Engineering

Impulse Engineering

Located within each Impulse Engine Assembly, Impulse Engineering houses and controls the Impulse Engines aboard the Enterprise. Comprised of two levels, The Impulse Engines consist of four fusion reactors producing highly energized plasma, a driver coil assembly, and a vectored thrust nozzle to direct the plasma exhaust. Energy not utilized for propulsion can be diverted through the Electro Plasma System via EPS conduits, so as to supply power to other systems.

Primary entry to the Impulse Deck is through the upper level next to the enclosed control room. Suspended catwalks intersect the area above the main deck and allow users an unobstructed view of the engine assembly. While compact, the catwalks feature multiple workstations built into the safety railing that are used to monitor the Impulse Grid and its efficiency.

The dominant feature of the main floor of the Impulse Deck are the four spherical Fusion Reactors built into the aft bulkhead. Touch sensitive controls are built into each reactor allowing a user to manipulate the reactor directly while freestanding double-sided control panels monitor the overall status of the fusion reactors. A doorway between Reactors 2 and 3 allow engineers access to the remainder of the Impulse Engine Assembly. Parallel to this doorway on the opposite side of the room, a Master Control Console - used by the Duty Engineer - oversees all operations of the Impulse Engine Assembly.

Slipstream Engineering

Located in the Saucer Section of the Starship Enterprise, Slipstream Engineering is an energy production facility and faster than light propulsion source aboard the vessel. Surprisingly compact for a starship the size of the Federation's flagship, Slipstream Engineering has been designed to allow easy access to the component parts of the Enterprise's Quantum Slipstream Drive and is constantly manned by dedicated engineers.

When compared to its contemporaries in Starfleet, Slipstream Engineering is largely nondescript and features few wall mounted display consoles aside from those located adjacent to the main entrance. Entry to the room is through a short corridor that enters into a roughly circular, well illuminated room with curved walls consisting of smooth, colored panels that commonly emanate a blue coloration. Support pillars run along the walls at symmetric points and floor space is kept to a minimum due to the relatively low number of personnel needed to successfully control the Drive.

The operational focus of Slipstream Engineering is the Quantum Slipstream Drive accessed via a raised circular framework located in the center of the Engine Room. Consisting of heavy-duty grille plating and supported by duranium buttresses, accesses to the Drive Core is provided by three stairways that lead up to this dais. Protective railing runs the entirety of the platform to provide additional protection for workers as the primary drive controls are located within this raised structure. Three monitoring consoles surround the Drive Core and provide constant monitoring of the propulsion system from the built in diagnostic displays. The Quantum Slipstream Drive itself is unlike most propulsion systems in that it is a compact engine, comprised of a relatively small reaction chamber that feeds energy via power transfer conduits located beneath this raised dais. These units connect with three vertical power transfer conduits located along the aft bulkhead that directly transfer the Slipstream Energies to the Deflector Dish to allow travel to occur. Two additional freestanding workstations are located parallel to this wall unit, offering quick access to the propulsion systems.

Warp Engineering

Located in the Stardrive Section, the Warp Engineering is the primary engine room aboard the Starship Enterprise and is constantly manned by dedicated engineers. Responsible for the operation of the Enterprise's primary faster-than-light engine and energy distribution systems, Warp Engineering is surprisingly compact for the Federation's flagship and has been designed to allow easy access to the component parts of the Enterprise's Coaxial Warp Drive.

Directly accessible from its adjacent corridor through a large alcove, personnel accessing Warp Engineering first enter a small anteroom that features wall mounted, eye-level interfaces that provide up to the minute information about the overall health of the Enterprise. Located beneath these terminals, pressure doors allows technicians access to the Jeffries Tube network to access shipboard technologies to conduct priority repairs. Located in the center of the anteroom, the Master Systems Display Table is a stand-alone octagonal console featuring a number of embedded displays providing a detailed overview of the vessel's overall status. The table also has an embedded sensor cluster to assist with investigation and repair purposes, allowing for quick diagnostic investigations of equipment and technologies. The anteroom opens into a well illuminated, circular room dominated by the Coaxial Warp Core. The supporting bulkheads of the main chamber - which are constructed of duranium alloy - incorporate curved panels that add to the sterile feeling of the Engine Room. Twin computer terminals located along the port and starboard walls monitor Auxiliary Systems, Computer Systems, Damage Control, and Energy Distribution aboard the craft.

