The Raven-class support ships came into service in the early 2350's. The design brief called for a small research vessel which could be utilised by both Starfleet and civilian scientific research programs.
Because of the Raven's internal adaptability, Starfleet believed that their sole application as research vessels was somewhat short-sighted and they soon saw service as couriers, passenger transports and scouts by Starfleet and civilian organisations since their commissioning in the 2350's. Since they are not solely Starfleet vessels they do not need to have an extensive military capability and as a result they are only lightly armed for defensive purposes. The real marvel of the Raven-class is her ability to travel medium to long distances. The class has one of the better fuel efficiency ratings on record and because the navigation and propulsion systems are highly automated, one or two people can operate these ships for long periods of time with little aid from a Starbase or other docking facility.
| Deck | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Crew Quarters, Passenger Quarters Secondary Sensor Array, Mess Hall, Communications Array, Cargo Bay 1, Upper Airlock, Recreation Room |
| 2 | Main Bridge, Briefing Room, Offices, Upper Engineering Access, Deuterium Storage (Upper), Deuterium Injectors, Science Labs 1-4, Transporter Room, Primary Stores |
| 3 | Sickbay, Main Engineering (Level 1), Computer Core (Level 1), Deuterium Storage (Lower), Main Impulse Engines, Cargo Bay 2, Cargo Transporter, Shuttlebay |
| 4 | Life Support, SIF/IDF Generators, Shield Generators, Main Engineering (Level 2) Computer Core (Level 2), Main Deflector, Navigational Sensor Array, Secondary Stores, Deflector Control |
| 5 | Primary Sensor Array, Tractor Beam Emitters, Warp Core Ejection Hatch, Landing Struts, Waste Reclamation Systems, Antimatter Storage/Injectors, Lower Airlock |