Photon torpedo
Photon torpedoes are secondary missile weapons used by the starships of the United Federation of Planets. They do damage via the release of gamma rays from a matter-antimatter reaction.
Various alien powers use weapons that are visually similar to, or identified as, photon torpedoes. Whether they use the same operating principle is unknown; although photon torpedoes were in use by the Vulcans and Klingons well before the Federation existed (ENT), so Federation photon torpedoes are likely based on their designs.
Smaller Federation craft, such as the Delta Flyer, are sometimes armed with "photonic" missiles that are essentially miniature photon torpedoes.
Variable Yields
Photon torpedoes have been observed to have vastly different yields. Many of them can be explained through deliberate "dialing down" of the yields to avoid friendly fire, such as in The Final Frontier. However, a popular theory is the antimatter injection theory. Since the release of the High Definition version of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, torpedoes have been confirmed to have their antimatter inserted in "real-time." As well, torpedo casings are noted in numerous episodes without their warhead.
Therefore, the differences between the tactical yield and maximum yield is a logarithmic function of time, with more time required to ready the torpedo for a greater yield. In The Wrath of Khan special measures are taken to preload torpedoes in anticipation of battle.
Based on the energy required to destroy an asteroid, TNG-era photon torpedoes have a maximum yield of hundreds of kilotons.[1]
It should be noted that the analysis assumes that the asteroid in "The Pegasus" would merely be fragmented with little to no melting or vaporization, and uses the smallest possible dimension for the asteroid. The calculations also assume that the E-D carries 275 photon torpedoes when it is canonically stated in "Conundrum" to carry a loadout of 250 photon torpedoes. But if by "destroyed", Commander Riker meant the total mass of the asteroid would be mostly vaporized, and the asteroid were made of granite, then the yield per torpedo would 113 gigatons, assuming all 250 torpedoes were expended in the effort. Melting most of the mass would would give 2.24 gigatons per torpedo.
Contrary to Warsie claims, asteroid vaporization by photon torpedoes has been clearly observed in the canon. [2] [3]
Trekkie Yield Claims
Trekkies have argued that the episode "Skin of Evil", in which a photon torpedo detonation on a planet is viewed from orbit, indicates a yield of as much as 9.83 gigatons (air blast) to 144 gigatons (fireball), but the effect seen appears and disappears far too quickly to be either phenomenon. Their "low end estimate", assuming the effect seen was result of thermal radiation, is 500 megatons.
Data from TNG and DS9 Technical Manuals
According to the non-canon TNG Technical Manual, a photon torpedo can carry up to 1.5 kg of antimatter, giving it a theoretical maximum yield of 64 megatons. Based on a 74% efficiency estimate found in the DS9 Technical Manual, the actual energy release would be closer to 48 megatons for a maximum-yield torpedo. These yield estimates are incompatible with evidence from canon events.
However, the TNG Technical Manual is also inconsistent with itself regarding torpedo yields. At least two other entries on page 141 gives wildly differing torpedo estimates based on the primary and secondary destruct mechanisms. Approximately 2.39 gigatons and 5 kilotons respectively. It is uncertain whether these yields would come before or after the 74% efficiency is applied.
Warp Propulsion
Photon torpedoes do not have a warp drive, but they do have something called a "sustainer engine" that allows them to keep travelling at warp speed if launched from a starship that is already traveling at warp.[4]
Torpedo Shielding
Torpedoes in the 24th century have shielding of unspecified strength. For example, a torpedo which was being used for a specific research purpose had a shield that allowed it to survive briefly inside a star.[5] Torpedoes can also burrow underground for at least a short time without being destroyed or detonated,[6] an activity that may be related to shielding. The specific purpose of torpedo shielding isn't clear, but Mike Wong has hypothesized that their primary purpose is to allow the torpedo to pass through the launching ship's shields via wave cancellation.[7]
Some Trekkies have suggested that the signature glow of torpedoes is a side effect of shielding; therefore, 23rd and 22nd century torpedoes which glow also have shielding. However, photon torpedoes still glowed in the Battle of the Mutara Nebula, where shields were supposedly disabled, indicating that the glow is not indicative of shielding. [8]
Loading Mechanism
As witnessed in The Wrath of Khan, torpedoes are stored and ferried to their launchers by a complex system of pulleys and conveyor belts on Constitution-class starships. Such a system would be highly prone to failure under battle stress, and it is common for enemies to target specific weapons systems and disable them. Due to the "leaky" nature of Star Trek's shields, a pinpoint strike against a ship even with its shields up could knock out the conveyor system.
Recent incarnations of Starfleet ships such as the Enterprise-E have more torpedo launchers. These additional torpedo launchers are nowhere near the size of the torpedo bays on Galaxy-class, Constitution-class, or other Starfleet vessels. Rather than assume greater firepower due to increased number of torpedo launchers, another more elegant explanation is the Federation attempting to do away with this conveyor system.
One example is the launcher on top of the observation lounge on the Enterprise-E. Presumably the launcher is single shot, because there is no room for the complex machinery required for the conveyor system or there is a small magazine of torpedos that can be loaded into the launcher. Another possibility is a site-to-site transport. All of these approaches present serious problems of their own.
The most satisfying solution might be to forego antimatter torpedoes altogether, but the Federation apparently deems the additional firepower worth the risk.
See Also
External Links
- Stardestroyer.net article on photon torpedoes
- Picard578's trekkie calculations.
Notes
- ↑ TNG "The Pegasus"
- ↑ Star Trek:The Motion Picture
- ↑ TNG "Booby Trap"
- ↑ TNG "Half a Life"
- ↑ TNG "Half a Life"
- ↑ TNG "Pen Pals"
- ↑ Frequency Myths on Stardestroyer.net
- ↑ Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan