FSD: Starship Database - Prometheus-class

The Prometheus class prototype USS Prometheus NX-74913, which was launched in 2374, on stardate 50749.5 from the Beta Antares Ship Yards in the Antares Sector as one of the most advanced ships in Starfleet. It is an experimental prototype vessel that has been designed for deep space tactical assignments and employs systems which are cutting edge of Federation technology.

The Prometheus is so highly classified that when it was field tested in 2374, only four people had been trained to operate the bridge. Access to all important onboard systems, including communications, was restricted to personnel with level four clearance or higher. In an emergency, all systems could be routed to the bridge, making it impossible to access them from any other location.

When it was launched, the Prometheus was the fastest ship in Starfleet. It can sustain a stable cruising velocity of warp 9.9. It has particularly advanced tactical systems, and is equipped with standard phasers and torpedoes, plus regenerative shielding and ablative hull armor. Most significantly, the Prometheus is capable of multi-vector assault mode (MVAM): the ship is actually made up of three distinct modules, each of which is heavily armed. During MVAM, these modules separate and attack their target. This makes the Prometheus a formidable weapon that can easily disable large starships.

The bridge of the Prometheus has the same layout as most other Federation vessels, with the captain's chair in the center and a large viewscreen at the front; as the ship is primarily designed for battle, the design has been simplified. As usual, a number of stations run around the bridge. Engineering is on the captain's extreme right; the environmental station is next to this. The master systems control station is directly behind the captain's chair and the tactical station is on his extreme left. All of these stations, as well as the captain's chair, are on a raised level; three sets of steps lead down into a curved conn station is located. Two officers sit at this station, which also controls communications. Four doors lead off the bridge; the one behind the captain and to his left leads to a turbolift. If necessary, the entire bridge can be crewed by four people. Only the conn, engineering, and tactical stations are provided with seating. The Prometheus has a state-of-the-art sickbay with all the latest equipment. Entry is straight into the main diagnostic and surgical area. There are several desks around the room, which is dominated by a surgical biobed.

The ship has its own EMH, which is also a prototype. On its maiden voyage this EMH, the mark II, was programmed specifically for the Prometheus and could identify the crew on sight; when it encountered any other Starfleet officers, it automatically requested their rank and security clearance. In addition, it immediately tried to alert the bridge in event of intruders. The program's holomatrix was still unstable when Starfleet conducted field tests on the prototype ship. The Prometheus makes much greater use of holographic systems than earlier vessels. The entire ship is fitted with holographic projectors, allowing the EMH to move outside of the sickbay. This enables it to treat injuries sustained during battle as quickly as possible.

The Prometheus has two registeries, NX-59650 and NX-74913. While the NX-59650 registry can be clearly seen on the hull, the NX-74913 comes from the dedication plaque and master systems display. The higher 74913 is more consistant since the Prometheus is a new and highly advanced starship. The lower 59650 is possibly a mistake made by Foundation Imaging.

The Prometheus was designed by Star Trek: Voyager senior illustrator Rick Sternbach and rendered as a computer-generated image by Foundation Imaging. The Prometheus interiors were designed by series production designer Richard James, using redressed portions of the re-created Excelsior bridge that James made for "Flashback", as well as the Voyager sickbay in addition to new sets. Actor Tony Sears, who played the Prometheus officer killed by the Romulans, previously worked in the Star Trek: Voyager art department.

Related Links:
Designing the Prometheus-class