Acceleration compensators—also referenced as inertial compensators or inertial dampeners—functioned by influencing gravity. Their purpose was to offset the strong accelerations experienced by starships when executing rapid movements. This crucial function prevented the crew from succumbing to lethal g-forces, effectively saving them from death.
Following the Supremacy's collision with the Resistance ship Raddus as it entered hyperspace, inertial dampeners offered some initial protection to the remnants of the First Order's flagship. Nevertheless, the vessel sustained irreparable damage, which resulted in its eventual desertion.