Gryphon class

The Gryphon class fighters were on active duty in Starfleet during the 24th century.

= Background =

While the original Valkyrie, the Mark I, was proving successful in replacing the aging fleet of Peregrine class fighters, Starfleet soon learned that the fighter class was certainly not fit to provide proper support in large scale engagements, such as the Dominion War. Therefore, an upgrade was deemed necessary. Starfleet began to overhaul the Valkyrie design, dubbing the model "Mark II." It wasn't long before the Mark II had a new name, the Gryphon.

The fighter is now entering full service with Starfleet and squadrons are being assigned to the newest ships coming out of the yards, including the Century and Ascension classes. The Gryphon is designed to function in a multitude of environments as well as roles. To be capable in all the varied conditions, the systems are designed with flexibility, versatility, and stability in mind.

This new fighter includes upgrades to the nacelles for faster maximum and emergency warp ratings, improved pulse phasers, and stronger shields among others. Other upgrades include improved computer processing speed, updated communications and sensor packages, defensive countermeasures, improved warp field stability and more.

Their new, sportier look reduced sensor cross-section and improved warp field stability. With the hull redesign came minor changes to weapons load-out: the arrangement of the Type XI Pulse Phaser Cannons, while the technology was the same as the Mk II, as an upgrade, the warp drive plasma conduit ran through the primary phaser coupling to double the power of the Mk II’s phaser cannons. There were pulse or beam firing options available and bolts had a firing rate of 5 per second. The beam setting had lower yield but longer range. The microtorpedo launchers in the Mk II changed only slightly to fit into the new spaceframe.

An Advanced Tactical Sensor Suite was also added to the dorsal area of the Gryphon. This increased the targeting capabilities along with giving the fighter the ability to target specific subsystems. The Gryphon also features a low-powered tractor beam system. This allows the Valkyrie to be used to retrieve escape pods, small pieces of cargo, and allows it to tow other fighters back to the base of operations.

The Gryphon has space for a Tactical Security Officer (TSO) in the backseat. The efficiency in which the attack fighters operated would be doubled by allowing the pilot to focus solely on the maneuvers and weapons employment of the craft during a fight. This allows the TSO to handle comm traffic, emergency repairs and tactic simulations.

= Credits and External Information =


 * Original Design by KadenDark & GK Designs
 * Model by Omardex
 * 3D SketchFab Model

The first ship of this class was commissioned in 2303 and was designed using some of the specifications and technology from the.