Is it plausible that the USS Enterprise only gets bigger from ship class to ship class?
An absolutely linear development of the ship's size is implausible for several reasons:
- It is mathematically improbable (statistical probability).
- For the advancing time (future), this would mean that Starfleet can only build larger.
- As time progresses, this would mean that Starfleet would need more and more personnel to handle the tasks at hand.
- Even if the ENTERPRISE were always a long-range research vessel, the technology would be innovative and therefore require less space.
My calculations follow a purely mathematical approach. I do not compare bridge modules or disk heights with each other. I always pull in decks based on the rows of windows and then calculate a physically plausible room height.
Size calculations:
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| ILM Size Chart by Andrew Probert |
The mathematical reality and also the one on screen often looks different.
Commented on this by Bill George of ILM:
"The only description we had at the time was that it was "souped-up" and bigger than the Enterprise. The size the miniature was built to was determined by the camera guys as being the optimal size to shoot. As I recall Nilo [Rodis-Jamero] did that size comparison chart, but it wasn't necessarily followed. The issue of true scale wasn't a consideration. Budget, ease of use, art direction and dramatic intent were what influenced the construction of the ship."