Difference between revisions of "Quantum torpedo"

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'''Quantum torpedoes''' are heavy secondary weapons used by the [[United Federation of Planets]]. Visually, they are similar to [[Photon Torpedo|photon torpedoes]], having a blue glow instead of the red glow normally associated with photon torpedoes. They are considered to be more powerful than photon torpedoes, though exactly how much more powerful is difficult to pin down as they have seen only limited usage so far.
[[Image:Ent-E Fire Quantum Torpedoes.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|''Enterprise'']] fires quantum torpedoes.]]'''Quantum torpedoes''' (often abbreviated as '''QT''' in fandom) are guided missile weapons used by the [[Federation]] [[Starfleet]]. Introduced around 2371<ref>[[DS9]] "Defiant"</ref>, they have yet to see widespread adoption in the fleet.
 
==Description==
Quantum torpedo casings have never been shown on-screen. After launch, QTs are visually similar to [[photon torpedo]]es, albeit brighter and glowing white/blue as opposed to photons' red/gold colour<ref>''[[Star Trek: First Contact]]''</ref>. Quantum torpedoes are not compatible with standard photon torpedo launchers, but they can be made compatible through field modifications<ref>[[VOY]] "Dreadnought"</ref>. Two different QT launcher systems have so far been shown; the type mounted on the [[Defiant-class]] starship fires up to three torpedoes with ~0.5 second intervals<ref>DS9 "Valiant"</ref>, while the "turret" seen on the [[Sovereign-class]] launches a five-torpedo burst in rapid succession<ref>''Star Trek: First Contact''</ref>.
 
==Usage==
Little, if anything, is known of the quantum torpedo's operating principles or characteristics. They have not shown significantly greater yield, maneuverability or tracking ability compared to photon torpedoes; their scarcity suggests that their production is more difficult and/or resource-intensive than that of photon torpedoes. Despite this, Starfleet considers them to be tactically superior to photon torpedoes, deploying them only to new or recently-refitted vessels<ref>DS9 "Paradise Lost"</ref> and limiting their use in battle to when a hit can be guaranteed<ref>''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]''</ref>.
The [[Cardassian Union]] has successfully reverse-engineered quantum torpedoes, but has decided against fleet wide adoption<ref>VOY "Dreadnought"</ref>.
 
==References==
<references/>


[[Category:Star Trek]]
[[Category:Star Trek]]
[[Category:ST Starship Offense]]
[[Category:ST Starship Offense]]
[[Category: ST Technology]]

Revision as of 04:14, 25 February 2011

The Enterprise fires quantum torpedoes.

Quantum torpedoes (often abbreviated as QT in fandom) are guided missile weapons used by the Federation Starfleet. Introduced around 2371[1], they have yet to see widespread adoption in the fleet.

Description

Quantum torpedo casings have never been shown on-screen. After launch, QTs are visually similar to photon torpedoes, albeit brighter and glowing white/blue as opposed to photons' red/gold colour[2]. Quantum torpedoes are not compatible with standard photon torpedo launchers, but they can be made compatible through field modifications[3]. Two different QT launcher systems have so far been shown; the type mounted on the Defiant-class starship fires up to three torpedoes with ~0.5 second intervals[4], while the "turret" seen on the Sovereign-class launches a five-torpedo burst in rapid succession[5].

Usage

Little, if anything, is known of the quantum torpedo's operating principles or characteristics. They have not shown significantly greater yield, maneuverability or tracking ability compared to photon torpedoes; their scarcity suggests that their production is more difficult and/or resource-intensive than that of photon torpedoes. Despite this, Starfleet considers them to be tactically superior to photon torpedoes, deploying them only to new or recently-refitted vessels[6] and limiting their use in battle to when a hit can be guaranteed[7]. The Cardassian Union has successfully reverse-engineered quantum torpedoes, but has decided against fleet wide adoption[8].

References

  1. DS9 "Defiant"
  2. Star Trek: First Contact
  3. VOY "Dreadnought"
  4. DS9 "Valiant"
  5. Star Trek: First Contact
  6. DS9 "Paradise Lost"
  7. Star Trek: Nemesis
  8. VOY "Dreadnought"