Looks like change is afoot for the upcoming Star Citizen alpha 2.0 release. The biggest difference will be three new flight modes, Quantum Travel, and a third order motion control system.
The new flight modes will, as you probably guessed, will help you better assimilate to flying in different types of situations. The three modes are Precision, Cruise, and Space Combat Maneuvering. Precision Mode allows you to fly with more accuracy, as the name suggests, at the cost of reducing speed and acceleration. Cruise Mode, on the other hand, maximizes speed but makes a ship more difficult to control. Space Combat Maneuvering Mode is designed for fights.
Quantum Travel, also evident from its name, allows players to travel long distances in short spans of time. Any ship will be able to use the Quantim Drive that enables it. The game's dedication to physics is impressive and for more information on those mechanics, the below video not only outlines these updates, but also features physics programmer John Pritchett explaining everything in detail.
A release date for the alpha 2.0 has yet to be announced. Star Citizen is targeting a 2017 release date for PC and Linux despite delays.
