Paradigm-Class: Direct Links: https://i.postimg.cc/sXQNvSjn/Federation-USS-Sidney-Poitier-Paradigm-Class-01.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/rpzhPWr8/Federation-USS-Sidney-Poitier-Paradigm-Class-00.jpg
Perhaps it's actually a giant cargo ship and its sphere is hollow. You know, like the Super Guppy airplane.
^^ Hmm.. no huge door and too many windows and lifeboats IMO for that. I see it more like a clever cruiser design, especially since @blssdwlf mentioned the hull looking a little like the Ent-B/Excelsior variant kind, could be a variant of it then, kinda like the Sydney class which is in the refit Constitution family of ships despite looking so different.
In my head canon all sphere ships are medical ships. Maybe the distinct shape makes them instantly recognizable as non-combatants (for the most part). This one (with less of a neck and more deflector shielding, launched around the time of the E-B) is maybe a tougher one sent specifically into war zones. There are always major or minor powers at war on regional or broader fronts, and Starfleet Medical is there to help.
Thanks Thank you Thanks bro Damn Right! Thanks No this is not a cargo ship...but I like your thinking sir! That's interesting...I didn't know that. I find that interesting, but this is no Medical ship. She is however, a light cruiser to the heavy cruiser Excelsior classes. BTW: Out of curiosity, how do you deal with the Daedalus? She was a pioneering explorer, not a Medical vessel.
Earliest ships used the sphere but then that stopped with the advent of the saucer – for "warp field dynamics" reasons maybe. At some point someone thought to revive the older shape to make medical/hospital ships unmistakable. Their warp field maneuverability issues meant less given their mission envelope. Something like that.
Yup. Sydney Class transports are boxy... I’m of multiple kinds regarding saucers. I think Starfleet ships are shaped that way for either “warp field dynamics” reasons, or because if you’re going to live on a flying tin can for 5-20 years, you don’t want to be walking down the same dull straight corridors. That’s fine for a transport ship that you’re on for a day or thirty, but long-term more creative layouts are less oppressive. I mean, why else use a saucer? Other cultures like the T-shape because they don’t mind sacrificing some warp field efficiency for the intimidating profile. Not quite the same thing, but I like that Gorn ships use mini-saucers...a little from column A, a little from column B...
I also grew up on Jackill’s design for the Kobayashi Maru on which he used a more square-shaped primary hull, and have wondered if that’s used for certain kinds of ships too — cargo, carrier, transport, ??? Similarly, his escort ships had a distinctive secondary hull. Given that escorts are meant to take a hit for larger vessels, the long “shield” or “sail” shape makes sense.
Your "Verse" is very interesting to say the least I can see your logic. I do not subscribe to it, but I like how intriguing it sounds. I am a fan, but I have not see that film.