# How does the Enterprise NX01 compare to modern warships? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 4, 2017, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097 "2017-06-04T12:27:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/21 "2017-06-04T18:35:06Z")
Missed the edit window: Also, it would be a waste of energy to use their anti-matter engines to propel them around when they could use their impulse engines instead. Why would they need to exceed the speed of light on a planetary surface? ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/22 "2017-06-04T18:50:16Z")
Fry: How many atmospheres [of pressure] can the ship withstand? Farnsworth: Well, it’s a space ship, so I’d say anywhere between zero and one. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/23 "2017-06-04T18:55:23Z")
OK, given the weapons and limitations in the OP, the Enterprise doesn’t stand a chance against current militaries. The only weapons with over-the-horizon capabilities there are the torpedoes, and the OP is giving them effectively zero range. Meanwhile, the only defense the ship has against over-the-horizon weapons is using all those lasers for point defense, and it’s not going to be tough to throw enough at them to overwhelm them. Or you could just use kinetic weapons, against which point defense is useless: We don’t have any battleships any more, but I’m sure that there’s some naval gun out there somewhere that’s big enough to penetrate a spaceship hull. On the other hand, if you leave the ship with impulse engines and life support, and at least one computer (including one of those little handhelds that they treat as effectively disposable), but strip away literally everything else (no weapons systems whatsoever, no warp drive, no transporters, no shields, etc), then the ship can conquer the planet, without ever breaking a sweat. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/24 "2017-06-04T18:56:08Z")
Bachman Turners on “overdrive.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/25 "2017-06-04T19:02:16Z")
And shunt all power to the Heisenberg compensators! ---
**Author:** ![Some\_Call\_Me.Tim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Some\_Call\_Me.Tim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Some_Call_Me.Tim)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/26 "2017-06-04T19:13:45Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > You’re asking how a fictional ship would do, and then providing it with weapons it doesn’t have. > > This line of questioning makes no sense. > > “How would Godzilla do against Battlestar Galactica if he had an enviromental suit, could fly in space and was equipped with gatling lasers?” Wait, original 70’s Galactica or reboot Galactica? > [@Lemur866](#): > > Don’t forget to stipulate that Starbuck is riding a space unicorn that shoots rainbow lasers out of its ass. And also they’ve teamed up with Space King Kong, but Godzilla has teamed up with Space Mechagodzilla. I was going to ask if it was the Benedict or Sackhoff Starbuck, but my suspension of disbelief was ruined when I realized neither of them were virgins, and thus would have no business riding a space unicorn. Obviously. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/27 "2017-06-04T19:45:37Z")
> [@Some\_Call\_Me.Tim](#): > > I was going to ask if it was the Benedict or Sackhoff Starbuck, but my suspension of disbelief was ruined when I realized neither of them were virgins, and thus would have no business riding a space unicorn. Obviously. What, Benedict Starbuck did Cassiopea? :eek: :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/28 "2017-06-05T06:03:57Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > You’re asking how a fictional ship would do, and then providing it with weapons it doesn’t have. > > This line of questioning makes no sense. > > “How would Godzilla do against Battlestar Galactica if he had an enviromental suit, could fly in space and was equipped with gatling lasers?” That would make a good thread actually. Dude Robert needs to be hired by Blizzard. I’d like to play his scenarios in World of Warcraft. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/29 "2017-06-05T06:18:05Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > Jonathan Archer commanded the NX01—what, 200 years before Kirk? Around 100 years - Enterprise is set in the mid-22nd century, TOS in the mid-23rd. According to Memory Alpha, Archer remained in command of his Enterprise until at least 2161, and Kirk took command of his first in 2265. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/30 "2017-06-05T07:08:20Z")
> [@Kamino\_Neko](#): > > Around 100 years - Enterprise is set in the mid-22nd century, TOS in the mid-23rd. According to Memory Alpha, Archer remained in command of his Enterprise until at least 2161, and Kirk took command of his first in 2265. Only 100? I stand corrected! ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/31 "2017-06-05T07:20:45Z")
