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A Photon torpedo is a standard advanced energy powered missile system used aboard Federation starships from the mid 22nd century to the late 24th century.
System Mechanics[]
The main components of a photon torpedo consist of a photon/anti-deuterium reactive warhead placed into a Terminium-reinforced casing, commonly known as a photon tube. Before detonation, the matter/anti-matter charge is kept separated by an internal magno-plasma force field. Upon detonation, the field automatically deactivates, flooding the reaction chamber. This process allows thousands of magnetic micro-pockets of photons to combine with anti-matter. These micro-pockets help to control both blast radius and blast intensity.
Weapons History[]
The earliest ships using photon torpedoes were Klingon, in the mid-22nd century. By this point, Starfleet had only recently developed the photonic torpedo. ENT: "The Expanse"
By the mid-23rd century, Federation vessels were also equipped with photon torpedoes. TOS: "Arena"
They remained the standard compliment on all ships for over a century. A newer torpedo, called the quantum torpedo, was invented by the Federation around 2371; however, only advanced starships utilized that weapon.
External Links[]
- Photon torpedo article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Photon torpedo article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Photon torpedo article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.