The Adamant-class starship was a type of explorer operated first by the United Earth Starfleet, and then later Federation Starfleet in the mid-22nd century, first introduced to service in 2159.

History

Building on the success of the NX-class, Starfleet R&D began developing a new class of starship that would be the next step in the exploration of deep space.

Utilizing the proposed modified design for the NX-class Columbia and Challenger, the engineers adapted the overall design for a new hull, and thus the Adamant class was born.

The Adamant class was especially suited for astrometry and exobiolgical study beyond the frontiers of known space.

Equipped with the latest long range sensor technology, a more powerful deflector array than most Starfleet ships its size, and stores large enough for a long-term 5-year deep space mission; the Adamant class also featured larger labs and a more diversified crew than previous Starfleet explorers.

The NX class Enterprise and humanity quickly discovered that their local stellar neighborhood was a much more dangerous place than initially suspected.

Beyond her scientific abilities, the Adamant class was also armed with a wide array of defensive capabilities designed to get her out of any scrape. She also supported an experimental EM shield array, fitted for field testing with the launch of the USS Adamant in 2159.