Torpedoes/Missile + Projectile weapons

Launchers

In addition to beam weapons, most vessels carry at least one missile weapon- the torpedo launcher. Though many different types of torpedoes, photon, plasma, quantum, and gravimetric, are used the launchers are basically the same from one ship and species to another. They typically consist of tubes measuring 30 meters long made of tritanium, sarium farnide, and other such materials. Sequential field induction coils and launch assist gas generators provide the power to fire the torpedo.

The one important difference between types of torpedo launchers is the spread they can fire; meaning the number of torpedoes a launcher can fire in one round (either at once or in one or more multi-fire bursts). Most launchers are limited to one to five torpedoes per spread; advanced models can fire up to ten or more torpedoes. (As of 2379 the maximum number for a Starship based launcher is 12).

The standard torpedo launcher used by Starfleet, the Type II, is used to fire Type II Photons and Mark I Quantum’s are the standard deployment for all Starfleet vessels. Few exclusive vessels and classes, dreadnoughts, strike cruisers or another specialized variant carry what is called a ‘High-Yield’ launcher, used to fire such high-yield ordinance such as the Type VI Photon torpedo requires these specialized launchers. A normal launcher can fire them, but not at the high-yield level. An advanced launcher can fire torpedoes with normal yields, such as the type II photon torpedo or probes without difficulty. Normally, all Torpedoes travel at a maximum velocity of 0.95c. From launch, they travel at 0.75c depending on the speed of the vessel launching them, and can reach their maximum velocity in several seconds (1 turn/post)..

The standard ranges for torpedoes are usually 3,500,000 km, but are also capable of limited warp travel. Recent innovations of the enhanced Quantum Torpedo package (EWT) has led to the invention of the addition of a torpedo enhancement package known as the Tactical range package or ‘Warp fin’ for slang. Basically, a 1.5-meter device, attached to a torpedo at its rear, it consists of embedded warp nacelles, a Quantum Flux Collimator (QFC) zero-point energy coil for power, and advanced subspace sensor guidance and tactical evasion/pursuit hardware for long-range flights. A torpedo so equipped can search out targets if designated, one an enemy target has been confirmed on long-range sensors providing a preemptive strike.

Recently, Starfleet has created a new Type III advanced torpedo launchers for the Ascendant class of starship. This new type of launcher extends the maximum range of the torpedo fired to 5,000,000 km, and is automatically configured and equipped for all types of specialized and high-yield ordinance. Originally designed for Starbases, with the advent of extensive examinations of captured Borg technologies, the type III launchers are equaling on par with Borg energy torpedo launchers, capable of firing 12 torpedoes in sequence or in multi-fire bursts per round for a high-yield launcher (the maximum ship based high-yield launcher being 10 spread). The Ascendant is the only Starship class thus far that has type III launchers equipped to them, but Starfleet Operations is working on applying this new technology to other designs such as the Republic and Premonition class of starships.

All Torpedoes move at a speed of .95c, including micro torpedoes. Torpedoes can be fired at warp as well, but not micro torpedoes.

Micro Torpedo Launchers

A device for firing micro torpedoes, small missiles loaded with chemical or micro zero point conversion matrix explosives. Usually equipped to shuttles, Warp Shuttles (Runabouts), and fighters, micro torpedoes have the same firing arc and guild lines as normal torpedo packages.  The largest has a spread of 5, a maximum range of 8,000 km, and cause 50 points of damage per torpedo.

Recently, a launcher has been developed dubbed the ‘Phalanx’ micro torpedo launcher, meant for point defense and close range torpedo bombardment. Either mounted on fixed or swivel turrets, the phalanx launcher is designed to fire micro-quantum torpedoes at exception rates, 12 spread per starship launcher. Thus far, only certain specialized classes and types of Starfleet vessels and most strategic starbases have been equipped with them. They have a maximum range of 750,000 km and do 240 points of damage for the most common Type M2 micro-torpedo.

