Solar sail

A deployed solar sail typically covers an area dozens of kilometres across. It is made of a flexible synthetic fabric that has limited self–repair capabilities. Particles emitted by a star – the ‘solar wind’ catch the sail and provide a minuscule amount of thrust.

A ship using a solar sail as its primary method of propulsion requires several days or weeks to change its course or speed. Obviously, this is ineffective in a combat situation.

FTL jump drives can not be used with a sail deployed.