Star Trek's BEST Shuttle! - Danube-class Runabout Explained

⭐ Support our channel!
www.youtube.co...
🖖 Join Our Star Trek Community Discord Server:
/ discord
Fan of Star Trek and like our content? Subscribe and follow us!
▶ Website -
trekcentral.net
▶ Facebook -
/ trekcentral
▶ Twitter -
/ thetrekcentral
▶ Discord - / discord
___________________________________________
Sources:
Video Credits:
Written by
Presented by
Special thanks to:
___________________________________________
All STAR TREK® footage and its various marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. 2022 © CBS Studios Inc./Paramount Global Pictures Corp.

[@kanebunce3791]

The best part of this video is the Teal'c easter egg. Which begs the question, can a runabout fit through a stargate like a puddle jumper? 🤣

[@matthewlamont3112]

I think it's nacelles screw it over. Boarding pods would, Class 2's I think would..... Just, Runabouts or Delta Flyers could jog on though.

[@kanebunce3791]

@@matthewlamont3112 Yeah, you are probably right. That is why the engine pods on puddle jumpers retract. But since the nacelles on runabouts are not designed to do that, we'd end up with the problem the Atlantis crew once faced when they got stuck half in a stargate because the engine pods failed to retract.

[@88porpoise]

Not even close. A stargate has an inner diameter of just under 5m, so the Danube class is almost three times as wide and about half a metre too tall.

[@wognatiouspable]

❤​@@matthewlamont3112

[@paulkirby2761]

The legendary Danube. Used, abused, battered and bruised, a tough life as standard, yet easily one of the toughest, most iconic and best looking little Fed ships in the Trek series. Though no bigger than a motor-home, this pocket rocket valiantly filled a role far beyond it's design capabilities ever intended it to be, which far too often was to be the Defiant long before the mighty Defiant even left the drawing board. It's earned its place in the Starfleet hall of fame as one of the all time greats imho, the AK-47 of ship designs.

[@mb2000]

Fun fact: Brannon Braga is the only person to have written episodes that involve runabouts outside of DS9, having written both TNG “Timescape” and VOY “Non Sequitur”. I like how the rollbar was only really there so the audience could tell which runabout they were looking at when two were being used at the same time. Then in episodes like “The Jem’Hadar”, where both Mekong and Orinoco had rollbars, they put different coloured lights on the pods, so you could still tell them apart! Thank you mentioning that DS9 must have had more than 3 runabouts at some points, especially with Rio Grande, Volga and Yukon defending DS9 against the Dominion while Rubicon was in the Gamma Quadrant. It seems to be a point overlooked quite often with it just being assumed the station always had 3. I like to think that Rio Grande’s longevity is due to it being “the chariot of the Emissary”, the ship Sisko discovered the Celestial Temple in and is therefore ‘blessed’ and protected by the Prophets.

[@blairbrown4812]

U2,huh?😂

[@sokagofferenginar8669]

Hopefully we get to see the Rio Grande again soon

[@scimbrelo]

I loved these little ships as a kid. Really added to a grand sense of adventure.

[@TheBEARofHIGHWAY1]

When I first started watching DS9 as a kid in 1993 I thought these runabouts looked really stupid. Now? I love their designed with or without the torpedo launcher. I wish I could have one, its the perfect camper ever made.

[@Razorgeist]

Nice to see you cover one of my favorites. Fun fact the La Sirena from Picard is based on the runabouts. My idea is that the Runabout was such a successful design that civilian ship builders began copying it.

[@Robb403]

Was that emergency door on the runabout called the 'Boeing' by any chance?

[@ultramaximusreviews]

This would be a perfect personal space vehicle to own in the Star Trek universe

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

The Danube-class runabout in Star Trek Online, can be customized with or without the rollbar. It features as both a playable ship of the shuttle/fighter tier or as a hangar 'pet' launchable from other craft with hangar bays, such as Akira-class vessels.

[@NorthernStar1982]

*Runabout exists* *Runabout explodes* Somewhere a space 1999 eagle also explodes.

[@daffydwagstaff4246]

Logically, having graduated from shuttles to runabouts, the next ship size up to discuss is the “Raven” class ships that the Hansens flew whilst studying the Borg (and dragging their daughter Annika along with them!)