Missile Launchers

Recently, Starfleet has ‘reawakened’ an old tactical practice of the 23^rd century in utilizing ‘missiles’, self-guided tactical weapons similar to torpedoes but usually restricted to sub-light combat only, also known as ‘Rockets’. These come in two forms; Missile Modules or ‘Racks’ equipped to a Starships superstructure containing their own power source and guidance systems contained within the missiles themselves. In practice, as was the case in the conflicts of the late 23^rd, and early 24^th centuries, Missiles and Rockets simply add to a ships fire power, giving an opponent more to worry about. The other version is the missile launchers, a cheaper variation of a torpedo launcher that are usually equipped to small vessels such as Shuttles, Warp-shuttles ‘Runabouts’, and fighters. Launchers require less overall power than a Torpedo launcher but also have significantly less range and are unable to fire at warp. When equipped to Fighters, they’re typically meant to be applied to inter-fighter combat or ‘dog fighting’ due to their high sub-light speeds and accuracies as opposed to larger Torpedoes. Very often purley Anti-Matter based missiles will be used when in the confines of a class M, or various, planetary bodies. Anti-matter weapons operating as part of a ground combat scenario would leave lethal levels of radiation damage on equipment and carbon-based life forms.

 Missile types come in many different forms but all usually fall within the 0.8 to 1.3 meter range in size, some Rockets can be as large as 5 meters, usually equipped to Starships. All launchers have a maximum spread of 4, and cost 3 power per rocket fired; Anti-matter missiles, Photonic Missiles, Trilithium, and/or chemical explosives such as Ultritium and older more ‘ancient’ merculite variants. Some less advance races still use nuclear devices such as Rockets and ICBM or ISBM formats, but have limited range and destructive capabilities.

Missile/Rocket Types used by Starfleet:

Anti-Matter Missiles:

                0.8-meter long missile containing raw amounts of pure anti-matter, which explode upon contact with matter. Usually used only to vessels whose shields are weakened or none existent, since Anti-matter does little damage to energy fields. Anti-matter missiles are mostly handy against threat species of lesser technological levels, and are useful due to their low mass and high sub-light speeds, nearing .92c

Type 1a-1d: (100 x 1d6 points of damage per rocket)

Chemical Reactant-based Missiles:

                Some less advanced races use rockets armed with chemical explosives, such as Merculite rockets fired by Talarians. While this type of rocket missile can vary tremendously, most ohave a range of 1/11/500/2000, an accuracy of 5/6/8/11, and do anywhere from 50-100 points of damage depending on size. They can be multifired. They generally have a top light-speed of 0.5c-0.7c

Type Various: (50-100 points of damage)

Photonic Missiles:

                Partially based on Borg technology, these 1.3-meter long weapons contain amounts of matter and anti-matter within their ordinance casing and work along the same lines as larger Photon Torpedoes. They have a top sub-light speed of 0.95c. Types 2a-2c are optimized and designed for launchers. Type 2D are meant for Missile Modules to supplement a Starships firepower if it lacks Torpedo launchers.

Type 2a: (160 points of damage)

Type 2b: (200 points of damage)

Type 2c: (230 points of damage)

Type 2d: (350 points of damage)

Trilithium Missiles:

                Containing large amounts of raw Trilithium, a warp engine by-product of significant destructive force, these types of missiles are rarely used due to their high level of instability. Same types of Trilithium missiles, used for starship modules, pack Biliterium and anti-matter converters within the rocket to increase its destructive force, similar to its larger Torpedo cousin. Trilithium missiles have a top sub-light speed of 0.75c

Type 3: (400 points of damage)

Type 3x:(600 + 100 x 1d6 points of damage over 1 MU)

Ultritium Missiles:

                Ultritium is a chemical substance that has a high destructive force per pound of element applied. Used for anything from mines, concussion shells, to missiles, ultritium has been a trust worthy stable explosive for centuries. Type 4a have a top sub-light speed of .95c. All other types have a top speed of 0.9c

Type 4a: (80 points of damage)

Type 4b: (200 points of damage)

Type 4c: (300 points of damage)

Torpedo Types

Photon Torpedoes:

                Starfleet’s primary missile weapon as of 2379 is the photon torpedo (though, the quantum and flux torpedoes [see below] will likely supplant it within the next few star years). Made of a casing 2.1x0.76x.045 meters in diameter and weighing 187.6-247.5 kilograms, it contains masses of matter (deuterium) and anti-matter (anti-deuterium) in thousands of minute packets which meet and explosively annihilate at the moment of impact.

