The increasing hositilities with the Klingon Empire prompted
Star Fleet to reassess its needs for assault ships, and in 2251 an
incomplete new build Mk4 Stellarford Class liner was taken in hand by Star
Fleet Division and completed to Mk5 standards. The Mk5 added fore and aft
accelerator cannons in the former bow and stern observation decks, as well
as two pairs of lasers covering all arcs fore and aft at the top of the
'sail' assembly. These weapons were intended for use in self defence only,
as part of the new role of assault ship. Later that year the six newest
remaining Mk3s were converted to this standard, as well as four of the new
build Mk4s and a pair of rebuilt Mk4s. In total 13 ships commissioned as
Mk5s.
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