Alita Class
History
Auto-Modulating Shields (Deflector Based)
Following the disaster at Utopia Planitia fleetyards and Mars Colony, Starfleet was placed in an extremely vulnerable position. The majority of the fleet was in ruins, and the largest of their ship-producing facilities destroyed. A hastily conceived plan involved the construction of a mainline defense vessel (which would be developed into the Inquiry class) and a dedicated fighter carrier.
Unlike the Inquiry class, this carrier would be based off of an existing and proven frame. Namely, the Akira class. The Akira had proven itself numerous times, and was praised for its overall performance and durability. The Corps of Engineers found that by removing some of the torpedo launchers, ordnance, and crew dedicated to those systems, extra room could be found for additional fighters.
Rather than a successor to the Akira, the new Alita is a subclass. Built around the same space-frame and basic hull geometry, but with numerous modifications meant to lend specialization to the ship, at the expense of overall mission versatility. The upper pod, previously housing a multitude of torpedo launchers, now housed a sensor suite customized for use as a space-traffic control tower.
Additionally, the Alita was given the latest in anti-stealth tracking technology. This was seen as insurance against rogue elements of the Romulan’s splintering former empire. All of this meant that the Alita was an imposing deterrent force alone, but as part of a battle group she was absolutely indispensable.