- For other uses, see Helios.
The Helios class was a 25th century Federation starship class, a Dyson science destroyer specialized in surveillance and variant subclass of the 2409 Solanae-class science vessel/destroyer, in Starfleet service from the 2400s decade. (STO - The Sphere missions: "A Step Between Stars", "Welcome to Earth Spacedock", STO website: The Sphere: Starfleet Advanced Dyson Science Destroyers)
Service history and specifications[]
The Solanae-class USS Dyson was Starfleet's first Dyson science destroyer, launched in the year 2409. By default a science vessel, it could enter tactical mode to become a combat-oriented destroyer. It was based on Solanae technology recovered from Obelisk 1 and the Solanae Dyson Sphere. (STO - The Sphere missions: "Sphere of Influence", "A Step Between Stars")
The Starfleet Corps of Engineers developed three new ship classes based on the Solanae. This included the Helios class, which specialized in surveillance operations. (STO website: The Sphere: Starfleet Advanced Dyson Science Destroyers)
The saucer/hull/nacelle configuration was reminiscent of the 24th century Intrepid-class. In comparison, the Dyson science destroyers were larger, circa 350 meters long. (STO - Klingon War mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
Ships of this class had a standard crew complement of 400. The equipment of phaser banks, photon torpedo launchers was standard for Starfleet vessels. Among the science destroyers' innovations were proton-based energy weapons. This class was equipped with dual heavy proton cannons. The cannons would activate when the ship entered tactical mode. They were as rated tier 5 starships. (STO website: The Sphere: Starfleet Advanced Dyson Science Destroyers)
In the 23rd and 24th centuries, the Helios-class name had been in use for a Starfleet tug. (DSC Issue 27: "Starfleet Tug", Short Treks episode: "Children of Mars")
In the early 24th century, Starfleet had also constructed Helios-class-designated space stations. (DS9 novel: Force and Motion)
With access to two Dyson spheres, the Khitomer Alliance expanded operations into the Delta Quadrant, and Starfleet began deploying task forces in a four-quadrant strategy in 2410. (STO - Delta Rising mission: "Mindscape", STO Issue 07: "USS Pathfinder")
By the year 2411, the majority of Khitomer Alliance ships of the line were rated tier 6. The Helios-class and its sister ships retained their T5 rating. (STO - Legacy mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
Livery[]
In the 25th century, the design of the Helios-class Dyson surveillance science destroyer allowed its commanding officer to choose from different designs of hull materials, which could be modified further at shipyards.
The Helios class came with its own Helios hull material. This surfacing was also available for the three other Federation Dyson science destroyers. (STO - Klingon War mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
Furthermore, the installation of deflector shields from specific factions modified the hull appearance, including shields from the Reman Resistance, the Breen Confederacy and the Dominion. (STO missions: "Coliseum", "Cold Storage", "Boldly They Rode")
Known vessels[]
Appendices[]
Connections[]
| Dyson science destroyer starships | ||
|---|---|---|
| Federation, Starfleet | Solanae-class: USS Solanae • USS Dyson • Helios-subclass: USS Helios • Kardashev-class: USS Endeavor • USS Kardashev • NCC-90277 • Montgomery-subclass: USS Montgomery • Omega-subclass: USS Omega | 
|
| Romulan Republic, Republican Navy | Aves-class: RRW Aves • RRW Dyson • Caprimul-subclass: RRW Caprimul • Harpia-subclass: RRW Harpia • Rallus-class: RRW Rallus • RRW Shaenha • Tyton-subclass: RRW Tyton | 
|
| Klingon Empire, Defense Force | Nov-class: IKS Dyson • IKS Nov • Chontay-subclass: IKS Chontay • Lo'laH-class: IKS Lo'laH • IKS Toramor • MoQ-subclass: IKS MoQ • Ta'Sub-subclass: IKS Ta'Sub | 
|
References[]
External links[]
- Starfleet Advanced Dyson Science Destroyers Season 8 Dev Blog #52 dev blog at the ARC website