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. Acceleration will pass the spacecrafts speed to the torpedo itself, through potential energy. Rapidly decelerating will release that energy through a process known as basic physics.

• 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.