Built in the early 2320's, the Centaur was designed to be a frigate/scout type counterpart to the larger excelsior and ambassador classes then in service. Designed to be small and agile, the Centaur doesn't have the best of accomidations, a roadblock which prevents these ships from being used on deep space, long duration missions. Armed with Type VIII Phaser Banks and single fire torpedo launchers, she's comparable in armament to the larger Intrepid class. Despite the lack of accomidations, the ships of the Centaur class are remarkably popular with her crews. Having been in constant service for 50 years, Centaur class ships are slowly being retired. They played a heavy role in the Dominion War and because of their excelent performance, it's unlikely that the ships will start retiring anytime soon.