This technology allows the construction of spacecraft that require the Impulse Drive for propulsion: Heavy Fighters, Cruisers, Colony Ships, and Bombers. Ships that use the Impulse Drive will have their base speed increased by 20% for every level of the Impulse Drive technology that is researched. The maximum range of Interplanetary Missiles is also increased with each level.
After researching Impulse Drive Level 5, the drive engines in Small Cargo ships are automatically upgraded from Combustion to Impulse, which doubles their base speed. From that point onward, Small Cargo Ships benefit from improvements in Impulse Drive technology.
After researching the Hyperspace Drive to level 8, the propulsion systems for Bombers are automatically upgraded from Impulse to Hyperspace Drive, which doubles their base speed. From that point onward, Bombers benefit from improvements in Hyperspace Drive.