Kinetic Torpedo

A Kinetic Torpedo is simply an arrangement of blocks, usually small (3x3 or 5x5 cross section under the small block set) as its own entity, loaded into a platform or spacecraft. The spacecraft accelerates to maximum speed, then "launches" the torpedo at another object, (ship, station) to produce a damaging effect.

Loading

Loading a Kinetic Torpedo into the bay of a spacecraft

• A way to load a torpedo is to create the torpedo on a loading ship. Once the torpedo is maneuvered into the ship's torpedo bay, delete the attachment blocks of the loading ship connected to the torpedo.

• Another way to load a Kinetic Torpedo is to build the torpedo in the bay, then delete any attachment blocks still connected to the ship.
• Kinetic Torpedoes can be ships themselves, with the addition of a cockpit and several thrusters.

Firing

A Kinetic Torpedo, just before impact.

• Maneuver the ship to maximum speed, towards the target. To fire, let go of any maneuvering keys, ("W") as this will slow down your ship, and the torpedo will move freely out of the launch tube. As your ship stops, the torpedo will maintain its forward momentum, continuing to move towards the target.

• As long as the ship is accelerating, the torpedo will stay seated, (mostly) in the torpedo bay, even with turning. Perfermance varies with the construction of the ship and torpedo.

• Once the torpedo is clear of the torpedo bay, then maneuver to avoid crashing into the target.

• Kinetic Torpedoes can be manually piloted, which results in great speed and accuracy

A Kinetic Torpedo, just after impact.

Effects

Effect of a Kinetic Torpedo and large blocks

• A direct hit from a kinetic torpedo at maximum speed results in an eight large block penetration with an 8x5x5 (lxwxh) small block torpedo.

Alternative Designs

With the advent of thruster damage, there is an alternative way to ensure that the torpedo remains in its bay while still allowing it to be fired. Construct the torpedo as a part of the ship, with a single block that effectively connects it. Have a thruster pointing directly into this block and turn it off until ready to fire. The rest of the procedure is as described above, except in this case the torpedo will be launched when the thruster breaks the connecting block.

With the addition of the Artificial Mass block, there is yet another possible alteration to be made to the design. By setting up some gravity generators that pull down the tube and adding Artifical Mass blocks to the torpedo, it can be launched without having to move the parent ship.