A prototype was the common designation for a first working model of a new invention, used for trial runs.
History
In 2371, the Obsidian Order tested a prototype quantum stasis field, which prevented a Changeling from altering its biomolecular structure. (DS9: "The Die is Cast")
In 2373, Starfleet Science developed a prototype of a device called a polaron emitter, designed to expose Changelings by rendering them unable to maintain solid form. The untested nature and the complicated means of placement and activation made Miles O'Brien remark: "I hate prototypes". (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")
Concerning starships, Starfleet prototypes had an "NX" prefix in the registry number, as opposed to the normal "NCC" prefix, and which were typically the first vessels in their class. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; DS9: "The Search, Part I"; VOY: "Non Sequitur", "Message in a Bottle") Once certified for operational status, however, these prototype vessels usually reverted to a more standard NCC prefix. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; DS9: "Tears of the Prophets"; Star Trek Nemesis)
Prototype ships
Andorian Imperial Guard
Earth
Klingon Defense Force
Romulan military
- Romulan drone ship (2154)
- Scimitar (Reman) (2379)
Starfleet
22nd century
23rd century
24th century
- USS Bradbury
- USS Dauntless (actually an alien vessel in disguise)
- USS Defiant
- Delta Flyer (shuttlecraft)
- USS Galaxy
- USS Prometheus
- USS Protostar
- USS Yellowstone (runabout; existed in an alternate timeline)
Appendices
Background information
During production of Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Phase II, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture, several prototypes of the USS Enterprise, both in her original and refit configurations, were built.
During production of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, several USS Excelsior prototypes were built.
During production of Star Trek: Voyager, a USS Voyager prototype mock-up model was built.
See also
External links
- Prototype at Wikipedia
- Prototype at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works