Voyager's variable geometry pylon

[Last Redshirt]

My completely head-canon guess is that it was a prototype design on the Intrepid-class ships to see if they would increase performance while at warp/help with the warp damage to subspace. Either it didn't work as intended or it was just a waste of time to put in, so they didn't install the type onto other ships.

 

[Destructor]

I suspect the warp bubble could probably be created with the nacelles down, but it would irradiate everyone in the engineering section (er, that's why there is always a space between the nacelles, right?)

But yes even before Voyager aired multiple sources said the movable nacelles were built to avoid damaging subspace- even TV Guide! It's not canon, but it WAS bandied about a lot.

I don't think Forces of Nature was ever retconned, they did say they'd still use high warp in emergencies, and really, did anything ever contradict this on the show?

 

[Ithekro]

Was it variable nature of them ever hinted at the way Voyager had such a high top speed of Warp 9.975? The speed of which was pointed out to Tom Paris with pride on the shuttle to DS9.