The standard Starfleet firearm is the type 2 phaser and a variation of it has been in
use ever since it replaced the earlier phaser pistol from the 22nd century.
This is a quick breakdown on the models used during the mid-2200s as well as the type 1
hand phaser.
I have already done an in depth video on phaser technology, but in basis, they are a directed
energy weapon that fires a stream of phased Nadion particles.
There are two models around this era but both were very similar in ability and use, although
the earlier model featured a rotating adjustable emitter that could fire in different patterns
from beam to a single blast, while the later era version was still adjustable, but had
only the one emitter and an adjustable prefire chamber.
Both of these actually also incorporate the smaller type 1 phaser that can be removed
from the top segment and used independently.
The type one is far smaller and discrete, but far less powerful, being removed from
the battery back in the handle of the type 2.
The type 1 is often used in situations where carrying an open display of aggression might
not be a good idea, such as negotiations or clandestine missions, but generally it does
not get much use.
Because of this addition of the smaller item at the top, when assembled many of the controls
are duplicated as each needs its own method of altering the power and settings, although
the primary indicator and displays are kept only on the smaller type 1.
Because of this, the type 2 hand phaser cannot function without its smaller type one plugged
in which syncs with the hand unit completing the adaptable weapon.
The type 2 has 16 power settings from the lowest which can stun and disorientate the
target, to complete and total vaporisation.
If the terms is taken literally to mean vaporization, then it is actually an incredibly terrifying
prospect because the energy involved in that process is in the hundred-million joules range.
Not saying that Star Trek weaponry could not reach that level, but it is rather excessive.
So I suspect there is another effect at play here, to do with the very nature of the phaser’s
unique energy signature and unique Nadion based particles, although it can reach 8000
degrees Celsius.
Alongside the power settings, there were a number of alternate firing modes including
a wide beam setting that could hit multiple targets, although it seems the dispersion
of this beam would dampen the power level.
It can also be set to a very fine beam, creating a cutting implement, or impart heat to an
object without destroying it, which is a standard survival tactic for harsher climates.
The power supply was kept in the hand grip and could be removed and recharged in the
earlier 2250s model, but seems to be a sealed in unit on its successor.
Later models continued this trend of coalescing the design as by the 24th century, there was
no removable type 1 phaser built into the Two.
The power unit of the hand phaser is not quantified on screen, but it is not insubstantial.
Six phaser batteries when drained of power are enough to provide enough energy for a
shuttle to reach orbital altitude for several hours.
Apocryhal details go on to claim you can get around 10 shots out of a type 2 phaser on
full settings, while a thousand on standard power, with an effective range of 100 metres.
A type one was a fraction of the power, with only 160 discharges possible before its battery
was drained.
Finally, a Phaser can be set to overload by disabling its safety features and causing
the power to build until it reaches an explosive level.
The blast produced from such an overload is often enough to destroy solid rock and break
through the interior hull of a Starship.
The type 2 phaser was generally stored in weapons lockers around a vessel or shuttle,
and handed out as part of standard equipment for away team missions.
These devices are under lock and only security personnel and authorised people can access
them.
They are kept charged, but in a deactivated state, and regulations say they are to be
stored on the stun setting, as additional safety.
So that about covers the details of the type 2 phaser of the 2250s and 60s.
later designs reflected the style, before becoming a more curved design, shifting the
grip, but overall the technology was the same, just with greater adaptability and more refinements.
Thanks for watching this video, I’ve been Ric and I’ll see you later, goodbye!