LONG-RANGE SENSORS

	The most powerful scientific instruments aboard the USS Enterprise 
are probably those located in the long-range sensor array. This cluster of 
high-power active and passive subspace frequency sensors is located in the 
Engineering Hull directly behind the main deflector dish.
	The majority of instruments in the long-range array are active scan 
subspace devices, which permit information gathering at speeds greatly 
exceeding that of light. Maximum effective range of this array is 
approximately five light years in high-resolution mode. Operation in medium-
to-low resolution mode yields a usable range of approximately 17 light years 
(depending on instrument type). At this range, a sensor scan pulse 
transmitted at Warp 9.9997 would take approximately forty-five minutes to 
reach its destination and another forty-five minutes to return to the 
Enterprise. Standard scan protocols permit comprehensive study of 
approximately one adjacent sector per day at this rate. Within the confines 
of a solar system, the long-range sensor array is capable of providing nearly 
instantaneous information.
	Primary instruments in the long-range array are located in a series of 
eight instrument bays directly behind the main deflector on Decks 32Ñ38. 
Direct power taps from primary electro plasma system (EPS) conduits are 
available for high-power instruments such as the passive neutrino imaging 
scanner. The main deflector emitter screen includes perforated zones 
designed to be transparent for sensor use, although the subspace field 
stress and gravimetric distortion sensors cannot yield usable data when the 
deflector is operating at more than 55% of maximum rated power. Within 
these instrument bays, fifteen mount points are nominally unassigned and 
are available for mission-specific investigations or future upgrades. All 
instrument bays share the use of the navigational deflectorÕs three subspace 
field generators located on Deck 34, providing the subspace flux potential 
allowing transmission of sensor impulses at warp speeds.
	The long-range sensor array is designed to scan in the direction of 
flight, and it is routinely used to search for possible flight hazards such as 
micrometeoroids or other debris. This operation is managed by the Flight 
Control Officer under automated control. When small particulates or other 
minor hazards are detected, the main deflector is automatically instructed to 
sweep the objects from the vehicleÕs flight path. The scan range and degree 
of deflection vary with the shipÕs velocity. In the event that larger objects are 
detected, automatic minor changes in flight path can avoid potentially 
dangerous collisions. In such cases, the computer will notify the Flight 
Control Officer of the situation and offer the opportunity for manual 
intervention if possible.  Æ