[Spaceships] Converting Star Control spaceships (more spirit than letter)

[Darekun]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

The hyperdrive eats fuel proportional to the distance traveled, not acceleration/speed. Top hyperspace speed does, however, depend on the the number/power of engines.

If fuel consumption rate is linearly proportional to speed(i.e. a convenient form of SpaceFriction applies), then fuel consumption amount is linearly proportional to distance traveled.

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by Darekun

If fuel consumption rate is linearly proportional to speed(i.e. a convenient form of SpaceFriction applies), then fuel consumption amount is linearly proportional to distance traveled.

No, fuel consumption for Hyperspace travel (and equivalent) is proportional only to distance traveled. It is totally speed-independent. Hyperspace indeed has a phenomenon similar to SpaceFriction, but with Reactionless engines it doesn't matter. Keeping the Hyperdrive functional is what matters; I think the Hyperdrive eats fuel to allow Reactionless drives to 'hold onto' Hyperspace or something. In fact, I think this is why Quasispace doesn't consume fuel - because the Hyperdrive doesn't need to do anything - just engage the normal thrusters without add-ons.