Design development

....of a "Long-Range" Shuttlecraft (from the planet Vulcan) needed to intercept
the Enterprise as it proceeded to a rendezvous with the V'GER mystery cloud.



In order for this new shuttle to catch up to the Enterprise, Gene Roddenberry explained
that it needed (logically) large warp engines.  Since the Enterprise we were developing
featured a brand new warp engine design, I thought these engines should look like the
original versions from the television series.



I soon began to wonder just how this shuttle would be able to hard-dock to the Enterprise,
so the engines were moved forward, allowing a clear space around the 'docking ring'.  The
rear-mounted docking ring was a continuation of Gene's Travel Pod docking scenario.



Designs continued until I hit on the idea of the "Personnel Pod" separating from the
"Light Speed Unit" mount  in order to better maneuver into a docking approach.



Building on  the 2-in-1 concept, I began to refine the shapes and also advanced my
warp engine concept to a new level.  I incorporated the impulse engines into the back
of the warp engines and then, wanting to suggest a Vulcan design influence, changed
the engines' cross-section to the shape of the ceremonial gong that was seen on
Vulcan in the original series episode: "Amok Time".



Finally, I produced this sketch to show Gene what it all might look like.


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