A decent alternative to "conventional" rocket systems, ion engines are a little lacking in the acceleration department, but make up for it by using less mass, having superior maximum combat speeds, and improved maneuvering abilities. It is important to note that they are slightly more fragile than conventional systems, and also consume more power.
Standard
Speed output: 16870
Acceleration output: 300
Turning output: 5735
Hit Points: 200
Mass: 1120
Energy Drain: 515
Heavy
Speed output: 29400
Acceleration output: 485
Turning output: 7975
Hit Points: 300
Mass: 1600
Energy Drain: 920
~~
Fusion Cores Research cost: 30 prerequisites: None
MOAR POWAH: FUSION POWAH! Fusion Cores have around a 50% higher output than equivalently sized, unupgraded Fission Cores, though they take up around 15% more space and are approximately 20% more fragile.
Modules:
Spoiler!
Ultra-light
Core Integrity: 140
Power Output: 825
Mass: 690
Light
Core Integrity: 200
Power output: 1275
Mass: 1200
Standard
Core Integrity: 320
Power output: 1800
Mass: 2530
Heavy
Core Integrity: 520
Power Output: 2775
Mass: 3680
Ultra-heavy
Core Integrity: 680
Power Output: 3600
Mass: 5175
Gas Harvesting Research cost: 10-15? prerequisites: None
Gas giants are a potential goldmine of resources. The only difficulty is tapping those resources. Due to the environment, specialized harvesting equipment is necessary. Ships with this equipment can harvest resources from gas giants at a slow but steady rate. Certain gas giants may yield rare and highly valuable resources.
Modules:
Spoiler!
Gas Harvesting Array
Mass: 1000
Power: 180
Ability: Gas Mining
~~
Surveying Sensors Research Cost: 5-10? Prereqs: None
Planets have wide arrays of resources available on them, but we can't accurately gauge the resources available from orbit. Enhanced surveying sensors would allow us to determine more accurate data about a planet from orbit, potentially revealing special resources without necessitating a colonization effort on a world that might otherwise be useless... or it might turn up a hidden gem on a planet once thought to be of no great use.
These sensors are no use for scanning starships though, and do not improve a ship's sensor ability, as they are specifically calibrated for scanning planets.
Enhanced Laser Emitters Research Cost: 10-20 Prerequisites: None
Whilst our prototype High-Energy Lasers are combat-capable, there is always room for improvement. We have laid down plans for viable, more powerful beam weapons based around the concept of high-powered Free-Electron Lasers. These versatile and easily tunable weapons are a significant improvement over their predecessors, and may pave the way to even more exotic beam-type weapons.
Modules/Weapons/etc.
Spoiler!
Shit goes here, cap'n
~~
Point Defense Lasers Research Cost: 20-25 Prerequisites: Enhanced Laser Emitters
With proper computers, sensors, and lasing arrays, powerful "snapshot" emitters can be used to neutralize incoming projectiles through a beam of intense radiation. These "point defense lasers" always hit, and instantly neutralize their target no matter what, but have a reduced rate of fire compared to conventional point defense guns and draw a lot of energy from a ship's reactor.
Modules/Weapons/etc.
Spoiler!
Shit goes here, cap'n
~~
Particle Beams Research Cost: 20-30 Prerequisites: Enhanced Laser Emitters
Already in use by the reforming Coalition, Particle Beams were one of the most powerful pre-Collapse weapons available. Contrary to common misconception they are not really energy weapons, instead striking targets with a stream of charged particles moving at a significant portion of the speed of light, thus carrying significant kinetic energy. This in turn rapidly superheats the target's structure, causing thermal damage and possibly igniting sensitive internal components.
Modules/Weapons/etc.
Spoiler!
Shit goes here, cap'n
~~
Particle Accelerator Cannons Research Cost: ??? Prerequisites: Particle Beams
Whilst a beam of accelerated particles is all well and good, it eats up a lot of power. Sometimes it's more efficient to launch "packets" or small bursts of particles in a fashion more akin to a conventional cannon. It's less reliable than a beam in terms of accuracy, but more space and power efficient.