Size 5 or 6, Battalion capable

I am looking for a size five or six vessel that is capable of carrying a Support Battalion and its accompaning equipment and cargo.

In the SRM1 I find the Deneva and the Yorkshire.
And the Deneva seems like the best fit. But are there any other suggestions?

I am looking for something with not to much armarment but capable of taking a couple good placed hits.

Furthermore, I am looking for a class able to accomidate a company worth of INF or FA with accompanied equipment and cargo. I am currently looking at the Yorkshire or the El Dorado for this roll.

Does anyone else have other suggestions?

I think a Steamrunner-Class frigate could work as well. It has a large hangar for the equipment and machinery, and I think it can hold enough passengers. Additionally it is heavily armed and armored.

But would starfleet pull a heavily armored vessel such as this for transport duty?

I see what your saying, due to the thru-deck hanger, you can convert that to temporary barrack space, with only officers staying in actual rooms.

It's not a bad idea. I'll be more then willing to take that into consideration.

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For the Size 5
I am now looking at the Apollo, Challanger, and (still) Yorkshire class (needing atleast three to carry personnel and equipment per company), or Deneva(s) (requiring only one to carry three Battalions).

What do you all think?

I myself am leaning towards the multiple apollos, or one Deneva.

Due to the Perimeter Defense Directive all of the newer vessels are heavily armed ( Type X Phaser Shield rating of 60 ), so I tihnk it would be hard to find a weaker ship ;)
Additionally the Steamrunner is a typical assault vessel which might be suitable for planetary attacks. Due to the relative large hangar it gives room and can provide enough landing vehicles for a planetary assault.

However, if everything else fails, you can always design a new ship for exactly that purpose.

True . . . however, at the same time you want to show something to the PCs that they are relatively familar with.

I've decided on the Streamrunner to carry the Support GF Bn (IE MED Co, QM Co, SIG Co, etc.) . . . and the Deneva to carry the three INF Bns (1 Mechanized, two light). Since the PCs will meet this convoy in a non-front line area, I think this would make sense.

Thanks for all your help.