Build:Backup Shield Generators
9.14 Backup Shield Generators
Cost: Varies
Available: 2298
Most ships have multiple backups for their shield generators, to ensure that they can maintain some form of defense if the main generators are damaged or malfunction. Each backup generator costs 0.25 x Size (minimum of 1 SU per backup generator); a ship must have at least 1 backup generator for each of its four shields (if it has any).
A backup shield generator functions only when its main shield generator cannot work for some reason (typically, because of damage suffered in combat). When that occurs, the backup generator activates immediately to maintain the shields at their current Protection and Threshold, or a maximum of two-thirds of the shields’ normal Protection and Threshold, whichever is lower. If the shield has already been reduced to 0 Protection, activating the backup generator has no effect—the shield systems' capacity for creating and maintaining the shield is too stressed and/or damaged to generate another shield until the normal Recharge period has passed (or the crew effects repairs).