c+ Drive

c+ Drive is a general classification for any starship propulsion system utilizing a spacetime warp to achieve superluminal speeds. The name is derived from the common symbol for light speed c, implying the drive can reach speeds above light speed.
Various implementations of c+ drives have been independently developed by the various spacefaring civilizations. While many aspects of these systems differ wildly, they mostly operate on the same spacetime warping principles.
c+ drives are widely available in a variety of power outputs, sizes, and speed ratings. Almost all starships intended for interstellar or interplanetary use are constructed around a c+ drive system.

Components

Energy Source

Since c+ drives consume a large amount of energy while in full operation, they typically are designed around the reactor. The only reactor technologies typically suitable in energy output are fusion and antimatter reactors, the preferred technology from these two depends mostly on the required energy output and available space. In cost-optimized systems, there is often a power converter to also use the drive reactor as the primary energy source of the entire ship.

Chernyak Planes

The power from the reactor is used to energize the Chernyak Planes, which in turn generate spacetime distortions which are used to propel the vessel. The Chernyak Planes define the extent of the spacetime distortion field and are therefore typically encased in nacelles near the front of the ship. The actual Chernyak plane is a nano-scale structure on the scale of micrometers in thickness, however they are embedded in modules providing power distribution, control, cooling, and structural support. These modules are usually triangular or hexagonal in shape for easy tiling.
Chernyak Plane geometry is a major factor in the power efficiency and speed potential of c+ drives, and while the rough layout is very difficult to hide, the detailed designs are typically guarded closely. In some cases, variable-geometry Chernyak Planes are used (at significant added cost and complexity) to increase maneuverability while the c+ drive is active, as the field geometry determines the direction of travel and fixed-geometry fields only allow travel forward.

Speed Rating System

The maximum speed of a ship equipped with a c+ drive is generally specified in a system called "c+ v". A speed rating of c+ vN can reach N³ times the speed of light. The table below gives some examples:

c+ v value	Speed in c
1	1
2	8
3	27
4	64
5	125
10	1000
15	3375

Children Technologies

• Gravity Emulation