View source for Nebula class

[[File:nebula_class-st-07.jpg|350px|thumb|right|''Nebula'' class<ref name="ST07"/>
{| style="width:99%;"
|+'''Statistics'''<ref name="LUG25000"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Date Entered Service
| style="text-align:left;" | 2357
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Length
| style="text-align:left;" | 442.23m<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Width
| style="text-align:left;" | 318.11m<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Height
| style="text-align:left;" | 130.43m<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Decks
| style="text-align:left;" | 21
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Mass
| style="text-align:left;" | 3,309,000mt<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | [[Transporter|Transporters]] (Personnel)
| style="text-align:left;" | 4
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Transporters (Emergency)
| style="text-align:left;" | 4
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Transporters (Cargo)
| style="text-align:left;" | 4
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Shuttlecraft
| style="text-align:left;" | 14<ref name="Decipher4"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Crew
| style="text-align:left;" | 750<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Passengers
| style="text-align:left;" | 130<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Evacuation Limit
| style="text-align:left;" | 9,800<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Cruising Speed
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Warp drive|Warp]] 6
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | Maximum Safe Speed
| style="text-align:left;" | Warp 9.2
|-
| style="text-align:right;" rowspan="2" | Emergency Speed
| style="text-align:left;" | Warp 9.6 for 12 hours<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Warp 9.9 for 12 hours (Uprated)<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:right;" rowspan="2" | Weapons
| style="text-align:left;" | 8 [[Phaser#Type_X|Type X Phaser]] emitters<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | 2 torpedo launchers<ref name="DS9TM"/> / 3 torpedo launchers (with Tactical Pod);<ref name="Decipher4"/> 250<ref name="LUG25000"/> Type VI<ref name="Decipher3"/> [[Photon torpedo|Photon torpedoes]]<ref name="DS9TM"/>
|}]]

The design of the ''Nebula'' class cruisers was based on the ''[[Galaxy class|Galaxy Class Starship Development Project]]'s'' plans;<ref name="LUG25000"/> the saucer, nacelles, and main deflector were all virtually identical to the ''Galaxy'' class components.<ref name="Decipher3"/> Although developed after the ''Galaxy'' Class Project was already underway, ''Nebula'' class vessels were commissioned first, and were roughly twice as numerous as their ''Galaxy'' class cousins,<ref name="LUG25000"/> owing to the fact that the ''Nebula'' class was somewhat smaller and easier to build.<ref name="Decipher3"/> Using many of the same components, the two classes were more similar than dissimilar. Both used the same model of [[Warp drive]], both mounted the [[Phaser#Type_X|Type X Phaser]] arrays and Mark 80 direct-fire torpedo launchers, and both used the same CIDSS-3 shield grid system.<ref name="Decipher4"/>

''Nebula'' class ships undertook specific, though broadly defined, duties, including scientific and cultural surveys, threat response, and humanitarian relief.<ref name="LUG25000"/> The versatility of the class was enhanced by its characteristic aft dorsal pod, which could be reconfigured at any starbase,<ref name="Decipher3"/> based on the needs of the mission. Different pod configurations, such as the cargo pod, sensor pod, or tactical pod, gave the ''Nebula'' class exceptional flexibility.<ref name="Decipher4"/> Before the [[Dominion War]], the class typically installed a powerful sensor array for planetological research and astrometric surveys. During the war, the ''Nebula'' class typically mounted a heavy tactical pod with additional loadouts of [[Phaser]] arrays and torpedo tubes,<ref name="Decipher3"/> and were reassigned to a number of mobile fleets, as tactical pods could be constructed several times faster than building new vessels.<ref name="Decipher4"/> Reinforced and redundant systems aboard the ships gave the class a well-earned reputation for reliability. The class had two aft shuttlebays, and could accommodate a variety of auxiliary craft to provide optimal efficiency for whatever missions the ship would undertake.<ref name="Decipher4"/>

