Interceptors (lore)

Interceptors are a class of frigate designed for pursuit and tackling. They utilize advanced alloys and electronics to reduce their effective signature radius^[1] and mass, making them capable of high-speed maneuvering. Highly popular amongst capsuleers, they also fill vital roles in traditional fleets.

History

Specialized interceptors are relatively recent creations. For centuries, the role of pursuit vessel was filled by ordinary frigates, making the task of chasing and capturing larger ships dangerous and difficult. Frigates were the only ships capable of the task, as vessels in the larger destroyer and cruiser classes were too sluggish to capture targets with a high success rate.

It wasn't until the discovery of practical applications for morphite that a solution was found. Morphite, when combined with traditional alloys, produced a high-strength material that could be made in thin sheets and retain its structure. This allowed for frigates that had less mass while being more difficult to destroy.

However, these earliest improvements caused additional problems. The high accelerations and high-speed maneuvers allowed by the lesser mass required more advanced electronics than were in existence at the time. Additionally, traditional crews were heavily impacted by the forces that piloting an interceptor entailed. Blackouts were frequent from the sudden shift in g-forces, while ruptured blood vessels, loss of consciousness, and even cases of death were infrequent dangers.

The immediate solution, as with many things, was the application of the capsule. The technology had already been in military circulation for decades, but it proved particularly useful with interceptors, allowing for the reduction of the crew to a solitary pilot. The capsule provided a cushion against the extreme forces of the interceptor's maneuvering, while also interfacing directly with the pilot's mind, making sudden course corrections and alterations near instantaneous.

Once interceptors began seeing extensive use on the battlefield, another role emerged for them: one on one dog fighters. The best counter to interceptors often proved to be other interceptors and soon battles came to see almost two separate engagements; one between traditional larger ships and another between interceptors trying to kill or drive each other off.

With the rise of private capsuleers, interceptor technology moved out of the realm of militaries and into public hands in December, YC 105. Since their introduction, further improvements to the technology has allowed them to be manned in a limited fashion by non-capsuleer pilots, though capsuleers are still considered to be the optimal choice for their usage.

Technology

Interceptors utilize two important technologies. The first is morphite alloys. Morphite on its own is an unremarkable material, but when combined with other materials, it has a tendency to make them far more durable.^[2] This is put to great use with interceptors, where the traditional alloys used in frigate construction are combined with morphite to create incredibly thin and lightweight sheets that retain a high degree of strength.

These thin sheets are layered into durable plates that make up much of the superstructure of the interceptors, allowing them to be tougher than ordinary frigates while containing less mass. This reduction in mass is an important component in keeping interceptors mobile and reducing their signature radius, making it more difficult for sensors to achieve locks.

The second technology is advanced electronics. Most often tied directly to the capsule, these electronics are cutting edge and enable sudden course corrections and minute adjustments to heading and velocity that are often unnoticed on a macro level. This further reduces their effective signature radius.

Interceptors are also fitted with specialized equipment for the usage of propulsion jamming modules, enabling them to utilize far less energy in their activation. Many interceptors are also fitted with specialized systems to make microwarp drives more effective, while specific models may have additional subsystems designed to increase their usefulness as dog fighters or tacklers.

The most cutting edge military interceptors have highly advanced inertial reduction technology as well. While this offers no edge in performance, it does allow non-capsuleers to effectively pilot the ships. This has made the ships see increasing use in naval engagements, even when capsuleers cannot be spared for the role.

Crews

Interceptors tend to have small crews. Modern capsuleer interceptors typically utilize very sparse crew, typically only the pilot and a small, highly trained specialist crew that can withstand the extreme forces of the ship's maneuvering.

Non-capsule fitted interceptors have larger crews, but they still remain small by necessity. Any additional weight over what is absolutely required tends to affect performance. Interceptors thus tend to be crewed by experienced crew, skilled in the operation of frigates and other small vessels. The pilots of fighters are frequently tapped to pilot interceptors, as their experience piloting small, maneuverable ships is invaluable.

See Also

• Types of ships
• Frigates

References