CMDR Topher, G.
REDACTED
Introduction
Quantum Phase Plasma Torpedoes represent a significant advancement in starship weaponry. These torpedoes are designed to partially phase into subspace, allowing them to bypass conventional defences and deliver devastating payloads directly to their targets.
History
While the Treaty of Algeron prohibits the development of cloaking technology, it has not stopped Starfleet perusing phase technologies. Initially concepted in 2370 following the recovery of the Pegasus Device, the phasing properties used in its design were seen as an ideal delivery system for torpedoes. Since Borg defences are almost impenetrable by Starfleet technology, it was envisioned by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers that, if a torpedo could phase itself and enter the body of a Borg cube, it could then materialise inside and detonate, causing direct internal damage. However, reducing phasing coils used to accomplish an intangible state to torpedo size proved difficult, and in addition, the antimatter within the warhead casing had a destabilising effect on the phasing coil.
Rapid Prototypes
Due to the outbreak of the Dominion War in 2373, the design entered a rapid prototype phase in a reduced capacity, with the goal of achieving a partial phase able to bypass Dominion shielding, rather than a full phase to penetrate to an internal target, however even with these reduced capabilities, no viable weapon was created.
Revised Implementation
Initially debuted aboard the USS Sovereign, NX-73811, a high energy plasma infuser would allow a torpedo casing to be filled with a warhead charged with high-energy plasma, produced by the ships warp core.
Early tests aboard the Sovereign in 2383 resulted in an accidental detonation, causing significant internal damage and the death of forty-seven crewmembers when a prototype torpedo was being loaded into the number 4 tube. See report 60194-73811-003 for additional information.
Following this incident the project was shelved until the return of the Borg to the Alpha and Beta quadrant in 2409.
Technology Overview
Phasing Mechanism - Subspace Integrator Circuit
Vital to this project is the Subspace Integrator Circuit which allows the torpedo to achieve phase, capable of passing through traditional shields and hull armour, able to strike critical systems with precision.
Recent advancements in subspace field technologies such as deployed Quantum Slipstream drives and Static Subspace Field generation, as seen on some Titan-class and Caelian-class vessels such as the USS Cassini, NCC-98103 are the foundation for the subspace integrator circuit.
These torpedoes employ one of two miniaturised subspace integrator circuits:
- A standard integrator is able to achieve partial phase, capable of bypassing a given vessels shield.
- A high-power integrator is able to achieve full phase, capable of bypassing shields and most forms of armour (see report REDACTED for limitations).
Due to the complexity and power cost of the high-power integrator, a larger power source results in significantly reduced warhead yield, about 5% that of a standard photon torpedo, however such a reduced yield delivered directly to a critical system component has the capability of crippling an attacking vessel and neutralising its threat with minimal loss of life and damage on both sides of an engagement.
Warhead Payload - Warp Plasma Utilization
Warp plasma is highly unstable, and can be easily ignited, making the payloads hard to deliver safely, however the increased yield of such payloads offsets the reduction in warhead material caused by the oversized power systems and subspace integrator.
By working with our Romulan Republic partners on the Allied Cooperative Starship Development Board (ACSDB), we have been able to produce a safer delivery mechanism utilizing a nanite-controlled trigger for reactant release.
Initial detonation consists of an explosive pressure release, followed by a secondary release and ignition of plasma reactant, capable of burning through most materials in a small area, either within the starship after a full phase, or along the hull of a vessel if only partial phase is achieved.
However, due to the earlier reported incidents caused by using warp plasma as a fuel source, we are recommending that only vessels capable of mounting an external torpedo delivery mechanism will be capable of supporting this weapons platform.
Operational Capabilities
Penetration and Impact
The ability to phase through either shields or solid matter, dependant on the torpedo configuration allows these torpedoes to penetrate starship shields and hulls readily.
Strategic Deployment
Quantum Phase Plasma Torpedoes can be deployed in various combat situations, from ship-to-ship engagements to planetary bombardments. The torpedoes ability to bypass defences make them ideal for precision strikes against high-value targets.
Comparative Analysis
Photon Torpedoes
Benefits
Photon torpedoes are easy and quick to produce, with almost all starbase facilities, and several starship classes capable of producing photon torpedoes in the field. As a matured technology, most designs are common, even between other galactic nation states, allowing effortless cross compatibility and reliable weapon package.
Drawbacks
Photon torpedoes cannot penetrate hulls and require frequency adaptations to penetrate shielding, which most modern shielding systems are capable of negating. Photon torpedo yields do not come close to the potential of warp plasma based weaponry.
Quantum Torpedoes
Benefits
Quantum torpedoes draw from a zero-point energy source, capable of roughly equal destructive potential of that of Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes.
Drawbacks
Quantum torpedoes cannot penetrate hulls and require frequency adaptations to penetrate shielding, which most modern shielding systems are capable of negating. Quantum torpedoes require specialised casings and assemblies, currently only available at core starbase facilities.
Quantum Phase Plasma Torpedoes
Benefits
Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes can penetrate hulls and shielding, with limited cases where this isn’t possible. Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes are capable of being installed to a standard Mk-IV photon torpedo casing, with minimal modification capable of being carried out in the field. Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes are capable of an equivalent destructive yield to that of Quantum torpedoes.
Drawbacks
Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes are still relatively unstable, and while they utilise a standard torpedo casing, they are currently only recommended for use in starships with external torpedo launch capability, such as the Nebula-line and New Orleans-line vessels. While most components of Quantum Phase Plasma torpedoes are able to be produced and installed at most facilities, the Subspace Integrator component is currently only produced at REDACTED as a result, all prototypes are produced here as well.
Recommendations
Install torpedoes aboard an eligible vessel for field testing, and following successful tests, ramp up production and bring additional facilities capable of production online.
Conclusion
Quantum Phase Plasma Torpedoes represent a leap forward in starship weaponry, offering unparalleled penetration and destructive capabilities. Their ability to phase into subspace and utilize high-energy warp plasma makes them a formidable asset in any starship’s arsenal.
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