[@KenjiWardenclyffe]

The Danube class runabout is my absolute favourite. If I could pick any ship to have as my own, I'd choose a runabout

[@ajrtorres]

If you haven't done one yet how about the maquis raiders, or the raven ship

[@kenw3360]

The pic of the runabout in section's reminds me of the Eagle from space1999.😂

[@epockismet76]

My desire to have a runabout in real life kinda saved DS9 for me, as at my age, it was a bit too "serious"... since then I never skip DS9 when I feel like binging Star Trek 🤪

[@RoballTV]

Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Survives what other Danube's can't. Did it crash? Only once, Returned fast and kicked Dominion butt. Look out! Here comes the Rio Grande!

[@datathunderstorm]

To be sung to the Spider-Man theme, for those who might not get it. Brilliant, by the way.

[@dennisud]

Finally, we get to cover the Underdog Class of Ship! Thanks!

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

Do the Olympic class! It’s divisive but I love it.

[@warwolf88]

the toughest space bus out there 😂

[@dizzlery3628]

thanks for the litte stargate easter egg! Teal´cs "indeed" is such iconic in my eyes (and ears)

[@iangregory3719]

Teal'c P.I.

[@YeahGuy1970]

Yes 👍🏼 thank you Lt Adam for making my Saturday. Can not wait to watch on the big screen when get home. Keep up the amazing perspective and narrative that only you can bring to the table

[@TrekCentral]

Enjoy!

[@travisr9839]

Just a reminder that BlueBrixx (like Lego) makes a huge Danube class model with full interior ($200) and a smaller, cheaper model ($40). They’re so good.

[@xedanis101]

*WANT*

[@tomlee4173]

@TrekCentral I would like to see a episode on the Raven Class ship. 7 of 9's parents ship.

[@soknightsam]

The two deck Science Winnebago

[@Gene1969]

@@soknightsam That's as big as Voyager. 🤯

[@whiteboy60001]

I always felt all other shuttles before the runabout should have been retired immediately. I loved the runabout. Coolest shuttle-like vessel to me. Still holds up

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

The Peregrine Fighter. I'm not sure if it's already been covered yet, so that's my throw into the pile.

[@tonymarenno9568]

Now we need episodes on the Starbug and the Blue Midget 😉

[@tonymarenno9568]

All I know about Starbug is that going from blue alert to red alert required a change of light bulbs 🙂

[@brightlord-ov7cm]

Give it Delta Flyer's tech and it could hold off the j'emh'adar(sp and punctuation?)fleet. I bet if "The Bad Batch" was in star trek universe they'd switch from the marauder to one of these, and find a way to strategically transfer equipment to an alternate location with a cloak device and make it their main base.

[@brettnelson7048]

Oh, Mr. Adam, you still make me laugh!

[@serina3872]

It is indeed like thunderbird 2

[@TrentonBennett]

Awesome episode as awlays. Adam I half expected you at some point to say, “Poor Runabout”. Was a TINY disappointed when you didn’t. I’m of course kidding. I know that’s specific for the Star Drive…Poor Star Drive lol b

[@Raso719]

It's a shame we only see the rear module of the Runabout in that one episode of The Next Generation. If only the Galaxy class starship was known to have a yacht available. Maybe one named for the captain? A Captain's Yacht if you would, capable of mid range warp missions...

[@markrurup2167]

While the modular midsection is compared to Thunderbird 2, I always saw it more akin to the modular midsection of the Eagle from Space: 1999

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

Cool a videos about the minivan to the stars.

[@sea-envy3137]

a Mobile Defense Platform? Geeks out in Mordangradian

[@retluoc]

This all depends on the definition of "shuttle." I'm going to define it as any ship that can dock inside the bay of a starship. I guess runabouts count. I can't remember if the Defiant ever carried one, but they could definitely dock inside a medium or heavy cruiser. I still like the Delta Flyer. It was just as good as any runabout... plus it had some Borg tech. 😀

[@scottb7539]

You can fit one of these in the hanger deck of a constitution class refit. Be easy on the paint

[@TheKnightsShield]

How about a video on general escape pod design?

[@blairbrown4812]

The Rio Grande, having made first contact with the Bajoran Wormhole and the Prophets therein, was "blessed" by said Prophets, which would likely explain her longevity throughout the series.

[@HalferLandPerformance]

Love the runabout but personally think the Voyager Delta Flyer is 🤌

[@edwardpate6128]

Those replaceable modules remind me of the Eagle from Space 1999.

[@BrianD0313]

I thought this was such a beautiful ship design. I always thought these were the shuttles of Starfleet... then I saw the actual shuttles and went 'bleh'.

