Wanderer class

Wanderer-class
Affiliation:	Orion Colonies
Type:	class V blockade runner/cruiser
Service period	from late 23rd century to 4th millennium
Dimensions
Length:	195 meters
Width:	66 meters
Height:	19 meters
Mass:	48,325 metric tons
Specifications
Crew:	102
Speed:	warp 6 (OCU)
Maximum speed:	warp 8 (OCU)
Cruising speed:	warp 6 (OCU)
Armaments:	up to four OD-4 disruptors and four FP-1 photon torpedos
Auxiliary craft:	2 shuttles

For other uses, see Wanderer.

The Wanderer-class, model number A, was a starship of Orion design, classed as a Class V blockade runner (FASA RPG module: The Orions: Book of Common Knowledge) or a cruiser (ST video game: Conquest). It was in operation during the late 23rd century and became a symbol of Orion space power, known as "the Orion D7".

History

The Wanderer-class was a fairly recent design of the late 23rd century, drawing heavily on the architecture of Human starships, such as in the ovoid main hull. It entered service on reference stardate 2/1701, and at least 100 were constructed within its first decade. It became a popular native Orion design, and Wanderers were even purchased by several Federation-based groups, despite the high import duties. (FASA RPG module: The Orions: Book of Common Knowledge)

The Orion crew of a Wanderer-class pirate vessel hijacked the USS Juggernaut, a Starfleet battle cruiser in orbit around Memory Alpha on stardate 2/2112.24. It used an experimental 'shearing plane' device that could cut through a tractor beam. The USS Sparon learned of the incident at Daran V on stardate 2/2201.11. The investigation culminated in the Battle of Omicron Aurigae on stardate 2/2202.19, between the Orion pirate and three Federation starships. (FASA RPG modules: Old Soldiers Never Die, Star Trek IV Sourcebook Update)

In 2364, information on vessels of this type was displayed on the USS Enterprise library computer. (TNG episodes: "The Naked Now", "The Last Outpost", "Datalore", "Conspiracy")

Upside-down images of the Wanderer-class taken from FASA RPG materials appeared in background computer displays in several episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1. It has also appeared in several video games, including Encounters and Conquest. The latter potentially indicates that Wanderers are still in use by the mid-2360s.

Wanderer-class wreck in 3189.

This ship type was still in use around the time of the Burn in 3069. In the year 3189, Booker's ship encountered the remains of a Wanderer-class hull within the courier network. It was part of the wreckage making it hazardous to traverse the network. Cleveland Booker was able to morph his ship past the wreck. (DSC episode: "There Is A Tide...")

Alternate timeline

In an alternate timeline where the galaxy had descended into a general state of war in the year 2364, the Orions deployed Wanderer-class ships as cruisers, often accompanied by smaller Orion interceptors. The Orions claimed star systems for their own but were challenged in combat by the Federation, Cardassian Union, Klingon Empire, Dominion, Romulan Star Empire, and the Borg Collective, resulting in numerous battles. (ST video game: Conquest)

Design

The ship was divided into a number of distinct sections for different functions and purposes. The ovoid main hull contained the bridge, sensors, the M1 control computer, and the majority of crew quarters. Its "abdomen", meanwhile, was home to the engineering section. It included a small shuttlecraft bay, with confined spaces for two eight-person shuttlecraft that could be launched simultaneously. The tractor beam was also situated here; this was strong enough that a Wanderer could tow ships up to twice its own mass.

The Wanderer's most unusual features were its outrigger weapons pods, hanging off the base of its narrow waist hull. These were convenient for attaching heavy or dangerous weapons, and allowed for easier access for repairs. They could also be jettisoned in the event of leakage, fire, or the risk of explosion. They allowed for a range of different weaponry options; the heaviest loaded Wanderer had four OD-4 disruptors and four Federation-designed FP-1 photon torpedos. With further modifications, like reducing deflector shields, it was possible to equip even heavier weapons.

It had two OWA-2 warp engines, with a maximum safe cruising speed of warp factor 6 and an emergency speed of warp 8. It also had an OIB-3 impulse engine. It had no landing capability however. It was equipped with an OSJ deflector shield.

Wanderer's had a crew of 102 and could accommodate 10 passengers. It had a number of transporters, with two six-person pads, and two small, one regular and one large cargo pads. It could carry up to 9000 metric tons.

Functions

Like many Orion starships, the Wanderer was labeled a "blockade runner" by Starfleet for its high speed and small payload. Also like many Orion starships, it was often called little more than a "pirate's mount". However, the Wanderer was in fact a reliable, powerful and highly versatile vessel, and very different from other blockade runners like the Lightning-class.

For example, the weapons pods could be replaced by sensor pods with excellent range and sensitivity. This made Wanderers highly suitable for certain tasks, such as salvage and rescue, or performing planetary surveys. This was especially the case in dangerous and hostile areas where a quick escape might be vital. (FASA RPG module: The Orions: Book of Common Knowledge)

Appendices

External links

• Wanderer-class (24th century) article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
• Wanderer-class (32nd century) article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.