The AOC Enhanced Shield Grid is a specifically enhanced shield grid designed by Solas Tempus to assist in offsetting unexplained energies detected by the VAM Enhanced Sensor Pallet. The shield acts as a standard deflector shield grid, using deflection beams from the grid to repel incoming matter during space flight. The primary enhancements to the shield grid come in the static shield bubble.
Capabilities
Like most shield grids, it operations in two distinct modes when powered.
- Flight Mode
- Static Mode
Flight Mode
In flight mode the shield grid uses directed energy beams to deflect incoming matter. These beams are primarily used to deflect small particles which could harm a vessel during flight, such as micrometeorites. The power level is adjusted based on the speed of flight and size of projectile. This mode also uses a vessel's main deflector dish to deflect larger matter coming at the vessel while the rest of the grid is used for smaller objects coming along other vectors, especially at warp velocities.
Static Mode
In static mode, the shield grid creates a projected energy field around the vessel forming a bubble of coherent ionizing energy. This bubble absorbs or redirects primarily incoming energy, although provides protection against matter as well. In this mode shields are considered "up" or "raised" and uses the most energy output. Shield strength, frequency, and bubble geometry can be altered to fit a variety of situations.
The static embitter elements are enhanced with the Aqua Opal Crystal. By using the crystal itself in the emittered element at the final stage before projection, the shield is able to project the protective ability of the crystal out into the grid. This protection can then mitigate disturbances in Aether and assist in lessening effects on the interior of the ship. This capability is classified.
Operation
Statis shields hinder performance of both impulse and warp drive systems, and thus the operation in those cases caused a power increase, as with any static shields though they also can provide robust protection in a variety of situations. The primary limiting factor on static shields is in the dispersal of incoming energy. The field absorbs energy and converts it mostly into heat, which is then transferred into the physical emitter grid as it has to work harder to disperse that heat. This heat dispersion factor is the primary cause for shield equipment failure.
In deflection mode the ability to deflect an object is closely tied to the emitter size. A projected energy beam must overcome the inertia of an object to deflect it. This is why the main deflector dish is used at warp velocities, sa the emitter is powerful enough to overcome the inertia of objects at superluminal speeds.
Alternative Uses
The shield grid can be used to project a wide array of energy types. As such this grid is capable of being used as part of systems which depend on a robust shield grid technology. Particularly those of the Dimensional Fold Drive Gravitational Displacement Drive for such equipped vessels. These use a mix of warp field technology as well as static shield emitters to alter space-time curvature. During such operation the enhanced emitters still provide protection from disturbances in Aether.
Side Effects
While the shield grid is in operation there is a muting or numbing effect for any Aether energy trying to enter the ship (this included telepathic or other psionic energies) though effects within the ship are unchanged. Some telepaths have reported feeling cut off or isolated while the shield is in operation.