Ships of this class are commonly called "Runabouts", and are usually used by space stations for short-range interstellar travel. The runabout is a true multirole starship with engine efficiencies and cargo capacities proportional to larger vessels. The Danube-class project began as a vehicle study in 2363 at the Advanced Starship Design Bureau (ASDB) for a ship that could perform a variety of scientific, resupply, and personnel-transfer missions. The prototype USS Danube NX-72003, was ordered into construction at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards in 2365, and began flight trials off the surface of Mars in early 2368.

The mission directives of the Danube-class included the ability to perform rapid-response scientific expedition transporation, the ability to act as an orbital or landed temporary ops base for science missions, to move intact experiment and cargo modules from site to site, and perform emergency and tactical missions limited only by the onboard supplies of fuel, weapons, and consumables.

Runabouts have typically carried no armaments beyond the six standard phaser strips mounted two forward, two on the nacelles, and two on the aft living module. They also use 13.3-centimeter microtorpedoes, as well as at least four full-sized photon or quantum torpedoes.

The continued production of the Danube-class runabout has been approved by Starfleet for the foreseeable future, even as a follow-on vehicle is undergoing initial design reviews and systems simulations at the ASDB. Spaceframe and systems tooling has been replicated and dispersed to three additional sites beyond the initial Utopia Planitia Yards, so that rapid deliveries of replacement runabouts can continue, pending Starfleet work order priorities and processed materials availability.

The Danube-class runabouts seen in Deep Space Nine are traditionally named after great rivers. The runabout was designed by Rick Sternbach and Jim Martin, and the interior cockpit set was designed by Joseph Hodges, all under the direction of Herman Zimmerman. The aft compartment was designed by Richard James. The miniature was built by Tony Meininger.