A series of 3 staircases allow access to the control level that surrounds the centrally located Coaxial Warp Core. Comprised of duranium alloy metal grates for flooring, the control level allows direct oversight of the Coaxial Warp Drive. Workstations built into the safety railing monitor faster-than-light propulsion (port), sublight propulsion (starboard), and the third workstation is used by the Chief Engineer to monitor the entire spacecraft. The Chief Engineer's workstation allows access to the Dilithium Articulation Frame of the Warp Core. Power Transfer Conduits concealed by the dais transfer energy from the Coaxial Warp Core to the Warp Nacelle Field Coils to generate the Warp Field.

Two large control stations separate the upper section of the Control Level from the control dais. These workstations monitor the Enterprise's tactical systems while the opposite workstation is responsible for the ship's scientific systems. The rear wall maintains the Master Situation Display. Similar to the monitor located on the Bridge, the Master Situation Display (abbreviated MSD) features a large cutaway diagram of the vessel that provides a detailed overview of the ship's operational status. Constantly monitoring the vessel and providing details from shipboard diagnostics, the MSD allows Engineers to quickly diagnose and resolve almost any maintenance issue encountered.

One of the most secure locations aboard the Enterprise, Warp Engineering could backup the Bridge in an emergency situation. Should a major systems failure occur with the Coaxial Drive, the Engine Room could be isolated from the rest of the ship by large pressure doors and force fields. Should the situation become untenable, the Engine Core itself could be ejected from the ship to prevent the destruction of the Enterprise.

Warp Nacelle Control Room

Located within each Warp Nacelle, the Warp Nacelle Control Room houses maintenance and monitoring systems for each nacelle assembly aboard the Enterprise.

A small, two level compound aboard the Constitution IV Class starship the control room was located at the rear of the nacelle, near the plasma injectors, and provided engineers access to the entirety of the Warp Nacelle structure. Unlike its predecessors, the internal components of the Warp Nacelle are accessible aboard the Enterprise via service lift built into the Nacelle pylon. The lift opens upon the lower level of the control room and incorporates a large, octagonal workstation that allows direct administration of the components of the assigned nacelle. The second level, accessible by a metal staircase, provided access to the interior of the nacelle itself and was protected by a large isolation door that could be opened to access the nacelles through a large catwalk that served as a service corridor when the nacelles were powered down. When active, a one-way forcefield would engage to protect the occupants of the control room from the release of drive plasma; however, even with this protection, the doors could only remain open for ninety seconds to prevent force field degradation.

Engineering Support

Engineering Laboratory

The Engineering Laboratory is a specialized scientific research facility used by the Engineering staff of the Starship Enterprise.

Located on the Engineering levels of the starship, each Engineering Lab is a mixes comfort and function. The center of the laboratory is dominated by an Engineering Analysis Table, a circular workstation that incorporates multiple specialized sensors that are used in research projects. Additional consoles and displays are located throughout the lab that allow personnel to work on more than one project concurrently with other assignments. A curved secondary interface console allows additional research space for personnel when the analysis table is unavailable or inappropriate.

While the majority of the laboratory is decorated in the familiar beige and gray coloring of other Starfleet installations, the wall opposite the main entrance to the lab is dominated by a hologrid similar to that of the Holodeck. The hologrid allows for holographic replicas of artifacts, equipment, or other research projects to be generated for analysis by the Engineering team. This allows personnel the opportunity to explore solutions in a controlled environment, limiting the potential danger to the ship and the crew.

Fabrication/Repair Bay

Located throughout the Engineering spaces of the Starship Enterprise, the combination Fabrication/Repair Bays are large facilities that are focused on the repair and maintenance of the ship and equipment.

Featuring multiple configurations aboard the Enterprise, the default style for the Fabrication/Repair Bay has been designed to streamline repair operations. Consisting of multiple levels, the majority of space within the bay provides space to complete repairs to equipment and other materials. A control booth built into the upper level provides operational control over the functions of the Fabrication/Repair Bay to personnel assigned there. Large-scale Industrial Replicators, designed for construction purposes, are often built into the Fabrication/Repair Bay to aid in assignments.

