Can someone explain to me exactly the differences between photon torpedoes and quantum torpedoes?
JDW
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Posted by EdipisReks on :
i think the accepted answer is that photon torpedoes are a "simple" matter/anti-matter reaction for propulsion and the explosion, and that quantum torpedoes use matter/anti-matter for propulsion and a zero-point energy warhead for the actual explosion.
--jacob
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
Well, there's an explanation that goes something like this:
Photon torpedoes use matter and anti-matter for a warhead, quantum torpedoes use quantum filaments as a warhead.
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Posted by The_Tom (Member # 38) on :
Actually, the quantum filament idea was a purely theoretical concept put forward by Utopia Planitia, largely because we knew dick all about them until the DS9TM came out, which gave us the zero-point energy thing.
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Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
I hope the next ship has some kind of hybrid of the two, not as puny as a photon, not as devastating or clumsy as a quantum. I imagine a white-glowing torpedo, flying a bit faster and with more agility than the others have. Dreams, dreams.
------------------ You can't kill me, I'm charming!
Posted by Jim Phelps (Member # 102) on :
I don't know if this has been mentioned already, but the beginning of "The Changeling" has Spock saying that a Nomad's blast was equivalent to a large number of photon torpedoes (I don't remember the exact figure), and that the Enterprise could take three or four more blasts before the shields went out. Might be useful in estimating their strength relative to torpedoes of other eras.
Boris
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Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Boris, what's SD 51030? I know Scorpion Pt. II was in 51003. And does "AFTER" the date imply you didn't like Scorpion?
------------------ You can't kill me, I'm charming!