Dispersal pattern

Dispersal patterns or spread patterns were preset dispersal spreads used when firing torpedoes.

In 2366, in an alternate timeline, USS Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D) weakened the deflector shields of an attacking Klingon warship by using dispersal pattern Sierra. The dispersal pattern involved launching five photon torpedoes simultaneously. The torpedoes spread out mid-flight and struck the target nearly simultaneously from multiple angles.''

In 2370, when testing new photon torpedoes with a targeting system enhanced by Worf, the Enterprise-D fired torpedoes at coordinates 005-mark-317 of an asteroid field in spread pattern Delta 9-4. The spread pattern involved the rapid firing of three torpedoes. The first striking a central asteroid, the second an asteroid to the right, and the third an asteroid to the left. During the test, the third torpedo malfunctioned and missed its target. 

In 2372, USS Voyager used dispersal pattern Sierra when firing photon torpedoes at a Kazon carrier vessel.