1.5 kilograms(anti-matter) x 1.5 kilograms(matter) = 64.3 megaton yield
His conclusion states that we can reasonably expect a photon torpedo to deliver between 10 to 32 megatons of energy at any given target. However, while the calculation itself is sound, the basis of this calculation not. His reference source, the "Deep Space Nine Technical Manual", is a non-canon source in which his figures could have been plucked randomly out of thin air by the authors.
The following is a canon statement made by Seven of Nine from Star Trek Voyager "Scorpion Part 2":
"Voyager's torpedo inventory; 32 photon torpedo complement, maximum yield 200 isotons."
Since this episode, many Trekkies have pounced on this information in attempts to extrapolate it's exact meaning in order to get a clear view of the maximum yields of Federation torpedoes. A couple of examples:
"Take the statement literately." - Unfortunately, this isn't the best way to go. Isoton basically means "singular tons", and using our *current* system for measuring explosives, this would mean 200 tons of TNT...a rather pitiful warhead explosion for a technologically advanced human race. In comparison to the real world's largest detonated nuclear explosive (57 megatons, detonated by the Russians during the Cold War), Voyager's most powerful warhead would be 285,000 times less powerful.
"The 1.5 kilogram reference source was referred to as 25 isotons, therefore the 200 isotons is 8 times more powerful than that, approximately 514 megatons." - This is certainly more creative than the first example, and has some merit if one uses the Techical Manual as a reference source. Strangely enough, some Star Wars fans have claimed that one cannot do this because the TM declares 25 isotons as the maximum photon torpedo yield. Essentially, they attempt to imply one must except every word in the TM as factual, or ignore it (jeez, maybe some Warsies should do this with their "official" literature). Anyhow, if one were willing to selectively use information from the TM(similar to how some Warsies will selectively use information from novels, and declare the rest inaccurate), then this calculation works.
"200 isotons is a unknown measurement for explosive power, and therefore it's anyone's guess." - No disputes here. I personally agree with it.
The following is my theory(and I'm the first to admit it is very sketchy at this point) as to what 200 isotons means. Clearly, we cannot use it literately as TNT explosive power(canon examples of photon torpedoes have given them lower limits ranging in kilotons), and it doesn't seem likely the Federation would use 200 tons of uranium or plutonium as explosive power measurements. One theory is that 200 isotons of explosive force is the equivalent of 200 metric tons of anti-matter and matter anihilating eachother(and yes, I'm aware this is a theory based upon a single statement). Example:
1 kilogram anti-matter x 1 kilogram matter = 42.86 megatons (calc based from information assimilated at www.stardestroyer.net
)1000 kilograms(1 metric ton) anti-maater x 1000 kilograms(1 metric ton) matter = 42,860 megatons(1 x isoton)
From this calculation, it is determined that 1 isoton of explosive force is the equivalent of 42,860 megatons. Taking a 200 isoton yield we get:
200,000 kilograms(200 metric tons) anti-matter x 200,000 kilograms(200 metric tons) matter = 8,572,000 megatons = 8,572 gigatons = 8.572 teratons
So, utilizing the theory that 1 isoton is literately 1 ton of anti-matter and 1 ton or normal matter reacting, a 200 isoton torpedo would have a maximum theoritical yield of 8.572 teratons. If the isoton refers to total mass of both quantities in question, we would merely divide any such calculation by 2. Do note that factors such a reaction ineffiency and actual blast radius hitting the target haven't been applied here, so effective yield could be considerably lower(my guess is that 50% would be a very generous estimate).
Let me strongly stress (especially to you mindless flamers) that this is only a theory that throws around some impressive numbers. Personally, I'm a little cautious myself as to how valid this assumption is, but it cannot be ruled out as impossible since we are dealing with a fiction reality in the first place. I'd like to address common objections and problems with this theory:
"It's highly unlikely 200 tons of matter and anti-matter can be placed safely or crammed inside such small torpedo cases that have been seen." - From our current technology level and understanding, such criticism has merit. However, we are dealing with a futuristic military power which may have highly sophisticated ways of accomplishing such feats. For instance, if one were to go back to 1900 and claim a 9 foot long explosive device could release over 5 megatons of TNT explosive force, physicists of the time would claim you mad and explain to their fellows that 5 millions tons of TNT cannot possibly be crammed into such a small container(and they'd be right!). The point being that while the Federation may have the technological means to "cram" 200 tons of matter and anti-matter into small containers(perhaps some type of mass "lightening technology), it's also quite possible that anti-matter and matter are not the explosive components of photon torpedo warheads. Similar to how nuclear warheads explode with the force of 5 millions tones of TNT, despite not actually utilizing TNT. From all accounts known to myself, anti-matter as torpedo explosive material has only been established in non-canon Technical Manuals.
