The Enterprise Refit: Constitution Or Enterprise Class?

The USS Enterprise has gone through several refits and redesigns, with the first major refit occurring in 2265. This resulted in the replacement of the old cylindrical nacelles with new angular ones and an upgrade of the propulsion technology. The ship underwent another extensive refit in the early 2270s, which led to it being referred to as the Constitution II-class or Enterprise class. This refit was so significant that it resulted in an almost entirely new vessel, with only a few officers fully understanding the new design. The new Enterprise class featured a new landing bay design and a unique phaser emitter at the base of the pylon connecting the saucer and engineering hull. Despite the extensive changes, some portions of the old ship may have been retained, such as parts of the internal structure of the saucer and engineering hull.

Explore related products

Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

$69.29 $90.99

Star Trek: Enterprise (TV Series)

$2.99

Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series [DVD]

$49.99 $67.99

Star Trek: Light-Up Starship Enterprise (RP Minis)

$12.97 $13.95

Star Trek: The Original Series (TV Series)

$1.99

Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series

$68.94

The USS Enterprise underwent a refit in 2271

One of the most noticeable modifications was the replacement of the old cylindrical nacelles with new angular ones. This change indicated an upgrade in propulsion technology, including new warp coils and other internal components. The new nacelles were slightly smaller than their predecessors, featuring a length of 152m, a width of 12m, and a height of 15.6m. The Miranda class employed the same nacelle type, suggesting a new standard.

The refitted Enterprise also featured a new landing bay design, accommodating a wide range of Starfleet and Federation craft with its state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the ship's main cargo bay could be accessed through airlocks located on the port and starboard sides of the torpedo bays. The upper surface of the saucer section was equipped with multiple small hatches for extra-vehicular activities.

While the Enterprise's internal structure underwent significant changes, portions of the original ship may have been retained. Some suggest that the saucer and parts of the engineering hull and neck could have survived the upgrade, although the considerable differences between the old and new designs indicate a new ship of a new class. This new class was sometimes referred to as the "'Enterprise class'," reflecting the unique nature of this starship.

The Constitution II-class was a radical redesign

The Constitution-class starship USS Enterprise, first introduced in the 2260s, underwent extensive refitting and upgrades in the early 2270s. This redesign was so significant that it resulted in the creation of the Constitution II-class. The original Constitution-class vessels were either decommissioned or relegated to training roles, as they could not compete with the advanced features of the new class.

One of the most noticeable modifications was the replacement of the old cylindrical nacelles with new angular ones. This change indicated an upgrade in propulsion technology, suggesting that the warp coils and internal components were also upgraded. Additionally, the new landing bay design of the Constitution II-class allowed for a wider range of Starfleet and Federation craft to utilise the facility.

The refitting process also replaced virtually every major system on the USS Enterprise, resulting in an almost entirely new vessel. This extensive overhaul led to familiarisation issues, with very few officers being fully rated on the new design. The internal structure of the saucer and portions of the engineering hull and neck of the original ship may have been retained, but the considerable differences implied the creation of a new ship class.

The Constitution II-class was featured in various Star Trek productions, including "Star Trek: The Original Series" and "Star Trek: The Animated Series". The success of the franchise in the mid-1970s led to plans for further modernisation and redesign, indicating the ongoing evolution of the starship class.

The Enterprise class may be a new class

The Enterprise underwent massive refitting and redesign in the early 2270s, so much so that it would be known as the Constitution II class. This upgrade was so significant that it could be considered a new ship of a new class. The refitting replaced virtually every major system, and the old components may not have fit into the new design.

The most noticeable modification was the replacement of the old cylindrical nacelles with new angular ones. This suggests that the propulsion technology and everything inside the nacelles were also new. The new glowing warp field grille further indicates the presence of new warp coils. Additionally, the Miranda class employed the same nacelle type, indicating a new standard type rather than a modification of the original Constitution nacelle.

The refitted Enterprise also featured a new landing bay design, which could accommodate a wide range of Starfleet and Federation craft. The configuration included multiple airlocks located on the port and starboard sides of the torpedo bays and the secondary hull, as well as a "gangway"-style airlock on the port edge of the saucer section. These modifications contributed to the significant changes that distinguished the Enterprise from its previous iteration.

Explore related products

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV Series)

$2.99

Star Trek Enterprise: Season 3 [Blu-ray]

$26.49

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

$2.99

Star Trek: Enterprise: Season 4 [Blu-ray]

$36.03 $38.1

Numskull Star Trek Enterprise Advent Countdown Character Statue – Official Star Trek Merchandise – Unique Limited Edition Collectors Vinyl Gift

$28.21 $50.4

Star Trek: Enterprise - Season One [Blu-ray]

$10.97 $12.34

The USS Enterprise-A was commissioned in 2286

The USS Enterprise-A was preceded by the USS Enterprise, which was decommissioned after sustaining heavy structural damage in battle with the USS Reliant. The USS Enterprise-A was conceived as part of an 18-month redesign and retrofit in the early 2270s. The refitting of the USS Enterprise resulted in an almost entirely new vessel, with new propulsion technology and a new warp field grille. The new vessel also featured a redesigned landing bay that could accommodate a wide range of Starfleet and Federation craft.

The USS Enterprise-A served Starfleet for seven years until 2293, when it was decommissioned following the Khitomer Conference. It was then maintained as an exhibit at the Fleet Museum. The lineage of the Enterprise continued with the launch of the USS Enterprise-B later that year.

The USS Enterprise-A was designed by Andrew Probert and Richard Taylor, based on design sketches by Matt Jefferies and Mike Minor. The refit design was also worked on by Joe Jennings, Douglas Trumbull, and Harold Michelson. The USS Enterprise-A was featured in the Star Trek films and was depicted as having at least two shuttlecraft, the Galileo and the Copernicus.

The Enterprise class has new warp coils

The Enterprise class, previously known as the Constitution class, underwent extensive modifications in the early 2270s, resulting in a nearly entirely new vessel. This new class was initially referred to as the Constitution II class, reflecting the significant changes made during the refit. The original Enterprise, or Constitution-class, served proudly for a full decade before undergoing these extensive upgrades.

The new warp coils are likely more efficient and powerful than their predecessors, enabling the Enterprise to achieve faster warp speeds and maintain its position as a cutting-edge starship. The replacement of the warp coils and other major systems demonstrates the commitment to keeping the Enterprise at the forefront of Starfleet technology.

The warp coils are an integral part of the ship's warp drive system. They receive the warp plasma transfused from the plasma injectors, and their function is crucial for the ship's ability to achieve and maintain warp speed. The new warp coils in the Enterprise class likely enhance the ship's overall performance and speed, making it a formidable vessel in the Starfleet.

The Enterprise class's new warp coils and other upgrades showcase the continuous advancements in starship technology within the Star Trek universe. Each iteration of the Enterprise, from the original Constitution-class to the Enterprise class, represents the incorporation of new technologies and design improvements. The new warp coils specifically highlight the importance of efficient and powerful propulsion systems in the ever-evolving world of starship engineering.

Frequently asked questions