Tractor Beams

Tractor-beam projectors create powerful graviton beams which can physically manipulate objects at a short distance. Non-military grade tractors are commonly used for towing other vessels and guiding shuttlecraft through landing and launches. In space combat, the tractor beam can also be used to capture, stop and reel in enemy starships.

Since tractor beams are bulky, it is difficult to hit a ship with a tractor beam, but once a target ship is struck, escape is almost impossible.

Tractor beam combat tactics

Although not technically a "weapon," it is possible to use tractor beams during battle (to immobilize a target, for example).

Capturing Craft

A starship trapped in a tractor beam is effectively helpless. Once a smaller craft is captured in a larger vessel's tractor beams, it can be held in place to allow easier targeting and disabling of its vital systems.

This tactic can alternatively be used to prevent craft from escaping. To break out of a tractor beam a starship can attempt to overload the tractor beam by physically pulling free with its engines, or destroying the tractor beam generator.

Latching

This tactic involves a smaller craft using its tractor beams to latch onto a larger craft, like a leech attaching itself to a larger host.

Propelling Craft

To propel craft into other vessels, a larger vessel needs to focus its tractor beams on the smaller vessel to force it to be propelled into another enemy vessel.

Repelling

Tractor beams can also be used to repel incoming enemy vessels or projectiles, making them incapable or less capable of using their weapons systems.