Drilling platform over Vulcan.
A mining beam[1], resource extraction beam[2], drill laser[3] or plasma drill[4] was a tool designed to break down solids and extract valuable raw materials so these could be used as resources. This process was called mining. (ST video game: Armada)
History and specifications[]
In the 2370s decade, mining freighters used by various factions were equipped with a mining beam or equivalent. Klingon mining freighters could use these as extremely weak energy weapons. These mining beams allowed the freighters to collect dilithium from dilithium moons. The dilithium crystals were then used in starship construction. (ST video game: Armada)
The Undine deployed Species 8472 collectors, an organic lifeform ship equipped with a resource extraction beam. This beam enabled the collector to break down ships or planetary body resources and convert them into biomatter, used as resource by the species. The resource extraction beam could be used offensively against weak or stationary, undefended targets. (ST video game: Armada II)
In the 2380s, the Romulan mining vessel Narada was equipped with a plasma drill. Unlike the energy beam of the older Romulan mining freighters, a rope was suspended from the ventral hull, attached to a drill platform that emitted a fiery beam of concentrated plasma. (ST - Countdown comic: "Number One")
Drill laser emitter.
After the Khitomer Alliance gained access to technology from the Kelvin timeline in 2409, a weaponized version of the Narada's' plasma drill. The drill laser emitter was equipped on starships not designed for mining, and could fire a powerful plasma beam at enemy vessels. (STO - Agents of Yesterday mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock", Kelvin Lock Box)
Appendices[]
References[]
External link[]
- Drill Laser Emitter article at The Star Trek Online Wiki.