[@matthewlamont3112]

Your bit about the Class 2/Type 9. I think both are legit, it's a Class 2 because of it's size and capacity and Type 9 because of it's configuration.

[@joshhardin666]

the Delta Flyer would like a word ;)

[@deathgnomes]

How about a breakdown of the Vulcan, Andorian, and Tellarite ships?

[@desmondlocker7343]

Maybe do a video on the Picard (series) Enterprise D where you show the subtle difference between the Generations version, TNG version and Picard version? Especially since the Picard version is two different ships ...

[@randybentley2633]

I always thought that the Runabout would make for a great means of transporting and deploying ground vehicles.

[@PrinceAnakin]

I love you guys 2001 theme.❤

[@syedhassaanmujtababokhari6199]

Suggestions: Speculation Video Essay on How would a Show around a Universe Class Ship in the 32nd century would pan out with one of the crew an active section 31 member

[@syedhassaanmujtababokhari6199]

Captain of the Ship being the sec31 member

[@vic5015]

The 3 runabouts survived the battle because the Dominion *wanted* them to. Spread fear, let the Federation know just how far they were willing to go, and all that. Just like Weyoun ordered that the Defiant crew be allowed to survive that ship's destruction.

[@deadronin47]

YESSSSS IM FAMOUS TREK CENTRAL SAID MY NAME HA Ha OBRAIN NEXT PLEASE

[@MrTilbin]

Well! They didn't have unlimited resources like Voyager to make their own specialist ship. (Yes that is sarcastic). We will also ignore the seemingly endless utility of the Delta Flyer as LT Wildmen has internal injury (and almost does) when it somehow crashes in an Ion storm after handling deep atmosphere gas giant.

[@JohnSalmeier]

Swappable modules... Sounds like an Eagle (Space 1999)

[@brucechmiel7964]

The runabout is the smallest type of ship to have it's own starfleet registry. It really can't be classified as a shuttle.

[@paulrasmussen8953]

You miseed a "poor Odyessy." In their

[@DC15455]

GIVE BEN SISKO HIS OWN MOVIE ..

[@renepascalsto]

In German its Actually a Donau Klasse Flitzer 😅😅

[@TerryTerman]

Hey! Stop randomly screaming my name!!

[@Captain.AmericaV1]

Assemble!!

[@Yvario]

Indeed. 😎

[@Rendazz]

i would love to see a chief miles o'brien special, with the entire life and starfleet record

[@legPhase]

tyvm - I had an ARTL plastic model with some totally awful try of interior some 20y ago

[@ufg2036]

I want to see a video on the shuttle that is seen in spacedock and on the tarmac outside Starfleet HQ in stIV

[@nixboox]

I think you should have done the comparison of "best shuttle" by first counting how many of them crashed. Star Trek has this weird propensity for shuttles crashing all the time. I think the Type 7 is the one that crashed the least and is therefore the best.

[@covlinuxguy]

Ehhhemmm, Shuttle? WHAT? lol.....tutt tutt, its a full ship as it has its own reg number.......Cant get the staff...lol.

[@vrenak]

They have over time mentioned a few rivers on other planets, Just immediately of the top of my head there's 2 named on Bajor, but of course Bajor is not in the UFP.

[@shanenolan5625]

My money is on yellowstone being real , a craft like that would be in development for years and , kim having a role might explain him as an ensign being made chief of operations on voyager. My head canon has him stationed in san Francisco for his post academy year and then voyager , previous assignment , working under a fleet admiral. .the original runabouts being so successful exploring the potential makes perfect sense or a new bigger / better version

[@Jagdtyger2A]

Personally, I would like an open source copies of th Romulan Raptors. Not the common Kligo Bird of Prey, but the design that looks like a stooping hawk

[@Siege181]

Dakka? MOR DAKKA! MORRR DAKKAAAAA!!!!!

[@bartlester591]

I don’t you like to see you’ll try to do some stuff on Bjorn space vessels

[@danielthorp8717]

Sorry jumping back in time with this idea, but has anyone considered looking at what the remaining Military/NORAD and Nasa/Space Command establishments on earth and the moon track, detect when First Contact and the Borg issue occured. What information did starfleet have about that time from Military Intelligence or what did section 31 withhold. Concerning the Enterprise episode Regeneration.

[@XerrolAvengerII]

Only just noticed that Major Kira said "the Earth" and not "Planet Earth" or "your Earth" or just "Earth". No one would say "it's a good thing The Bajor has soo many orbs".

