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Warp factor (symbolic abbreviation wf), alternatively known as time warp factor, is a unit of speed. Another common abbreviation is "warp". The value is given after the unit (Warp Factor 5, or Warp 5). The increase in warp factor speed values corresponds to a non-linear increase in actual velocity. The most common usage is to describe the speed of a spacecraft traveling at a faster than light speed, using a warp drive. Sublight speeds can also be measured in warp factor values, such as "warp .5". Since warp drive was first used by Zephram Cochrane in 2063, two methods of scaling warp speeds have been used.
By 2300 many were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the Cochrane Scale. Although convenient for those using the warp formula, it was of limited use to Engineers and specialists since it took relatively little account of the interstellar conditions at the moment. Thus it took a great deal more engine power to achieve a speed of Warp 5 while within a gravimetric distortion than it did while in relatively "calm" interstellar space. Engineering departments lobbied for years to bring in a new scale, but the bridge crews resisted and Star Fleet Headquarters - primarily composed of ex-bridge officers - concurred.
The loss of the USS Wilmington with all hands during an Ion storm in 2309 changed this attitude. It emerged during the inquiry that Captain Lamarr had seriously over stressed the Wilmingtons Wilmington's engines by ordering Warp 7 while within the storm; although the Wilmington was quite capable of maintaining this speed under normal conditions, during an Ion storm it was far too great a load. Although other factors contributed greatly, such as a serious breakdown in communications on the ship, Star Fleet was unwilling to chance such a situation again.
== Terrance-Neltorr Graduated Scale ==
