Ages of the Federation is a new total conversion mod for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. This mod takes place in the Enterprise and Original series eras, focusing on the conflict between the early Federation and Klingon Empire. A resurgent Romulan Star Empire, angry and still licking its wounds after their defeat to Earth and her allies waits in the shadows, ready to take advantage of any of misstep by either the warring powers. The Xindi, new to the galactic stage are also eager to forge their own path.
USS Xenophon, under command of Captain Kelvar Garth, rises from the atmosphere of Cygnus III, springing a trap leads to the defeat of a Klingon battlegroup - significantly weakening the Imperial fleet's presence in the sector. It is the Federation's first significant victory of the war.
I seriously can't wait for this glorious masterpiece in the making!
From here it looks like a TOS Nova class. Is that essentially what it is, in terms of what role it fills?
It's a light cruiser and plays a combat support role. It can launch precision strikes which de-buff enemies.