These ships served on the Federation border in the early and mid 2360s. They are similar in overall design to the Talarian warships seen in the same area, and apparently operate as scoutships for the larger warship. The Observation vessels are less well armed and protected, but are quicker and more agile than their counterparts. Like the warship, they make very effective use of the primitive technology employed.
One of these vessels was diabled by an accident in 2367. The Enterprise-D responded to the ship's distress call and rescued survivors from the crew. Despite a diplomatic incident which ensured when one of the survivors turned out to be a Human teenager abducted as a child, eventually the situation was resolved peacefully.