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 throughout the Great Spiral. 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 50 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. The higher the jump rating, the more easily the vessel can "ride" higher-energy gravimetric waves passing through warpspace. The lowest energy-yield gravimetric waves are alpha waves, and they progress from there through beta, delta, gamma and iota waves. There are also theta wave gravimetric patterns in warpspace, but very few vessels have the superluminal capacity to harmonize with and ride these roaring behemoths, which are powerful enough to flow from one end of the galaxy to the other.

Current-date superluminal drive is fueled by the matter-antimatter annihilation reaction present in the hypermatter reactors and  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 specialized 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 forward and then back around the ship in a "bubble", which has the effect of harmonizing the vessel with the gravimetric wave fronts around it. As it moves forward, the shape and flow of the superluminal field continues to push the vessel along these wavefronts, enabling the ship to essentially glide or even "ride" the massive gravimetric wave patterns of warpspace.

Superluminal drive is the most common form of interstellar propulsion in existence. Because of it, interstellar travel, communications, commerce and warfare are possible. It is a measure of a star nation's stature what percentage of its warships are superluminal-capable. Achievement of this technology classifies a race as Unbound, and permits them to be considered among those peoples who have achieved this important milestone.