| | 11 | |
| | 12 | The AFS is installed in small and middle size spaceships and controls the flight controls, navigation, sensors and weapons. They have 4 stages indicated with colors, which give increasing control to the pilot during flight. The meaning of these stages are explained here. |
| | 13 | |
| | 14 | ==== Stage Blue ==== |
| | 15 | In Stage Blue the AFS controls the whole ship and the pilot is not really necessary. Maneuvers such as staying in orbit around a planet, flying in formation, docking at a space station and interplanetary travel are mostly done in this stage. Also some basic evasion are performed so the pilot does not need to do much. The ship can not be controlled directly, but only indirectly by changing way-points or targets to dock on etc. Weapons are deactivated in Stage Blue. Direct controls are ignored by the autopilot, however in certain unforeseen situations like attacks or difficult maneuvering the pilot is alerted of the potential danger and the autopilot switches to Stage Green. |
| | 16 | |
| | 17 | ==== Stage Green ==== |
| | 18 | In Stage Green the autopilot simulates atmospheric flight for the pilot, with the exception of gravity. The pilot has direct control over thrust, maneuvering and weapons. Most activities that require the attention of the pilot are done in Stage Green. The autopilot keeps the ship in orbit and limits the relative speed of the spaceship limited. If there are speed limitations enforced by nearby space stations the autopilot makes sure that they are not broken. |
| | 19 | |
| | 20 | There is a transitional stage between Blue and Green, where the spaceship flies in Stage Blue as long as the pilot does not touch the controls. This is used when the pilot has to suddenly react to a situation that requires him to cancel the maneuver and do something else. |
| | 21 | |
| | 22 | ==== Stage Orange ==== |
| | 23 | This stage is not available in most spaceships. In Stage Orange certain limitations by the autopilot are deactivated and the pilot is given more control over the ship. Speed limitations and maneuverability can be temporarily exceeded which is beneficial in combat, but also dangerous to the pilot and the space ship. Stage Orange spaceships usually belong to the military. Combat pilots are only allowed to use Stage Orange in combat or in emergencies. |
| | 24 | |
| | 25 | Of course the autopilot can be overwritten and changed into Stage Orange, even in non-military vessels. However this is a criminal offense and will be punished if found out. |
| | 26 | |
| | 27 | ==== Stage Red / OFF ==== |
| | 28 | In Stage Red the autopilot is turned off or in stand by. The pilot is given full control over every instrument. Flying in this stage is extremely dangerous, because there is nothing that holds the spaceship in orbit or limits acceleration and forces on the pilot or the spaceship. A ship that is flying in Stage Red can be easily damaged on it's own. |
