Subspace annihilator is just a speed bump on the way to doom ray, there is no actual weapon associated with it.

Ahhhhh, I do see that now. Yes, When I click on Subspace Annihilator it does indicate a Future Tech only. No current Ship Component will be awarded. Dang!

Now that places TWO speed bumps along the way to the Doom Ray: the Subspace Annihilator and the Subspace Blaster. I call the Subspace Blaster a speed bump because it is essentially a worthless advancement.

The previous beam weapon, the Disruptor III, has a Size: 8, Damage: 8. The "new and improved" Subspace Blaster has a Size: 9, Damage: 8. This is the same damage in a larger size. Boo Hiss. Worthless!

Now THIS quirk is followed by the Subspace Blaster "speed bump". Sigh. I have wasted a whole lot of research on two weapon improvements in a row and received a whole lot of nothing.

Now THIS quirk is followed by the Subspace Blaster "speed bump". Sigh. I have wasted a whole lot of research on two weapon improvements in a row and received a whole lot of nothing.

You need to 'break up' your research more by the sounds of it. I usually research weapons in 'stages'. Once the research on weapons starts getting a bit too slow i switch to researching defences because their much quicker.

In a normal game, i will usually have maxed out at least one form of defence before i'm even half way up the weapon list!