Multi-layered shields

Multi-Layered Shields are a defensive shield technology unique to Earthfleet. While a few other races use similar technologies, the way that Earthfleet employs there is unique among the galaxy.

How They Work

The basic concept around multi-layered shield technology is that a ship is able to create a series of either monolithic, or gridded shields, that are stacked together in a series of layers similar to an onion. This is made possible by using shields that only deflect, or block energy traveling through the shield in one direction. This allows a single shield layer to project itself through another and layer itself on top of the previous one to form a shield that is stronger than what a normal, single layer, monolithic shield might be able to achieve.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages, aside from depth of defense, and shield redundancy, is the ability to tune each of the fifteen layers to filter out specific wavelengths and types of energy by frequency, mass, and density. Normally the shields operate in a configuration that creates a generalized filter of all inbound energy. However, if certain unwanted types of energy are bleeding through the outer layers of shielding, inner layers can be tuned on the fly to filter them out, thus protecting the ship, and crew.

Disadvantages

One of the key disadvantages of multi-layered shielding is that, because of the layered nature of the shields, the strength of each individual layer is weaker than they otherwise would be were they deployed in a monolithic single layer configuration. And, while this is a disadvantage, it's not a crippling one, as the combined strength of all the layers actually makes the ship's shield defenses 2-3 times stronger overall vs a single layer deployment. So it's still a disadvantage, just not a crippling one.