The Photon Torpedo is a powerful, long range weapon which has been in use aboard Federation Starships for over one hundred and fifty years - early models differed from today's weapon only in the level of sophistication and the power of the warhead. Today the weapon most widely used by Starfleet vessels is the Type 6. This weapon comprises an elongated elliptical body some 210 cm long and 76 x 45 cm across. The torpedo masses 247.5 kilos when not loaded. The warhead of the Photon torpedo comprises a maximum of 1.5 kilos of antimatter and 1.5 kilos of matter. These are divided into many thousands of small pellets suspended in a magnetic field - smaller yields can be achieved by reducing the number of such pellets in the torpedo.

Also included in the torpedo are target acquisition, guidance and detonation assemblies and a warp sustainer unit. The latter is charged by the launching vessels own drive field at launch, boosting the torpedo speed up to Vmax = Vl + (0.75 Vl / c), where Vl is the velocity of the launching vessel. If launched at low impulse flight the torpedo will accelerate to a 75% higher sublight velocity; launch at high impulse speed will not push the torpedo into warp. If launched during warp flight the torpedo will continue at warp until the sustainer is exhausted. Torpedo range can be extended by utilizing the matter / antimatter warhead to power the sustainer, although this causes a corresponding loss of warhead yield. For a midrange yield the torpedo can achieve ranges of some 3,500,000 kilometers at sublight speeds.

The Photon torpedo can be set to fly a ballistic trajectory, be steered by the launch vessel, can home in via its own guidance systems, or use a combination of these methods in a single flight.

For the standard version, the Type II, the yield is approximately 18.5 isotons. The almost equally as common Type IX has a yield of about 25 isotons. Some advanced models, such as the Type VI, have yields of up to 200 isotons. The accompanying table lists the types of torpedoes available and the damage they do.

Notes:

1: Indicates a high-yield torpedo, which requires a high-yield launcher if a ship wants to use it to its full effect

2: Indicates a torpedo which can be fired through an atmosphere at a surface targets without difficulty

Quantum Torpedoes:

                Developed to improve upon and, eventually, replace the photon torpedo, the quantum torpedo uses an energetic release of a zero-point energy field to obtain basic yields of up to 52.3 isotons- twice as powerful as the most common photon torpedoes. More advanced versions similarly surpass the higher-grade of photon torpedoes, but to this point, are restricted to high-yield launchers only.

Introduced in the late 2360s, the quantum torpedo was part of the range of projects which formed Starfleet’s response to the threats represented by the Borg and renewed activity by the Romulans. Although there is no theoretical upper limit on the size of a matter/antimatter torpedo warhead - the Cardassian ‘Dreadnought’ type heavy penetrator carries a two thousand kilogram m/am warhead for example - warheads beyond the 25 isoton range tend to be too large and heavy for use as truly effective anti-ship weapons. Starfleet wanted to develop a warhead which offered firepower in the 50+ isoton range without penalizing 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. This problem was eventually surmounted and a 52.3 isoton quantum warhead was detonated at the Groombridge 273-2A facility.

The device works by generating an eleven dimensional space time membrane which is twisted into a string similar in structure to a super string. This process calls large numbers of subatomic particles into existence, liberating correspondingly large amounts of energy in the form of an explosion.

The production torpedo is of similar size to the standard photon torpedo and is made of a shell of densified Tritanium and Duranium foam coated in an ablative layer and an anti radiation polymer coating. Great attention has been paid to making the weapon stealthy in operation by minimizing the number of penetrations through the casing and by treating those which have been made.

The warhead itself comprises a zero-point field reaction chamber, which is formed from a teardrop shaped crystal of rodinium ditellenite jacketed with synthetic Neutronium and Dilithium. A zero-point initiator is attached to this; the initiator is made of an EM rectifier, a wave guide bundle, a subspace field amplifier, and a continuum distortion emitter. The emitter creates the actual pinch field from a conical spike 10-16 meters across at the tip.

The zero-point initiator is powered by the detonation of an uprated photon torpedo warhead with a yield of 21.8 isotons. The m/am reaction occurs at four times the rate of a standard warhead; the detonation energy is channeled through the initiator within 10-7 seconds and energizes the emitter, which imparts a tension force upon the vacuum domain. As the vacuum membrane expands over a period of 10-4 seconds, an energy potential equivalent to at least 50 isotons. is created. This energy is held by the chamber for 10-8 seconds and is then released by the controlled failure of the chamber wall.

The propulsion and guidance systems of the quantum torpedo also represent improvements over the standard photon. The computer system is based around Bioneural gel packs, allowing more efficient data processing and so improved guidance capability.

