Lateral Limiter Keel

The Lateral Limiter Keel is an internally complex device; one of the few hyper-sophisticated Gold Age devices which remains not just popular but in widespread production capability (believed to be a result of being of little consequence to the events of the Collapse). The Double-L-Keel, often just Keel or Limiter for short, is a long cylinder of electromagnetically primed coils orientated along the ship’s bank (roll) axis. Once set up, the Keel resists lateral force acting on the ship; converting the energy into longditudinal thrust down the beam, and as such is essential kit for a Sailer craft. The propulsive force derived is equal to half the magnitude of the pushing force (ie. the wind), divided by the angle from the bank axis in radians.

Because Keels do not require power once created (aside from occasional alignment maintenance), they are an attractive prospect for privateers, civilians, hobbyists and pirates.