Fabrication/Repair Bays aboard the Enterprise support the vessel's operations, which often includes the need to access the exterior of the craft. Many bays include an exterior door or are supplemented by Cargo Transporters - larger scale transporters optimized for the transport of inanimate objects - to transport materials to and from the vessel. A Workbee, a maintenance craft equipped with a variety of tools, can also be parked in the Fabrication/Repair Bay when unneeded.

Jefferies Tube Network

Named in honor of Starfleet Captain W. M. Jefferies, the Jefferies Tube Network was used by the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to access ship's systems. Also known as an Access Tube or Service Crawlway, in an emergency the tubes could be used for moving around the ship if Turbolifts were not functional.

Entry to the Jefferies Tube Network was normally provided through the Junction Service Room, which were connection points that linked the tubes together; however, some Jefferies Tubes were directly accessible through hatchways located in corridors or some rooms. Junction Service Rooms frequently had exposed conduits on their walls, sometimes with panels to access to various power conduits or relays available.

Vertical Jeffries Tubes allowed manual access to decks both above and below, which were labeled and included directional information. Each of the vertical tubes were equipped with a single one-way ladder for crewmen to climb or descend. Dim lights were located behind the main ladder and other lights were found on every deck.

Traditionally entered headfirst, the horizontal Jeffries Tubes allowed manual access to various vital parts of a ship or station. Crewmen usually had to crawl while traveling in them due to the cramped size and dim lights were located near the floor and on each side of the tube for illumination. Removable panels inside the tubes provided access to important system conduits and engineering controls.

Enterprise has also been outfitted with diagonal Jefferies Tubes running through the ship's neck and the nacelle pylons that connected to system controls, relays, various conduits, and vital engineering circuits. At the entrance of each tube were two red bars so a crewman could pull themselves inside and stairs for crewmen to use to propel themselves through the tube. A soft, yet strong light was always emitted from the top and filled the entire tube.

Service Corridor

Located on the maintenance levels of the Saucer and Engineering Hulls and within the Warp Drive Nacelles, Service Corridors on the Constitution IV Class are passageways that allow Engineering Teams access to shipboard equipment and systems. Similar to the Jefferies Tube Network, Service Corridors served many different functions and purposes aboard the spacecraft and were vital to its survival.

Dominating the maintenance areas, Service Corridors were smaller than the traditional corridors found on the crew levels and allowed less room for crewmembers to pass one another. Featuring a rounded layout, the Service Corridor was well lit with large lighting units installed in the ceiling of the unit. Unlike the corridors on the crew levels, equipment and pipes are exposed within the Service Corridors and are not hidden behind panels like in their counterparts and, in some places, may obstruct the walkway creating a tripping hazard. Personnel using these corridors often must exercise caution or they may potentially injure themselves due to the exposed equipment. Direct access to the Jefferies Tube Network is available at multiple locations within the Service Corridors, including exposed ladders that allow access to the upper and lower decks.

Operations Support

Communications Relay Laboratory

By transmission of a subspace radio signal, which traveled through subspace rather than normal space, subspace communication permitted the sending of data and messages across interstellar distances faster than the speed of light. The Communications Relay Laboratory aboard the Starship Enterprise was used to oversee the Communications Systems aboard the vessel and, due to the unique mission parameters of the Enterprise, monitors equipment designed to receive communications signals and re-transmit them to other links in the larger communications network.

A two-level compound, primary entry to the Laboratory is through an entry on the lower level of the room. A series of workstations allow for the monitoring and coordination of transmissions, allowing for the easy distribution of messages across long distances. A collaborative work area on the uppermost level includes access sophisticated computer analysis software that can be used to analyze messages that are flagged for further investigation. A large viewscreen monitors the status of the Enterprise's communications system and its ties to the Subspace Communications Network.

Overseen by a Communications Officer, often the Communications Relay Laboratory is utilized by representatives of Starfleet Intelligence and Starfleet Strategic Operations. Due to the sensitive nature of the work conducted in the Communications Relay Lab, access is heavily restricted.

Computer Core

Among the most powerful computers ever created, the Computer Cores aboard the Starship Enterprise maintain the starship's central computer. Housing the primary processing equipment, including the computer core processors, the Enterprise currently supports ten computer cores that communicate with each other and ship's systems via the Optical Data Network (ODN).

