Background

The Leyte Gulf class cruiser was constructed with common components to both the Galaxy and Nebula class cruisers. This was seen as logical due to the interchangeability of components between the ship classes, and also so that personnel trained to operate one class of ship could easily adapt to the others. When the Leyte Gulf was being designed, there was discord among the top brass at Starfleet as to whether it should primarly be a scientific vessel or a combat vessel. This discord existed as a result of the Borg incursion, and strained relations with the Cardassian Empire. The design of the Leyte Gulf was one that pleased both sides - the upper pod could be used to house any combination of sensors of weapons, and hardware in the pod could be swapped out at any starbase. It also employs separable saucer and drive sections, which not only keep non-combatants safe in times of trouble but also increase the offensive capabilites of the drive section. It was also fitted with high dissipation shileds to increase its defensive capabilities.

Construction Details

This model uses the saucer section and warp nacelles from an Enterprise-D model. It laso uses components of the secondary hull, although they have been heavily modified. The model is lighted, and the saucer section can be detached from the drive section (the saucer only lights up when attached to the drive section).

For other images of the ship, click the links below:

• Rear/top three-quarter view.

• Detached secondary hull.