Proximity blast

File:Enterprise firing phaser proximity blast.jpg

The Enterprise firing phaser proximity blast

The detonation of a proximity blast

A proximity blast was a special phaser setting that could be employed on Template:ShipClass starships. The proximity blast function operated by firing phasers in a concentrated bolt of energy, rather than the steady beam that was typically employed. The phaser blast would then detonate at a predetermined point in space, affecting any ship or object within the blast radius.

The proximity blast setting was used in 2266 by the USS Enterprise while engaging in combat with a Romulan Bird-of-Prey. As the Romulan ship was equipped with an advanced cloaking device, the proximity blast function proved useful against it, as a more precise targeting of the vessel was impossible. (TOS: "Balance of Terror")

The Enterprise used the proximity blast setting again a year later, when engaged in combat with a Klingon D7-class battle cruiser. The cruiser had initially opened fire on the Enterprise using magnetic pulses, causing damage to Decks 10 and 11 and minor buckling of the antimatter pods. The Enterprise returned fire with phasers, successfully destroying the Klingon vessel using blasts set to one hundred percent dispersal pattern. (TOS: "Errand of Mercy")

The proximity blast setting was described in the writer's guide, The Star Trek Guide (third revision, page 9) [1]. When phaser fire is set for proximity explosion it acts somewhat like a "depth charge". The special effect was also used to represent a photon torpedo launch on many occasions.

When the "Balance of Terror" was digitally remastered by CBS Digital in 2006, a unique special effect was developed.

in the alternate reality created by neros temporal incursion theuss enterprise fired proximity blasts instaed of the traditionalphaser