Prototype is the common designation for a first working model of a new invention, used for trial runs.
In 2371, the Obsidian Order tested a prototype quantum stasis field, which prevents a changeling from altering its biomolecular structure. (DS9: "The Die is Cast")
In 2373, Starfleet Science developed a prototype of a device called a polaron emitter, designed to expose Changelings by rendering them unable to maintain solid form. The untested nature and the complicated means of placement and activation made Miles O'Brien remark: "I hate prototypes". (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")
Concerning starships, Starfleet prototypes have an NX- prefix in the registry number, as opposed to the normal NCC- (this is different from the Earth Starfleet NX prefix, which indicated the NX class), and are typically the first vessel in their class.
Prototype Ships
Earth
Earth Starfleet
Federation Starfleet
23rd Century
- USS Constellation
- USS Constitution
- USS Excelsior ("The Great Experiment")
- USS Federation
- USS Oberth
- USS Ptolemy
- USS Saladin
24th Century
- USS Ambassador
- USS Bradbury
- USS Danube (runabout)
- USS Dauntless (actually an alien vessel in disguise)
- USS Defiant
- USS Galaxy
- USS Hermes
- USS Intrepid
- USS Nova
- USS Prometheus
- USS Sovereign
- USS Yellowstone (runabout; existed in an alternate timeline)
- Delta Flyer (shuttlecraft)
Other Races
Andorian Empire
- Kumari
Romulan Star Empire
Background
- In production of Star Trek, Star Trek: Phase II and Star Trek: The Motion Picture several Enterprise prototypes were built.
- In production of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock several USS Excelsior Prototypes were built.
- In production of Star Trek: Voyager a USS Voyager prototype mockup model was built.