Originally posted by TrashMan
You think the Definat is suited for combat just couse they say so in the series? Christ, it has all the standatrd ST flaws - forward fixed weaponry, exposed bridge, exposed nacelles (less than other ships, but still)....
Sure it is. It has the smallest target profile of any Star Trek ship, particularly from the front or rear, and among the best weapons and shielding.
The Defiant is a torpedo boat, really. It's meant to charge straight at the target while spewing torps at it. And for that purpose, its forward-fixed armament and very thin forward profile are perfectly suited.