Federation Hewish-class Science Cutter

##Federation Hewish-class Science Cutter##

**Overview:**
The Hewish-class scientific survey cutters were developed in 2330 as a potential replacement for the Oberth-class survey scouts. It was based upon the light cutter spaceframe and powerplant, and featured an upgraded, dual-channel model of the unmanned Oberth-class sensor outrigger. Compared to the Oberth-class, the Hewish-class ships had improved scientific scanning and collection capabilities, more comfortable crew accommodations, a larger number of better-equipped science labs, and faster engines. It was an ideal replacement.

An initial production run of four ships was built, tested, and launched by the end of 2333. An additional eight ships were commissioned, which led to Starfleet’s retirement of a dozen Oberth-class ships. However, no further Hewish-class were produced after 2341. With production shifting to the Fleet Modernization Program (codename: Galaxy), Starfleet chose to save resources by refurbishing and upgrading