11.5 Battle Bridge

Due to the unique nature of vehicle configurations designed into the USS Enterprise, a separate command and control center is necessary for the Stardrive, or Battle Section, from which operations may be conducted when in Separated Flight Mode. The Battle Bridge, while duplicating most of the functions of the Main Bridge, concentrates on dedicated piloting, support, and defense systems stations. Early long-range starships lacking separation systems relied upon an auxiliary bridge, usually located deep within the Primary Hull structure, in the event the Main Bridge was disabled.

Design Variations

Two main variants of the Galaxy class Battle Bridge have been installed on the USS Enterprise since the starship was constructed. Each has been designed as a replaceable module; swapout is accomplished through a series of electrohydraulic jackscrews in the Battle Section head and structural locking clamps around the base and periphery of the module. Periodic upgrades will be tested out during the entire operational cycle in an effort to maintain adequate defensive capabilities; each Galaxy class starship will always exhibit some minor differences when compared with its dockmates.

Similar design philosophies drove the internal arrangement of the Main Bridge and Battle Bridge. The latter maintains an aft equipment bay housing computer optical subprocessors, as well as power, environmental, and optical data network trunk connects. Additional computer subprocessors are located in smaller port and starboard equipment bays, as well as in the armored forward bay enclosing the main viewer.

Battle Bridge Stations

Common to both current types are the stations for the ship captain, Flight Controller, Operations Manager, and Tactical Officer. The other dedicated Battle Bridge stations, which will be configured and occupied according to scenario requirements, include Defense Communications, Technology Assessment, Defense Systems Engineering, Engagement Damage Intelligence, and Computer Systems. Starship crew members assigned to these additional posts are normally assigned to other related disciplines. Depending on the Alert status and specific flight situation, they would move toward the Battle Bridge area for possible duty, should saucer separation be commanded. The common positions would be occupied by personnel from the Main Bridge, or in combination with Battle Section crew.

In benign flight situations, the Battle Section may conduct separate operations with a relatively low proportion of defense-oriented crew members, though the actual options list is limited due to the risks and vehicle stress associated with repeated undockings and redockings.