Canon Facts Backstage Info  Speculation

Notes : The Scout ship is intended to be a slightly smaller, lighter armed and considerably faster counterpart to the Danube class Runabouts. The design is less modular than that of the Danube - Starfleet wanted a vessel which would be easier to build and maintain. It is optimised for low level planetary surveys or scientific missions, but can act as a personnel or light cargo transport if needed. In a combat mission the scout can act as a heavy fighter/interceptor; it has the speed and weaponry to take on most fighters, although its size makes it less than idea in this role. Alternatively the Scout can launch hit and run attacks on smaller Starships with a fair chance of survival.

The Scout is of relatively conventional design; the cockpit is in the forward section, just above and behind the navigational deflector. The nacelles are semi-conformal to the body, a measure reminiscent of the Defiant design. There is a docking latch access on the underside which fits any standard adapter.

These craft have seen relatively limited service - in general most operators prefer the flexibility of the Danube class, and there has been comparatively little interest in the less capable competitor. One example of the type did serve with the operation to relocate the Ba'ku people.