Hyperdrive

Hyperdrives were the key technology that allowed the foundation of galactic society as it exists today. These delicate drives allow a ship to enter hyperspace, an alternate state of reality that allows travel at speeds many times that of light. Hyperdrives are rated by a class that reflects the relative superluminal speed of a drive on a descending scale, with lower numbers denoting faster drives. Civilian hyperdrives are typically between class 3 and 4, although faster drives can be obtained. Most ships are equipped with a backup hyperdrive for use should the primary hyperdrive fail. These are typically exceedingly slow and are only really useful for short-range trips.