Are photon torpedoes possible?

The technology of photon torpedoes is quite possibly a Science Fact, though there are severe limitations, which make photon torpedoes less likely a possibility than phasers. Photon torpedoes on Star Trek are famed for their accuracy and maneuverability; they track down and destroy their targets with deadly precision.

What happens to photon torpedoes that miss?

There are numerous space battles where a Star Trek phasers is used, or photon torpedo are fired, and they miss their target. They’re called phasers because they emit phased plasma. That plasma would disperse over distance, even with excellent containment.

How powerful is a quantum torpedo?

The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual states that quantum torpedoes derive their destructive power from vacuum energy. Various in-universe sources describe quantum torpedoes as roughly double the destructive power of standard photon torpedoes, putting their yield somewhere in excess of 100 megatons of TNT.

How powerful are Star Trek torpedoes?

The energy output of a photon torpedo, according to the Star Trek Technical Manuals is a maximum theoretical yield of 25 isotons and a maximum rated yield of 18.5 isotons.

How did Obsidian Order get the quantum warhead schematics?

It is known that the design schematics of the quantum warhead developed by Starfleet were scanned by unauthorized personnel at least once during the development of that weapon, and it is now thought that an operative of the Obsidian Order was able to copy this data and escape with it.

How does a quantum warhead work?

The quantum warhead relies on rapid energy extraction from zero-point vacuum. This is established from an 11-dimensional space – time membrane, twisted into a Genus-1 topology string, housed inside the ultraclean vacuum of a 1.38 meter-long teardrop shaped zero-point field reaction chamber.

Why did Starfleet choose a zero point energy warhead?

Starfleet wanted to develop a warhead which offered firepower in the 50+ isoton range without penalising the agility of the weapon. Starfleet R&D quickly decided to focus on a zero point energy system. Initial testing yielded a negative energy balance – it took more energy to initiate the zero point reaction than that reaction generated in turn.