Warp factor

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A warp factor is a term indicating velocity in the subspace realm where faster-than-light (FTL) speeds are possible. Starfleet and the Federation has used a scale using cochrane units to measure the distortion potential of a warp drive. An original (OCU) scale was used up until the early 24th century, whereupon a revised scale (MCU) was put into effect when a more complete understanding of the nature of subspace was reached. (ST reference: Starship Spotter)

[edit] Original cochrane unit

In the 22nd and 23rd centuries, the warp factor, WF, was calculated as follows:

3^wf-1 = X multiples of c.

giving a speed of 1c for Warp 1, 3c for Warp 2; at Warp 6 it reaches 243c.

[edit] Modified cochrane unit

In the 24th century, the warp factor, WF, was calculated as follows:

WF =

where v is the speed of the signal or starship and c = 3.0x10⁸ m/s (the speed of light). At Warp 1, a starship reaches light-speed, or c; at Warp 6, a starship reaches a speed approximately 392 times the speed of light. This continues up to warp 9 at which point the formula destabilizes and approaches infinity. The maximum speed ascertainable appears to be just under Warp 10 (transwarp) - for most civilizations. However, the Borg (and a few other races) have broken the transwarp barrier.

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