• Index • Xenology • Ranks • Game Rules • Search                                 5 users online -315661.4

» LCARS » Engineering Database » Propulsion Systems » Reaction Control System (RCS) Reaction Control System The Reaction Control System (commonly known as thrusters, or maneuvering thrusters) uses conventional action/reaction physics to drive a ship forward. It does not produce the speed or acceleration of impulse drives, but it is used for combat maneuvering and docking maneuvers. It is possible that impulse drive doesn't allow sufficiently fast direction changes to be used alone in combat maneuvers. The RCS offers precision and flexibility of movement unavailable with the impulse engines - for instance, angled thrusters could theoretically rotate the ship about any chosen axis, which would be virtually impossible to accomplish with impulse engines.   Schematics This image shows the RCS thrusters used on Deep Space Nine. Although they obviously are Cardassian technology, their function is the same.   π

Star Trek^® is a registered trademark and copyright of Paramount Pictures. Copyright © 1966 - 2008.
The Star Trek web pages on this site are intended for entertainment and educational purposes only.
All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective holders.
No copyright infringements meant.

http://www.frontierfleet.com/  -  http://www.frontierfleet.net/  -  http://www.frontierfleet.org/

© StarTrek Frontier Fleet 2000 - 2008
Hosted by Web Interactive