Warp Tugs and Tenders.

[Chieftain]

After looking through the Starfleet SRM i noticed a reference to support ships such as Warp tugs within it.

my question is simple.. how would a warp tug work and how could this be represented?

i have several theories.

firstly, a warp tug must be able to expand it's warp field to surround what ever it is towing. this could be anything from a preconstructed section of a starbase to a ship with a damaged warp system.

secondly.. the tug would need a variety of powerfull tractor beams to maintain a hold on it's towed cargo.

speed would not be a consideration but i believe that the tug would require a powerfull warp engine and shield system to be able to protect itself and it's cargo.

finaly the tug would need space onboard that could be used to accomidate the crew of a damaged ship while that ship is under tow.

anybody got any thoughts they would like to throw into the ring?



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"Hit the silk or hit the satin, god what a way to live" Attributed to Captain Idris O'Malley, USS Glyn Dyr

[James]

Newer ones might also have a few EMHs installed because having a large med staff onboard would be a waste of resources.

By the way, ever notice the class names for the tugs; Hogan and Piper? HA!

Whatcha gonna do brutherrr!

[SIR SIG]

Tractor beams may not be required if the Tug has considerable docking/maglock facilities.

But Yes powerful warp engines would be good, to project a large warp bubble.

Shields can already extend around nearbye ships, so they don't have to be overly powerful unless its a 'heavy tug' and thus see a few combat zones.

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'...The Borg have stopped at deck 10...'
'...Deflector Control, no vital systems...'

Not a vital system! What the heck do you think stops the ship going 'poof' every time it goes to warp?

- ST:First Contact; Lt Hawk

[Steve Long]

The class names for the types of tugs come from types of airplanes.

It's got nothin' to do with wrestling, believe you me.

Steve Long

[Phoenix]

I was thinking "Hogan"'s Heros and the Pied "Piper" two people known for having things following them.

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"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
-Napoleon

[Sarge]

Steve, I know what a Piper is, I used to own a 1950 PA-20 Pacer. But what kind of airplane is a "Hogan"?

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LUGTrek isn't really dead. Not as long as we remember it.

[Steve Long]

I have no earthly idea, Sarge. But Christian Moore, who created those classes, specifically told me they were both named after airplanes.

Steve Long