Electronic Warfare involves using technology to disrupt or control electronic systems.
Electronic Warfare involves using technology to disrupt or control electronic systems.
Original piece featuring some striking visuals. This section concentrates mainly on signatures. Part two will dive into real hacking techniques and will be released later. Signatures in Infrared: Every vessel emits warmth detectable by thermal imaging devices. Components that heat up—such as thrusters—gradually lose heat, so proceed with caution. Electromagnetic: Devices that draw or emit power leave a detectable electromagnetic trace. Cross-Section: This refers to radar detection; larger vessels are more easily tracked, and active scanning enhances visibility even for passive systems. Unique Ship Signature: This is the transponder signal mandated by law, broadcasting your vessel’s identification. Each part of the ship transmits at least one of these signals. You can employ parts with reduced signatures, though compromises are inevitable. Low-emission shields emit weaker signals, radar-absorbent materials offer limited protection, active scanners make detection easier, yet passive systems can still locate you. A transponder is the key identifier enforced by regulation. All systems contribute at least one of these emissions. While lower-signature components exist, there’s always a balance to consider. Shields that emit little radiation are generally less effective, radar-absorbent plating isn’t ideal for damage resistance, passive scanners may overlook targets like the Freelancer you aimed for, and the UEE is strict about incorrect or silent transponder data. Speaking of the UEE, they mandate a minimum signature level when operating in controlled zones. The visual display you see ahead is the aggregated data collected by your sensors. Depending on your equipment, you can adjust its output to switch between passive, active omnidirectional, or directional scans. Passive scans use minimal power and produce negligible emissions—great for concealment, but risky if you’re hiding in plain sight. Active omnidirectional scans alert you to most threats, though they reveal your location to anyone else listening. Directional scans provide detailed info on unknown contacts or previously unseen targets, but they don’t broadcast beyond their scanning range. Regarding transponder status: the UEE demands a certain level of signal presence in regulated areas. The radar display you see is a composite of all sensor data gathered throughout the mission. With appropriate gear, you can alter its output to switch between different scanning modes. Passive scans consume almost no energy and emit little, making them ideal for stealth—but you might miss a hidden threat like CommanderFett in his blade. Active omnidirectional scans alert you to most dangers, yet expose your position to anyone with passive equipment. Directional scans deliver more detailed information on unidentified objects or new contacts, but they only show what lies within their beam. As we discussed, transponder states include: Undetectable – no signal received; Uncertain – possible presence; Unscanned – confirmed location, not scanned yet; Scanned – full data collected. In offensive electronic warfare, EMP floods the enemy’s power grid to force system resets. Data-Spike missiles link to your target ship, enabling system intrusion. Distortion drains power directly from the grid to temporarily disable components. Signal-Intercept captures, redirects, or scrambles enemy comms or sensors. Special gear: data storage, encryption tools, or transmission security. Defensive EW uses EM flares to confuse missiles instead of heat. Heat chaff is less intense than IR but covers more area. Data chaff creates communication noise, disrupting connections. Decoy missiles replicate your signature, but radar signatures can’t be replicated. Scan shielding: various materials and designs—different armor, enhanced scattering, cargo containers, or modules—can obscure your presence.