Historically, there were several iterations of Exploratory-class vessel prior to the USS Orville. The most recent design was completed in the year 2387 by a team led by chief architect Doctor S. J. Lineweaver over a period of three years. Lineweaver's team prioritized improved range and cruise speed, which required three quantum rings and crew of at least 250 and at most 400 personnel. Expected vehicle operational life was believed to be 70 years.
This class housed an environmental simulator, at least five Matter Synthesizers, and at least two Science Labs, which came better equipped than many other vessel classes - even Science-class.[3]
Preliminary design review of Lineweaver's plans was completed in early 2391. A prototype, ECV-X1, was built in orbit around Earthin 2394 and tested over the next two years. Design review was completed at the end of 2396 and production began in early 2397.[2]
Nominal range of Class A is 10,000 light years, which can be extended with a reduced crew, additional provisions, and minor modifications. With fourth-generation quantum engines (made available to ships in 2422) the maximum speed was 17 light years per hour[4]or 15 light years per hour for no more than 24 hours.[2] In a theoretical environment of unlimited access to resources and constant monitoring by the crew, the ship would have no range limit and could continue indefinitely so long as maintenance and repairs were made.
The purpose of Exploratory-class vessels was to perform scientific surveys of star systems and astronomical phenomena within the Milky Way, to discover new forms of life, and to increase the Union's understanding of simple and complex life. The Orville and other Exploratory-class vessels chart and track changes of astronomical bodies in the galaxy.
