U.S.S. Prometheus

USS Prometheus; picture TOSTW

In 2374, USS Prometheus NX-59650 (the "NX" prefix denotes an experimental or prototype vessel; if trials are successful the ship is usually reclassified with the normal "NCC" prefix) became Starfleet's latest and most advanced vessel - an experimental deep-space tactical ship designed in the aftermath of the Dominion War. As a result many of its systems are far in advance of those on USS Voyager, itself one of the state-of-the-art Intrepid-class ships for its time when first launched. However, Voyager's top speed is fractionally faster than USS Prometheus: Voyager can sustain a maximum cruising velocity of warp 9.975 [Caretaker], while Prometheus can attain warp 9.9. POSSIBLE ERROR IN ENCYCLOPAEDIA / DISCUSSION OF "NX-range" NUMBERING Scroll textbox to read. Encyclopaedia shows USS Prometheus' master control display with "NX-74913", which seems to be an error. Once it was decided to drop the experimental or prototype status as shown by the classification prefic "NX-" and enter them into full-time service, it was usual Starfleet practice to redesignate them with the same number but change the prefix to "NCC-", as with the Excelsior (NX-2000 to NCC-2000). Perhaps there was a prototype designated NX-74913, but if so it seems a large jump in number from 59650. I do not know whether prototype vessels were sequentially numbered in the NX-range or numbered in the NCC-range but simply given the NX-prefix, although what happened with the Excelsior would seem to indicate the latter is so.

Click image to enlarge. U.S.S. Prometheus.

USS Prometheus' enhanced battle systems feature:

• regenerative shielding
• ablative armour (this is spelled in sources "ablative" but I think they mean in British English "oblative")
• multi-vector assault mode, whereby the ship parts into three sections each armed and responding to commands from the Bridge
• ability to travel at warp 9.9 (which made it the fastest vessel in Starfleet after the Intrepid class which could sustain 9.975), enabling the ship to reach assignments fast (and if necessary flee quickly too)

multi-vector assault mode

regenerative shielding and ablative armour defends against attack, making it very difficult for an enemy to damage the ship LCARS reports ship specifications

Ships deliberately constructed in order to be able to separate are not a new feature of Starfleet vessels e.g. the saucer of Galaxy-class ships can be separated in order, say, to facilitate an emergency landing. The Galaxy-class USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D was forced to make such a landing in 2371, in [Star Trek VII: Generations].

USS Prometheus' features were considered so important and confidential that only four Starfleet officers were trained in its operation for the duration of its trials. Presumably at least one of these was not on board when the Romulans seized the ship but placed on board after the ship was recaptured, thus enabling Starfleet to bring the ship quickly back under their control.

Other enhanced ship's systems included holo-emitters on every deck, enabling the ship's medical officer to travel and attend personnel wherever he might be needed throughout the ship.

3D cutaway drawing of the Bridge

	The Prometheus' bridge. When 'multi-vector assault mode' is in operation, the central overhead ceiling light flashes on and off, the colour flashing on being blue, as well as small lights on the bulkheads at approximately eye-height when standing. In Sickbay, certain wall panels flash blue. Bridge with blue light on. Sickbay with blue light on.
	The Prometheus' bridge.
	The Prometheus' bridge.
	The turbolift onto the Bridge. Note the U.S.S. Prometheus' dedication plaque to the right.

Navigation and helm controls on the Bridge

Tactical station on the Bridge.