I perceive a small technical problem. The NX-01, just like NCC 1701, had it beam weapon array _on the underside of the saucer_. So, if you have that thing floating in the ocean, what happens if you fire one of those energy weapons _underwater_? I cannot imagine a way that that would not turn out badly for just about everyone. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/32 "2017-06-05T08:42:35Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > I perceive a small technical problem. The NX-01, just like NCC 1701, had it beam weapon array _on the underside of the saucer_. So, if you have that thing floating in the ocean, what happens if you fire one of those energy weapons _underwater_? I cannot imagine a way that that would not turn out badly for just about everyone. Throw in a few tins of Old Bay and some beer, and you can chow down on a nice seafood boil! 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/33 "2017-06-05T14:56:31Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > On the other hand, if you leave the ship with impulse engines and life support, and at least one computer (including one of those little handhelds that they treat as effectively disposable), but strip away literally everything else (no weapons systems whatsoever, no warp drive, no transporters, no shields, etc), then the ship can conquer the planet, without ever breaking a sweat. I guess I’m not as creative as you. How does it do this? Accelerating objects attached to the ship I could see, but I don’t know how they’d be attached or removed with your restrictions. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/34 "2017-06-05T15:09:02Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > I guess I’m not as creative as you. How does it do this? Accelerating objects attached to the ship I could see, but I don’t know how they’d be attached or removed with your restrictions. I’m guessing it would be fairly easy to weaponize the ‘exhaust’ of the impulse drive, which is [plasma](http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Impulse_drive)? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/35 "2017-06-05T15:15:53Z")
I was assuming that a functional life support system would include at least one working airlock. Put rock in airlock, open outer door, accelerate ship to put rock on collision course, accelerate ship again to move the airlock away from rock so ship isn’t on collision course. Repeat as needed. ---
**Author:** ![dude\_robert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/36 "2017-06-05T17:21:20Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > I perceive a small technical problem. The NX-01, just like NCC 1701, had it beam weapon array _on the underside of the saucer_. So, if you have that thing floating in the ocean, what happens if you fire one of those energy weapons _underwater_? I cannot imagine a way that that would not turn out badly for just about everyone. No, it will just create lots of steam and lessen the weapons effectiveness slightly. Also, the NX01 is floating on it’s nacelles, not it’s saucer. The saucer is floating in the air, mostly dry, except for the odd bit of ocean spray. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/37 "2017-06-05T19:00:43Z")
That’s still an awkward position for firing from, especially if your target happens to be above you. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/38 "2017-06-05T19:18:51Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > No, it will just create lots of steam and lessen the weapons effectiveness slightly. Also, the NX01 is floating on it’s nacelles, not it’s saucer. The saucer is floating in the air, mostly dry, except for the odd bit of ocean spray. [Oh? Not unless it’s upside down.](http://www.startrek.com/legacy_media/images/200511/ent-072-nx-01-front-view/320x240.jpg) ISTM that the saucer has the greatest surface area and would displace the most water. And the nacelles are above and wide of the saucer section. It would float on the saucer, leaving the nacelles high and dry. Seriously, if you don’t know that much about _Star Trek_, expect to find yourself schooled here. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/39 "2017-06-05T20:09:22Z")
As I recall, the NCC 1701 was flipped over for the series, originally intended to have the Jeffries tube struts ascending to the part with the swimming pool and bowling alley. Given that NX-01 is purely a retcon, one could theoretically argue for upside down. Perhaps its artificial gravity would be sufficient to make that feasible – it would certainly improve mobility. ---
**Author:** ![dude\_robert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2017, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097/40 "2017-06-05T20:30:25Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > [Oh? Not unless it’s upside down.](http://www.startrek.com/legacy_media/images/200511/ent-072-nx-01-front-view/320x240.jpg) > > ISTM that the saucer has the greatest surface area and would displace the most water. And the nacelles are above and wide of the saucer section. It would float on the saucer, leaving the nacelles high and dry. > > Seriously, if you don’t know that much about _Star Trek_, expect to find yourself schooled here. Well, I took a few screenshots from an old star trek game that was laying around. There is a tiny little bump on the bottom of the saucer which could hold the saucer up in clam waters. [[Album] imgur.com ![](https://i.imgur.com/Yd8J7nf.jpeg?fb "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/a/tnwKV) It is also shown to have some sort of bump on the top as well, perhaps as a watch tower for the crew or to launch missiles or a hardpoint for guns? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-enterprise-nx01-compare-to-modern-warships/788097.md?page=3)