why doesnt starfleet adopt other weapons systems?

1, 2

posted on September 10th, 2009, 10:10 am

Another argument for phasers is that the manner in which they're portrayed makes them appear more versatile when compared to other energy weapons. If we remember that many Starfleet ships are actually designed with scientific endeavour and exploration in mind, it makes sense to use a system that can act as a tool as much as a weapon.

Not to say that the other weapon types can't do that also, but Federation vessels always seem to have an edge in their adaptability to a given situation over their rivals.

I think the fact that common disrupter weapons have a beam and a pulse setting is less to do with Star Trek canon and more to do with a lack of conceptual consistency at ILM. Starfleet Type II phasers have always fired a beam of some description and, as far as we know, can only do this. Whereas Romulan and Klingon hand weapons seem to fire both, and yet there is no practical reason to switch from one to the other. Similarly, Starfleet compression rifles of the same kind can be seen firing a beam or a pulse, but no explanation is given as to why the same model would default to a given discharge type. I think it's a matter of them just picking whichever is easiest to do when it comes to making special effects for the footage they're given.

DarthThanatos

502 posts

posted on September 10th, 2009, 11:32 am

why doesnt starfleet adopt other weapons systems?

One word: Bureaucracy.

Two words: Red Tape.

Think of it: weapon tests, comparative weapons tests, stress tests, temperature tests, manufacturaing regulations, environmental regulations, raw materials provisions...

By the time StarFleet approves the adoption of a new weapons system, the Klingon will be firing miniaturized black holes while cloaked.

Tyler

10075 posts

posted on September 10th, 2009, 3:19 pm

DarthThanatos wrote:One word: Bureaucracy.

Two words: Red Tape.

Think of it: weapon tests, comparative weapons tests, stress tests, temperature tests, manufacturaing regulations, environmental regulations, raw materials provisions...

By the time StarFleet approves the adoption of a new weapons system, the Klingon will be firing miniaturized black holes while cloaked.

Four more words: They don't need others.

1337 64M3R

Donator

2733 posts

posted on September 10th, 2009, 4:01 pm

Let me see.........

Oh, according to Starfleet code any Federation vessels equipped with non-Federation technology unless authorized by a Fleet Admiral is required to go to the nearest shipyard to be examined and await approval. Any technology that is not approved must be destroyed. Failing to follow this code will designate you as a Threat to the Federation and is selected to be destroyed by any other Federation starships. :lol: