The U.S.S. Enterprise fires a volley of Quantum Torpedoes in action against the Borg in 2373.
Quantum Torpedoes
Shortly after the Battle of Wolf 359, where it became painfully aware to
Starfleet that their weapons weren't cutting it against the Borg, a crash
program to create better weapons was initiated. The immediate results
of the program were Pulse Phaser Cannons, and the Quantum Torpedo.
Conventional Starfleet Photon Torpedoes use a Matter/Antimatter reaction
to generate an explosive force equal to 25 megatons. However, that is with
a full M/AM load. Due to the torpedo using M/AM to power it's engines, the
M/AM available for detonation decreases with range.
Quantum Torpedoes have no such limitation. They utilize a Zero Point Energy
system that is separate from the M/AM used to power the torpedoes' engines.
This results in a greatly increased explosive yield, equivalent to 64 megatons.
The U.S.S. Defiant was the first Starfleet ship to be equipped with Quantum Torpedoes.
However, that was with early prototypes, which had a smaller yield and reliability
problems. The final system used for the Sovereign-class ships was much improved,
with a larger yield and the reliability problems fixed. This system was then backfitted
onto the Defiant and other Starfleet ships.
Currently, an extensive upgrade program is being carried out to refit older ships with
Quantum Torpedoes where possible.
As of this writing, there are two delivery methods for Quantum Torpedoes. The first,
which consists of a standard tube delivery system, is used on the Defiant, and most
Starfleet ships equipped with Quantums.
The second system, the Quantum Turret, is found only on the new Sovereign-class
ships. It consists of a rotating turret that can fire Quantums directly at their targets,
instead of on the centerline, reducing time-to-target (since the torpedoes don't have
to manuver as much to line up with a target) and improving accuracy.