Thrusters and Afterburners
 

The enemy ships have a low (20%) chance of having Afterburners, and a 0% chance of having Maneouvering Thrusters.

I suspect that this is one of the reasons why the enemies get easier as the levels get harder.

My ship carries 2 sets of Maneouvering thrusters, and one Afterburner, ALWAYS. Thus, I can turn my ship MUCH faster than the Sithrak.
Like, I can almost chase fighers... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif Certainly can run into them almost at will.

Something else to try...

Re: Thrusters and Afterburners
 

Yeh... amazing amounts of fun with 2 sets of manouevering thrusters and an afterburner.. chasing fighters around with an Abbidon Carrier..amazing the things you can find to amuse yourself with 10 million credits and a 'hung' campaign http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif