5.4 Cochrane Interstellar Express

Cochrane Warp Dynamics is known today primarily for its warp engine designs. Back in the early days of warp technology, however, they also dabbled in spacecraft construction. In addition to the Keldysh class cruisers they also designed the CIE-07, aka “the Cochrane Interstellar Express.” This was the first warp drive starship manufactured for the general public. The design was based on the first Terran Space Ferry – a lifting body suited for atmospheric take-off and reentry with minimal assistance. Because of this it could use any large clear strip for takeoff and landing. Former airports and airstrips were popular, with the CIE-07 and other similar designs transforming these into humanity’s first civilian spaceports.

The CIE-07 was the first civilian starship to utilize a dual propulsion system. Like military vessels, it was fitted with both impulse engines and early warp drive. These, however, were on a smaller scale and far less range than standard industrial and military models. The warp drive of a CIE-07 was not that far removed from early “jump drives,” in fact, which helped reduce the overall cost of the design.

Despite its innovations the CIE-07 never made a profit for Cochrane Warp Dynamics. Only 50 were sold in three years before it was withdrawn from production. The company sold the rights to the CIE-07 to Star Fleet in 2105. A modified version was produced for military use, remaining in service until 2143.

Original specifications (2028):

Specifications

• Length: 53.5 m
• Beam: 56.3 m
• Draft: 18 m
• Crew: 20
• Range: 2 years at L.Y.V.
• Cruising speed: Warp 2.8
• Maximum safe speed: Warp 3.25

Innovations

• First mass-produced civilian starship design

Franklin Class Scout

The Franklin class was the last of the “flared arrow” starships. Its origins lie in the spiked antimatter war-era Orion class scout. These were built for speed and maneuverability, with intelligence gathering as their primary function. Their unique design heritage precluded easy upgrades and shortened what might have been longer service lives. A few saw service in the early years of the War with the Vegan Tyranny but they were hopelessly outclassed by Vegan ships. The last was retired in 2095.

Service entry date (old calendar): 2075.

Specifications

• Length: 45 m
• Diameter: 20 m
• Mass: 55 DWT
• Crew: 4
• Range: 5 years at L.Y.V.
• Maximum safe speed: Warp 2.5
• Armament: 4 forward lasers, 50 fusion missiles

Innovations

• Last of the “flared arrow” spiked antimatter starships