Almost from the beginning, the Imperium has encountered the problem of non-standard technology. 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: 0 - Materials Specification, 1 - Components Manufacture, 2 - Subassembly Designs, and 3 - Craft Blueprints. These standards are encouraged by a number of 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 and other financial incentives this is not a problem. |
Level 0 - MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS |
Level 1 - COMPONENTS MANUFACTURE |
Level 2 - SUBASSEMBLY DESIGN |
Level 3 - CRAFT BLUEPRINTS |