Restricted Other Repulsorlift Jammer

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REPULSORLIFT JAMMER

AFFILIATION
Free use.

MANUFACTURER
Various.

TYPE
Disabler.POWER SUPPLY
External power coupling.

SENSORS
N/A.

SIZE
N/A.

COMPOSITION
Various circuit components.

DESCRIPTION​

Repulsorlift jammers are devices which, when active, nullify the anti-gravity effect of common repulsorlift technology within a given radius. Used primarily in a military or law-enforcement context, a repulsorlift jammer will effectively immobilize all vehicles, droids and other technology which uses a repulsorlift; this is especially useful against highly mechanized military formations, which depend on the mobility and firepower afforded by their vehicles as a major component of their fighting strength. It also makes for a highly effective roadblock to, for example, stop criminals from getting past a specific area without their vehicle being stopped and searched.

Notably, repulsorlift jammers are not selective. The side using one will find their own repulsor technology just as useless as their enemies', leaving them with the same relative disadvantages. For this reason, repulsorlift jammers are typically used in a defensive or asymmetrical warfare context, where the side using it is not overly disadvantaged by the immobility of its own equipment. An effectively placed repulsorlift jammer can be a major obstacle for an offensive to overcome; the jammer is usually well defended, and taking it out of action requires the attackers to fight at a disadvantage.

Typically, repulsorlift jammers are integrated into fortifications, and are not self-contained, requiring a fairy serious external power source to run. Large, fortress-mounted jammers can have an effective range of up to 5 kilometers in all directions. Small field units with an effective range of no more than 1.5 kilometers also exist, but are understandably rare. In very rare cases, warships of dreadnought scale or larger have been known to mount repulsorlift jammers, however they are a serious drain on power and operating one often impacted the use of the ship's weaponry. Ground-based models are no different in this regard; in fortifications with a unified power grid, all weapons with a rating greater than a medium laser cannon are rendered inoperable due to power drain.

Fighting a repulsorlift jammer is difficult, but possible. Common countermeasures include continuing an attack with non-repulsorlift vehicles, e.g. walkers, tracked vehicles, etc. Another option is high-altitude bombing runs or orbital bombardment from beyond the range of the jammer's effect. Still another is forgoing vehicles entirely, reverting to massed infantry charges or similar tactics. Lastly, and most commonly used, commando teams might sneak into the enemy lines, find the jammer and disable it and/or its power source, clearing the way for more conventional forces to move in.

Repulsorlift jammers, though undeniably useful, are still massively expensive, well beyond the means of most individuals, and even beyond those of all but the largest factions. Even so, when they do appear on the battlefield, it usually results in a bad time.

LEGALITY​

Restricted. Repulsorlift jammers are considered military technology, and are illegal for individuals to own on most civilized worlds.

INTENT​

To bring a piece of technology from canon into our site's fanon.

RESTRICTIONS​

Repulsorlift jammers are extremely expensive, and are beyond the means of all but the largest factions to acquire. Acquiring one on a faction's behalf should always be cleared with the relevant staff. Its use likewise will be heavily scrutinized.