Overview
Almost from the beginning, the Imperium has encountered the problem of mismatching technology standards. Complicated devices, such as starships, were tied by their need for compatible spare parts to their world of origin. To help rectify this, the Ministry of Transport routinely issues Imperial Design Packages (or IDPs).
IDPs contain information aimed at standardising the construction of starships, spacecraft, and other vehicles. This information is broken down into a number of levels from materials specification, all the way to full craft blueprints.
These standards are encouraged by various regulations: No tender for Imperial Navy or IISS vessels will be accepted that do not conform to IDP level 2 standards. Special permits are required to construct a starship that does not meet level 1 standards, and any ship that does not comply with level 0 standards may be deemed unspaceworthy. IDP level 3 is purely voluntary … but with ‘free’ blueprints (no architect fees), and other financial incentives, this is not a problem.
Level Definitions
Level 0 – MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS
At its lowest level, the IDP’s define the quality of the materials to be used. Here are found the heat and pressure requirements (as well as strength and safety tolerances) of the metals, plastics, and ceramics that will go into the craft.
Level 1 – COMPONENTS MANUFACTURE
The materials defined in level 0 are forged into a myriad of components from light switches to jump grid rods. Each must be standardised to allow for easy maintenance of ships away from their homeworld.
Level 2 – SUBASSEMBLY DESIGN
Between component level and complete craft, there are subassemblies made from many components (as defined in level 1). Subassemblies may be beam lasers to computers to iris hatches.
Level 3 – CRAFT BLUEPRINTS
At its highest level, the IDPs provide complete blueprints for many standard craft at different TLs. The Type-S Scout/Courier, the Type-A Free Trader, and the Type-C Cruiser, are but some of those found.