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BD-626 STARBLADE STARFIGHTER
AFFILIATION
Open market.
MANUFACTURER
Blackwell Driveworks.
CLASS
Starfighter
ROLE
Aerospace superiority/Forward surveillance starfighter
COMPOSITION
Titanium and transparisteel.
DIMENSIONS
18m
CREW
1 pilot, 1 astromech.
PASSENGER CAPACITY
N/A
CARGO CAPACITY
100 kilograms.
HANGAR CAPACITY
N/A
CONSUMABLES
1 standard week.
SPEED/MANEUVERABILITY
The BD-626 Starblade has a top speed of 120 MGLT and has decent maneuvering characteristics.
ARMAMENT
- 4x Medium Laser Cannons
- 2x Medium Ion Cannons
- 2x General Purpose Warhead Launchers (4x Proton Torpedoes or Concussion Missiles each)
EQUIPMENT
- 1x class 1 hyperdrive.
- 1x astromech socket.
- 1x high-resolution, long-range sensor suite.
- 1x light deflector screen generator.
- 1x ejection seat.
DESCRIPTION
The BT-626 Starblade is a relatively new addition to the galactic Starfighter market. Designed by Blackwell Driveworks in preparation for another inevitable war, the Starblade was created to serve a uniquely hybrid role for system militaries- or whoever else could afford them. Equipped with strong forward firepower, good speed, and an impressive sensor array, it is capable of rapid assault and recon in equal measure.It features a slim, sleek profile front the front and sides, making it surprisingly difficult to score a solid hit despite its overall length. The cockpit is situated just rear of the center with the astromech socket, primary systems, and hyperdrive located directly behind it in an armoured section. The front section contains both warhead launchers and the Starblade's high-end sensor equipment, a pair of flush antennae visible on the underside. At the rear of the ship are a pair of surprisingly powerful plating-protected ion thrusters, each with their own dedicated systems. A pivoting magnetic vectoring fin at the rear alters the angle and power of thrust. While when turning this merely makes up for it's length and weight, it is also alarmingly proficient at sharp forward-facing maneuvers and spinning on its axis, allowing it to engage smaller ships in a dogfight.
The armoured wing-plates on the side protect the ship's weaponry and thrusters from the side, but also serve the role of heat dispersal similar to S-foils in other starfighters. For weapons it features two pairs of linked medium laser cannons, though the pilot can set them to stagger fire or full burst as desired. Above them and concealed behind the wing-plates are a single medium ion cannon per side for taking down shields and disabling hostiles for capture or escape.
On the inside, the single pilot's seat is surprisingly comfortable. High quality synth leather seats with adjustable alignment, plenty of leg room, and a bevy of precision controls define the cockpit. Touch and manual controls are both featured for redundancy and pilot comfort, and it even has the ability to save setting and pre-flight sequences for different pilots. Targeting, IFF indicators, hyperspace projections, flight paths, and other such information are displayed across a viewscreen-projected HUD, though a pilot can disable this and use the classic screens, readouts, and gauges instead if they prefer. For security, both entering and activating a Starblade requires a proprietary code cylinder issued with each, though it only has to be nearby to open the cockpit.
Like the astromech, the pilot enters the ship from behind armour plates on the underbelly of the craft. The cockpit only opens directly in the event of emergency ejection using explosive bolts. Behind the pilot is a small space that contains both the ship's ration stores and a tiny refresher for ease of recon duties.
Overall an impressive example of starfighter. It also has a price point notably higher than its contemporaries, resulting in it being a more uncommon sight than something like an X-wing. Nevertheless, the system governments and private buyers that can afford them appreciate its offensive prowess, versatility, and intimidating style.
LEGALITY
Restricted. BD-626 Starblades are starfighters, and are subject to extra licensing requirements and increased scrutiny by authorities.INTENT
To introduce a Blackwell designed ship to the forum and an option for players or factions seeking a high-end starfighter.RESTRICTIONS
Due to the highly sophisticated nature of their systems, BD-616 Starblades are incompatible with all aftermarket upgrade components.
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