Special weapon

A special weapon was a non-conventional weapon system that operated beside a starship's conventional armaments. Special weapon types often premiered with a particular ship class. (ST video game: Armada II mission: "Tutorial: Combat")

History and specifics

A Federation repair ship fixing a Defiant-class in 2379.

During the Borg Invasion of 2376, the various military forces used special weapons in combat with one another. On starships, special weapons varied between being available by default and requiring researching the technology aboard a nearby research station. Using special weapons used up dedicated power that had to recharge for certain abilities to be available. For instance, the corbomite reflector rendered a Starfleet Sovereign-class battleship invulnerable to conventional weapons fire until the special weapon energy had depleted. While most vessels operated with a single special weapon, specialized science vessels could be equipped with up to four special weapons. Some space stations were built a for a specific purpose and counted as their faction's superweapon by themselves, such as the Borg transwarp gate. (ST video game: Armada)

During the Borg Invasion of 2377 and the galaxy's conflict with Species 8472, the factions involved also relied on special weapons to provide an edge in combat. (ST video game: Armada II)

In the year 2379, the effective use of a ship's special weapon was taught by Lieutenant Commander Carey during a combat training scenario at Starfleet Academy. This included the ability of the Defiant-class destroyer to deploy antimatter mines, a Federation repair ship able to repair nearby damaged vessels, and the shield enhancer system of an Aegian-class frigate. (ST video game: Armada II mission: "Tutorial: Combat")

In the 25th century, Khitomer Alliance starships were equipped with devices that improved structure and system. These were known as consoles. Universal consoles were the devices that enabled ship types' special weapons. Some universal consoles would only work on one or certain ship classes, while other special weapons could be transferred onto any other starship through the installation of its console. Additional unconventional ship abilities were enabled by various mechanics and starship traits, like cloaking and its effectiveness. (STO - Klingon War missions: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock", "The Hunt is On", "Explore the Flotilla", "Ceremony")

Special weapon types

• starship trait
• ship ability
• console
• universal console
• research station technology pod

Appendices

References

• ST reference: Armada II Manual