[Ships Of The Line] The Nova (& Rhode Island) Class
One of the more popular starship designs to come out of the mid-late 24th century, the Nova and it's sub class the Rhode Island, had an unusual history. Initially drafted as one of many designs conceptualised following early encounters with the Borg, it's origins lay in defensive planning before it was finalised for a more scientific role in favour of other defensive options for the fleet. Designed for combat initially, the Nova Class was one of many styles designed to be small, compact and manoeuvrable that could be built up in large numbers to bolster the fleeds defence in times of crisis. Like many starship designs proposed at the time, the ship's concept would be abandoned in favour of the Defiant Class project until a new idea was needed elsewhere. Revived by Starfleet for short term planetary research, the Nova […]