What's with "Delta" ships?

[TIN_MAN]

Wasn't sure if this goes here or in the tech forum, but here goes nothing. From the pre-NX days all the way through to Enterprise J era, we see delta shaped ships both with and without saucer hulls. They seem like one of those basic configurations that Starfleet likes to keep reusing? How do they fit into the spaceflight chronology and what is their purpose, are they generally assumed to be shuttle carriers, or what? Pics welcome, canon and non-canon can be discussed.

 

[Sector 7]

Perhaps a picture or two, from you, would set the example. After all, it is your thread.

 

[TIN_MAN]

Perhaps a picture or two, from you, would set the example. After all, it is your thread.

Well, I dont have any pictures, but here's a link to Doug Drexlers site about the the Emette.
http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/04/25/eureka-iss-emette/
I'll see what else I can dig up?

Here's another.
http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/congo-class/

 

[B.J.]

Here's the "Warp Delta":
http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/ste-warp-delta-pictorial/

Basic reason for the design? It looks fast (and cool). I certainly wouldn't call this one a shuttle carrier, more of a small frigate or something.

The "Congo class" you linked to reminded me of a similar configuration, the two Ralph McQuarrie prototype designs built for Phase II. Since these would have been the new Enterprise, I think it's safe to assume they'd have the same role as the Constitution class.

 

[NickInABox]

Those McQuarrie designs are horrific.

 

[TIN_MAN]

Here's Aridas' page w/ the Ariel
http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/aridas_sofia/trek/?action=view&current=arielmodel.jpg
which was a shuttle carrier, I think, and originally based on McQuarrie's concepts?