Build:Structural Integrity Field
4.5 Structural Integrity Field
(Required)
Cost: Varies
Power Requirement: 1 Power per 10 points of Protection per round
Available: 2063
The Structural Integrity Field (SIF) is a force field running through the structural integrity grid (a network of conductive elements in the hull) which provides protection against gross structural compression, or hull stress. It helps keep the ship together. The following table provides the Class of the SIF, the SU Cost, level of protection (both normal and maximum protection), and the year the specific class was introduced. An SIF is not required for vessels that operate well below impulse speeds (i.e., less than 0.1c).
In 2300, with the introduction of the Class 5 series of SIF, the other preceding (and still operational) series were re-titled as Classes 1 through 4.
Pre-2063 ships: for vessels that do travel faster than 0.1c prior to the availability of SIF, increasing the resistance to twice intended will allow for some compensation for hull stress.
Cardassian: Since their hulls are stronger than those on most ships, the Cardassians often employ slightly weaker SIFs. Most Cardassian ships have SIFs in the Class 3-5 range. Only the largest and most powerful ships, such as the Keldon-class Heavy Warship, have Class 6 SIFs, and Class 7 SIFs are only found on ships uprated by the Dominion.
Table
| Class | SU Cost | Protection | Year Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 2 + Size | 5 | 2063 |
| Class B | 3 + Size | 8 / 12 | 2087 |
| Class C | 4 + Size | 10 / 15 | 2117 |
| Class D | 5 + Size | 15 / 22 | 2125 |
| Class E | 6 + Size | 20 / 30 | 2142 |
| Class F | 8 + Size | 25 / 37 | 2153 |
| Class G | 9 + Size | 30 / 45 | 2169 |
| Class H/Class 1 | 12 + Size | 40 / 60 | 2186 |
| Class I/Class 2 | 15 + Size | 50 / 80 | 2215 |
| Class J/Class 3 | 18 + Size | 60 / 90 | 2257 |
| Class K/Class 4 | 21 + Size | 70 / 110 | 2273 |
| Class 5 | 24 + Size | 80 / 120 | 2300 |
| Class 6 | 27 + Size | 90 / 130 | 2312 |
| Class 7 | 30 + Size | 100 / 150 | 2372 |