| Quantum Torpedo | |
|---|---|
| |
| USS Defiant fires quantum torpedoes in 2371. | |
|
Function: |
Guided missile |
|
Creator: |
Bureau of Weapons, Federation, Starfleet |
|
Propulsion: |
Impulse engine, warp sustainer |
Quantum torpedoes are a type of torpedo developed by Starfleet in the 2370s as a means for replacing the standard photon torpedo.
Mechanism[]
The warhead of a quantum torpedo, known colloquially as the Zero-point matrix, utilized a high-speed expansion of zero-point energy. This expansion of zero-point energy caused a destabilization of the quantum matrix of subatomic particles and thus the violent reaction seen when these torpedoes are utilized.
History[]
The underlying principle of the quantum torpedo was successfully tested in 2236 but it would take until 2355 for a successful warhead test, and it would not be until 2369, with the impetus of the disastrous Battle of Wolf 359, that a practical field model entered production, shipped with the first Defiant-class vessels. The weapons gradually entered wider service as the Dominion War loomed, and all new construction would be compatible with the weapons.
Under the terms of the Treaty of New Romulus of 2409 Starfleet Command provided the fledgling Romulan Republic with the specifications for quantum torpedoes as materiel support. The Romulan Republican Force began mounting them on the occasional warbird.
Leaks[]
The Obsidian Order stole the plans for quantum torpedoes from Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards in early 2369, and the Cardassian Central Command was able to produce a small batch of them in secret which they mounted on an ATR-4107 strategic missile. This weapon was captured and reprogrammed by the Maquis but, when the weapon was fired at a Cardassian fuel station, it was snapped up by the Caretaker and transported to the Delta Quadrant. The Cardassians would never use quantum torpedoes again.
Sometime in the mid-2380s the plans were stolen from Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards by Klingon Intelligence, and within a few years some ships in the Klingon Defense Force began to carry the weapon.
Starship types equipped with quantum torpedoes[]
- Defiant-class (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, from season 3 on)
- Excelsior-class: Assuming 2370s retrofits, i.e. USS Lakota. (DS9: "Paradise Lost")
- Galaxy-class: Some carried during the Dominion War. Standard equipment starting from Production Series 23, first deployed in 2409. (Bait and Switch)
- Intrepid-class: Capable of using them, but not standard ordnance. (VOY: "Dreadnought")
- Prometheus-class (VOY: "Message in a Bottle")
- Sovereign-class (Star Trek: First Contact and prime universe sequels)
External Links[]
- Quantum torpedo article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Quantum torpedo article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Quantum torpedo article at Star Trek Expanded Universe.