The TL-DR of this idea is basically like the 2CM beam mod for space engineers.
Basically a laser/ion beam generating module, and combiners that can redirect and combine many smaller/weaker beams into a larger beam.
Capacitors could store power for pulsed output, reducing beam-forming-network size at trade-off of beam duration.
Long range module could sacrifice combining ability downrange, for, well, longer range.
Ion beams could rely on generating power in a loop, then unleashing looped power, with capacitors that extend the burn duration on reelase.
So far, a direct port of the mod into Starbase.
Extensions that might be cool = using the smaller lasers as pulsed or continuous ignition in larger fusion generator module, which combines beams with a gas to generate large amounts of power, but requires an auxiliary power source for startup, and may run significantly hotter, perhaps making it best to only run when high-energy systems need to be brought online. Essentially a reaction chamber part that accepts beam and fuel input, and a generator unit that defines it's function as a power source.
Lasers and ion beams used as optimal power transmission for some type of shield system (just spitballing an idea here.)
Laser or ion pumped engines that are energy hungry, but very fuel efficient, or just very powerful. (Reaction chamber could be same module as reactor, but fitment of engine bell defines function as engine.)
Laser or ion pumped railgun, for converting energy beam into a kinetic damage type, perhaps with more rail segments added requiring more power (as each rail segment acts something like a capacitor, but each segment increases the speed and power of the projectile,) and a breech module (that could be the same module as the engine and reactor, with rails fitted to output, defining it as weapon,) that accepts the ammunition and combines it with the rail power.
Essentially, a system for building weapons, power systems and engines that are capital-scale, but still ultimately comprised of manageable sized individual components that can be configured in a multitude of arrangements, but require interaction with each other in specific ways to function.
An example capital ship might have a spinal beam or railgun, smaller laser grids as point defences or anti capital turrets (or both, depending on grid arrangement), some conventional weapon turrets, shields if that idea isn't immediately rejected, power tuned ion/laser engines for high speed/ high acceleration flight, conventional engines or efficient tuned ion/laser engines for long distance cruise, conventional power for cruising and a fusion reactor for combat readiness, that requires deployment of extra radiators and spool-up time, requiring some tactical consideration to it's use, but required to consistently use high power engines, laser grids and spinal cannon.
Basically a laser/ion beam generating module, and combiners that can redirect and combine many smaller/weaker beams into a larger beam.
Capacitors could store power for pulsed output, reducing beam-forming-network size at trade-off of beam duration.
Long range module could sacrifice combining ability downrange, for, well, longer range.
Ion beams could rely on generating power in a loop, then unleashing looped power, with capacitors that extend the burn duration on reelase.
So far, a direct port of the mod into Starbase.
Extensions that might be cool = using the smaller lasers as pulsed or continuous ignition in larger fusion generator module, which combines beams with a gas to generate large amounts of power, but requires an auxiliary power source for startup, and may run significantly hotter, perhaps making it best to only run when high-energy systems need to be brought online. Essentially a reaction chamber part that accepts beam and fuel input, and a generator unit that defines it's function as a power source.
Lasers and ion beams used as optimal power transmission for some type of shield system (just spitballing an idea here.)
Laser or ion pumped engines that are energy hungry, but very fuel efficient, or just very powerful. (Reaction chamber could be same module as reactor, but fitment of engine bell defines function as engine.)
Laser or ion pumped railgun, for converting energy beam into a kinetic damage type, perhaps with more rail segments added requiring more power (as each rail segment acts something like a capacitor, but each segment increases the speed and power of the projectile,) and a breech module (that could be the same module as the engine and reactor, with rails fitted to output, defining it as weapon,) that accepts the ammunition and combines it with the rail power.
Essentially, a system for building weapons, power systems and engines that are capital-scale, but still ultimately comprised of manageable sized individual components that can be configured in a multitude of arrangements, but require interaction with each other in specific ways to function.
An example capital ship might have a spinal beam or railgun, smaller laser grids as point defences or anti capital turrets (or both, depending on grid arrangement), some conventional weapon turrets, shields if that idea isn't immediately rejected, power tuned ion/laser engines for high speed/ high acceleration flight, conventional engines or efficient tuned ion/laser engines for long distance cruise, conventional power for cruising and a fusion reactor for combat readiness, that requires deployment of extra radiators and spool-up time, requiring some tactical consideration to it's use, but required to consistently use high power engines, laser grids and spinal cannon.