As of now what I plan on using is this...
Basic
sensor ranges are determined by computer model number (C).
| Range | Distance |
|---|
| Short; detection and analysis automatic | C×0.1 LS (C×30,000 km, C×3 hexes/bands) |
| Long; detection automatic | C×0.2 LS (C×60,000 km, C×6 hexes/bands) |
| Extreme; maximum tracking distance | C×0.4 LS (C×120,000 km, C×12 hexes/bands) |
Detection is recognition of a nearby contact. It is automatic at short and long ranges, and requires a scan throw past that (up to extreme range). Not
many information can be extracted from detection alone, at most the vessel’s distance, and also its designation, ID and performance if it’s transponder is active and squawking.
Analysis is extraction of tactical information about a contact. It is automatic at short range, and requires a scan throw past that (up to extreme
range). Success yields information about the vessel’s tonnage, acceleration, vector, damage state, drive ratings, mounted weapons... depending on grade of success achieved.
Scanning: Throw 8+ to achieve detection on a bogey past long range, or to analyze details of a contact past short range, with the following DMs:
| SEEKER'S | DMs |
|---|
| Sensor Ops skill | +1 per level |
| Extreme range | -2 if analysis |
| Detect-1 | +1 |
| Detect-2/3 | +2 |
| Detect-4/5 | +3 |
| ECCM-n | -n to ECM |
| INTRUDER'S | DMs |
|---|
| Power plant | +log(EP)+1 |
| Unpowered | +log(M)-2 |
| Maneuvering | +1 per G |
| Stealth hull | -1 |
| Going cold | -1 |
| ECM-n | -n |
Round down logarithm results. Detect program DM is 0 if ECM is used at an effective level. Powered vessels use the “power plant” entry to determine their signature, unpowered objects use the “unpowered” one instead. These rules also assume ships always produce maximum EPs (for simplicity's sake), thus the extra entry for “going cold” instead of mentioning reduced EP generation.
Signature: A ship’s signature is a function of its hull size and configuration, and of its power plant rating. The larger the hull and power generation,
the more noticeable its signature by sensors.
Going cold: On especially daring situations, the crew of a ship might opt to run the vessel below safe minimums, in order to reduce signature
but maintain a basic level of functionality. This tactic is known as “going cold”. While “cold”, a ship may not maneuver or jump, and computer CPU,
memory and sensor distance is effectively halved. Since most environmental and life support systems are shut off or run on a very light load, it
is common for passengers and non accustomed spacers to be uncomfortable under such situations, and may trigger life support malfunctions if the
system was already strained. Only powered craft are able to “go cold”.
Stealth hull: A ship’s hull can be “stealthed” against sensors during its construction, at a hefty cost. It applies a DM-1 to sensor scan throws for
detection or analysis attempts, but it is easily identifiable when seen and can be flagged as suspicious by law enforcement. Price is MCr1 per 10 tons of ship.
On the ship's data card, you would write its sensor ranges (at least the short and long values), and its signature.
Computer programs mentioned are:
-
Detect: Increases the ship’s computer’s ability to filter readings and provide viable data for the sensor operator. The program will provide computer
augmented “guesses” in attempts to aid the sensor operator with probable readings. It is easily defeated by ECM.
-
ECM: Interferes with missiles, exploding them prematurely or rendering them inert. It can also be used to jam and confuse sensors, providing
protection against detection and analysis. It is now available in multiple levels, and substitutes the one listed in the book.
-
ECCM: Protects against signal jamming and filters out false positives, reducing effectiveness of opposed countermeasures. By itself, the ECCM
program does not provide a DM to the sensor scan throw, but what it does is reduce the effective level of enemy ECM, or of environmental interference.
