User:Kelduum Revaan/Propulsion

A question which is commonly asked by new capsuleers is just how the different propulsion systems work on modern vessels. These subjects are not covered by the base capsuleer training as they do not effect the actual usage of the ship, however they are listed here for those interested.

Sub-light Propulsion Methods

Sub-light propulsion is classed as any movement which does not utilize a an FTL warp tunnel, including Afterburner and MicroWarpdrive usage.

Impulse

Ship impulse maneuvering systems include both the ships drive used to maneuver in normal space.

Each factions ships typically use one of four propulsion methods, which have generally the same propulsion 'strength', although this does effect the color of the engine exhaust seen. While there are a number of exceptions (pirate-constructed ships, some joint-ventures and a number of Tech 2 ships).

Fusion

Amarr vessels typically use Fusion propulsion systems, resulting in a blue engine glow and exhaust. This method uses what is effectively a magnetically constrained nuclear explosion to project the ship forward. Due to anti-pollution rulings in the CONCORD Yulai Convention, the excess electromagnetic radiation caused by this system must be dealt with by the by the vessel, resulting in the relatively heavy reflective armor used to protect key systems, and resulting in significant proportion of the ships shield emitters used to collect the waste particulates.

Ion Propulsion

Ion propulsion is usually used by Gallente ships, and can be identified by a blue engine 'glow' with a narrow yellow exhaust. This propulsion method uses a pulsed beam of ions to create thrust which is visible in the 'pulsed' effect of the exhaust, however this requires significant power generation meaning Gallente vessels typically have a physically larger spherical propulsion core, leading to the design of the typical Gallente ship appearing more rounded compared to other factions to accommodate the core.

Magpulse

Due to their history with the Gallente, Caldari vessels often use a similar propulsion method - Magnetic Pulse propulsion, typically referred to as Magpulse. This is widely similar tot he Gallente system, producing a very similar visual effect, with a blue glow and yellow pulsed exhaust. However, this system requires a linear propulsion core, leading to the typical 'square' appearance of Caldari ships, but with the side effect of the shield emitters being able to use some of the excess energy to produce stronger shielding than rival races.

Plasma

Typically used by Minmatar vessels, 'plasma' propulsion produces a signature orange/red exhaust. Although most of modern propulsion systems use plasma in one form or another, the Minmatar system is significantly less refined, being somewhat similar to the archaic 'rocket' engines used in children's toys and early spaceflight, demonstrated in the less constrained exhaust produced. Despite this, it is not uncommon for Minmatar produced vessels to reach higher top speeds than those of other factions.

Other Propulsion

Jove vessels (including the Jove designed and constructed CONCORD Drones) use another propulsion method which despite trillions of ISK of research, is still not fully understood. It is suspected the system used is intrinsically linked to their apparent ability to travel at significantly greater FTL speeds than seen by other ships, and recent leaked (but unconfirmed) information suggests they use an entirely different method, with the 'engines' on the ships simply being for 'show'. No comment has been forthcoming on this matter.