Difference between revisions of "Self-destruct"
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Modern warships typically don't have a built-in mechanism for self-destruction; the crew must plant explosive charges in critical areas of the ship and detonate them to scuttle the ship. A dedicated self-destruct system would actually represent a security flaw, since it would require only a few traitorous crew members to destroy a warship. | Modern warships typically don't have a built-in mechanism for self-destruction; the crew must plant explosive charges in critical areas of the ship and detonate them to scuttle the ship. A dedicated self-destruct system would actually represent a security flaw, since it would require only a few traitorous crew members to destroy a warship. | ||
Some weapon systems may have self-destruct features to allow commanders to cancel an attack after the launch of a weapon. Such a system prematurely detonates the weapon's warhead upon receipt of a special command code. | |||
==Self-destruct in Star Trek== | ==Self-destruct in Star Trek== | ||
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[[Category: Science Fiction]] | [[Category: Science Fiction]] | ||
[[Category: Real Technology]] | |||
[[Category: ST Technology]] | [[Category: ST Technology]] | ||
Revision as of 16:41, 25 June 2009
Self-destruct refers to a mechanism by which a ship can destroy itself, generally to prevent capture.
Modern warships typically don't have a built-in mechanism for self-destruction; the crew must plant explosive charges in critical areas of the ship and detonate them to scuttle the ship. A dedicated self-destruct system would actually represent a security flaw, since it would require only a few traitorous crew members to destroy a warship.
Some weapon systems may have self-destruct features to allow commanders to cancel an attack after the launch of a weapon. Such a system prematurely detonates the weapon's warhead upon receipt of a special command code.
Self-destruct in Star Trek
Federation starships have the ability to self-destruct via a computer command. In the 23rd century, executing the command required command codes from at least three officers of the ship, including the Captain. In the 24th century, the requirement was reduced to the consent of both the Captain and First Officer, identified only by biometric recognition. The self-destruct command includes a countdown timer to allow the crew time to abandon the ship; in the 24th century, the countdown time is variable.
The exact mechanism used to destroy the ship isn't specified, but deliberately dropping the forcefields containing the ship's antimatter fuel seems to be a likely method.