Sensor Phalanx
The Sensor Phalanx detects and tracks enemy fleet movements across vast distances.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Intelligence Facility |
| Function | Detect enemy fleet activity |
| Location | Moon only |
| Prerequisites | Lunar Base 1, Phalanx Technology 1 |
| Cost per Scan | 5,000 Deuterium |
Description
The Sensor Phalanx is an array of powerful sensors that can detect fleet movements to and from distant planets. By scanning a target planet, you can see all incoming and outgoing fleets, their composition, and arrival times.
Scan Range
Range Formula
Range (Systems) = (Phalanx Level)² - 1 + (Phalanx Level × Phalanx Technology Level)
Range Table
| Level | Range (Systems) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 (same system) |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 8 |
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 24 |
| 7 | 48 |
| 10 | 99 |
Construction Costs
Cost Formula
Metal = 20,000 * 2^Level
Crystal = 40,000 * 2^Level
Deuterium = 20,000 * 2^Level
Cost Table
| Level | Metal | Crystal | Deuterium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20,000 | 40,000 | 20,000 |
| 2 | 40,000 | 80,000 | 40,000 |
| 3 | 80,000 | 160,000 | 80,000 |
| 4 | 160,000 | 320,000 | 160,000 |
| 5 | 320,000 | 640,000 | 320,000 |
Scan Information
When you phalanx a planet, you see:
Fleet Details
- Origin coordinates
- Destination coordinates
- Mission type
- Fleet composition (ships and quantities)
- Arrival time
- Return time (if applicable)
What You Can Detect
- Fleets going TO the target planet
- Fleets going FROM the target planet
- Deployed fleets on the planet
What You Cannot Detect
- Fleets to/from moons (hidden from Phalanx)
- Debris collection missions (sometimes)
- Recall times (only see original destination)
Scan Cost
Each phalanx scan costs:
Cost = 5,000 Deuterium
This deuterium is consumed from your moon's connected planet.
Strategy
Offensive Use
- Scout enemy fleetsaving times
- Time attacks for maximum impact
- Detect unprotected targets
- Track fleet movements
Counter-Intelligence
Protect yourself from Phalanx:
- Send fleets from moons (hidden from Phalanx)
- Use deploy missions instead of attack returns
- Vary your fleetsaving times
- Position in systems far from enemy moons
Range Optimization
Higher levels cover more area:
- Level 5: 24 systems (covers most local activity)
- Level 7: 48 systems (regional coverage)
- Level 10: 99 systems (strategic range)
Deuterium Management
Scans cost deuterium:
- Budget your scans carefully
- Focus on high-value targets
- Don't scan unnecessarily
Moon Blindness
Critical: Sensor Phalanx cannot see fleets to/from moons!
This is why moons are strategically valuable:
- Fleetsave to moon = hidden from enemy
- Deploy from moon = invisible attack
- Moon-to-moon moves are completely hidden
Related Facilities
- Lunar Base - Required for building
- Jump Gate - Another moon advantage
- Phalanx Technology - Increases phalanx scan range