Datalinks provide special synchronized short-range communication between large units each mounting a working a datalink (a Data group) that connects their targeting and sensor systems. It cannot be overestimated how vital this technology is in modern warfare. Units that lack datalink suffer severe penalties to LRW rating, SRW rating, Y rating, passive defense (maneuver), active defenses, and point defense.
Datalink must be the first internal (non-shield, non-armor) system. Only one Z-type system per unit is allowed.
Z will be destroyed after a number of penetrating hits equaling its generation. Zc cannot be destroyed in this manner.
Z systems form data groups which are the foundation of naval tactics. Each Z has a rating of either number of large units in the data group, or number of HS of ships. Z can connect EITHER the number of large units OR a total number of units less than or equal to the HS rating, whichever is higher.
Units without Z or with destroyed Z suffer a 75% reduction in LRW, Point-Defense, and Y rating, and a 50% reduction in SRW rating, passive defense (maneuver) and active defense rating.
NOTE – for the first turn of combat for a warp point assault, attacking units are without Z due to the WP transition effects on ship systems. Penalties go away after the first tactical turn.
NOTE – All units in a data group must have either Z or Zc of the same generation. CNC provided Z or Zc counts as such for units so equipped. Units with CNC can equip a higher generation Z or Zc if appropriate as a separate system, this is the only circumstance where a unit may mount more than one Z type system.
SL | Code | Cost | Space | Notes |
2 | Z1 | 30 | 0 | Links 2 Large Units or 60 HS |
4k | Z2 | 40 | 0 | Links 3 Large Units or 120 HS |
6k | Internal Datalink | | | |
7k | Z3 | 50 | 0 | Links 4 Large Units or 200 HS |
10k | Z4 | 60 | 0 | Links 5 Large Units or 360 HS |
14k | Z5 | 70 | 0 | Links 6 Large Units or 500 HS |
18k | Z6 | 80 | 0 | Links 7 Large Units or 780 HS |
22k | Z7 | 90 | 0 | Links 8 Large Units or 1250 HS |
26k | Z8 | 100 | 0 | Links 9 Large Units or 1500 HS |
30k | Z9 | 110 | 0 | Links 10 Large Units or 1750 HS |
34k | Z10 | 120 | 0 | Links 11 Large Units or 2000 HS |
38k | Z11 | 130 | 0 | Links 12 Large Units or 2500 HS |
42k | Z12 | 140 | 0 | Links 13 Large Units or 3000 HS |
46k | Z13 | 150 | 0 | Links 14 Large Units or 3750 HS |
50k | Z14 | 160 | 0 | Links 15 Large Units or 4500 HS |
Internal Datalinks function the same as regular datalinks, however they are far less vulnerable to damage. Zc may be placed anywhere within the control sheet and are not destroyed by penetrating hits.
SL | Code | Cost | Space | Notes |
6hk | Zc1 | 60 | 3 | Links 2 Large Units or 60 HS |
9hk | Zc2 | 80 | 3 | Links 3 Large Units or 120 HS |
12hk | Zc3 | 100 | 3 | Links 4 Large Units or 200 HS |
16hk | Zc4 | 120 | 3 | Links 5 Large Units or 360 HS |
20hk | Zc5 | 140 | 3 | Links 6 Large Units or 500 HS |
24hk | Zc6 | 160 | 3 | Links 7 Large Units or 780 HS |
29hk | Zc7 | 180 | 3 | Links 8 Large Units or 1250 HS |
34hk | Zc8 | 200 | 3 | Links 9 Large Units or 1500 HS |
39hk | Zc9 | 220 | 3 | Links 10 Large Units or 1750 HS |
44hk | Zc10 | 240 | 3 | Links 11 Large Units or 2000 HS |
49hk | Zc11 | 260 | 3 | Links 12 Large Units or 2500 HS |