Probe
From Encyclopedia Hiigara
A probe is a utility-class ship intended for unmannedSSource: Homeworld 2 Manual
page 54 deep space exploration, useful also in exploring hazardous regions in space such as radioactive debris fields or space occupated by hostile forces. Typical probe is equipped with one time usage engine which provides large power output giving probe enormous speed, however cost of it is that probe can't be moved again, and have to hold position till destroyedSSource: Homeworld Gameplay Guide
page 93 . Key part of probe is it's sensor unit, thanks to which it can detect ships from very large distance.
In Homeworld 2 Era new probes came to use. Proximity sensors evolved into Proximity sensor probes, much more sophisticated, but in design closer to standard probe, as standard engine was replaced with probe one limiting it's usage. Also completely new type of probes came into use - Sensor Distortion probes were designed to cause interference to enemy sensors blinding the enemy long range sensors, and allowing stealth approach of friendly unitsSSource: Homeworld 2 Manual
page 55 .
