They were typically based at space stations and planetside research stations, and normally one or two vessels would be assigned. The vessels were generally deployed to provide aerial and orbital support to long-term exploration, research, and survey efforts. These composed its primary mission profile, though military reconnaissance was also a requirement. These properties made it useful for a range of scientific missions, including planetary surveys, cultural surveys, first contact programs, and other scientific research. It was a support vessel capable of independent operation. The Talon-class was rated as a scout vessel, designed to be a small, swift, and highly maneuverable sensor platform. Such operations produced vital intelligence for Starfleet battle strategies. The Dominion War of 2373– 2375 saw Talon-class scouts used to locate Jem'Hadar movements and conduct reconnaissance of systems prior to Starfleet assaults. One joined an archaeological excavation on Barradas III, and another surveyed the Sigma Draconis star system. Talon-class vessels went on to be used in a wide range of missions, with the USS Talon attached to the joint Federation– Son'a duck-blind surveillance of the Ba'ku. ( Last Unicorn RPG module: Star Trek: The Next Generation Player's Guide, Decipher RPG module: Starships) The Talon-class was commissioned in the year 2373. The final addition was the Class 5 long-range sensor cluster. The designers selected an unused hull model originally developed for an aeroshuttle, on a proven spaceframe design.Ī prototype, the USS Talon, was constructed and underwent a number of revisions. The Starfleet Corps of Engineers, using experiences gained from the Runabout Design Program, designed a small, highly maneuverable craft with excellent sensor abilities.

Despite having a number of long-range reconnaissance vessels, Starfleet needed a short-range vessel for scouting purposes. Starfleet Command ordered a vessel that could serve as a dedicated sensor platform.

Gryphon class runabout