CONSTITUTION CLASS

 
 

   Constitution class starships entered into Starfleet service in the year 2245 as heavy cruisers. These ships were designed with the first duotronic computer systems invented by Richard Daystrom two years earlier. This type of computer system was used by Starfleet and throughout the Federation for over 90 years. Ships of this class were also equipped with the latest sensors, propulsion & tactical systems available and could accomodate a crew of 200 at the time. Through advances in technology and design by the 2260's Constitution class ships were manned by a crew of 430. Only twelve ships of this class had been built by 2267. Of the original twelve cruisers, the most famous is the USS Enterprise, bearing the registry number of NCC-1701. Prior to her 2270s refit, Enterprise would be commanded by three seprate commanding officers. Under the command of James T. Kirk, the ship's third captain, Enterprise and her crew became "legendary" and the unofficial flagship of Starfleet. In 2270 Starfleet approved plans to radically refit all Constitution class ships using the latest technologies and newest innovations available, This refit program began with the Enterprise in 2271, lasting 18 months with the refit being completed in 2273, in time for Enterprise counter the "threat" from V'ger. Enterprise would serve Starfleet in her refit design until her destruction in the Mutara Sector in 2286. Other Constitution class ships that were refitted in the 2270's and '80's would end their service to Starfleet in the refit design. Starfleet would use the refit design to build new Constitution class ships, including the second ship the name Enterprise, allowing the class to continue to serve into the 24^th Century.