Starfleet's Constitution Class heavy cruiser was designed for deep space exploration and patrol missions. Constitution Class starships like the USS Enterprise, which launched in 2245, could operate for five-year mission cycles and required minimal support from Starfleet for its 400-person crew complement. Enterprise was equipped with duotronic computers designed by Dr. Richard Daystrom (William Marshall). Capable of defense and protection missions, the Constitution Class was armed with phaser banks and photon torpedoes.
Starfleet Had 12 More Ships Like USS Enterprise During Star Trek: The Original Series
Constitution Class Was A Starfleet Baker's Dozen
The USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series wasn't a unique vessel, as 23rd-century Starfleet operated a small armada of Constitution Class starships. This was confirmed in Star Trek: The Original Series season 1, episode 19, "Tomorrow is Yesterday." After time-traveling to 1960s Earth, a United States Air Force pilot named Captain John Christopher (Roger Perry) came aboard the Enterprise. Regarding his starship, Captain Kirk told Christopher, "There are only 12 like it in the fleet."
USS Enterprise & Constitution Class Is Star Trek's Signature Ship Design
Enterprise Is One Of Science Fiction & Pop Culture's Most Recognizable Space Ships
With its saucer section and sweeping twin nacelles, the Constitution Class USS Enterprise is not only the signature starship design in Star Trek, but it's also one of the most recognizable in pop culture. Walter "Matt" Jeffries designed the original model of the USS Enterprise for Star Trek, and it's a work of genius. In profile, Enterprise takes the shape of a bird in flight, and it's perhaps the most easily identifiable icon of Star Trek.
Star Trek: The Original Series didn't have the VFX to assemble all 13 Constitution Class starships as an armada.