Planetside - Star Trek - Ships of the Fleet

Owner	Cardassian Union
Class	Heavy Combat Vessel
Availability	Special Deployment
In Service	2284
Out of Service	2379
Source	None
Author	Tyrel Lohr
Last Updated	April 26, 2004

Description:

The early Cardassian Union relied on the Dutar Heavy Cruiser as a power projection unit as they began their campaigns of conquest throughout the neighboring region. This heavy combat vessel was designed to be hardier than those of nearby powers and pack as much forward firing firepower as conceivably possible. The Dutar Heavy Cruisers were remarkably effective against the minor powers on their borders. The weak shields of their opponents coupled with the high damage yields of its four light plasma cannons ensured quick destruction of enemy targets. Antiquated systems aside, the Dutar was a formidable enemy. The ship was no threat to the likes of the Federation or Klingon navies, but it was not meant to be.

The Dutar Heavy Cruiser fell into disuse after thirty years of operations. A massive systems upgrade in 2328 extended the lives of the remaining Dutars. Installation of the new light compressor beam and the experimental heavy gravitic disruptor were lauded by the Central Command, and the weapons were certainly worth merit. The heavy gravitic disruptor in particular proved to be a deadly weapon easily capable of stripping enemy shields at a distance.

The 2328 upgrade would be the last major refit of the Dutar class. The number of surviving Dutar cruisers was also relatively low, due in large part to high attrition rates during the years of military expansion. This limited the availability of the hull, forcing it into a supplementary position within the fleet.

Several Dutar Heavy Cruisers survived the Dominion War, but all were scrapped within a decade of the conflict. The ships simply could not hope to stand up to the likes of enemy cruisers.

Ship Control Sheet(s):

	Dutar Heavy Cruiser - SCS
	Special Deployment

Related Entries:

No Related Entries

Design Notes:

No Design Notes Available

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Please contact Tyrel Lohr at contact@tyrellohr.com.