>>6330024You would need a very powerful and compact navigational computer to be able to calculate jumps with that level of accuracy in the middle of a dog fight. That kind of technology is beyond both you and any of the major galactic powers right now. But less accurate jumps are possible as you'll see.
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In the end Solei somehow managed to convince you to just adapt the captured ship by arguing that the experience gained would be a stepping stone to something more unconventional. Lt. Gale -under pressure from fleet command for a new weapon- supported this move.
Still, you were not content with building a mere copy; you wanted your version to have a little flair. After further “consultation” with your shackled AI you managed to upgrade the overall efficiency of the ships E-drive. The new model allowed rapid calculation and execution of short ranged jumps, albeit with much less accuracy. This “tactical jump” capability would be a useful trick in helping the ship escape while cornered. Unfortunately…
“What do you mean it will overheat!? I designed the coolant system myself, the thermodynamics check out!”
Solei crossed his arms.
“You’re not wrong, but remember: this is a stealth ship. Venting heat after jumping into an enemy system will make the vessel extremely vulnerable to detection. The heat from the E-drive will have to be retained until it can safely be dissipated. Until it is done so the internal heat levels of the ship will be dangerously high, to the point where it will be unable to safely do anything beyond the gentlest of manoeuvres."
“I thought we were copying an already proven design? How did the original ship overcome this problem?”
“The Auditor would translate the ship in deep space, vent the heat and perform a months-long journey to the target at sub-light speed. If the target system has a gas giant or asteroid field it might be possible to use these to mask any heat signatures,” said Gale.
Solei called up the ship design on the AR display and stripped out a launch bay.
“Alternatively we could sacrifice payload space for an auxiliary heat bank. This would also allow emergency venting should rapid cooling be required.”
“The number of targets we could hit would be reduced though,” mused Gale.
>Change nothing, rely on the skill of the Captain. (Increases mission time)>Trade payload for heat capacity. (Reduces combat effectiveness)>Trade the tactical jump capability for an E-Drive that charges slower but runs cooler. (Lowers chances of successful exfiltration) 