1: Indicates a high-yield torpedo, which requires a high-yield launcher if a ship wants to use it to its full effect

2: Theoretical advances not yet in production

Flux Torpedoes:

                Although the Treaty of Algeron prohibits the development of cloaking technology by Starfleet, it has not kept them from pursuing phase technology. Shortly after the recovery of the Pegasus device, the phasing properties used in its design were seen as an ideal delivery system for torpedoes. Since Borg ships were almost impenetrable by Starfleet weapons of the past, it made sense to the Starfleet Corps of Engineers that, if a torpedo could phase itself and enters the body of a Borg cube, it could then detonate, causing devastating damage. Thus the idea for the ‘phase’ torpedo was born, often called by its codename ‘Flux’ torpedo.

                However, reducing the phasing coils used to accomplish and intangible state to a torpedo size proved difficult. In addition, the anti-matter within the warhead casing caused destabilizing effects on the phasing coils. Through advents in nano-technology provided by ASDB, allowed class 10 warheads to be used as warheads while using the phasing coils adjusted to high-end meta-phasic subspace flux levels. This allowed for the torpedo to pass through most types of known subspace energy shielding including that of the Borg’s, but not through matter. The prototype Mark I Flux Torpedo was created in 2377 by ASDB’s and DevTech subdivision under the watchful and detailed eyes of Captain Jasen Roland, and deployed to several Starfleet vessels for testing. After engaging several threat species with the new Phase Torpedo, Starfleet tactical planners and officers were impressed by its performance, allowing torpedoes to strike the hull of a starship directly causing immense damage to a threat vessel. The Mark I was than further modularized with the ability to be used with basic Type II Torpedo launchers, allowing the weapon to be deployed to any Starfleet vessel with the standard torpedo launcher type. A year later, the Mark II Flux torpedo came into production as a strictly high-yield warhead, increasing the weapons destructive yield.

                Though the dream of a full phase torpedo was not abandoned by ASDB, which led to the creation of the Mark III Flux Torpedo. To allow the weapon to achieve full phase through energy –and- matter, Starfleet adopted principles behind the first observed Romulan Plasma Weapons. The installation of a high-energy infuser would allow the torpedo casing to be filled with a warhead tube charged with high-energy plasma from the ships warp EPS or TPS plasma distribution networks. Warp plasma, either in the normal electro-plasma form used on most Starfleet vessels, to advanced Tetryon Warp Plasma used on Starfleet’s most advanced designs is considered highly unstable and easily detonated. Until recently, it was considered on undeliverable medium that could not be controlled in a conventional torpedo casing. However, filling the specialized tube with plasma, and using an advanced nanite controlled trigger for reactant release now allows vessels to deliver high-energy plasma warhead payload within a Mark III Quantum Torpedo casing.

                Initial tests with standard Warp plasma revealed the warhead incapable of maneuverability, and were essentially a ‘dumb-fire’ weapon. However, with tetryon plasma natural tendencies to disrupt subspace, allowed the proto-type Mark III Flux Torpedo the same liberties of other standard torpedo ordinance, as well as allowing full phase to explode inside a targets hull, casing massive damage and advanced radiation poisoning of life inside the vessel.  The weapon has shown true promise, and the Tetryon plasma version of the Mark III Flux Torpedo has been official sanctioned for field testing onboard several vessels, most notably the USS Ascendant.

1: Indicates a high-yield torpedo, which requires a high-yield launcher if a ship wants to use it to its full effect

2: Theoretical advances not yet in production

3: Collateral Internal Damage roll

Pulse-wave Torpedoes:

                This form of torpedo is similar to a Type II photon torpedo, but emits an energetic pulse wave when it explodes.  The blast does 180 points of damage over a 400 km radius, which impedes subspace systems for several seconds to several minutes depending on the ships proximity to the blast. This also affects the ship firing the weapon as well, so, is commonly used at long-range. Pulse-wave Torpedoes count as high-yield torpedoes.

Stratospheric Torpedoes:

                Ordinary photon torpedoes and other missiles cannot be used for planetary bombardment, because they break apart without properly exploding as they attempt to enter an atmosphere. (Once a ship is inside an atmosphere it can use torpedoes at targets within short ranges without suffering problems.) A stratospheric torpedo, on the other hand, is designed to explode inside a planets atmosphere. This allows chemical, biogenic, or similar weapons to be used against the planet or it’s population, or torpedoes can be fired at medium to long ranges within an atmosphere. Stratospheric torpedoes do not count as high-yield torpedoes and can be fired from regular launchers.

