Cruising speed (also known as cruise speed or cruise velocity) was a warp speed of a starship which could be safely maintained over a period of time without sacrificing optimal efficiency. This was typically less than maximum warp speed.
In 2151, the standard cruising speed of an NX-class starship was warp 4.5. (ENT: "Broken Bow")
By 2153, warp 5 had become a sustainable cruising velocity that could be maintained for long periods of time for ships using the warp five engine. (ENT: "The Expanse", "The Xindi")
In the 2250s, the Rigel system was several weeks away from the Vega colony at the maximum cruising speed of a Constitution-class heavy cruiser. (TOS: "The Cage", "The Menagerie, Part I")
In 2268, extensive modifications were made to the USS Enterprise by the Kelvans, who were able to produce velocities that were far beyond the reach of Federation science, allowing the Enterprise to safely maintain a cruising speed of warp 11 while traveling through the intergalactic void. (TOS: "By Any Other Name")
In 2285, a Class III neutronic fuel carrier had a maximum cruising speed of warp 3. (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
In 2371, the Intrepid-class USS Voyager, had a variable warp nacelle configuration, which gave it a maximum sustainable cruise velocity of warp 9.975. (VOY: "Caretaker")
Ferengi shuttles were extremely fast and durable warp-capable vessels, fast enough to outrun Romulan interceptors. According to Rom in 2372, they were capable of flying half way through the Milky Way Galaxy before even needing a maintenance checkup. It was possible to exceed the maximum safe cruising speed by 0.3 warp factors. (DS9: "Little Green Men")
According to the EMH Mark II in 2374, the USS Prometheus was capable of a cruising speed of warp 9.9 and no other ship in Starfleet could do this. (VOY: "Message in a Bottle")
According to Star Trek: Starship Spotter (p. 65), the Delta Flyer's warp nacelles were tuned circumferential warp drive units. The ship was capable of a cruising speed of warp 3 and a maximum speed of warp factor 6.
External links[]
- Warp factor at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
- Cruising speed at Wikipedia