Blackbird (ship)

"Blackbird" was the nickname of a Jem'Hadar fighter derived ship equipped with an experimental prototype phased polaron beam weapon.

In late September of 2378, the USS Baldwin (NCC-2013) first encountered the ship. With two shots, the prototype polaron beam was able to disable shields and blew out an EPS conduit powering the phasers, forcing the Baldwin to retreat.

For the next two months, Baldwin captain Patrick Ingrum attempted to acquire the new weapon with no success. In early December, he implemented a plan to capture the fighter by using the Baldwin's cloaking device to pounce on the ship. At the same time, the ship's crew attempted to attack the USS Winchester (NCC-68169).

Upon seeing an unknown ship on a pursuit course, the Winchester dispatched a wing of fighters. The fighters unintentionally discovered a weakness to the new weapon - it was ineffective at warp speeds. The fighters were able to hold down the fighter long enough for Baldwin to pounce, capturing the ship.