stardate 2/00.[1] The class featured an experimental cloaking device and plasma torpedo system, which were tested in combat when the Romulan Star Empire tested the border defenses of the United Federation of Planets along the Romulan Neutral Zone on Stardate 1709.2[2] (RSD 2/0710).[1] The new systems were extremely effective, and the ship destroyed several Earth Outposts before it was defeated by the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701. The Enterprise made brief contact with the Commander of the vessel before he engaged the ship's self-destruct, rather than face the dishonor of capture. Because of this incident, the first contact the Federation had made with a Romulan military vessel in a century,[2] and because this class was encountered in increasing numbers afterward, the V-8 class, more than any other, was identified with Romulan military actions. For many years, the class was believed to be the mainstay of the Romulan fleet, but improved intelligence reports revealed that to be a misconception.[1]
Twenty-one ships were built in the original Type 1 configuration. Another 73 were built to the Type 4 specifications, introduced in RSD 2/08, which featured upgraded disruptors. Of the approximately 100 ships built, by RSD 2/23, about 40 had been reassigned to reserve fleets. Six were modified and sold to the civil sector, including two Type 1s, one each of the Types 2 and 3, and two Type 4s; all of which operated in and out of the Triangle.[1]
The class was named for the Romulan vas hatham (bird of prey), in reference to the enormous flying predator, reportedly native to Romulus, but so revered that they were transplanted to several of the Empire's conquered worlds. These avians, which lived for nearly 100 years, could reach gigantic proportions, some having wingspans as wide as 50 feet and weighing as much as 400 pounds.[1]
Notes and References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Brown, Forest G. and Wm. John Wheeler (Authors). Romulan Ship Recognition Manual. Star Trek: The Role Playing Game. Book 2303. Illustrations and cover art by Dana Knutson. FASA Corporation. 1985.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "Balance of Terror". Star Trek, season 1, episode 14 (Production number 09). Directed by Vincent McEveety. Written by Paul Schneider. Desilu Productions. 15 December 1966.
