The Apollo Light Cruiser was a Vulcan design, so it is no surprise that the Vulcan science and defense forces would operate an inordinate amount of this type of hull for system patrols and exploratory missions

It is only natural that the defensive minded Vulcans would modify the Apollo to fit their own needs. In fact, they operate several uprated Apollo models. One such model, the T'Pau Defense Cruiser, removes all troop carrying capacity in order to increase the ship's offensive capabilities and increase shield output levels.

The T'Pau Defense Cruiser is still weak compared to mainline warships, but for the Vulcans needs the T'Pau is more than enough to police the spacelanes around their holdings. Despite the fact that the model had begun to be retired with the rest of the Apollo Light Cruisers, many T'Pau cruisers were destroyed during the Dominion War when Dominion forces breached Federation borders and cut deep into the home territories of the Federation. The T'Paus found themselves unable to out manuever or out gun the Jem'Hadar attack ships and were cut to ribbons without taking down a single ship in most cases.

The T'Pau, the first Vulcan ship of this sub-class, was decommissioned and pieces of it purchased by the Romulans for their attempted invasion of Vulcan.

[1-29-03] Incorrectly listed as a heavy combat vessel in database.