Gravitic sensor

Gravitic sensors are passive sensors which detect the presence of gravity waves and measure the influence of gravity on their surroundings.  However, this makes it sound like they are used to measure how fast an apple falls out of a tree. Gravitic sensors in the Honorverse perform far more important functions.
The primary function performed by gravitic sensors, especially the early versions of gravitic sensors (also called Gravitic Anomaly Detectors or ‘Warshawskis’ after their inventor), was to detect gravity waves soon enough to give up to five light seconds warning. This provided some safety, allowing ships to avoid the killer shears of gravitic waves. More modern (i.e. 1900 P.D.) versions could detect gravitic waves at eight light-minutes, and turbulence within a wave at half that range (four light minutes). (HH1, HH6, HHA1.4)
A second function is to allow for Warshawski Sails to match phase with the gravitic waves and safely 'ride' them.
A third function is to detect ships' impeller drive wedges. This function has obviously been important to both military and civilian vessels and traffic control organizations since the Diaspora era. Gravitic Array Technicians are responsible for maintaining them. (HHA4.5: F)
While civilian ships also use gravitic sensors, they typically have less redundancy and much more limited range. (HH6)
Gravitic waves tend to propagate along a hyper boundary at the speed of light in the higher region. This means that they travel Faster Than Light (FTL) in the lower region, especially ‘normal space.’ Thus gravitic sensors 'see' FTL, and therefore can monitor ships impeller drives in 'Real Time.' Manticore used this feature to allow grav sensors to function as receivers in their FTL communication system. (HH2)  
The Mesan spider drive was specifically designed to be undetectable by gravitic sensors. (SI2)
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== Types of gravitic sensors ==
=== Manticore ===
* AP/SPG-15 "Switchblade" gravitic detection array – used on the Condor-class pinnace
* AN/SPG-8 gravitic detection array – used on the Redoubtable-class battlecruiser
* AN/SPG-26/a gravitic detection array – used on the Broadsword-class marine support cruiser
* AN/SPG-28 gravitic detection array – used on the Majestic-class dreadnought
* AN/SPG-29/a gravitic detection array – used on the Star Knight-class heavy cruiser
* AN/SPG-29/b gravitic detection array – used on the Reliant-class battlecruiser
=== Haven ===
* AG-1(c) gravitic detection array – used on the Triumphant-class battleship
* AG-2(a) gravitic detection array – used on the DuQuesne-class superdreadnought
* AG-12 gravitic detection array – used on the Sword-class heavy cruiser
* AG-24 gravitic detection array – used on the Sultan-class BC and Charles Wade Pope-class CL
* AG-25 gravitic detection array – used on the Bastogne-class destroyer
* AG-31(a) gravitic detection array – used on the Program 13 LAC
* AG-93(a) gravitic detection array – used on the Razzia-class assault shuttle
* AG-94 gravitic detection array – used on the Ouragan-class pinnace
== References ==
Category:Technology
Category:Sensor Technology