Gravimetric Torpedoes:

                Gravimetric torpedoes are advanced Starfleet missile weapons whose explosions create intense gravimetric fields, tearing targets apart through the strain as much as the detonation. They do the same damage as a Type II Photon torpedo, but deflector shields provide only half Protection when used against them. On the other hand, the ships SIF applies to reduce the damage. Gravimetric torpedoes count as high-yield torpedoes and require specialized launchers.

Tricobalt Devices and Tricobalt Torpedoes:

                Few Starfleet vessels carry this powerful photon torpedo –like weapons, utilizing sirillium isotopes and anti-deuterium in an energetic subspace explosion. Not generally considered a weapon of war until the advent of the Mark II Tricobalt Torpedo, the standard Tricobalt device is used to destroy derelict space stations, crack open small asteroids so miners can get at the interior and so forth.

                A Tricobalt device can only be launched from a high-yield torpedo launcher. It has a range of 5/350,000/1,500,000/4,050,000 and uses the launchers required targeting systems to determine accuracy. Tri-cobalt devices do 1500 points of damage.

                A Tricobalt Torpedo is a smaller, more tactically compact version of the larger Tricobalt device. Meant for long-range bombardments, it has a range of that of the ships standard launchers, and does 750 points of damage.

Trilithium Torpedoes:

                A specialized torpedo weapon of extensive destructive force, the torpedo casing is based on the quantum torpedo and contains packet amounts of refined Paralithium synthesized Trilithium, Biliterium, and anti-matter (Anti-deuterium), along with an Anti-matter neutrino sequence converter, which causes mutual annihilation of the materials in a spectacular destructive force. Trilithium Torpedoes require a high-yield launcher and do 900 points of damage on impact, and 1d6 x 100 damage to all objects within a radius of  30,000 km (1 MU) around point of impact.

Cobalt-Thorium Devices:

                Combining old style nuclear fusion components with large amounts of thorium-90 isotopes, along with selectively placed anti-matter packets, Cobalt-thorium devices are a dumb fire weapon of immense destructive force. They are meant to be used against large stationary targets or large starships, Cobalt-thorium devices cause 2400 points of damage and irradiate an area of up to 60,000 square km (2 MU) within intense and lethal neutronic and Thoron (radon-220) radiations. Add 2d6 x 100 to base impact damage calculations.

Plasma Torpedoes:

                Plasma torpedoes are the primary missile weapons of the Romulan Star Navy, the Gorn Confederate Defense Forces, and are supplementary weapons of several Breen State Fleets. Adopted into Starfleet’s arsenal during the Gorn-Federation alliance during the General War of the late 23^rd/early 24^th centuries, they use Trilithium isotopes to produce extremely powerful explosions. However, their effectiveness is limited by the distance of the target—the further they travel, the more power they lose, so, theoretically one could ‘outrun’ a Plasma torpedo to where they do their minimum effectiveness of 50 points of damage, impacting the shields harmlessly. Within 90,000 km, they do their maximum points of damage. For every 30,000 km afterwards, they loose 6 points of damage.

                Starfleet only uses two types of Plasma Torpedoes during war; the Type F, and the Type T. The Type T, is a tetryon plasma warhead, which emits high levels of gamma flux that disrupts subspace, pioneered technologies in the Mark III Flux Torpedoes and Tetryon Plasma warp systems. The accompanying table represents Starfleet and Threat species Plasma Torpedo types. Plasma Torpedoes require a High-yield launcher on Starfleet vessels, but some species such as the Gorn and the Romulans have optimized their launchers so that they can fire plasma torpedoes without high-yield launchers, a method unknown to Starfleet at this time. Even so, most vessels will carry other types of torpedo ordinance to diversify their tactical palette in cases where plasma torpedoes are not tactical applicable.

1: Indicates a high-yield torpedo, which requires a high-yield launcher if a ship wants to use it to its full effect

2: Plasma Torpedoes available to threat and/or other species not aligned to the Federation

3: ‘Enveloping’ Plasma Torpedo specifically designed to impact and envelope all shield vectors, causing equal amount of damage no matter which shield is impacted. Requires 2 rounds to arm