The Bradbury was constructed in the classified drydock at Starbase Deep Space Four and was completed at around the same time as several other experimental designs, such as that of the USS Defiant (NX-74205). The ship was a testbed for several new systems. A new multi-dimensional sensor array that detects changes within the three-dimensions of space as well as temporal fluctuations and interphasic shifting was installed. The vessel was equipped with the new quantum torpedo targeting and launching systems. Biomimetic gel packs also used in the experimental design for the Intrepid class cruiser were made a part of the Bradbury's Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS) hierarchy to speed response time in combat situations. Ablative armor plating was fused to the exterior hull as a defensive measure in case of shield failure. However, the plating used with this ship is not as strong nor as visually apparant as the kind later incorporated into the design of the Defiant. It is unclear which type of armor Starfleet will use in future Bradbury class ships due to the difference in displacement tonnage between the two classes.

The USS Bradbury is the only vessel of its class to be mentioned in Star Trek, specifically in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Menage a Troi". In 2366, the Bradbury was scheduled to rendezvous with the Galaxy class heavy cruiser USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) to transport Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher to Starfleet Academy's main campus at the Presidio, San Francisco, California on Earth. Mr. Crusher had to miss the transport because he felt that it was his duty to help rescue Betazed Ambassador Lwaxana Troi, Commander William Riker, and Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi from a Ferengi vessel. As a result, Captain Jean-Luc Picard granted Crusher a field promotion to Ensign, Senior Grade, and he remained aboard the Enterprise until 2367 when a position opened in the Starfleet Academy class during mid-term.

Other Bradbury class ships are presumed to have appeared in the background of such episodes as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "A Call to Arms" where a giant fleet of starships was seen in transit from Cardassian to Federation space. A Bradbury class vessel was ordered to the Romulan Neutral Zone in the last Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "All Good Things . . .". A few Bradbury class starships were involved in the Starfleet defense of Federation space during the second Borg incursion in 2372 (Star Trek: First Contact).