Named after an ancient transportation system, these can consist of broad areas encompassing a number of whole star systems, or narrow corridors which can extend for many thousands of light years. These high speeds are allowed by so called "warp highways". In 2286 Captain Kirk was able to reach the centre of the Galaxy from Nimbus III, covering a distance of 22,000 light years in just 6.8 hours at warp 7 - an average of 3,235 light years per hour. For instance, shortly after Zefram Cochrane made his famous warp flight, the SS Valiant was able to reach the edge of the galaxy. The values for TNG warp speeds under these conditions are shown below, along with travel times across typical distances :Īlthough the above values hold true for ideal conditions, there are occasions when a Starship can travel at speeds significantly higher than normal. Under ideal conditions values of a = 0.00264320, n = 2.87926700, f1 = 0.06274120 and f2 = 0.32574600 can be expected within a "normal" area of deep interstellar space. Where a is the subspace field density, n is the electromagnetic flux, and f1 and f2 are the Cochrane refraction and reflection indexes respectively. Beyond Warp 9 the formula becomes somewhat more complex. Which is very similar to the Cochrane Scale. Starfleet conducted a quick assessment of several possible new warp scales between 23 before formally adopting the TNG scale, with the changeover made in 2312.įor ideal conditions, such as are found in interstellar space, the speeds of TNG warp factors are calculated using either of two formulae : The new scale was also tweaked to accommodate a number of technical advances made over the last century and in development at the time. So a Captain using the TNG scale would be able to order Warp 7 while in space, a solar system, or an Ion storm and be assured that he would not be over stressing his engines. The actual speed denoted by any given warp factor would depend upon the precise conditions prevalent at the time. On the TNG Scale the warp factor is indicative of the subspace stress levels which the vessel must both create and endure, rather than the actual velocity of the vessel itself. The Terrance-Neltorr Graduated Scale was first suggested in 2298 by two civilian warp field specialists of those names. Although other factors contributed greatly, such as a serious breakdown in communications on the ship, Starfleet was unwilling to chance such a situation again. It emerged during the inquiry that Captain Lamarr had seriously over stressed the Wilmingtons 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. The loss of the USS Wilmington with all hands during an Ion storm in 2309 changed this attitude. Engineering departments lobbied for years to bring in a new scale, but the bridge crews resisted and Starfleet Headquarters - primarily composed of ex-bridge officers - concurred. 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. 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. This scale has the advantage of simplicity the velocity in multiples of light speed at any given warp factor is that number cubed, hence : Warp Factorīy 2300 many were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the Cochrane Scale. Where V = Velocity of the vessel, c = the velocity of light, and WF = the warp factor. It was a relatively straightforward scale which followed the formula The original "Cochrane Scale" was devised by the great man himself for his first test flight aboard the USS Phoenix. Cochrane's first ship didn't exceed lightspeed by more than a few percent, but the scale was flexible enough to remain in force for over two centuries. It was a relatively straightforward scale in which the speed of the vessel was proportional to the warp factor cubed. Since warp drive was first used by Zefram Cochrane in 2063, two methods of scaling warp speeds have been used.
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