Developed in YE 34 by Jayden Solaris, the Hyperspace Tap-assisted Photon Drive was completed in YE 35. Looked upon as a huge improvement over the C3 Laser Drive, the new Photon Drive offers impressive power and efficiency, but more importantly a stealth capable propulsion system.
In YE 34, Jayden had spent a bit of time with the Intelligence and Pacification Group's Naval Detachment which in turn led him to look into some of their equipment and designs. Having studied the designs for the NAM-S1-01a Hray Class Stealth Gunship and the NaX-SC-01a Malchick Stealth Corvette wondered how he could improve the stealth capabilities for starships as a whole. After doing some digging, he found the na-c3-p3101 which had been used with decent success but suffered from power to size ratio issues that were never really addressed.
His answer came by way of the same power source he looked to use with the NAM Dual-stage Hyperspace Tap Drive. Combining the powerful aspects of the largely underused Hyperspace Tap generators with a newly redesigned Photon array based off the C3 Laser Drive, the Hyperspace Tap-assisted Photon Drive was created.
Combining the power of Hyperspace Tap-generated energy with refinements to severely outdated Nepleslian C3 Laser Drive technology, the Hyperspace Tap-assisted Photon Drive provides an alternative to Jet/Plasma propulsion when neither one would be suitable for usage during a mission. With high amounts of energy fed directly to the laser array from the Hyperspace Tap Reactor, this results in an exceptionally packed photon beam which is used to propel the ship in the opposite direction the beam is emitted. Ten secondary miniature emitters defocus the laser, in an effort to control and manage output and effectiveness as well as prevent unintended damage. With the beam focused in such a way that it only travels at the speed of light and in only one direction, it is fairly difficult to detect.
The photon beam - or laser - is adjustable in wavelength and output; and while laser drives have largely not be recommended for usage in atmospheric conditions, lower wavelengths of light containing less energy are typically able to used within atmosphere without detrimental effects. Primary function of the photon drive is to provide stealthy propulsion using green light laser while in a vacuum, as was seen effective in use by the original C3 Drive. Depending on the situation, the output can be tuned to reach or supercede that of standard STL drives at the cost of stealth.
The Hyperspace Tap-assisted Photon Drive is considerably smaller than its predecessor, intended for use as a starfighter drive. The technology however can be upscaled into larger forms or quantified for use on larger ships as necessary with the size increase generally equating to a similar cost increase. Performance of the Photon Drive is considered Very Advanced when its output is tuned to reach its full potential; its intended use however, when efficiently managed for stealth operation is more or less equatable to an Advanced drive of similar use.
Nomenclature: NAM XX-HTPD-01 Type: Photon STL Drive Designers: Nepleslian Arms and Munitions, Jayden Solaris Manufacturer: NAM Production: Mass Production Civilian Purchase: Yes Cost: 3200 DA Top Speed: Very Advanced (Forfeiting stealth)/Advanced (Stealth operation)
Lifespan: 10 Years Refit Cycle: General maintenance is recommended after each flight to ensure system is kept in proper working order. Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
This page was originally created on 2015/10/14 17:36 by Archander.