[@lukasloukota7193]

Next video: venture scout class ❤

[@mikewaterfield3599]

Less a shuttle and more a mini star ship. If the federation were a real world thing I would imagine space heavily populated with ships in this size and weight class.

[@matthewjay660]

Screw you, Sir. I'll be on the U.S.S. Rio Grande! 🖖🏻

[@elisekehle8520]

Beta canon said they could sprint at 8.3, but it's hard for me to see how runabouts, much less shuttles, could be used for interstellar travel with speeds so low as we see onscreen. Isn't the Delta flyer the fastest with a sprint speed of warp 6 and a cruise speed like the Jovis?

[@rslansky]

Why is the modular design so familiar? Space 1999 Eagle transport.

[@johnm9126]

It wasn’t a shuttle. It was a very small ship. Wahahahahahaa

[@somniferousSirenSocial]

How about starfighters in the setting?

[@soknightsam]

I was and have always been bummed that the runabout were not included in any iteration of Starfleet Armada games

[@IrugaZERO]

How big could the photon/quantum torpedo's have been, that you'd risk sending a runabout against a jem hadar fighter? They have been very high yield torpedos, given their size.

[@sokagofferenginar8669]

Too bad we never got to see the Rio Grande when the Cerritos visited DS9 would have been nice to see her even if it was just a glimpse

[@bobbyclarkston8836]

All those “over-the-shoulder” shots of crew members leaning left or right as the runabout maneuvered; wouldn’t the inertial dampeners make that unnecessary? Wait . . . . don’t tell me. . . . They only function during forward motion? 🧐 🖖🏼

[@kirkthompson6283]

The key word in there is damper. A damper doesn’t cancel motion it just makes it less. Think of it like space suspension. If the wheels on your car were mounted directly to it the ride would be extremely rough. But when you add springs and shocks it smooths it out allot but you still feel the bumps!

[@grumpy2.0]

Wow no Miranda Class Comparison, even when fitted with the Roll bar

[@deadronin47]

I do think the runabout is the best shuttle class to have

[@aaronmurphy2599]

Let get it!!!

[@augurseer]

Best agreee

[@stephendaurie9344]

I do believe the runabout was first introduced in TNG a season before DS9 was started, it wasn't used much until DS9 started

[@augiegirl1]

According to Memory Alpha, the only TNG episode with a runabout is “Timescape”, but DS9 started 6 months before that episode aired.

[@mb2000]

@@augiegirl1And the aft section was built on TNG’s budget to help DS9, although DS9 would never use it aside from the windows in “The Visitor” and redresses like in “Second Sight”.

[@baystated]

Was the cockpit set used for any other craft?

[@mb2000]

It was reused as the shuttlecraft cockpit in Insurrection (and the scout ship cockpit was VOY’s Type-9 shuttle interior). Also redressed to be Chakotay’s Maquis raider in “Caretaker”.

[@baystated]

@@mb2000 Oh that's right! Thanks!

[@Captain.AmericaV1]

Is there a31st Century shuttle/runabout thats cannon from Discovery?

[@billbolton7108]

How many rivers does Earth have? By the way I named mine “Mara”

[@erneststrickland1956]

To me this class aways made sense. Shuttles were completely useless.. watch any TNG episodes that that used the Kia Soul of Shuttles as a setting compared to a runabout.. .. and btw. Why didn't picard use the captain's yacht in that episode..

[@ThomasMarxJeetKuneDoIFO]

This ship would be enough to rule the world.

[@vic5015]

Pretty big for a shuttle.

[@terryhart6355]

Yellowstone Class Is in Fact Canon due to it showing up in Star Trek online..

[@TrekCentral]

STO Isn’t canon ;) - Jack

[@teehasheestower]

2:17 Star Treks best "shuttle" isn't a shuttle at all, it's a starship.

[@tabxtra7057]

Danube-class Runabout is not a shuttle :) it's a starship..

[@shanenolan5625]

Shuttle ? How dare you ? Its a runabout star ship ( thumbnail)

[@peterq1978]

id say Cruising speed of warp 5....

[@baystated]

FORTY PASENGERS?!?

[@user-qj2in3ts4c]

Using warp nacelles as landing gear is a bad idea. The surface of the planets will not always be smooth.

[@housecoatgaming]

Wow. Massive screw up just on the _title._ The Danube isn't a shuttle. It's the smallest actual starship in the fleet: all of them have their own unique registry codes instead of being 'DS9/number' like every shuttle. Which automatically makes them the _worst_ starships in the fleet, as, accordingly, they're barely one step above shuttlecraft.