Torpedo

A torpedo is a type of self-propelled, self-guided projectile weapon used by many spacefaring powers. They can be distinguished from missiles because torpedoes are generally launched with a system that applies external force to the projectile to accelerate it dramatically as its fired, while missiles accelerate entirely under their own power, but this is primarily a technical distinction. Many torpedo types can also be fired without a launcher, in which case they act like missiles. They can also often be dropped unpowered like bombs.

Common Torpedo Types

Photon Torpedo

Starfleet Photon and Quantum Torpedo Warheads

Warhead Class	Photon Yield	Quantum Yield
1	2.5 isotons	6.25 isotons
2	5.0 isotons	25.00 isotons
3	10.0 isotons	100.00 isotons
4	15.0 isotons	225.00 isotons
5	20.0 isotons	400.00 isotons
6	25.0 isotons	625.00 isotons
7	30.0 isotons	900.00 isotons
8	35.0 isotons	1225.00 isotons
9	40.0 isotons	1600.00 isotons
10	45.0 isotons	2025.00 isotons

Photon torpedoes are the most common type of torpedo weapon encountered across the Milky Way due to the fact that their method of operation is derived from the matter/antimatter reactors that power the majority of warp capable starships in the galaxy. All photon torpedoes contain matter and antimatter held in suspension. When contact is achieved with the target, the suspension fields deactivate to allow the reactants to combine, which results in an explosion as the matter and antimatter annihilate one another and create pure energy. The sophistication of these weapons varies, as does their yield.

Starfleet has used photon torpedoes since the early 23rd Century. These cylindrical weapons are standardized across the fleet and can be fired by nearly any Starfleet vessel. Stored in magazines near their launchers, photon torpedoes are only filled with reactants as they are being loaded for firing. Starfleet's photon torpedoes are classified by their model (designated by mark), which describes its guidance system, propulsion, and casing, as well as their class, which describes the warhead's explosive yield. As of 2401, Starfleet's standard photon torpedo is the Mark XXX torpedo casing fitted with a Class-6 warhead, which has a yield of 25 isotons. Warheads up to class 10 can be produced, but quantum torpedoes or tricobalt devices are generally used in situations where high explosive yields are required, as there are diminishing returns.

Photon torpedoes are also used by the Klingons, Cardassians, and Ferengi.

Quantum Torpedo

Quantum torpedoes are advanced matter/antimatter weapons that use a zero-point chamber to focus their matter/antimatter explosion to increase its yield exponentially. Like photon torpedoes, they contain two different reactants which are kept in suspension until detonation. Upon detonation, the suspension is released and the resulting explosion is channeled into a super-durable sphere to create an zero-point reaction. Compared to a photon torpedo with the same amount of reactants, the yield of a quantum torpedo will have an explosive yield that is proportionally squared. For instance, the reactants for a class-6 25 isoton photon torpedo would create a 625 isoton explosion when used in a quantum torpedo.

Starfleet first developed quantum torpedoes in the 2370s during the Dominion War, and have generally been reserved for tactically-oriented starships, given their extremely high destructive potential. They have a similar form-factor to photon torpedoes, allowing them to be fired from most launchers, but the casings themselves require advanced construction techniques and materials that cannot easily be replicated. As of 2401, Starfleet has gone through ten iterations of the quantum torpedo, and the current model in service is the Mark X quantum torpedo, which fitted standard with a class-6 warhead. At its current maximum yield, a quantum torpedo with a class ten warhead would have an explosive yield of 2,500 isotons.

Quantum torpedoes are also used by the Klingons, Dominion, and Cardassians.

Plasma Torpedo