Custom Excelsior Dreadnaught

[JJohnson]

I found an Excelsior class schematic like Vance's and thought I'd create a Federation-Class Dreadnaught style version. Saucer nacelle, thickened saucer, through-shuttlebay, and four forward torpedo tubes. I think at this point though, it might be better to begin doing a Galaxy-Dreadnaught style with the third nacelle on the engineering hull with an extended neck and back section. What do y'all think?

 

[publiusr]

I like modifications to the fantail.

I can draw squat—but one idea you might try is a landing ship.

While attached—it makes the standard Excelsior’s secondary hull side view look like Oberth’s…a smooth curve that terminates just behind the secondary hull’s aft tip.

Think a detachable lifting body like this:

Northrop M2-F3 - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

That parks underneath that Excelsior cut-out. It lowers top speed so it will be no faster than TMP refit era ships—but you want that anyway for Operation Retrieve.

But near the ground, the lifting body rolls—and lands flat side down. Normally that contacts the lower part of the Excelsior secondary hull.

While on the ground—it looks like a big shuttle with Marines and mechs spilling out.

Section 31’s little secret.