From STARDATE MAGAZINE, 1987, courtesy of contributor Jeff Rients
Class design by Josh W. Spencer
V-24 (Great Bird) Class X Cruiser
Known Sphere of Operations: Triangle and Klingon borders
Data Reliability: E
Major Data Source: Triangle Sector Intelligence
NOTES:  One of the greatest blows to the Romulan national honor occurred when the Klingons began operating the D-32 Class cruiser and L-42 Class frigate along their border areas, less than two years after signing the third technological exchange treaty in 2/1801. By the end of 2/21, it was evident that Romulan commanders serving along the Klingon border were becoming increasingly fearful about facing these clone vessels. It was then that the Romulan High Command decided to give the Klingons a taste of their own medicine. By 2/2212, four cruiser-sized V-24s were deployed along the Klingon border.
     The V-24 employs the variable wing design seen on the V-30 Cruiser and S-11 Scout (on which it is based). Since the ship is too large for planetary landings, the wings only operate in the horizontal position while cruising and in the swept-down position for combat, thus freeing much space aboard for extra cargo area. In accordance with Romulan doctrine and unlike the L-42, the command pod and boom section are not detachable from the main hull.
     The V-24 is not as dependant on resupply as its Klingon 'brother'; nevertheless, the crews aboard these ships live under the most spartan conditions in the Empire. These crewmembers feel that it is necessary to sacrifice even marginal comforts in their quest to rid the Road to the Stars of the klivam d'vanal, or "great Klingon scourge" (as the L-42, D-32, and K-22 are called).
     Each V-24 has a specific mission, which it must perform with assistance from other units and bases: To hunt down and destroy clone vessels whenever and wherever they approach Star Empire space. Star Fleet Command has recieved unconfirmed reports from Triangle Sector Intelligence concerning battles taking place between L-24 frigates and V-24 cruisers along the southernmost fringes of the Triangle. The otucome of these reports cannot be confirmed at this time due to the nature of the Romulan vessels themselves. It is quite likely, however, that this new Romulan vessel possesses the firepower necessary to perform just such a mission.
     The V-24 is named for the Romulan d'vas, which is a direct translation of the Klingon z'gavasta or "great bird".