Tau'ri technology in Stargate
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- This article provides a more exhaustive list of the fictional technologies used by the Tau'ri race in the Stargate universe.
- For a listing of their more prominent technologies see the main technology article.
In the Stargate universe the Tau'ri, or humans of Earth, have developed many technologies based on what SG teams have brought back from trips to other planets via the use of the Stargate on Earth. Whilst Earth's level of technology prior even to Stargate travel far supersedes the level found on most planets throughout the galaxy (and indeed others), Earth's technology still remains crude compared to the larger races that they do not surpass. However, recently, Asgard had provided all their technology and history to the Tau'ri, and thus the Asgard technology is now part of Tau'ri's despite the need to analyze the technology throughly.
[edit] Real or semi-real technology
The following are technologies that actually exist, or are very similar to ones that do.
[edit] Firearms
The standard weapons of humans and SG teams remain conventional firearms that, while technologically inferior to many alien weapons, have at times proven tactically superior (as the character Thor puts it, "The Asgard would never invent a weapon that propels small weights of iron and carbon alloys, by igniting a powder of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur.")
- AK-74M: Standard issue infantry rifle for the Russian Armed Forces. Used by the Russian SG teams, though their weapon differs in using what is possibly an aftermarket stock.
- Barrett M82 heavy sniper rifle: Optional .50CAL heavy sniper rifle. Used by SGC marine combat teams.
- Beretta M9 pistol: Standard issue pistol of the U.S. Armed Forces and of the SG teams (including SG-1). Steadily being replaced by zats on teams operating out of the SGC.
- Colt M4 carbine: Carbine version of the standard issue M16A2 rifle used by the US Armed Forces. Standard issue assault rifle for the SGC. Removable carrying handle and rail interface system allows many accessory options.
- Colt M16A2 rifle: Standard issue infantry rifle of the U.S. Armed Forces and the SGC base security teams.
- Colt XM177E2: Subcarbine version of the M16A1 rifle. Used mainly by gateroom defense teams.
- Dragunov SVD: Standard issue sniper rifle for the Russian SG teams.
- Fabrique Nationale M240B General Purpose Machinegun: A General Purpose Machinegun used for supporting fire. Mainly used by Cheyenne Mountain troops.
- Fabrique Nationale M249 Minimi light machine gun: Standard issue light machine gun of the US Armed Forces and the SGC teams.
- Fabrique Nationale P90 PDW: FN P90 is currently the favoured weapon of SG-1, replaced the HK MP5 in approximately Season 4 (year 2000; see "Scorched Earth") and is also used by teams on Stargate Atlantis. It is a compact bullpup configuration submachine gun with a high rate of fire and large capacity magazine.
- Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 sniper rifle: Standard issue SGC sniper rifle. Based on Heckler & Koch (H&K) G3 Battle Rifle.
- Heckler & Koch G36K carbine: Carbine variant of the H&K G36 assault rifle. Standard issue of the German army. G36K is a modern and rugged carbine rifle well suited for the SGC. Integrated scope makes the G36K an excellent short-medium range assault weapon. Appears to be the favored weapon of Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell.
- Heckler & Koch MP5: Standard issue submachine gun for SGC teams and base security teams made by H&K. Uses standard 9x19 mm ammunition. Appears to have been the favored weapon of SG-1 until approximately Season 4 (2000), when the FN P90 (above) replaced it in most instances.
- Heckler & Koch MP7 PDW: One of the more recent PDWs released. A small machine-pistol style SMG with a small caliber high velocity round. An excellent CQB weapon, but with dubious stopping power. An excellent PDW, but not the best SMG for general use. High accuracy and armor penetration, moderate stopping power. Within the series, it replaced the FN P90 as the weapon used by SG-1 for one episode ("Off the Grid"), possibly because it was more easily concealed on SG-1's covert mission.
- M60E3 machine gun: Primary heavy support weapon of SG teams. The M60 provides heavier support firepower when needed. Lighter and more mobile GPMG.
- M1911A1 Pistol: Optional .45ACP sidearm for SGC marine combat teams. Eight round magazine capacity, semi-automatic single action. Old but well-tested weapon. Higher stopping power than a 9 mm pistol. Now the favored weapon of Lt. Col. Sheppard.
