Superluminal Drive

The superluminal drive - also known as the FTL drive or by its nickname "the loom" - is the primary mode of travel between star systems within a sector. Gradual advances in technology over the centuries since FTL travel was first discovered has allowed the systems necessary for the drive to be reduced in size that vessels as small as 150 meters in length can have one installed.

Superluminal drive works by generating superluminal fields that form a subspace bubble that envelops the ship. This bubble, which is ovoid in shape roughly, distorts local space-time and moves the vessel at velocities that can greatly exceed the speed of light. These velocities are referred to as jump ratings.

Current-date superluminal drive is fueled by the matter-antimatter annihilation reaction present in the fusion torches of starships of all sizes. This massive energy release is modulated via the superluminal field regulator, which focuses the energy - in the form of a highly energized plasma - through a sepecial plasma conduit which runs the stem-to-stern axis of the vessel. This conduit - known as the gravitonic manifold - is sheathed around numerous superluminal field coils which generate the superluminal field. As the power plant produces the energy needed for the drive's operation, the energy release is broadcasted foward and then back around the ship in a "bubble", which has the effect of making the ship "shoot" forward. As it moves forward, the shape and flow of the superluminal field continues to push the vessel forward as the superluminal energies are pushed back.

Superluminal drive is the most common form of interstellar propulsion in existence. Because of it, interstellar travel, communications, commerce and warfare are possible. All of the warships of the Imperium have superluminal drives installed.