Engines

More about Hull Design

Playing Stars!

There are two basic types of Engines: the standard engine, which requires the Fuel available at all full-serve starbases; and the ramscoop engine, which scoops its fuel from the stuff of the universe. Both engines types have an absolute maximum speed of Warp 10. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and several require the presence or absence of certain race traits. For details on a specific engine, see the Engines section of the Technology Browser.

Standard, Fuel-hungry Engines

Engines that require Fuel will serve you well in the early stages of the game. If you chose the lesser trait of No Ramscoop Engines when you created your race, you'll use standard engines during the entire game. In this case, the Interspace-10 will be available to you.

Ramscoop Engines

Ramscoops draw their fuel from space, making them the cheapest engines to operate. The Radiating Hydro-Ram Scoop engine radiates massive quantities of radiation and shouldn't be used for colonist transportation, unless your race's OPTIMAL radiation level is AT LEAST 85mR. For example, a range of 80 to 90mR would work, as would a range of 70 to 100mR--as long as the midpoint is 85mR or higher. If the range is, say, 35 to 95mR, it won't work, because the optimal level for that race would be 65mR.

IMPORTANT POINT! The optimal radiation level is the CENTER point of the habitat range for Radiation. Use the View (Race) command to learn your race's optimal radiation level.

Ships with ramscoops incur greater damage when struck by mines than other ships.

You won't be able to build ramscoop engines if your race has the No Ramscoop Engines trait.

Overthrusters

Overthrusters give you an advantage in battle and help compensate for any movement penalties caused by hull and cargo mass. One Overthruster gives the ship one extra half square of movement per round of battle, with each additional Overthruster providing an additional half-square. Overthrusters are described further in the Mechanical section of the Technology Browser.

Maneuvering Jets

Like Overthrusters, Maneuvering Jets give you an advantage in battle. One Maneuvering Jet gives the ship a speed bonus of one-quarter extra square of movement per round of battle. Each additional Maneuvering Jet provides an additional one-quarter square of movement. Maneuvering Jets are described further in the Mechanical section of the Technology Browser.

Learn more about:

Setting Fleet Speed

Using Fuel

Movement, Initiative and Firing in Battle

The Battle Board