- SPAS-12 Shotgun: Pump action and semi-automatic shotgun. An Italian manufactured 12-Gauge Dual Action Shotgun; used by SGC teams.
- USAS-12 Shotgun: A South-Korean 12-Gauge box magazine fed fully automatic shotgun; used by SGC teams. Preferred weapon to fight the Replicators.
- DAO-12: A South African semi-automatic drum fed shotgun. Seen in use by Jack O'Neill and Cameron Mitchell.
[edit] Explosives and pyrotechnic devices
- M136 Rocket Launcher: First seen in the Stargate SG1 season 7 finale to take down a death glider. Is used regularly by the Atlantis mission to take down wraith darts
- FIM-92 Stinger Missile: Seen in numerous occasions against Goa'uld Death Gliders.
- AN-M83 HC White Smoke Hand Grenade: Smoke-generating grenade used for signaling and concealing movement.
- C-4 Explosives: Plastic explosive used for general demolition work. Usually comes in the M112 Block Demolition Charge form.
- M18A1 Claymore Antipersonnel Mine: A mine designed to fire steel balls (shrapnel) out to about 100 meters across a 60° arc in front of the device. Used in ambushes, and defensive positions.
- M67 Fragmentation Grenade: The standard issue "defensive" grenade of the US Armed Forces. Relies on firing high velocity fragments omnidirectionally for its effect.
- M84 Flashbang: Stun grenade that utilizes a combination of light and loud sound to blind and deafen enemy. Seen in the Stargate Atlantis episode The Brotherhood
- Mk3A2 Concussion Grenade: The standard issue "offensive" grenade of the US Armed Forces. Relies on concussion waves produced by the explosive filler alone.
[edit] Other
- AGM-65E Maverick Missile: A missile employed by the SGC to eliminate Goa'uld Stargate defenses and assassinate System Lords, including Moloc. Both ground troops and UAVs (see below) can "paint" a target with a laser designator to guide the missile.
- Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV): A submarine craft that was used to rescue members of SG-1 who were stranded on a crashed Ha'tak at the bottom of Earth's ocean[1].
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): A robotic remote-controlled 'plane' about 2-3 meters in diameter, designed by Samantha Carter and used as an extension of the probing that a MALP is capable of, often used to search for lost personnel. They are launched through an open Stargate using initial fuel within the SGC. The SGC has several types of UAVs at its disposal, each with a different set of attachments, including a rocket launcher, and a target designator that "paints" targets with a red laser beam, to guide Maverick-missile attacks launched from the SGC through the Stargate onto the correct target.
[edit] Fictional Technology
The following are technologies that do not exist in the real world; in some cases the new technology is an enhancement or modification of existing technology made possible by interstellar contact, whereas others are completely within the realm of fiction.
[edit] Anti-Prior device
A device invented by Samantha Carter and Bill Lee, it is a black disk containing a device that produces high-frequency sound when activated. Developed after the Khalek encounter,[2] the device, when set to the proper frequency, can stop a Prior of the Ori from using his powers for a limited time. This was later seen when Daniel Jackson was turned into a Prior when he managed to overcome the effects of the device. The technology could also affect the Orici on a level. [3]
[edit] Anti-Wraith Retrovirus
Though developed exclusively in Atlantis, this "virus" is actually a gene therapy developed by Dr. Carson Beckett that suppresses the Wraith, or Iratus bug, part of the Wraith genome, and leaves only the human genes active. It causes a Wraith to slowly become a human. Once the process is complete, the subject usually experiences memory loss, allowing him or her to then be fooled into thinking that they have always been human. This was what was done to Michael in the episode "Michael".
The invention of this process served as the catalyst for the exploration of a new theme in Stargate Atlantis, which began to explore the idea that maybe the Wraith are not any more "evil" than humans who breed and cull other animals to survive, as well as exploring the concept of identity. The Wraith Michael, though converted into a human genetically, was never the less still a Wraith (or so a select number of Atlantis personnel attested vigorously).
Unless given regular injections of the gene, a subject's Iratus Bug DNA will start to express itself again.
However, the retrovirus does not always have to be injected. It can be transmitted through the air, and used to potentially infect an entire Wraith hive ship.
[edit] Anti-Replicator Gun (ARG)
A modified firearm first seen in The Return, they are designed by the SGC based on the replicator disruptor created by Jack O'Neill in New Order to use against the Asuran replicators. They seem to be loosley based on the H&K MP-7 Personal Defence Weapon.
