MGLT
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In the fictional Star Wars universe, interstellar vessels are rated for their sub-light speed in a common unit—the MGLT, a unit of acceleration in common use throughout the Old Republic, the Galactic Empire, and the New Republic.
The term was invented originally in the X-Wing computer game series as a term to explain the top speed of spacecraft in the games. Abstract measurements of speed that judged relative speed had previously been used in the Star Wars role-playing game, and the relative speeds shown in the X-Wing series were generally consistent with the speeds shown in prior materials. Within the games, 1 MGLT is approximately equal to 1 meter per second.
The acronym MGLT has never been given any official meaning. However, some fans, like Curtis Saxton and his Star Wars Technical Commentaries have attempted to derive scientific meaning from the term MGLT, and apply real-world physics to Star Wars spacecraft. It is a popular fan speculation that the acronym MGLT actually stands for Micro-Gravity Linear (Acceleration) Tolerance, a measure the rate at which the ion thrusters of a particular ship are capable of increasing the absolute speed of a vessel in a microgravity (space) environment. They believe through their computations that it is equivalent to an acceleration of approximately 400 SI meters per second squared (assuming that spacecraft in Star Wars fly the same as real-world spacecraft, despite the World War II style dogfighting shown in the movies). Some have even claimed that the proper acronym must be actually "MGLAT", since velocity can be maintained in a frictionless environment without thrust (in real-world spacecraft).
[edit] Standard cruising speeds of various spacecraft
- X-Wing: 100 MGLT
- Y-Wing: 80 MGLT
- A-Wing: 120 MGLT
- TIE Fighter: 100 MGLT
- TIE Interceptor: 110 MGLT
Not surprisingly, these speeds are comparable to WWII's fighter airplanes' top speed assuming the 1 meter per second = 1 MGLT rate of movement. This is compatible with the classical dog fight common in that era, and provides a fast-paced and challenging gameplay.
