Vor ' cha class The " Vor ' cha " - class attack cruiser was one of the largest and most powerful mainstays of the Klingon Defense Force s during the mid - to late - 24th century . History . The " Vor ' cha " - class attack cruiser first appeared around 2367 , when it was essentially limited to the disposal of the Klingon Chancellor and various other ranking officials . The class would eventually become fully integrated into the Klingon Imperial Fleet over the next five years . For a time , one even served as the flagship of the Imperial Fleet , until the " Negh ' var " warship was introduced in 2371 . ( ; ) At least one " Vor ' cha " - class entered the Gamma Quadrant through the Bajoran wormhole . ( ) Despite the fact the class was no longer the flagship of the Imperial Fleet , they maintained a strong presence during both the Klingon - Cardassian War and Federation - Klingon War of 2372 - 2373 . They were used during the First Battle of Deep Space 9 and , later that year , several were used to deploy a minefield around Bajoran space . ( ) The class later served as capital ships during the Dominion War , beginning in 2374 . They saw action during Operation Return , the First and Second Battle of Chin ' toka and the final showdown of the conflict , the Battle of Cardassia . ( ) " During an alternate 26th century , at least one " Vor ' cha " - class cruiser participated on the side of the Federation against the Sphere - Builder s in the Battle of Procyon V . " ( ) In the mirror universe , the Klingon - Cardassian Alliance used the " Vor ' cha " class in their fleet . ( ) Technical data . The " Vor ' cha " - class was one of the more powerful ships in the Klingon Defense Force s ; indeed , for a time , it was also one of the largest warships in the Empire , carrying a formidable armament and demonstrating great maneuverability considering their relatively large size . ( , etc . ) Physical arrangement . The outboard plan of the " Vor ' cha " - class design incorporated the same basic shape and classic avian design lineage dating back over two hundred years . The bridge module was separated from the main body by a thin neck that flared out into the wings , which contained the warp nacelle s . A triangular superstructure was located on the dorsal section of the ship , located above the ship ' s impulse engine s . ( , etc . ) The " Vor ' cha " - class ' secondary hull was composed of duranium alloy . ( ) Tactical systems . Heavily armed , " Vor ' cha " s were mounted with a forward disruptor cannon capable of firing solid and intermittent disruptor beams , in addition to torpedo es . ( ; ) The " Vor ' cha " s that were utilized by the Klingon - Cardassian Alliance in the mirror universe were additionally armed with nacelle mounted disruptor cannons . ( ) The " Vor ' cha " s were well reputed for having enough firepower to threaten a subterranean base . ( ) Despite this reputation , the " Vor ' cha " did have its limitations against heavily fortified targets . During the Dominion War when Chancellor Gowron chose to attack Sarpedion V , he wanted the initial strike to be lead by fifteen " Vor ' cha " - class battle cruisers " " to soften their defenses , " " however , according to General Martok , fifteen battle cruisers would " " barely scratch their defenses . " " ( ) These vessels , like all Klingon starships of the time , also incorporated cloaking technology , which protected them from detection in most evasive situations . ( ; ) Internal security . " Vor ' cha " - class ships were also equipped with security sensor s to detect weapons fire coming from the interior of the vessel . ( ) Interior design . Main bridge . The design of the main bridge of a " Vor ' cha " - class shared numerous similarities to other Klingon bridge designs . Located in the front of the bridge , against the forward bulkhead , was the ship ' s main viewscreen . The command chair was located forward of the crew stations to show trust in the captain ' s crew , and had the ability to swivel 360 degrees , allowing the captain to visually monitor all bridge operations . At the rear of the bridge were several aft stations , including the tactical position . ( ) Ready room . The ready room aboard a " Vor ' cha " was designed to emphasize the prestige and prowess of the ship ' s captain . Along the walls , the captain displayed weapons and trophies . ( ) Armory . The armory was located in the upper half of the ship . ( ) Engineering . The main engineering section of the ship , which contained the reactor core , was located on Deck 26 . ( ) Computer access room . The computer access room was a small , unmanned room , had computer console s and equipment placed in a semi - circle , located in the center of the room , as well as several located along the perimeter bulkheads . The computer room allowed unobstructed access to the defense system database , as well as the computer core diagnostic and navigational control system s . Access to the computer room required DNA - based hand print verification . ( ) VIP quarters . The VIP quarters aboard the " Vor ' cha " - class was a large cabin intended for visiting dignitaries . Lush by Klingon standards , the cabin on board the attack cruiser that transported Klingon chancellor K ' mpec had walls emblazoned with weapons and decorative banners of the Empire , denoting his position . There were also several movable chairs and tables located in the center of the room . ( ) Appendices . Background information . The " Vor ' cha " first appeared in TNG ' s " Reunion " , and was first identified by name in the . The name of the class was finally made official when it was spoken in dialogue in DS9 ' s " The Way of the Warrior " , " Return to Grace " , " Sons of Mogh " , and " Tacking into the Wind " . According to the scripts for " Aquiel , " The Chase " , " Dramatis Personae " , and " Crossover " , the Klingon Bird - of - Prey was intended to be used , but changed to a " Vor ' cha " before production . This is most evident in " Crossover " , where the attack cruiser was firing its disruptors from its nacelles , a location comparable to location of the turrets on a Bird - of - Prey . Size . The size Sternbach settled on , meant that the " Vorcha " measured approximately 1560 feet ( 475 , 5 meter ) , which roughly complies with the size given in the " Technical manual " below . Visual Effects Supervisor David Stipes said that an overall length of 1 , 500 feet ( 457 meters ) was generally used on - screen . . " Technical Manual " . The following information of specifications and defenses comes exclusively from the " " :