As a compromise...

Considering that the name of this class of ship inspires the thought of a Diplomatic Emissary...

Perhaps it was felt during it's (in-universe) design process, that having the photon torpedo launchers so obviously seen, could be a detriment to it's mission goals.

Therefore, the designers hid them away behind a movable panel.


It wouldn't be the first time this thought process could have been used, as according to the actual production designer of the NX-Enterprise (Doug Drexler), this was purposely built into his design of that particular ship.

Form follows Function.