[edit] ATA Gene Therapy
Pioneered by Carson Beckett, this is a simple injection that will give humans the ATA gene expression required to use most Ancient technology. It is successful in just under 50% of subjects. It takes at least four hours for the therapy to kick in. However, the therapy is not permanent and might cause diseases.
[edit] Chimera
Chimera is the code name of Earth's attempt at replicating holographic technology through the use of Asgard science. The development of the project was made to dissuade beliefs by certain individuals that 'aliens' were present on Earth. The technology was used to explain the appearance of an Asgard clone on Earth and was later revealed in the episode "Bounty" where it was used more extensively.[4]
[edit] Field Remote Expeditionary Device (FRED)
The Field Remote Expeditionary Device (FRED) is a six-wheeled cargo vehicle used to carry supplies through the Stargate. It has several tie-down cables for securing crates and often serves as cover when SG teams come under fire.
[edit] Garage Door Opener (GDO)
The Garage Door Opener (GDO), transmits a coded radio signal containing an Iris Deactivation Code (IDC) to Stargate Command through the event horizon of the Stargate. If the correct IDC is transmitted, the Iris is opened to allow homecoming travellers. This system is unique to Earth and Atlantis.
[edit] Goa'uld Buster
Naquadah enhanced nuclear weapon used in the episode "The Serpents Lair". It was developed at Area 51 by Col. Samuels and Col. Maybourne. It uses a Type 12A warhead, which is made with radar-absorbing material used on stealth aircraft. However, the material may be ineffective against Goa'uld sensors. Enhanced with Naquadah, it had a yield that exceeded 1000 megatons. Col. Samuels was quite confident that the Goa'uld Buster weapon would work, but it proved ineffective against Goa'uld sheilds.
Despite the failure of the Goa'uld Buster, the SGC contiuned to develop other Naquadah enhanced nuclear weapons.
[edit] Horizon Weapon Module
[edit] Iris
Blocks incoming traffic through the Stargate when closed; developed to prevent other alien races from dialing Earth and invading. Can be deactivated by a GDO. There have been occasions when enemies breached the Iris; after these breaches the iris was replaced several times. Many of the breaches are detailed in the main article.
[edit] Kull disruptor
A weapon developed with the Tok'ra to fight Kull Warriors. Originally installed on a Transphase Eradication Rod, it has since been shrunk to fit as an attachment most SGC small arms such as the P90 and M249. As Kull Warriors seemed impervious to both energy weapons and standard force, the Kull Disruptor became the only thing capable of stopping them.
[edit] Locator beacon
All SGC personnel are equipped with implanted locator beacons for use with beaming technology. Originally, the beacons were handheld devices or ankle bracelets, but after Dr. Daniel Jackson was taken hostage and separated from his beacon in the season 9 episode "Ethon," the devices were implanted under the skin and are therefore less detectable. Although on the episode "Memento Mori," the chip was removed from Vala in a van while she was being kidnapped.
It also appears that anyone who travels off-world is fitted with the beacons. In the season 9 episode "The Scourge," SG-1 and members of an international diplomatic tour were stranded on the planet host to the Gamma Site after a carnivorous insect species overran it. Upon the arrival of the Odyssey, all of them were beamed to safety. Though is it possible that the international diplomats were picked up by their life signs.
This technology may be an enhancement of the RFID chip.
[edit] Mark III Nuclear Missile
The Daedalus was equipped with these nuclear missiles though nothing else is known of their use; However it is possible this is the same type of warhead used to destroy Ra's mothership in the Stargate film as it was mentioned as being a Mark III.
[edit] Mark V Nuclear warhead
Was going to be used by the SGC to destroy Abydos in Children Of The Gods.
[edit] Mark VIII Tactical Missile
A primary offensive missile used against enemy capital ships, it is speculated that this device has a naquadah enhanced nuclear device and shield inhibitors to penetrate a ship's defenses and increase its destructive capability.
