The Karekh-class was a type of small explorer starship in Starfleet service in the 23rd century. This class of ship was named after a famous Vulcan commander of the same name. (FASA RPG module: Federation Ship Recognition Manual).
History[]
Karekh-class vessels were Vulcan designed and manufactured exploration craft, created specifically with the intention of mapping space, and other related duties, with the greatest reliability possible. As such, these vessels were equipped with an L-14 computer system, which was considered unusually powerful for a ship of its size, having only around five crewmembers. A notable difference between the Karekh class and its counterparts was the complete lack of weaponry present on these ships. This made it very popular amongst Vulcan crews, but less popular to other races. Andorians, specifically, refuse to serve on Karekhs.
Due to the lack of armaments, there were several restrictions on what duties Karekhs could take. They were generally used to patrol, monitor and explore safer regions within the United Federation of Planets; this was especially the case with areas that did not warrant the use of a larger vessel. The FSB deflectors and binary transducer systems served as an adequate form of protection against unknown dangers. The Karekh's FWA-1 warp drive provided enough speed to allow it to escape just about anything it could not handle through peaceful means.
The interior configuration of this ship was similar to that of the Mission class but had two decks instead of three. As part of its duty, these ships were also known for finding new planetary systems. Once it found a new system, these explorers investigated further and determined if the area was suitable for colonization or whether it needed further evaluation from a better equipped starship. Karekh class vessels made a great deal of celestial discoveries and first contact situations, which were a source of tremendous satisfaction to Starfleet as well as the Vulcan creators.
Most Karekh explorers served within the Galactic Exploration Command, though a small numbers were also assigned to the Merchant Marines and other Commands. The design was also being considered for an upgrade to a Mark II type which had a more powerful impulse engine with a reinforced superstructure and more efficient deflectors. The final results of the evaluation were expected to arrive on Stardate 2/2503. One the 125 ships built, 83 served within the Exploration Command, 17 served in the Merchant Marines, 2 were used by Starfleet Training Command, and 12 were used by Starfleet Intelligence. Of the existing craft; 2 were destroyed, 1 was listed as missing and 5 were sold to private individuals. After this production run, no new Karekhs were produced, and should the craft be given an upgrade, it was expected to take place at either Sol IV or the Vulcan Shipyards. (FASA RPG module: Old Soldiers Never Die)
Known Vessels[]
Connections[]
| Starship classes of the Confederacy of Vulcan and Ni'Var | ||
|---|---|---|
| By name | D'Kyr • D'Vahl • Karekh • Maymora • Merchant • Razor • Sh'Raan • Sh'vhal • Sitar • Solkar/T'Pau • Soval • Suurok • T'Karath • T'Pari • T'Plana Hath • Tal'Kyr • Toj Lol • Vahklas • Voroth | 
|
| By type | combat cruiser • ringship (Protectorate ringship) • cruiser • NSS T'Pau-type • probe ship • retrofitted dorsal carrier • robot ship • shuttle • survey ship | |
