posted
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.
posted
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.
------------------ "Lately I've noticed that everyone seems to trust me. It's really quite unnerving. I'm still trying to get used to it." - Garak, "Empok Nor"
posted
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.
------------------ "People have the right to discriminate based on religion." -Omega, Jan 26 "There is no "seperation of church and state" in the Constitution" -Omega, Jan 30 "A private business has the right to refuse service to any person or group, be they KKK, black, gay, or neo-nazi, regardless of reason." -Omega, Feb 24
posted
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!
Jim Phelps
watches Voyager AFTER 51030
Member # 102
posted
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
------------------ I'm not the Boris Skrbic on the Grafitti Wall website
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