D I R E C T O R
R M R - H X 2 2
A S T R A I O S
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create a advanced model of gravdrive for the closed market.
- Image Source: N/A
- Canon Link: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Primary Source: N/A
- Manufacturer: Roble Manufacturing
- Affiliation: Roble Manufacturing
- Market Status: Closed-Market
- Model: RMR-HX22 Astraios Gravdrive
- Modularity: No
- Production: Semi-Unique
- Material:
- Impervium Outer Coating
- Duranium Chassis
- Duravlex Interior Heat Insulation
- Sybarium Synthetic Energy Crystal
- SACG-23S Shock-Absorbent Gel
- Liquid-Aenite Mineral Compound
- RGT-BH5 Erebus Particle Collider
- Flux Capacitator Connector
- Carbonite Insert
- Paralight System
- Gravitic Sensor
- Compressor Coil
- Inhibitor
- Regulator
- Alternating Sequencing Module
- Mauvine Nullifier
- Null Quantum Field Generator
- Remodulating Buffer Heatsink
- Repulsor Compensator
- Uses natural curve in space-time caused by gravitational fields to maneuver through hyperspace
- Maneuvers performed through the gravdrive appear to be near-instantaneous
- Operational range limited to the extent of a gravitational field produced by a significant celestial body
- i.e. Star Systems are the largest conventional extent of this range
- Inoperable in deep space, areas with no significant gravitational draw
- Smallest operational gravitational field produced by celestial body with mass equivalent to a moon
- Follows normal laws of hyperspace; cannot warp directly through mass shadows
- Advanced hypernavigation calculation systems
- Integration with onboard flight, navigational systems
- Use of gravitational field prevents limitations by artificial, natural gravity wells
- Capability of use within atmosphere of planets
- Counter to interdiction technologies
- Energy constraints prevent installation on ships above two-thousand meters or smaller than fifty meters in size.
- Blink: The Eos uses natural curves in space time caused by gravitational fields to near-instantaneously perform maneuvers in hyperspace.
- Grav-well Leverage: Due to improved manipulation of gravitational fields, the Astraios is able to function within artifical gravity wells (such as interdiction fields) and natural gravitational wells.
- Size Constraint: Current energy and stability constraints prevent a gravdrive from being installed on ships above two-thousand meters or smaller than fifty meters in size.
- Short Range: The range at which the gravdrive can operate is limited to the extent of strong gravitational presences. This means that the largest operable area of gravdrives are within star systems -- in deep space the gravdrives simply do not have enough gravitational curve to function.
- Crash Prone: Significant precision is needed to operate the gravdrive within natural gravitational wells such as a planet's atmosphere. Due to the difference in propulsion, crashing into a mass the size of a planet will not have the same catastrophic proportions as hyperspace ramming; although it can create a significant amount of destruction, it has less destructive potential than an asteroid impact, and is more suicide for a ship performing the maneuver than it is a potential kamikaze weapon.
With the advent of Roble Manufacturing's Eos Gravdrive, company engineers were able to produce a more finely-tuned, limited production version of the Gravdrive: the RMR-HX22 Astraios.
The primary function of the Astraios is nearly exactly the same as the Eos; it centers around the passive gravitational fields produced by large celestial masses -- moons, planets, and stars -- and the natural curves in space-time produced by said gravitational fields. By aligning to those curves through advanced hypernavigational calculation systems, the Astraios essentially allows for near instantaneous maneuvering across small interstellar distances. But the Astraios takes this principle a step further; with refined systems more adept to utilizing gravitational fields, the interdiction effects of strong natural and artificial gravitational fields are effectively negated. This allows the gravdrive to function even when under the affect of those gravity wells, being able to be used in interdiction fields and gravity wells.
However, its important to note that significant precision is needed to operate the gravdrive within natural gravitational wells such as a planet's atmosphere to avoid the destruction of the operating ship. Due to the difference in propulsion, crashing into a mass the size of a planet will not have the same catastrophic proportions as hyperspace ramming; although it can create a significant amount of destruction, it has less destructive potential than an asteroid impact, and is more suicide for a ship performing the maneuver than it is a potential kamikaze weapon.
Like the Eos, the Astraios is constrained by its operable range; outside of any significant gravitational field, the gravdrive is essentially useless. This is also the case within extremely strong (or artificial) gravity wells produced by black holes or interdiction fields.
A significant upgrade in gravdrive technology, the Astraios will provide a high amount of utility for ships equipped with the technology.
