Components

Components are the basic assembly parts and systems used to construct ships, PDCs and missiles, that the players are able to utilize in Class Design F. The list of available components will expand and improve as the empire technology progresses. Each components type provides specialized abilities, which can be used in many possible combinations. The component chosen will add further functionality and have an effect on how the design will perform. The correct choice of components could be the difference between success and failure.

There are two categories of components. Core components become available as you research and progress through the Technology tree. Some core components such as asteroid mining and terraforming modules are automatically upgraded as the linked technology improves, preventing you from having to constantly refit and upgrade their parent ships to keep up with the tech level; Designed component have to be designed by the player first using researched parts that are used in the Designed system and then the design has to be prototyped by scientists to make it manufacturable.

Overview

In a standard Trans-Newtonian campaign, some components are already available at the begining of the game : these are the core components. The other components have to be acquired through research, exploration, trade or espionage.

Some components will be automatically upgraded as the related technology improves. Such are the asteroid mining module, the mines and automated mines, the various factories, etc.

Some other components will not upgrade by themselves : engines, weapons, etc. If you want to upgrade a ship with newer versions of such components, you will have to build an updated design and to refit your ship in some available shipyard.

Components can be damaged in combat. Internal armour can be added to some critical components to reduce the chance of damage. You may also find these items in space wrecks as salvage.