Quantum slipstream drive

The quantum slipstream drive is an advanced form of interstellar 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 ship. The slipstream is a narrowly-focused, directed 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 through a 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 are too complicated for 24th century Starfleet technology, and the time available is too short before the vessel out-paces the tunnel, collapsing the slipstream.

The Voyager crew first encountered slipstream technology when they found the USS Dauntless, a vessel ostensibly sent by Starfleet to transport them back to the Alpha Quadrant. However, the Dauntless was actually an elaborate trap set by Arturis to exact revenge on Kathryn Janeway for her role in the Borg's assimilation of his homeworld. In its first test by the Voyager crew, the Dauntless traveled fifteen light years in barely five minutes; this translates into about 1.6 million times the speed of light. During Seven of Nine's analysis of the technology, she commented on its similarity to Borg transwarp conduits, noting her expertise in the field and usefulness to the project. Voyager's chief engineer, B'Elanna Torres, temporarily modified Voyager's engines to be capable of slipstream flight, but in an untested state. Commander Chakotay brought these changes online during an attempted rescue of Janeway and Seven, but this implementation proved too much for Voyager's structural integrity to handle for extended periods of time longer than an hour. This limitation hampered Voyager's slipstream efficiency in comparison to the Dauntless -- only after sabotage to Dauntless was Voyager able to intercept Arturis's ship. Voyager managed to traverse 300 light years during this initial operation. (VOY: "Hope and Fear") Several months later, in 2375, Voyager's crew discovered some benamite crystals and used the rare mineral to construct a more advanced slipstream drive. However, Voyager's technology proved inadequate to the task of navigating the slipstream at the speeds generated by the engine – nevertheless, Voyager managed to travel nearly 10,000 light years before the slipstream collapsed. (VOY: "Timeless") Later that year, the Think Tank expressed interest in trading for slipstream technology, despite its potential dangers. The group's representative, Kurros, considered it an "interesting puzzle." [[Category: ST Propulsion