Description
Direct fusion drive (DFD) equipped vessels were the first true deep-space combat ships developed by mankind. With an ISP upwards to 20,000 seconds (more typically around 15,000), they could get to virtually anywhere in the Inner System under mere months.
Technical information:
Drive ISP: variable. Maximum observed is on the order of 20,000 seconds.
Crew: 2 NASSF personnel. Vessel is capable of entirely autonomous operation. Typical crew undergo neurosurgery to decrease psychological effects of long-term missions.
Dimensions: 96 meters in lengths, main cylinderical mesh has diameter of 5.4 to 6.6 meters.
Thrust: Classified. DFD designs are variable thrust in design, by manipulating the flow rates of propellant and the drive's fields. Observed accelerations on the order of centigees.
Operational lifetimes: Neutron radiation from secondary fusion (mainly De-De) limits drive superconductor lifetime to 4 months in case the inner neutron shield fails.
Power generation: Main drive generates electrical power around 25% to 35% efficiency from the fusion process. RGTs and capacitor banks ensure the drive startup from cold and ensure emergency power if ignition fails. Most ships also carry auxiliary solar panels if deployed Sun-ward.
Armament:
Main weapon is optical-range phased array laser weapon, with aperture diameter of 4 meters, with peak wavelength at 460 nm. OPA is capable of firing at multiple targets at once, and operates around 32% efficiency (higher on newer models). Radiation system ensures firing times on the range of a full minute.
36 area-defense missiles for dedicated fleet and ship defense. Requires EVA to reload.
Unknown number of point-defense missiles.
Up to 6 ablative-launch, standoff missiles.
Sensor suite:
4 phased array radar meshes, 4 telescopes (independent off-axis movement up to 90 degrees), classified LIDAR system, 1 interferometer suite, dual TPC suites (unknown if effective operation is possible with online drive), number of deployable sensor drones.