Technology level 7

Technology level 7 is the eighth of the Technology level classifications. The defining characteristics of a society reaching TL–7 are the use of rockets and the computer. Rockets often lead to peaceful applications including space flight and fireworks, but also can lead to a variety of destructive weaponry and ranged explosives. Computers revolutionize most societies bringing about an information revolution as increasingly difficult intellectual processes can be streamlined and simplified through the processing capabilities of increasingly advanced electronics.

In terms of classification TL–7 is the Technological Period of Ur-Tech, the initial planetary bound cycle of development. It also occurs within the Technological Epoch know as the Processor Epoch.

Theoretical Technologies

Physical Science

Classification of Quantum Mechanics

Material Science / Manufacturing

Composite Materials - A variety of nonmetallic structural materials combined for best weight and toughness

Advanced Ceramics

Integrated circuits - Building digital computing devices

Lasers - As accurate measuring devices and scientific tools

Biological Science

Discover of DNA and Genome Mapping

Chemical fertilizers

Artificial Organs

Cultural Science

Quality of Life Technologies

Energy

Geothermal energy sources

Fuel cells

Radiothermal generators

Information

High speed digital computers with linear processors

Expert systems software

Communications

Computing networks

Satellite communications

Laser communications

Medicine / Life sciences

Organ Transplants

Environment

Early orbital stations

Transportation Technologies

Land transportation

High speed trains

Water

Hydrofoil surface craft

Hovercraft

Air

Supersonic Jet - both civilian and military capable

Hang gliders - Light weight composites allow creating man portable winged gliders

Space

Orbital shuttles

Orbital stations

Maneuver Drive-1

Military Technologies

Technology level 7 is a transitory period of rapid development and experimentation, with computers of usable power turned toward analysis and development of weapons.

Warfare is a continuation of and refinement of TL–5 and TL–6 tactics using better and more effective weapons. Few cultures can handle the casualties that would be caused by a protracted period of warfare at this level.

Most advances in TL–7 are in the form of electronics and adoption of more advanced materials in weapon design, for incremental decreases in mass and minor increases in accuracy. Laser pointers and designators are sometimes seen during this period, and electronic vision and targeting aids are bulky but man portable.

See Also

Technology levels

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

• Technological Systemics
  • Technology Level
  • Tech Level Comparison Chart
  • Technological Epoch
  • Technological Period
  • Universal Technological Profile
• Foundational Period
  • Tool Making Epoch
    • TL–0
    • TL–1
    • TL–2
    • TL–3
  • Division of Labor Epoch
    • TL–4
    • TL–5
    • TL–6
  • Processor Epoch
    • TL–7
    • TL–8
    • TL–9
• Interstellar Period
  • Gravitics Epoch
    • TL–10
    • TL–11
    • TL–12
  • Biologicals Epoch
    • TL–13
    • TL–14
    • TL–15
  • Artificials Epoch
    • TL–16
    • TL–17
    • TL–18
• Galactic Period / Accelerating Tech Level
  • Matter Transport Epoch
    • TL–19
    • TL–20
    • TL–21
  • Transformations Epoch
  • Psionics Epoch
  • Trans-galactic Epoch
  • Pocket Universe Epoch
  • Post-Technological Period

References & Contributors

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

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• Herb Petro. "Tech Level Expansion." Imperium Staple 07 (1986): 3.
• Loren Wiseman. "Twisting Tech Levels: A Traveller Variant." Challenge 31 (1987): 27.
• Marc Miller. Referee's Companion (Game Designers Workshop, 1988), 26-34.
• Geir Lanesskog. World Builder's Handbook (Mongoose Publishing, 2023), 58,83-86.Joe Fugate, J. Andrew Keith, Gary L. Thomas. World Builder's Handbook (Digest Group Publications, 1989), 58,83-86.
• Frank Chadwick, Dave Nilsen. Fire, Fusion, & Steel (Game Designers Workshop, 1994), 6-8,37.
• Greg Porter. Emperor's Arsenal (Imperium Games, 1997), .
• David Burden. Pocket Empires (Imperium Games, 1997), 51-52,108.
• Leighton Piper. "Low Tech." Signal-GK 13 (1997): 30-31.
• Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 94-95, 108-117.
• K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technological Paths", JTAS Online (2001)
• K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", JTAS Online (2001)
• Martin Dougherty, Hunter Gordon. The Traveller's Handbook (QuikLink Interactive, 2002), 378.
• Jeff Zeitlin. "An Analysis of Tech Levels." Freelance Traveller 012 (2010): 10-12.
• Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 502-507.
• Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Starships (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 223-237.
• Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Worlds and Adventures (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 19.