Hyperspace Drives

Hyperspace drives (HSDs, pronounced "hiss drives") utilize hyperspace terrain to shorten the total distance traveled between two points. Because they rely on the shape of hyperspace, they are limited to travelling along specific routes. Ships with hiss drives are designed to be streamlined in higher dimensions. Ships with the capability to travel through increasingly higher dimensions are more complex and expensive but can potentially travel from one end of known space to the other in record time. HSDs are often used on cargo ships, patrol vessels, starliners, ferries, and other ships that follow designated routes. Massive HSD ferries are used to transport STW ships along hyperspace lanes.

Social Impact

HSDs are a more recent development than STW drives. While they have not made STW drives obsolete, they have allowed for more rapid travel to distant start systems.

Access & Availability

HSDs are readily available for both military and commercial use. Only the wealthiest private citizens can afford their own HSD.

Complexity

HSDs aer typically powered either by antimatter or miniaturized singularities.