Canon Facts Backstage Info  Speculation

Notes : Designed to be a smaller and less capable counterpart to the Constitution class, the USS Miranda entered service one year before its larger cousin. There was a very high degree of commonality between the two classes, with the nacelles and most of the primary hull being almost identical.

The smaller size of these ships was largely accounted for by a lower level of habitability for the crew and a reduction in the number of science labs from fourteen to ten. Even so the Miranda's were full Explorer type ships, fully capable of conducting long duration research missions. Their considerable armament also made them an important addition to the defence of the Federation.

Notes : When the Constitution class began to go through a major refit cycle in the 2270s, the Miranda's were similarly upgraded in order to extend their life span. They continued to act as Explorer class units for the next century, forming the backbone of Starfleet throughout this period. In time however, their relatively low cruising speed combined with the gradually increasing distances they had to cover - caused by the expansion of the Federation - began to wear on the ships. Their relative lack of recreational facilities and the cramped quarters began to lead to a marked drop-off in crew performance, and Starfleet considered retiring the class.

Instead, it was decided to use the Miranda design as the basis for a general purpose vessel for use within the body of the Federation. The science labs were removed and replaced with expanded cargo bays and an upgraded weapons fit. The Miranda class was used extensively to patrol the Klingon and Romulan borders, as cargo carriers and particularly as colony transport craft. In fleet actions they acted in support of the larger ships, acting as outer pickets to the fleet. Some vessels were refitted as ammunition ships, using their extra cargo space to carry photon torpedo reloads and phaser components. Others were converted to tankers, carrying supplies of Deuterium and Antimatter. A group of six ships was fitted with modern extra sensor pods and used in the electronic intelligence role. Their ability to look after themselves during a battle made them an excellent choice for these roles.

Today the Miranda's operate in a similar capacity, and although they are not front-line combat units in themselves they are still to be seen operating in major fleet actions in support of the modern vessels. Recently several Miranda class vessels have begun to show signs of serious stress fractures in their hulls; investigations are underway with all ships in the class, and although the results are yet to be announced it is thought that the problem is likely due to the age of the hulls. If so, the Miranda class is likely to be forced into retirement sometime over the next few years.