Technology Level

The USS Horizon is set in the 2160s in a timeline consistent with that which was established in Star Trek: The Original Series, but distinct from Star Trek: Enterprise. As a result, the technological level of the Federation in this game is different than that which we have seen on screen.

Consistent with the original Star Trek Pilot “The Cage”, the Horizon is equipped with laser cannons rather than phaser banks. Consistent with a reference to the weapons used in the war between Earth and Romulus in “Balance of Terror”, the torpedoes used by the Horizon are equipped with nuclear warheads and are less powerful than photon torpedoes introduced later.

The Horizon is equipped with a navigational deflector. However, defensive deflector shields do not yet exist at the time of the Horizon.

The Horizon is not equipped with a Transporter. Instead, all transportation between ship and shore is done via shuttlecraft. Note: specifications are not yet available for these shuttles, but expect them to resemble the shuttles of The Original Series.

The matter/antimatter reactor is very new technology, having only been miniaturized sufficiently for use in very large starships in 2157 (ten years prior to Horizon’s launch). The cruising speed of the Horizon is only warp factor 3.6 (47 times the speed of light, or 47c), it’s maximum speed is warp factor 4.3 (79.5c) and its best emergency speed is warp factor 4.5 (91c).

The ability to make subspace transmissions is also very new. Transmissions can only be made from extremely powerful transmitters located on Federation planets and dedicated transmitter ships. The technology has not yet been miniaturized for use aboard most starships, though the Horizon is equipped with a receiver capable of picking up subspace messages. Horizon can only send its own messages at lightspeed using a radio or using warp-capable message buoys.

The crew of Horizon are fed using a combination of rations and a stock of food stores (both in limited supply). The Horizon has a small hydroponics bay that produces sufficient food to supplement the crew's diets. Stops will need to be made to resupply food from habitable worlds. Water is recycled very efficiently, but not to 100%. Water will occasionally need to be collected and purified.

Some of the specifications for the Horizon come from the fan website Starfleet Museum. Deck plans and layouts have been modified from their original works.