Impulse navigation occurs atsubluminal speeds up to a maximum of around 0.2C (one-fifth the speed of light). This navigation mode is where encounters with other vessels are most likely and where most tactical operations will occur.

The underlying principles of navigation are universal and will be used to varying levels of complexity by multiple vessels, including TSMOs. To facilitate this, impulse navigation is simulated using a number of modules outside of the main simulation engine.

Impulse Navigation Module (Maneuvering)

A maneuver is a set of actions that change the position and/or heading of the vessel at impulse speeds (heading changes are not possible at superluminal speeds).

Helm Maneuvering

Helm maneuvering allows impulse engine output to be magnetically gimballed, applying thrust at an angle to the current direction of travel. This causes the vessel to change direction. This is an extremely efficient way of altering heading given the vessel’s mass and momentum. The maneuver's velocity determines the distance the maneuver takes to complete. 

Drive and Cruise Modes

Drive mode applies thrust to accelerate the vessel to a desired speed - this is referred to as Drive Mode. Once this is reached thrust is reduced, with momentum maintaining the vessel’s speed along a constant heading - this is referred to as Cruise Mode.

If the vessel needs to be slowed or stopped, then reverse thrust must be applied using plasma divertors and forward-facing impulse thrusters which counteract the vessel’s forward momentum.

Vessel Orientation

Vessel orientation determines where other objects are positioned relative to the vessel’s current heading. This is an important consideration for a number of operational areas as it indicates which parts of the vessel are facing an object. This determines which parts of the vessel are vulnerable to incoming fire, which of the vessel’s own weapons can be brought to bear against an object or which sensor systems are aligned to scan an object, for example.