The Runabout: A New Dimension for Star Trek Exploration

In the vast expanse of space, Starfleet has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible with their ships. One such innovation is the runabout, a vessel designed to explore and chart new territories in a way that was previously unimaginable.

The concept of the runabout dates back to the early 25th century when Starfleet began designing a replacement for the aging Intrepid class. The resulting design was the Yellowstone-class runabout, which featured a unique tetryon plasma impulse engine that could vent plasma into space behind it, damaging and even immobilizing ships that pass through it.

The Yellowstone-class runabout is characterized by its more smoothly sloped hull compared to other runabouts of its time. It also features four shuttlecraft, two workpods, and an aeroshuttle, making it a versatile vessel capable of performing a variety of tasks.

In the video game Star Trek Online, the Yellowstone-class is a special version of the Danube-class runabout, featuring mostly reused footage of the USS Rio Grande and USS Ganges. The model itself marks a major inconsistency, as the Yellowstone is shown both with and without a sensor pod.

The Yellowstone-class runabout only appeared in the alternate timeline shown in 'Non Sequitur' and is the only appearance of a runabout in Star Trek: Voyager. It is unknown if the ship design existed in the 'prime' reality.

Specifications for the Yellowstone-class runabout include:

* Warp 4 for 38 hours, and warp 6.2 for 32 hours

* Two tetryon plasma warp nacelles and twelve microfusion thrusters

* Standard maximum payload of 6.6 metric tons, and uprated maximum payload of 8.9 metric tons

* Mass of 4.5 metric tons empty

* Length: 10.5 meters, beam: 4.2 meters, height: 3.6 meters

The runabout accommodates two flight crew and one cargo specialist, and is stored in Spacedock One. Many of the ship's defensive systems were yet unfinished, including unplaced safety interlocks.

The design team responsible for the Yellowstone-class runabout consisted of Lieutenant Lasca, Ensign Harry Kim, and other engineers. The prototype vessel was the USS Yellowstone, which was designed by the Starfleet Engineering Corps and constructed in late-2371.

In conclusion, the runabout is a testament to humanity's ingenuity and determination to explore the unknown. With its unique design and capabilities, it has opened up new dimensions for Star Trek exploration, and will continue to be an important part of the fleet for years to come.

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