General Specifications

Name: Mako Fighter, v.III Role: Short/Medium-Range Interceptor/Interdictor Length: 20m Speed: Atmospheric - Mach 2 Interstellar - Warp 4 Impulse Engines: Standard with Overdrivers Warp Engines: MARA I Maneuvering: Four Type V Thrusters Computer System: CLASSIFIED Crew: 1 (2 in Assault version) Gravity: Type III Inertial Dampeners Armor: CLASSIFIED Armaments: Phaser Cannons (1 Std., 2 max.) Enhanced Quantum Mini-torpedoes (6 max.) Shielding: CLASSIFIED Misc.: Standard Tractor Beam Variants: Scout (with ECM) Ground Assault (Crew: 2) Trainer (Crew: 2)

Project Overview

While runabouts and shuttles handled the Federation's transportation needs, and starships served as its primary defenders and explorers, a fighter between the two. A small, fast, highly-maneuverable ship was needed that could engage craft similar to itself, or even large starships and still have a reasonable chance of survival. After the disaster of the Federation's stand against the Borg at Wolf 359, the effortless destruction of the Mars defensive perimeter soon afterwards, and the eventual looming Dominion threat, this void became more apparent. In 2376 Starfleet commissioned the Mako Fighter v.I to fill this gap. The Mako v.I, and its successor, the Mako v.II, are still in use by many Federation members today as first line interceptors or light patrol craft. Alongside the new Defiant, Steamrunner, and Sovereign class starships, Mako fighters fended off a second invasion of the Terran system by the Borg in 2380. Makos also served admirably during the evacuation of Deep Space Nine during the Dominion invasion in 2381, with several flights of fighters sacrificing their lives in a rear-guard action which enabled multiple transports to escape. Despite its excellent service record, there were deficiencies in the Mako that Starfleet Command felt needed to be addressed. Key amongst these was the fighter's low survivability ratio. Only sixty-five percent of the Makos sent on combat missions were returning. The original Mako designers, along with several members of the Defiant and Sovereign class starship design boards, began work in 2398 to redesign the fighter. The end product, commissioned for active duty in 2401, is the Mako v.III. There are several key components added to the v.III. These components have been added to increase a pilot's mission survivability as well as mission success chances.

Armor

The exact composition of the armor used on the v.III is classified, for Alpha-level clearance only. Comprised of layers of the light alloys used in the construction of the Defiant class, the Mako's armor can best be termed as Ablative Nano-Durasteel armor. Its surface has the ability to reflect most of the energy from beam weapons (see SHIELDS). The hull is also treated with sensor-absorbing substances designed to reduce the sensor signature of the fighter. While not as stealthy as a cloaked vessel, a lone Mako can lie in wait powered down and go undetected by any but the most thorough of scans. Most damage that is suffered by the craft, short of a critical hull breach, can eventually be repaired by the onboard automated nanotechnology repair system. The nanites are a part of the armor, laying dormant until armor is damaged.

Computer / Targetting System

Like the armor, the exact details of the computer system are classified for Alpha-level clearance only. Developed by a design team from Memory Alpha in conjunction with the Bynar Institute, the system onboard each Mako is operated by an artificial intelligence (AI). The AI monitors the status of the fighter as well as the pilot. As the pilot logs more flight time with the AI, the more aware the AI becomes of its pilots needs and abilities. Its link to the holographic targeting heads-up display (HUD) enables it to assist the pilot with tracking multiple targets. With time, the AI will use its knowledge of its pilot's preferences (for attack, maneuvers, etc.) to help the pilot in deciding a plan of action. If this information is shared amongst a squadron, a wing, or a flight, the AI can help a flight control officer plan the tactics for a mission. In case the fighter becomes inoperable due to damage or maintenance, the AIs are portable and can be transferred between Makos. This allows a pilot to maintain the symbiotic relationship that forms between himself and the computer system. If the pilot should be hurt during a mission, the AI will recognize this and navigate a course to the nearest safe location, taking whatever means necessary to ensure the survival of the wounded pilot. *Note: It should be explained that the AI will not perform any actions without authorization from the pilot. This prevents the pilot from losing control due to AI interference. The AI will develop a personality, but its programming limits this personality from expanding beyond specific parameters. While most commands to the computer are verbal, several functions, such as targeting, can be configured to be visually activated (giving a new meaning to the term "look down, shoot down").

Weapons

Smaller versions of the weapons systems used by the Defiant class were created for the Mako. First of these is the phaser cannon, a hybrid of phaser and disruptor technology. The phaser cannon automatically rotates frequencies, and when used with the Mako's computer system, can determine a target's shield frequency. The second weapon is the enhanced quantum mini-torpedo, a more stable warhead system than the photon torpedo. This variant of the torpedo is smaller in size than a standard QT, with an acceleration from standing to Warp 9.2 in four nanoseconds. The torpedo also features a loiter mode, allowing it to be used as a mine that will attack a pre-programmed target. The combination of these two systems in testing have proven deadly. A squadron of nine Makos have been able to cripple and destroy a Vorcha-class Klingon attack cruiser. Despite this stunning capability, it must be noted that these weapon platforms were chosen explicitly with a Borg invasion in mind.

Shields

The exact details of the shielding of the v.III is classified, requiring Starfleet CINC clearance for full disclosure. The deflector shield system of the Mako represents another hybrid, this time of Federation and captured Borg technology. Called Multi-layered Shielding, the shields composed of several static shield layers nested closely together. Each layer has a specific function. The outer layer is unusual and little information has been released on it. The middle-layer rotates shield frequency and rotation, absorbing enemy fire and then spreads it out along the shield and finally redirecting into space. The shield can then adapt to the frequency of that weapon and render the enemy weapon useless. The function of the inner-layer is unknown. The shield lies within 5 meters of the actual hull. There is an approximate 3 meter interval between each shield. Power is taken form the warp engine. Other added features: The v.III is the first of the Mako-class that is warp- and atmosphere-capable. This allows the fighter to serve as a planetary assault/defense vessel. It also expands the range of the fighter, giving it a short- to medium-range. Long-range missions would require a ship specified for fighter carrier duty. The Mako's impulse engines are enhanced with overdrivers, allowing the fighter incredible sublight speed acceleration and maneuverability.