Work In Progress Cephalopod class Shuttle

[Squesha]

Cephalopod class Shuttle​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create an advanced shuttle for High level Imperial Confederation Officers
• Image Source: Artstation
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: N&Z, Roble
• Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: N&Z
• Affiliation:
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: Cephalopod class Shuttle
• Production: Minor
• Material:
  • Frame: Ersteel 145
  • Hull: Ersteel 1333
  • Viewports: Transparisteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Shuttle
• Length: 20 meters
• Width: 45 meters
• Height: 30 meters
• Armament: Low
  • Dual NZ-LC-2A Laser Cannon
  • Dual NZ-RTL1 Missile launcher
• Defenses: Very High
  • MRS 02 Jotun Defensive system
  • RAAM M3 Tactical Ordinance Jammer
  • NZ SAP-2A SSA Sensor systems array
  • MXC-T19 Ark Sensor Scrambler
  • MXC-T21 Alviss Electronic Countermeasures
• Squadron Count: None: 1
• Maneuverability Rating: Very Low
• Speed Rating: Low
• Hyperdrive: 2.6
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: 6

STANDARD FEATURES

• FES HRE18 Fire Suppression System
• Comm Unit
• Encryption module
• LS 132 Terra Life Support System

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• SAMS Starship Automation Management System

STRENGTHS

• Cyber bastion: The Cephalopod class is comprehensivly protected by almost any kind of electronic attack, whether thats smart missiles or hacking it is very difficult to get a lock on, ensuring security for its passengers.
• Safe Refuge: The Cephalopod class is very well protected, ensuring a safe ride.

WEAKNESSES

• Slow: Due to it's immense power requirements for its shields and electronic systems very little power is left for engines, making it slow and cumbersome.
• Noticeable presence: It's large thermal signature and shields show up easily on scanners, making stealth impossible.

DESCRIPTION

The Cephalopod class Shuttle is a highly secure shuttle designed to safely move Imperial officers between ships and planets. It also serves as an extremely private meeting room where its potent electronical defenses prevent eavesdropping. Admiral Squesha commissioned N&Z and Roble manufacturing to build a small fleet of these ships after seeing the need for officers security during wartime. Reminiscent of the venerable Lambda class, The Cephalopod class provides the security and safety modern officers require.

The Cephalopod was not designed for offensive action, but it is equipped with enough weapons to defend itself. It's primary weaponry are two NZ LC 2A Laser cannons attached ventrally. They are mounted on swiveling platforms, enabling them to fire in 360 degrees, handy to shoot at any pursuers. It is also equipped with two NZ RTL1 Missile Launchers, meant to combat fighters. In all it is lightly armed, but it is designed not to stray far from capital ships and when possible to have a fighter escort.

The driving force behind the Cephalopods design is safety. To ensure this the shuttle devotes most of its power output to its MRS 02 Jotun defensive system and its assortment of electronic defenses. The overlapping shields of the Jotun provide excellent protection from enemy fire, keeping its occupants safe even when moving in the midst of battle. Thanks to its RAAM M3 Tactical Ordinance Jammer and MXC-T121 Alviss electronic countermeasures enemy missiles struggle to lock on to the ship, and detonate harmlessly before they can threaten the shuttle. The NZ SAP 2A SSA Sensor Systems Array alerts the shuttle to incoming threats, preventing enemies catching its occupants off guard. The MXC T19 Sensor Scrambler hinders enemy starfighters from finding a clear shot, reducing the effectiveness of intercepting missions.

The interior of the shuttle is cramped compared to other similar ships, offering only room for six passengers and two crew members. This is due to much of the internal space being used by the various defensive systems. Nonetheless the passenger compartment is equipped with all the luxuries one might expect on a shuttle, Comms systems, Life support, fire suppression and sophisticated holoprojectors ensure comfort and safety while also allowing crucial discussions to take place. The real draw of the shuttle is its privacy. Much of the jobs the crew on other shuttles would perform are controlled by the SAMS system, which automates many aspects such as shield rotation, fire control, electronic systems, security readouts and to a limited extent piloting. This means that for simple trips the autopilot can be programmed instead of using pilots, allowing for complete and total privacy for the most secret of meetings.

The Cephalopod excels in safe and secure transport, all but guaranteeing a private and calm trip between point A and point B. However it cannot get there quickly. The Cephalopod sacrificed much of its reactor output for protection, leaving precious little power for the engines. As a result the ship moves slowly and sluggishly, unable to make many maneuvers that more nimble craft pull off with ease. Thus it requires a fighter escort to be secure. If it was separated from its protectors and under attack from multiple assailants it would surely be overwhelmed. Pilots are drilled to remain in protection range of capitol ships and fighters at all times, and the onboard hyperdrive is only to be used as a last resort. But in the hands of a well organized fleet any officer would be glad for the safety of the Cephalopod.

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