259
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Added mentions of Benamite crystals
The quantum slipstream drive is an advanced form of interstellar [[:category:propulsion|propulsion]] that achieved and exceeded what failed [[Federation]] attempts using [[transwarp]] were meant to do: exceed the [[warp]] speed barrier. Originally developed by an advanced species native to the [[Delta Quadrant]], the technology was obtained by the [[USS Voyager]] in 2374 and used for an aborted test in early 2375 that nearly destroyed the [[starship|ship]].
The slipstream is a narrowly-focused, directed [[Warp Field|warp field]] that is initiated by manipulating the fabric of the space-time continuum at the quantum level. It works by focusing a quantum field generated in a [[Benamite]] crystal through a ship's [[deflector dish]] to generate massive changes in local space curvature; this creates a subspace tunnel, which is projected in front of the vessel. Once a ship has entered this tunnel, the forces inside propel it at incredible speed. In order to maintain the slipstream a ship has to constantly modify the quantum field with its deflector dish; however, the calculations involved were too complicated for 24th century [[Star Fleet]] technology, and the time available was too short before the vessel out-paces the tunnel, collapsing the slipstream.
By 2415, thanks to decades of increased military spending, Star Fleet believed they had cracked the mystery of Slipstream Drive: generating the slipstream corridors required more processing power than forming warp fields; the computational power required is directly related to the frontal geometry of a vessel and lesser to the ship geometry. Therefore, slipstream propelled ships are generally narrow and compact with aerodynamic lines. However, they are also more energy-efficient than warp drive. The first tests had not taken geometry into account and failed, sometimes spectacularly, but the first Slip Vessel to successfully maintain a slipstream corridor, the [[USS Spirit]], was launched in 2416.
===Drive Stamina===
At its current technological advancement, Star Fleet Slipstream Drives can only be operated for a maximum of approximately 12 hours before initiating auto-shutdown procedures. This allows a ship to travel 3,600 light years from where they started. The [[Benamite]] crystals that serve as a power source are also partially consumed by use, and will have to be replaced periodically. Continuous use, even within the guidelines below, will accelerate the rate of consumption.
===Warmup Time===
