'Phoenix' was the code name for an experimental Romulan heavy cruiser. It was thought to have the speed of a D7 class battle cruiser, a size larger than a Constitution-class and about as heavily armed, with Romulan plasma torpedoes. According to a Starfleet Academy simulation scenario, the Phoenix had not been seen in Federation space but was testing their defenses near the Romulan Neutral Zone and destroyed 4 outposts. The ship was stolen by renegades from the Romulan Star Empire who wished to escape Romulan oppresion and the Federation did not intervene to their plea.