L-Hyd Tanks (Drop Tanks)

Disposable liquid hydrogen fuel tanks used by starships to increase their fuel load. These tanks are fitted to the outside of a starship, and drop away before jump. The result is more interior space available for cargo and passengers.

Such "drop tanks" must be replaced each time they are used, so they are practical only on runs to civilised areas, or to increase fuel capacity to allow several jumps.

L-Hyd tanks are installed outside the hull, and increase the total tonnage of the ship; this reduces the efficiency of the jump drives. With tanks retained, efficiency is decreased, and jump capability is reduced; when the tanks drop away, tonnage is reduced, the drive efficiency is increased, and jump capacity increases. Drop tanks can create radical changes in ship performance.

(BOOK-5, 1107; MT-REFMAN, 1120)

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