[[Starfleet]] often used ''Nebula'' class vessels to test experimental configurations of weapons, sensors, scientific instruments, field projectors, and more. This adaptability made the ''Nebula'' class ideal for almost any scientific or exploration mission, and its powerful sensor packages gave it a useful role to play in defense and reconnaissance missions as well.<ref name="Decipher3"/> ''Nebula'' class ships continued to play a vital role in patrol and exploration duty, as well as the ferrying of supplies and parts to distant colonies and stations. The ''Nebula'' class replaced the aging ''[[Miranda class]]'' as the workhorse scientific platform in Starfleet, with many assigned to long-term survey operations and research initiatives.<ref name="Decipher4"/>

The ''Nebula'' class was produced at [[Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards]], [[Mars]].<ref name="DS9TM"/> Most ''Nebula'' class cruisers could operate for up to five years on a standard mission. [[Starfleet Command]] planned to continue the development of the class into the 25th century, and plans were already on the drawing board in 2375 for a significant refit project.<ref name="Decipher4"/>

==Configurable Pods==
''Nebula'' class cruisers could be configured with a number of different pods, based on the needs of the mission. A pod could be swapped out in six hours at any starbase or station facility.<ref name="Decipher4"/> Configurations included:
* '''Cargo:''' Provided additional space for up to 70 standard cargo modules, as well as upgrading the ship's life support systems.<ref name="Decipher4"/>
* '''Probe:''' Provided additional space for up to 40 standard cargo modules, an additional Mark 80 torpedo launcher, and enhanced sensor systems.<ref name="Decipher4"/>
* '''Sensor:''' Provided additional space for up to 20 standard cargo modules, an additional Type X Phaser array, and enhanced sensor systems.<ref name="Decipher4"/>
* '''Tactical:''' Provided enhanced sensor systems, two Type X Phaser arrays, an additional Mark 80 torpedo launcher, and storage space for additional [[Photon torpedo|Photon torpedoes]].<ref name="Decipher4"/>

==''Nebula'' class cruisers==
* ''[[U.S.S. Bellerophon NCC-62048]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Bonchune NCC-70915]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Bougainville NCC-61809]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Chesapeake NCC-62010]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Courageous]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-71805]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Farragut NCC-60591]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Hera NCC-62006]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Honshu NCC-60205]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Leeds NCC-70352]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Leopard NCC-62344]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Lexington NCC-61832]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Merrimack NCC-61827]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Monitor NCC-61826]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Nebula NX-60602]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Phoenix NCC-65420]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Prometheus NCC-71201]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Proxima NCC-61952]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Ranger (Nebula class)|U.S.S. Ranger]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Sutherland NCC-72015]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. T'Kumbra NCC-62100]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Temeraire NCC-65387]]''
* ''[[U.S.S. Ulysses NCC-66808]]''

==References==
<references>
<ref name="DS9TM">"[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual (Book)|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]." ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]].'' Book. November 1994. Pocket Books.</ref>
<ref name="ST07">''[[Star Trek: Generations (Film)|Star Trek: Generations]].'' Film. 18 November 1994.</ref>
<ref name="LUG25000">"[[Core Game Book (LUG-25000)|Core Game Book]]." ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Roleplaying Game]],'' Supplement 25000. Game. 1999. Last Unicorn Games, Inc.</ref>
<ref name="Decipher3">"[[Starfleet Operations Manual (Decipher #3)|Starfleet Operations Manual]]." ''[[Star Trek Roleplaying Game (Decipher)|Star Trek Roleplaying Game]],'' Book 3. Game. 2003. Decipher, Inc.</ref>
<ref name="Decipher4">"[[Starships (Decipher #4)|Starships]]." ''[[Star Trek Roleplaying Game (Decipher)|Star Trek Roleplaying Game]],'' Book 4. Game. 2003. Decipher, Inc.</ref>
</references>