Runabout Rollbars

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The Danube-class runabouts are occasionally seen to sport rollbars, ostensibly to add extended sensor capability to the runabout (practically speaking they differentiate two runabouts onscreen), but there are (semi)canonical mentions that there's different kinds of rollbar available for different purposes. Sometimes they're called "mission modules".

I've finally gotten my hands on the DS9TN, and where it mentions "mission modules" it's talking about the various room-sized things that clamp on below the spine, not the rollbars. However, rollbars aren't mentioned at all in the DS9TM.

Anyone know of a canon, semi-canon, or even fanon source for more information on the rollbars? Are there any canon constraints on what they can do?

Any help appreciated.


Mark L. Fergerson

[SteveHall]

Post by ***@bid.nes
The Danube-class runabouts are occasionally seen to sport rollbars, ostensibly to add extended sensor capability to the runabout (practically speaking they differentiate two runabouts onscreen), but there are (semi)canonical mentions that there's different kinds of rollbar available for different purposes. Sometimes they're called "mission modules".
I've finally gotten my hands on the DS9TN, and where it mentions "mission modules" it's talking about the various room-sized things that clamp on below the spine, not the rollbars. However, rollbars aren't mentioned at all in the DS9TM.
Anyone know of a canon, semi-canon, or even fanon source for more information on the rollbars? Are there any canon constraints on what they can do?
Any help appreciated.
Mark L. Fergerson

I'm pretty sure I remember seeing weapons fire come out of the rollbar in an early season episode (prior to the Defiant introduction).

[Jack Bohn]

Post by ***@bid.nes
I've finally gotten my hands on the DS9TN, and where it mentions "mission modules" it's talking about the various room-sized things that clamp on below the spine, not the rollbars. However, rollbars aren't mentioned at all in the DS9TM.
Anyone know of a canon, semi-canon, or even fanon source for more information on the rollbars? Are there any canon constraints on what they can do?

I'm trying to think what sources there would be. The model kit has optional parts for what they lable "long range sensor cluster," and the writeup reads in part: "To facilitate exploration and keep informed of anomalies far into deep space, a long-reaching sensor array can be attached to the top of a Runabout, keeping he crew informed of what's ahead well in advance of their arrival at that point in space. Further, the Runabout is of modular design and construction and is capable of being fitted with different mission packs and even aft cabin configurations, should the need ever arise." That's a bit ambiguous, the habitable volume of the runabout is one piece, (well, two pieces, top and bottom) but the window parts in the front are labeled "cabin ports," and those in the back are labeled "module windows." Leaving it not quite clear what gets changed. (If you have the 2015 Ships of the Line Calendar, you can see the centerfold shows runabouts with the center module and the aft compartment replaced by cargo.)

I haven't indexed a Briefing on runabouts in ST:The Magazine, but Rick Sternbach's "Designing" article, if completely chronological, shows the design as being all worked out and the miniature built when the request came for an add-on part for differentiation. I would guess not to much thought was given to specialist equipment, rolling all the capabilities into the generic runabout.

The Encyclopedia entry does not mention the rollbar, it is only mentioned in the "Ganges" entry (and the clip art illustrating does not show it). If I had time I'd check all appearances of the Ganges, if the Encyclopedia shows them all. I'm wondering if the rollbar is like a car's trailer hitch or sunroof; an option more or less permanent when chosen.