Access to the Computer Core was provided by the Computer Access Room, which provides direct access to the multiple processor hubs and the Positronic Chips inside. Based upon the works of Doctors Noonien Soong, Bruce Maddox, and Agnes Jurati, the Positronic Cores aboard the Enterprise create an artificial neural network that is designed to imitate the humanoid brain. The computational systems are backed up by traditional Isolinear Computer Processing Systems, managed by Isolinear Optical Chips.

Access to the Computer Core is highly restricted with only authorized personnel permitted to visit the Core itself.

Environmental Control Room

The Environmental Control Room of the Starship Enterprise regulates atmospheric conditions, including the concentration of varying gases, lighting, temperature, humidity, and gravity.

Located centrally, a large horseshoe shaped workstation dominates the Environmental Control Room and provides priority control over all shipboard life-support systems. While seating is provided for a single operator, the workstation is large enough to allow multiple personnel to work from this location comfortably. Four workstations are built into the aft wall of Environmental Control and provide oversight of a variety of environmental functions aboard the Enterprise. Following a standard Starfleet interface configuration, the consoles are divided with two terminals located on the port and starboard sides of the control room. These stations are separated by a recessed, locked entryway.

Both the forward and aft bulkheads of the Environmental Control Room feature large display terminals. Similar in design to the viewscreen on a starship's Bridge, the forward display features a schematic overview of the Enterprise's Life-Support System and can be used to pinpoint any environmental issue quickly and efficiently. The aft bulkhead features a replica of the Master Situation Monitor Diagram.

Navigational Control Room

The Navigational Control Room was a section aboard the Federation Constitution IV Class starship, like the U.S.S. Enterprise.

From this location all navigation operations aboard the Enterprise and helps to monitor and project a vessel's course and velocity. The Navigational Control Room is a large room that is dominated by a large, wraparound, holographic wall screen that is designed to display the stellar region from which the vessel is operating. A large, horseshoe shaped control panel was located in the center of the room to manipulate the screen. The console also included priority access to the Enterprise's sensors, allowing for the determination of the position, speed, and trajectory of other objects and ships.

Manned at all times, the Navigational Control Room is commonly a supplement to the Flight Control consoles located elsewhere on the ship. Nonetheless, in a true emergency, the Navigational Control Room can override commands issued by the Bridge and can be used to pilot the vessel if all other options are unavailable.

Plasma Relay Room

Located on the lowest levels of the Starship Enterprise, the Plasma Relay Room was there area where the Electro Plasma from the matter/antimatter reaction of the Warp Core could be routed to different areas and systems of the vessel to increase or decrease power to these areas and systems as necessary.

Used to control power transfers, the Plasma Relay Room was a small area with workspace for two crewmembers and a supervisor. Due to the limited space, terminals were wall mounted, but featured comfortable seating for personnel assigned as they completed their duties. The supervisor was assigned to a secondary console, located in a small alcove, that separated them from the rest of the team.

Aboard the Enterprise, power transfer requisitions were provided in a manner of ways. Normally, the Main Computer could be used to automate requests; however, due to the nature of the Enterprise's mission, staff were required to oversee and manage this automation. When processing manual requests personnel could submit power transfer requests via computer, or by PADD, with personnel then making the necessary transfers as per the requisition request.

Sensor Maintenance

The Sensor Maintenance Room was used to conduct routine maintenance on the sensor assemblies aboard Constitution IV Class Starships like the U.S.S. Enterprise-H.

Located near the Primary and Secondary Deflector Dishes aboard the Enterprise, Sensor Maintenance is a spacious room used to monitor the status of the Enterprise's sensors. With a single entryway, most of the Maintenance Room is empty and unused with only a single display table having been installed inside the complex. Capable of seating two personnel on either side of the wall mounted table, the workstation runs continual diagnostics of the shipboard sensor systems and relays the data as appropriate. A large supplemental display monitor mounted on a nearby bulkhead provides a clear overview of the sensor arrays for personnel.

Despite the importance of the sensor arrays, these consoles are not under continual use and many of their operations are automated.

U.S.S. Enterprise Engineering Section