TechMemo:Photon Torpedoes
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Star Fleet Engineering
Bureau of Starship and Starcraft Technology
Star Fleet Engineering
Technical Memorandum
Stardate: 80326 (26 March 1996)
Revision History: 90626 (June 26 1997), 130807 (7 August 2001), 170322 (22 March 2005)
Split into 2 documents: 170408 (8 APril 2005)
RE: Weapon systems data -- Photon Torpedoes
- Photon Torpedoes
There are two varieties of photon torpedo in normal use on Federation starships. These are commonly referred to as photon and quantum flux or flux torpedoes. All photon torpedoes are variable yield matter anti-matter explosive devices. They are launched by a subspace accelerator tunnel which generates a warp field that accelerated the torpedo as the missile passes through the accelerator. Once the device has left the vessel, a warp sustainer coil is able to maintain the warp field. Small gas jet thrusters are used for attitude control, allowing the torpedo to track its target using onboard sensors or to be directed remotely from the starship. The quantum flux torpedo incorporates a revolutionary shaped charge matter-antimatter warhead which directs a radically higher energy flux at the point of contact than a standard photon torpedo.
That is, the standard photon torpedo directs its energy in all directions. Only about 10 percent of a photon torpedo's energy is directed at the target. A quantum torpedo uses the an anti-matter explosion to generated a blast of plasma on detonation. This focuses as much as 65 percent of the expended energy towards the target. Weapon yield is adjustable by altering the amount of antimatter in the device's warhead. The maximum load for a flux torpedo is 1.5 kilograms of antimatter.
- The Type XXII photon torpedo launcher is the most basic launcher currently in common use on capitol ships. This tube, as all photon torpedo launchers, is capable of firing the quantum flux torpedo; however, it is unlikely that any ship carrying this type of tube would be so equipped. The Type XXII tube launches only one torpedo at a time with a 5 second recycle time between launches,
- The Type XXIII photon torpedo launcher is normally used on larger capitol ships, normally being used on cruisers or larger ships only. It is similar in basic design and function to the type XXII. However, it is capable of launching up to 5 torpedoes in a single volley with a recycle time of 10 seconds between full volleys or single torpedoes with a recycle time of 2 seconds between shots.
- The Type II flux torpedo launcher employs an advanced tactical sensor system which improves accuracy of the torpedo delivery. A more advanced linear accelerator array also increases delivery speed and maximum range. These launchers are capable of single-fire and are normally employed only on vessels likely to see combat. Recycle time between firings is 3 seconds. A ship with this type of launcher will almost always carry both quantum flux and standard photon torpedoes in inventory.
- The Type III is a multiple launch version of the type II. Recycle time in single-fire mode is 1.5 seconds or 9 seconds between full 6-torpedo volleys.
- The Type IV flux torpedo launcher employs an advanced tactical sensor system which improves accuracy of the torpedo delivery. A more advanced linear accelerator array also increases delivery speed and maximum range. These launchers are capable of single-fire and are normally employed only on vessels likely to see combat. Recycle time between firings is 1.5 seconds. A ship with this type of launcher will almost always carry both quantum flux and standard photon torpedoes in inventory.
- The Type V is a multiple launch version of the type IV. It is larger and has a more advanced feed system. Recycle time in single-fire mode is 1.3 seconds or 7.2 seconds between full 6-torpedo volleys.
