Speed is 'progressive' i.e it builds up momentum until it reaches its max speed for the level you have it set at.
Currently there is no GUI so lttle feedback on things like current ship speed, hull/shield strength etc, hopefully that is to come but no doubt later.
Ship explosions effects are a bit low tech but also hopefully not to cpu expensive, improvements should come but we shall see. With regards to deformable ship destruction, err that would require me to learn how it is actually done so that may take a long time
.
Haven't added shields yet but looking to do so as the next big effect.
Anyway thanks for the comments.
Regards Wolfe