Afterburners are essential the thruster. You can increase the afterburner time with external fuel tanks. Starlancer is very different than FL in that you have to budget your hardpoints very carefully for each ship and each mission. You must always carry (if applicable) mission specific ordnance (i.e. Jackhammers), and, if you're thruster happy like me, lots of fuel for prolonged missions and engagements. I usually end up loading up on screamers and afterburner fuel, but that's just me. Everyone has their own style.