The Tri-Warp Galaxy Class had its origins in the Galaxy Class. The original charter for the Galaxy Class proved to be very durable and useful for Starfleet's various operational needs. However, with the onset of the Dominion War, the Galaxy Class starships were capable of performing adequately in an offensive capablity. It was found that with some modifications and the addition of advanced technology, Starfleet was able to create a new class of ship, one better suited for war-time needs.

However, scientific needs did not have to be sacrificed, and the Tri-Warp Galaxy Class ship reflects that, maintaining a balance between peacetime and wartime needs.

The construction period needed to build a Tri-Warp Galaxy Class ship is shorter than what would be found in a ship of its size. This is due to the streamlined process from previous experience in building Galaxy class ships, another benefit. Many renowned engineers, including the husband-wife team of Commander Geordi La Forge and Dr. Leah Brahms were deeply involved in the design and construction.

The three warp nacelles are an outgrowth in evolving warp field theories. The three nacelles provide a more stable warp bubble, minimizing the destructive enviromental effect caused by warp travel. Also, this was part of Starfleet's continuing experimentation with Transwarp travel. (Note: this was before Voyager relayed their own experiments via the Pathfinder project.)

However, with the disastrous loss of the U.S.S. Galaxy, Starfleet's Transwarp applications to the Tri-Warp Galaxy Class were set aside. By this point, Voyager had returned, and their Quantum Slipstream Drive (QSD) was turned over to Starfleet Research and Development.

The first hybridized Federation QSD was developed and installed on the U.S.S. Courageous. In the dry runs under Captain Montgomery Scott, it was found the three nacelle arrangement provided extra stabliity in Slipstream Travel, a fortituious side effect.

Also provided by the U.S.S. Voyager were news of a wide area of civlization in an area they labeled "The Borderlands." They were able to form some relationships in their passage back to the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet needed to follow up with an expedition. However, in the dangerous times of the Dominion War, they needed a ship strong enough to defend herself on her own, as well as a ship advanced enough to perform the many tasks needed throughout an exploratory mission.

The natural choice was the first Tri-Warp Galaxy Class ship, the U.S.S. Courageous.

After the events of late 2384, when the U.S.S. Courageous prevented the blackmarket piracy of sensitive Starfleet technology, the Corps of Engineers voted unanimously to rename the Tri-Warp Galaxy Class line to the Courageous Class. So when the U.S.S. Courageous was launched, it inaugurated the new line of Courageous Class starships.

Other ships in the line are in various stages of construction.

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