Quantum generator
- The quantum generator is a starship engine from the Generation 1 continuity family.
The quantum generator is a type of engine used in space-faring vessels. Cybertronian starships equipped with quantum generators are capable of performing quantum jumps, a mode of transportation that allow them to travel long distances in a shorter period of time than conventional travel. Though extremely fast, indeed faster than anything other advanced races like the Stentarians have got, the jumps are not instantaneous: that's something only space bridges are capable of.
When a quantum jump is triggered prematurely, bad things happen.
Fiction
IDW Generation 1 continuity
Quantum engines were in development in Unitrex five million years ago. The Unitrex-1 (the future Lost Light) was fitted with one such experimental generator, but before its crew could launch their ship, it was infiltrated by Rodimus and Cyclonus, two time travelers from the future. Needing to recharge their time machine, Rodimus used Perceptor's scientific knowledge from the future to upgrade the Unitrex-1's generator to complete the task, in the process retroactively creating the first quantum generator. Predestination: An Expert's Guide
Bludgeon's Titan Hunters spent ages quantum jumping around space on the Empirion in search of Metroplex. One of his crew members, Thundercracker, reflected on how Metroplex's space bridge was much more effective. The Hunting Party
The Autobot ship Trion and Decepticon ship Torment were equipped with quantum jump drives. The former was shot down when it pursued a quantum jumping Torment straight into an ambush. All Hail Megatron #5
The Lost Light's quantum generators malfunctioned due to Ore breaking the first rule of interstellar travel: never stand next to a quantum generator when it is about to break the laws of physics. By standing too close to them while the ship was taking off, Ore caused it to quantum jump before it was ready. One of the rear thrusters exploded, and thus the Lost Light blindly quantum jumped halfway across the galaxy. How to Say Goodbye and Mean It After the Lost Light landed on a deserted planet for repairs, Brainstorm was able to identify that Ore had been the cause of the malfunction due to the fact that Ore's body had become mashed into the generator. Hangers On Rodimus later used this knowledge to mash a Sparkeater into the quantum generators by ordering a Quantum jump once positioning the Sparkeater near one of the Quantum generators. The Chaos of Warm Things
In an attempt to force the quantum generators to trigger, Rodimus instructed Swerve to tell the somehow-conscious Ore what had happened, so the ship could escape the incineration shield it had been trapped in. Swerve refused, however a short time later the quantum generators were triggered by a grateful Metrotitan, who also spirited away Ore. You, Me, and Other Revelations
Angry Birds Transformers comic
When an Autobot ship carrying the AllSpark came under attack from the Decepticons, the Autobot crew had to hold off the Decepticons while the quantum engine charged power for a quantum jump. When the engine reached full power, Optimus Prime ordered Jazz to initiate the jump. Angry Birds Transformers #1