[edit] Mark IX "Gate-Buster" bomb
Developed by Samantha Carter at Area 51, the Mark IX is a naqahdriah-enhanced nuclear weapon "designed solely for the purpose of vaporizing Stargates and anything else within a 100 mile/170 kilometer radius."[5] This is no small feat, as Stargates have proven extremely durable. (See note below.) The bomb creates a multi-gigaton detonation.[6] It has built-in safeguards that prevent it from being deactivated by electromagnetic countermeasures or any form of tampering. When the bomb was first used, it failed to destroy the gate in question, which was being protected by an Ori Prior. The second time the weapon was used, against an Active Stargate in the Pegasus Galaxy connected to the Milky Way Supergate, the Gate was successfuly destroyed and the wormhole disconnected.[7]
A new variant (probably the production variant over the Beachhead 'prototype' version) of the Mark IX warhead was used in a prototype delivery system codenamed "Horizon". Six Mark IX Gatebusters in independent ballistic reentry vehicles made up the warhead load of a MIRV style orbit to surface weapons system deployed from the Daedalus class starship "Apollo", used in a First Strike against the Asuran home world shipyards. The warheads successfully deployed and detonated on their target, causing horrific damage on a planetary scale.
[edit] McKay-Carter Intergalactic Gate Bridge
Dr. McKay and Samantha Carter devised a plan to solve the problem of bi-directional transportation between the Pegasus and Milky Way galaxies without the need for ZPMs.
Using a total of 34 Stargates from both galaxies (17 from each), situated approximately 90000 Light years apart, Stargate Command has constructed an expansive chain of Stargates between the galaxies that would reduce the time to travel between Atlantis and Earth from three weeks to thirty minutes. With this Atlantis can resupply themselves and evacute faster. Positioned halfway between either galaxy is the Midway Station. Currently, the Midway space station is only a skeleton structure with a gate at either end, travel is only possible currently by Puddle Jumper but when the station is completed, people will be able to use it without the need for a jumper.
[edit] Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe (M.A.L.P.)
The Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe (MALP) is a remote-controlled, wheeled, robotic probe, used to explore alien planets without endangering SGC personnel. MALPs contain equipment used to determine such things as the breathability of the atmosphere and the presence of a working DHD on a planet to be explored. The camera equipment allows video, including videoconferencing, between Earth and off-world SG teams. Most MALPs appear to be based on Prowler or Talon Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV).
[edit] Naqahdah generator
A naqahdah-powered generator that provides colossal amounts of clean energy. In spite of their small size (they appear to be no more than three-quarters of a meter long and can be moved around by hand) they likely produce a power output roughly comparable to several large nuclear power plants. Nonetheless, this is still nowhere near the astronomical power generated by a ZPM, one or more of which are necessary to power the shields that protect Ancient cities and outposts, such as the Antarctica base in Stargate SG-1 or Atlantis itself in Stargate Atlantis, although several naqahdah generators allow a fraction of Atlantis' systems to be operated. This is what makes ZPMs so prized.
[edit] Portable Scanners
Hand-held devices that can detect/analyze electromagnetic energy and other objects. The original expedition to Abydos used scanners to analyze the local food and minerals. Samantha Carter used a scanner to analyze electromagnetic energy emanating from the crystal skull in the episode "Crystal Skull". She also used a similar device to detect electromagnetic energy emanating from the android Reese when SG-1 discovered her in an alien tomb in the episode "Menace".
[edit] Prior Plague Vaccine
A serum developed by the de-ascended Ancient Orlin. When the Prior plague was accidentally brought to Earth, SG-1 and 12 went back to Sodan and took samples of a Prior's blood to complete the formula. However it wasn't efficient. A Jaffa-turned-Prior, Gerak, used his powers to heal the infected in the base but burst into flames and died. Thanks to him, Dr. Lam isolated an antibody and with Orlin's work, they made a perfect cure. It saved Earth with total casualties of 3000.
In "Ripple Effect", Maj. Gen. Landry gave Alt-Fraiser the cure for her Earth.
[edit] Planetary Wide Anti-Replicator Weapon (PWARW)
The Planetary Wide Anti-Replicator Weapon is a satellite weapon based on the Anti-Replicator weapons produced for use against the Replicators. The weapon is similar to the satellite that the Asgard used for use against the Replicators. Area 51 is currently attempting to build a similar weapon for use against the Asurans. The weapon would work to produce the Anti-Replicator disruptor effect on a planetary scale to disrupt the nanite blocks from being held together and thus destroy the Asurans.[8]
[edit] Railgun
A railgun is a type of electromagnetic launcher. The variety developed in the series by Earth as a weapon produces an initial bullet velocity of Mach 5 with a 250 mile/425 kilometer range. A standard magazine is capable of holding ten thousand rounds. The projectiles fired from these weapons are so powerful that they can quite easily eliminate the smaller gliders of hostile aliens such as the Wraith Dart and the Goa'uld Death Glider.
