Space Combat Maneuvers

Space Combat Maneuvers (SCM) is a flight mode of the Intelligent Flight Control System used primarily in space combat. Unlike afterburner, it does not use any fuel. Its maximum velocity is dynamically calculated as a function of force and mass: F/m * T = SCM Max Velocity.

Fuel Consumption

With the technological advancements of 930 years, ships equipped with the proper intakes can create and replenish the fuel necessary for everyday operation.[1]

Tuning the Maximum Velocity

  • Any changes to the mass of the ship (such as loadout changes, picking up cargo etc) will impact the maximum SCM speed.
  • Upgrading the ships maneuvering thrusters generally increases the max SCM speed allowed by IFCS. The maximum SCM speed is determined by the strongest turning axis of the ship, meaning the best drift control will be achieved by turning on the strong axis, rather than the weak axis. Each ship has a different configuration of strong and weak axes and its up to the pilot to learn them and fly to their strengths.[2]

References

  1. Q&A: Aopoa Nox. Engineering - Comm-Link
  2. Design Notes: Flight Model Changes in Star Citizen Alpha 2.0. Transmission - Comm-Link