Because it is able to project many different energy beams and particles, modifying the deflector dish has saved more than one starship from destruction. Recognizing the vast array of uses these utilitarian devices can have, Starfleet engineers in the late-24^th century started equipping some of their science vessels, including the Intrepid class, with secondary deflectors. After several successful field studies, these secondary deflectors have been authorized for roll out to all science vessels. It is expected that the Klingon Defense Force and the Romulan Republic will also adapt the technology for their own use.

The Dyson Science Destroyers were the first starship to feature a Secondary Deflector item and served as a prototype for this type of item. Our inspiration came from the presence of a secondary deflector (sometimes referred to an Auxiliary Deflector) on science ships such as the U.S.S. Rhode Island and U.S.S. Voyager. We also wanted to further create synergy between Science Bridge Officer powers and Science Vessels.

Secondary Deflector Item Slot

To fully support this feature, all Science Vessels (other than the Light Science Vessel) will now have a Secondary Deflector Slot. A good general rule of thumb is that if the ship has both Sensor Analysis and Subsystem Targeting, it will have a Secondary Deflector slot. This slot will be awarded to all new and existing Science Vessels.

Secondary Deflector Types

There are three basic types of Secondary Deflectors: Deteriorating, Inhibiting and Resonating Secondary Deflectors. Each type offers a bonus effect to a subset of Science Bridge Officer abilities. Below is a breakdown of the types of Secondary Deflectors, their benefits and the abilities they affect:

Deteriorating Secondary Deflector

This type of Secondary Deflector enhances Science Bridge Officer abilities that apply a debuff to a target. When using a qualifying ability, Deteriorating Secondary Deflectors will cause the target of the debuff to suffer moderate radiation damage over time. The following Science Bridge Officer abilities benefit from this type of Secondary Deflector:

• Tachyon Beam I, II and III
• Charged Particle Burst I, II and III
• Energy Siphon I, II and III
• Tyken’s Rift I, II and III
• Viral Matrix I, II and III

Inhibiting Secondary Deflector

This type of Secondary Deflector improves Science Bridge Officer abilities that place a control effect on the target. When using a qualifying ability, Inhibiting Secondary Deflectors will cause the target of the control ability to suffer a burst of moderate radiation damage after a short delay. The following Science Bridge Officer abilities benefit from this type of Secondary Deflector:

• Jam Sensors I, II and III
• Tractor Beam I, II and III
• Tractor Beam Repulsors I, II and III
• Scramble Sensors I, II and III
• Gravity Well I, II and III
• Photonic Shockwave I, II and III

Resonating Secondary Deflector

This type of Secondary Deflector improves Science Bridge Officer abilities that heal or buff their target. When using a qualifying ability, Resonating Secondary Deflectors will reduce damage to the target’s shields as well as improve the effectiveness of incoming heals on the target for a short time. This effect stacks up to 3 times. The following Science Bridge Officer abilities benefit from this type of Secondary Deflector:

• Hazard Emitters I, II and III
• Mask Energy Signature I, II and III
• Polarize Hull I, II and III
• Science Team I, II and III
• Transfer Shield Strength I, II and III
• Photonic Officer I, II and III

Obtaining Secondary Deflectors

This new type of item can be obtained in one of three ways:

• Common (White) quality Secondary Deflectors can be purchased from the energy credit space equipment stores found on most ground social hubs (e.g.: Earth Spacedock, Deep Space Nine, New Romulus, etc.)
• All rarities up to Mk XII can drop from enemies as loot.
• All rarities up to Mk XII can be crafted by players with the Science R&D School.

Secondary Deflector Mods

Like standard Deflectors, Uncommon (Green), Rare (Blue), Ultra Rare (Ultraviolet), Epic (Gold) Secondary Deflectors gain a starship stat boost. However these items also gain a single special enhancement at Very Rare (Purple) rarity. Below is list of the possible enhancements these items gain have:

Sensor Analysis (-Defense)

• The enemy target of your Sensor Analysis ability will also receive a Defense debuff that increases in effectiveness the longer you have the target under the effect of this ability.

Sensor Analysis (+Heal)

• Improves the healing buff of Sensor Analysis when used on a friendly target.

Sensor Analysis (+Damage)

• Improves the damage buff of Sensor Analysis when used on an enemy target.

Precision Sub-System Targeting

• Improves the chance for Subsystem Targeting abilities to knock a subsystem offline.

Accelerated Sub-System Targeting

• Reduces the recharge time of Subsystem Targeting abilities.

Q&A

Q: Will my existing science ship automatically receive a Secondary Deflector?
A: No. However, any newly claimed Science ships will receive a Secondary Deflector. Alternatively, you can purchase a common Secondary Deflector from any energy credit starship equipment vendor.

Q: Can my ship use a Secondary Deflector?
A: As mentioned above, if your starship has both Sensor Analysis and Subsystem Targeting, it will also receive a Secondary Deflector slot.

Q: Are there any immediate plans for adding Secondary Deflectors to any space item sets?
A: Not at this time. However, it is possible that new sets might be created to include them if it makes sense to do so.

NOTE: The above stats and features are subject to change.
Phil “Gorngonzolla” Zeleski
Lead Systems Designer
Star Trek Online