Topic: How do you detect ships with a reactionless drive?

[markc]

 How do you detect ships with a reactionless drive?

 In most space games you can see the ships drive plume many many many miles away. Do you see the effects of the reactionless drive in another part of the EM spectrum? Or is the drive a "stealth" type drive?

Thanks
MDC

[RandalThor]

I would immagine that ships give off various types of energy* so that it is not entirely dependent upon the drive "plume." Also, we are talking about science fiction technologies so it is fair to assume that the sensors of the 'time' are capable of detecting many, many things that ours currently are unable to.

*Yes, this would be modified by their EW (if any) as a negative modifier to the detect check. Unless they are going active EW which means that it will be very quickly realized that there is something there, just not exactly where, though a successful sensor-use check should make it possible to pin point. (With the active EW number as a negative modifier to the roll, I believe.)

[David Johansen]

Infrared, plain and simple, if a ship's exerior isn't hotter than the background radiation everything in it will soon be broiled.  In realistic sf, heat radiators are one of the most important systems on a ship.

[Marc R]

Think electric car, almost quiet, no plume of exhaust. . .but you can detect it on much of the EM spectrum. . .you can see it, radar it, detect any heat or radiation from it.

[David Johansen]

For a more technobabblesque explanation: Gravometric Space-Time Ripples

[RandalThor]

This:

For a more technobabblesque explanation: Gravometric Space-Time Ripples

is why I said this:

Also, we are talking about science fiction technologies so it is fair to assume that the sensors of the 'time' are capable of detecting many, many things that ours currently are unable to.

[Defendi]

Yeah, if you've been able to distort space so long the reactionless drive is commonplace, you can probably see it working in sensors.  You are starting with what is likely a misconception.  At the distances involved in space, you probably can't see the drive flame of an old-style rocket until it's on top of you.  You said many, many miles away.  Really, it's likely just many.    Especially with no atmosphere to react with.  And even at a dozen miles, you're right on top of each other as far as those distances are concerned.

That's not really that relevant to this, but I like to remind people of this when possible.  The reason you don't use radar practically in space is it has a range of only a few hundred miles.  Seeing a few hundred miles in space is the equivalent of closing your eyes and seeing by touch for a person.    For real practical watching, you need much greater distances and far keener perceptions than anything we currently have.

Official answer, btw, is sensors can see the drive wake, but it can be easy to miss even then if the other guy isn't actively scanning and the background noise is high.  If the other guy does actively scan, he lights up brilliantly on your scanners.

[Rasyr-Mjolnir]

As other have stated, sensors will be your answer. The specifics will be based upon the specifics of the reactionless drive.

For example, a gravitic drive (electromagnetic/gravity) will put out both an electromagnetic signature and likely a gravity distortion, so those types of sensors will be able to detect it.

Once a type of drive becomes somewhat commonplace, there will be sensors built to detect it. Radar came with the prevalence of flight, other specific sensors will follow other specific drive types.

[providence13]

Not to mention RADAR shows everyone exactly where you are.

[markc]

 Thanks for the info I thought that it was possible to look at the RD's drive effect some way just as it is in other games.

 The drive plume comments are a bit more interesting in that in another game they say that drive plumes can be easily spotted a long way off do to the dark background of space. But it could also be do to there hex size and game rules.

Thanks
MDC

[providence13]

If anyone gets the chance, get a hold of the "Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual".
This has a fascinating look at space warfare. 

[RandalThor]

If anyone gets the chance, get a hold of the "Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual".
This has a fascinating look at space warfare. 

Ooohhh. I think I have that on PDF. I will look at it.

[markc]

If anyone gets the chance, get a hold of the "Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual".
This has a fascinating look at space warfare. 

I will see a my friend who has as many books as a game store in his house has it.
MDC