velops, the engine fuel consumption becomes more efficient allowing longer journeys in shorter time, so a smaller share of ship tonnage is needed for storing fuel and provisions. The ship designs with minimum operational range limit the ship to coastal defense and standard naval duties, while higher ranges give the capability to participate in distant naval raids, surprise strikes and special missions, making for a much more useful and versatile warship.
Fuel: A ship can be fueled by either coal or oil. Late technology allows the usage of boilers that can either burn both types or exclusively oil. The choice for the player in this section allows for the immense weight savings and engine efficiency gained by oil-fired boilers, at the cost of added expense and the loss of the extra protection and floatability offered by coal bunkers lining the ship’s sides.
Main Engine: As technology develops, more advanced engines become available. If they can be afforded, Steam Turbines are the essential upgrade for any ship, because they offer extreme engine efficiency and reliability compared to older reciprocating engines. Later, Marine Diesel Engines become available, lacking the horsepower of Turbines but providing for immense weight savings from less fuel consumption and lighter structure, while they are even more reliable and easily repaired in combat conditions.
Auxiliary Engine: Extra engines may be fitted which increase total engine weight but they compensate this with improved fuel consumption, increased engine reliability during combat and power supply for the ship’s electric generators which speed up repairs, water pumping, turret traverse and other mechanisms.
Propeller Shaft: Advanced drive shafts substantially improve ship’s maneuverability, by increasing acceleration and turn rate. Engine reliability is improved also. But all this comes at additional cost and engine weight.
Boilers: Except from the various improvements gained by technology, boilers can be set up to have “natural”, “induced”, “forced” or “balanced” draft, with the respective effects in engine capacity according to their weights and costs.
At least one Funnel is needed for the proper operation of the ship's engine. More funnels improve engine efficiency and boiler performance. If an engine is not adequately supported by funnels, its efficiency is reduced and penalties apply to ship speed and acceleration. An extra boost of acceleration is granted if funnel capacity is higher than the minimum needed.
The side-effect of funnels is that they increase ship weight, ship detectability and create smoke obstruction to towers. When oil fuel is used, smoke exhaust lessens, reducing these negative effects.
Every ship needs a main and secondary tower, except Destroyers and Torpedo Boats which can operate fine with a single tower. The main benefits of Towers’ are enhanced visibility, accuracy and damage control. Smoke from funnels may obstruct visibility and reduce accuracy, especially for rear towers which are usually shorter and receive the most smoke obstruction in their location behind the funnels.
As technology progresses, towers may include Hydrophone or Sonar Stations which increase the detection range of underwater objects (Torpedoes, Submarines and Mines). Radio communications are also improved according to tower model.
The effects of a tower depend on size and tech level. Advanced towers are generally more expensive and heavier, so deciding which one to use is an important design factor.
Optical Rangefinders & Radar
Additional objects are placed on towers, enhancing the central fire control system at additional cost and weight. Optical Rangefinders are divided into two categories: Coincidence Rangefinders and Stereoscopic Rangefinders.
Optical rangefinders speed up the aiming process and improve the base accuracy of all guns. Stereoscopic rangefinders are heavier and aim more slowly but offer significant advantage in long range accuracy.
Late technology advancements enable the use of radar which improves gun aiming and accuracy even further and allows the det