Ion Drive

Ion Drives, also known as Ion Thrusters, draw from power cells or generators to create a controlled fusion reaction. The reaction releases charged particles, which blast from the engines to provide thrust. Most ships rely on power cells, although the Ion Drive can be converted to use heavy metals, liquid reactants, or virtually any substance as fuel. Rubidium and Cesium metals are such examples.

Ion propulsion is far more propellant efficient than either plasma or chemical propulsion, because it expels molecules from the engine at a much higher speed. A chemical propulsion engine has an exhaust velocity of 10,400 miles per hour while ion propulsion exhaust is 70,200 miles per hour or greater.

Ion engines are very stable, fuel efficient, and quite powerful. Their stability and high endurance make them the sub-light engine of choice for most of the younger races.