franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

11.9 AUTO DESTRUCT SYSTEMSsired interval until destruct. At this point, the auto-destruct sequencewill commence, counting down until scheduled destruct.Computer voice announcements and data graphicdisplays throughout the spacecraft provide time-remaininginformation.The auto-destruct sequence can be aborted by voicecommand at any time prior to the actual activation of the ordnancepackages at T - 0 seconds. Authority for cancellationof the auto-destruct sequence is vested with the captain andexecutive officer.HARDWARE CONFIGURATION AND OPERATIONIn the preferred configuration, the starship undergoesrapid vaporization from thermal and mechanical shock causedby a deliberate release of warp engine reactants. Remotecomputer system decryption algorithms generate one final setof cascade failure commands, and all engine safety interlocksare compromised. Matter from the primary deuterium tankageand the total supply of antimatter from the storage podson Deck42 are expelled simultaneously, producing an energyrelease on the order of 10 15 megajoules, roughly equivalent to1,000 photon torpedoes.If the command links to the engine systems are severed,the secondary destruct system is automatically selected.Ordnance packages are located at key locations around thevehicle, including the antimatter storage pods. These aredetonated in concert with intentional overloads of all fusionreaction chambers. The release yield of the secondarysystem is calculated to be 10 9 megajoules, roughly equivalentto 500 photon torpedoes. The secondary destruct systembecomes the primary system for the Saucer Module in SeparatedFlight Mode.