OPENING COMMENTARY

Last Update:  07/23/2005

OVERVIEW

As with most any complex organic being, the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS is expected to undergo a long evolution throughout the lifespan of the vessel.  Many components of the vessel can be compared to those of a living entity (sensors like eyes and ears, computer like the brain [in combination with the crew], communication system like the voice).  When taking the testing functions of the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS variant into consideration, it is expected that the vessel will assume a variety of characteristics over time as systems are evaluated and incorporated into the structure, becoming a virtually new vessel at numerous times during its service.

There was much debate in the development phase of this vessel over the complexity and cost a vessel like this would incur.  Many felt that building a large vessel for the purposes of system and hardware testing was not justified and the resources be allocated to other areas.  Systems testing should be done on simple platforms that could have prototype systems mounted on them for operations.  Should a disaster occur, the loss would be minimal.  The atmospheric flight capabilities alone were thought to be impossible, or at least impractical, by many people in the engineering community.  (One concession in the design made was suspending the development of landing ability for the initial variant, but the effort continues for a possible Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS Mark III.)

Supporters of the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS project felt that using an existing design as the basis for a new vessel would create significant savings in cost and time for development.  Additionally, the vessel could also be put into active duty service while engaged in testing operations to see how the new developments work in the field under actual operating conditions that would be experienced on other vessels, particularly over a long period of time.  At times where there is no testing, the vessel could also serve on active duty with a standard fitting of weapons and other equipment.  The modularity of the Vor'Cha design would be well-suited to the installation and removal of sections possessing specific systems.

In the end, the supporters of the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS variant project were able to convince High Command of the value of the vessel to the Empire and received authorization and assets for the continued development of the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS variant.

HISTORY

This vessel has an unusual construction history.  Initially it was intended for ghop qeylIs to have been built in an Imperial-operated or commercial spacedock facility as are many warships.  As stated later in this guide, Reshtarc Combined Arms Limited (ReCAL) served as a consultant in the development of this Vor'Cha variant.  At one point it was decided to have ReCAL construct this vessel in one of its shipyard facilities in the Mempa Sector.  It was immediately foreseen that the addition of several Federation-based technologies would likely result in a construction period longer than that of the standard Vor'Cha design.  The resources of ReCAL are primarily allocated to the manufacture of weapon systems and only a small portion of its holdings include shipbuilding facilities.  The work schedule for the ReCAL shipyards would not allow the addition of another project for over a year, so other options were studied.

In order not to tie up the ReCAL facilities with an experimental vessel (and the expected delays encountered with new ship designs), an alternate construction program was developed.  Due to the project being a product of the-then Imperial Klingon Star Academy Commandant, it was decided to utilize cadets at the Imperial Klingon Star Academy to perform the construction work.  Many academic departments (especially engineering) transferred students to an Empire-operated spacedock orbiting Qo'noS to begin work on the construction of ghop qeylIs.  Students applied their work on the vessel toward their final examination and evaluation process.  Utilizing academy cadets had the additional benefit of insuring quality work by the frequent review and critique of the construction work by the academy instructors acting as supervisors during the construction effort.  The instructors were also screened to insure that those with personal field experience and service were utilized as much as possible.  Cadets from other academic departments (science, medical, communications, etc.) participated in the building, installation and testing of equipment related to their specialty fields.

In the end, construction was completed within the expected timeframe for this variant (approximately 38% longer than the standard Vor'Cha time due to the differences in the Vor'Cha-DaH'HoS variant.)  Any future vessels of this variant should be able to be completed in less time due to the experience of this effort.  Commissioning took place in early 2372.  After its shakedown period, Battlecruiser XC007 was officially designated Imperial Klingon Vessel ghop qeylIs and transferred to active duty status under the command of Captain K'orvette sutai Reshtarc, then without a vessel due to the loss of IKV DaH'HoS a short time before.