"Trek ships hit with torpedoes have never been damaged too such a degree to suggest such yields." - One of the easier claims to deal with, it has several problems. First off, it ignores other Federation technology at work, such as "structual integrity fields". These "SIF"'s are apparently some type of energy barriers(commonly called forcefields) that reinforce the hull of starships(not to mention the durability of Federation hulls is still in dispute). Additionally, the power fed to these SIF's cannot be determined, since power generation of such starships is also in dispute. Secondly, this objection also assumes that such starships would *always* be armed with such weaponry, and *always* use them.
"Trek ships should always use such powerful weaponry all the time to swiftly defeat enemies." - If any military power were to apply this line of thinking in the deployment of military units, soldiers would *always* be equipped with nuclear firing canons, and tanks along with fighter aircraft would routinely engage eachother with nuclear warheads instead of conventional weaponry such as bullets, shells and missiles. The main problem with equipping units with mass destruction payloads for routine use is the high risk of self anihilation and/or damage. As we know, Trek battles typically engage at very close range, usually within a few kilometers(undoubtably due to high sublight speeds that shrink weapons range within seconds). Deployment of high yield torpedoes, especially those calculated above, could easily destroy the ship launching them as well(Commander Riker once stated that photon torpedos just detonating near the Enterprise D could cripple her. Of course, this was only *after* previous attacks(phasers) failed). Additionally, if a enemy vessel can be disabled with much smaller yield weaponry, why waste the resources for mega weaponry when much smaller(cheaper) weapons will do the job? This is one of the reasons why jet fighters don't fire nuclear warheads at eachother; a typical missile will do just fine, and not destroy the fighter firing it. However, this does not mean that if faced with an enormous or powerful target/enemy, a jet fighter cannot deploy nuclear forces against it. The same goes for soldiers, tanks, etc. Also note, most military units don't typically carry nuclear armaments, and must be equipped beforehand. So in situations where such yields may be beneficial, they may not be available onhand immediately.
"In Star Trek 6, the Enterprise A got a direct hit on it's hull by a photon torpedo and suffered damage resembling that of a mere explosion of TNT." - This arguement also ignores the SIF componenet of Federation hulls. Additionally, the torpedos in question were launched by a prototype Klingon vessel that fired these weapons while cloaked, which could easily contribute explainations for firepower limitations. It's proximity to the Enterprise was obviously very close, as seen when it was destroyed, and the Kilngon commander was in no rush to destroy his targets as he was teasing and taunting his victims. An analogy would be the ability to cloak a jet fighter from enemy radar(like the F22 Raptor), and then equip it with nuclear warheads to destroy other aircraft. Clearly not very practical, nor is it done.
"Commander Riker said the entire torpedo payload of the Enterprise wasn't sufficient to destroy a mostly hollow 5 mile long asteroid in "Pegasus"." - There are multiple problems with this claim, some based on the fact it's been some time since I've seen this episode myself. I'll list some questions I'd like answered before drawing a reasonable conclusion from this *single* incident: How big really was this asteroid? How was the 5 mile size reached, and is it accurate? Why does one cavern inside this asteroid immediately translate as the entire asteroid being hollow? What was the Enterprise's torpedo payload at the time? Were they prepared for battle and equipped with high yield weaponry? How long does it take to increase the yield on variable yield photon torpedoes?(these Federation torpedoes can be scaled back to a "display" blast in planetary atmospheres) Does the Enterprise have sufficient materials on hand to increase it's torpedo yields by high factors? What was the Enterprise's proximity to the asteroid? Just how long did they have to destroy the asteroid before the Romulan warbird showed up? Was Commander Riker sufficently aware of the size and material composition of the asteroid in question? Could it be he was simply wrong, guilty of a minor lapse in reasoning, perhaps due to pressing time and nervousness of an enemy warship closing?(apparently Federation officers are infallible when their comments weaken their military capabilities, but not vice versa) Anyhow, the list goes on, and I suspect alot of those who rant this particular arguement have over-simpified the scenario.
Once again, I stress that this in only a theory of mine, and I'm currently considering it. This does not mean that I think the Federation's fleets could be equipped with entire payloads of such weaponry on short notice. (And yes, the reason it is posted here is for all to poke holes into it. That's what makes debating fun!
)If anything, I hope this post brought up some interesting points. However, even if this type of potential yield for photon torpedoes were to be accepted(HA!), it should be noted I still strongly hold that the Empire could swiftly defeat the Federation with superior numbers, speed, and sufficent firepower against unprotected planetary targets. Though, the might want to get their hands on those torpedoes once sufficient resources are firmly in their military grasp.
ermm wow.
or tons of some other material ).