These railguns were effective in helping defend Atlantis from the Wraith "Dart" fighter ships in the Atlantis season 1 finale, "The Siege". They have also been installed on the Prometheus and the Daedalus-class battlecruisers.
In reality, the technology exists to build railguns; however, it is difficult to obtain sufficient power for them to be effective and to get the barrel of the gun in question to withstand the extreme temperatures and speeds of the projectile, wearing out the barrel with only a few uses. Presumably, the fictional explanation for the ability to make operational railguns would be the invention of the naqadah generator and the discovery of more durable materials, such as trinium.
[edit] Spacecraft
- X-301: The X-301 was the first attempt to reverse-engineer an alien spacecraft, the Goa'uld Death Glider. The effort failed when a built-in recall device was activated to retrieve the stolen Glider.
- X-302: The second experimental fighter jet, designed and built with Earth-based technology, and Earth's first attempt to create hyperspace-capable ships. The prototype was destroyed on a mission to save Earth from destruction by Anubis (the ship was used to cart a detonating Stargate into outer space).
- F-302: The production variant of the 302 fighter program. The F-302 became the standard interceptor used by U.S. Space Forces. It is space-capable and even hyperspace-capable for short distances. It carries modified air weapons. A large wing of these defended Earth against the fleets of Anubis in the season 7 finale, "Lost City".
- BC-303 Prometheus Battlecruiser: The first experimental combatant ship produced as an Earth/Alien-hybrid, designed to combat Goa'uld motherships such as the Ha'tak. Originally classified as the X-303 and developed under code name Prometheus, this eventually became the name of the first ship of the class. The Prometheus uses missiles as primary weapons, but is also armed with the new railguns. Asgard shields added in season 6 and an Asgard Hyperdrive in season 8. The Prometheus was destroyed in season 9. The Prometheus-class vessels have been discontinued in favor of the new Daedalus-class battlecruiser.
- 304 Daedalus-class Battlecruiser: Earth's second-generation line of battlecruisers; the first ship of its class was named the Daedalus after Daedalus, the engineer and architect of Ancient Greek mythology. The second ship of the class is named the Odyssey, after the Homeric poem of that name. This class of battle cruiser is a significant improvement over the Prometheus design. It has a sleeker shape and a larger, more powerful array of engines than its predecessor. Its weaponry includes rail guns, dorsal tube-launched missiles, tactical nuclear weapons, and a cargo bay capable of carrying large payloads and at least twice as many (16) F-302s than the Prometheus. The biggest difference in the 304's design is its abandonment of much of the Goa'uld technology in favor of Asgard technology, including Asgard shields, teleportation technology, and an Asgard hyperdrive engine. The third Daedalus-class vessel was given to the Russians as part of the Stargate loan agreement and was named Korolev, after Russian rocket engineer Sergey Korolyov.[9]. A fourth vessel would appear for a surgical strike against the Asurans and was named the Apollo.[10]
[edit] X-699
The X-699 is Earths first directed energy weapon. It is a fully functioning hand held plasma rifle and appears to operate similarly to the Wraith stunners. It was first seen in the Stargate SG-1 episode "Bounty."
[edit] References
- ^ "Descent". Stargate SG-1.
- ^ "Prototype". Stargate SG-1. 2005-09-16. No. 9, season 9.
- ^ "The Shroud" (Stargate SG-1)
- ^ "Bounty". Stargate SG-1. 28 minutes in.
- ^ "Beachhead". Stargate SG-1. No. 6, season 9. 21 minutes in.
- ^ "Beachhead". Stargate SG-1. 28 minutes in.
- ^ "The Shroud". Stargate SG-1. 36 minutes in.
- ^ "First Strike". Stargate Atlantis. 28 minutes in.
- ^ "Camelot". Stargate SG-1. 2005-05-10. No. 20, season 9.
- ^ "First Strike". Stargate Atlantis. 28 minutes in.
