Approved Starship Covenant-pattern TIE/hu "Hunter"

[Anet Raine]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To establish a multi-role fighter model for the Sith Covenant
• Image Source: Gus Mendonca, edited by me
• Canon Link: TIE/hu “Hunter”
• Permissions: KDY
• Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards
• Affiliation: The Sith Covenant
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: TIE/hu “Hunter”
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material: Titanium hull; Quadanium alloy armor; starfighter components

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Multi-Role Starfighter
• Length: 7.5m
• Width: 6.9m
• Height: 5.5m
• Armament:
  • High (s-foils in attack)
  • Low (s-foils closed)
  • x2 Ion Cannons
  • x2 Medium Laser Cannons
  • x4 Light Repeating Laser Cannons (wing-mounted)
  • Proton Torpedo Launcher
• Defenses: Average
• Squadron Count: Low: 8
• Maneuverability Rating:
  • High (s-foils in attack)
  • Very High (s-foils closed)
• Speed Rating:
  • High (s-foils in attack)
  • Very High (s-foils closed)
• Hyperdrive: 2.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• Targeting Computer
• Flight/Nav Computer
• Deflector Shield Generator
• Life Support
• Hyperdrive
• Ion Engines
• Power Plant
• Hardened Sensor/Comms Suite
• Multi-Spectrum Encryption
• Chaff Launcher
• Low-Visibility Mode
• Ejectable Pod (with maneuvering thrusters)
• Survival Kit
  • Single-occupancy Tent
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Emergency Rations (2-week supply)
  • Long-range Hyperwave Transceiver
  • Inflatable Raft
  • Medical Kit
  • Hold-Out Pistol
  • Vibroknife
  • Environmental Suit

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• S-Foils
• Waterproofing
• Pressurized Hull

STRENGTHS

• Multi-role: The Covenant pattern TIE/hu is exceptionally well-rounded and can excel in most roles. It is also a simple enough platform to be widely adapted into more specialized niches.
  
  
• S-Foils: Like the base model, this model of TIE Hunter uses an S-foil configuration. When in an open pattern, the Hunter sacrifices speed and maneuverability for an increased rate of fire.
  
  
• Space, Air, & Sea: The Sith Covenant modified the base design by pressurizing the hull, capable of not only submerging in water but operating as an undersea vehicle.

WEAKNESSES

• Hyperdrive: The TIE Hunter’s hyperdrive is strictly average, and there’s no redundant backup drive if the “primary” fails.
  
  
• Average Defenses: The Sith Covenant elected not to drastically improve the model’s defensibility. It does the job, but offers no advantages over other mass-produced, multi-role fighters.
  
  
• Complex: Despite being mass-produced, the TIE Hunter requires a well-trained pilot to take full advantage of its performance capabilities. Thus, unlike most TIE models, the TIE/hu cannot be deployed in large squadrons, trading numerical superiority for a balanced starfighter.
  
  
• S-Foils: While the Covenant TIE/hu gains increased speed and maneuverability in a closed position, it is at the cost of the wing-mounted lasers. Additionally, extended use of the main cannons and proton torpedo launcher can only be operated at a reduced rate of fire to prevent catastrophic power bottlenecking in this mode.

DESCRIPTION

After witnessing the performance of baseline TIE/hu “Hunter” starfighters at the Battle of Humbarine, the Sith Covenant elected to trial the model for integration into their own fleets. Initial results were promising, and the project was delivered to Kuat for retrofit and other advancements necessary to bring the aged design up to speed. The result was the Covenant-pattern TIE Hunter - a capable platform that can excel in most combat roles: interceptor, space superiority fighter, escort, and light torpedo bomber.

The updated design came with improved firepower, modern ion engines, and an array of minor tweaks and other adjustments that moved the needle in virtually all metrics relevant to flight and combat performance. The most revolutionary upgrade, perhaps, is the pressurized hull, which enables the new model to not just submerge beneath the water but travel and operate at significant depths. This is also useful in high-pressure environments, like the atmosphere of a gas giant.

However, many of the TIE/hu starfighters’ original drawbacks were carried over. For one, the model’s performance ceiling cannot be reached except in the hands of well-trained, expert pilots, limiting the number of these fighters that can reasonably be deployed. No improvements have been made to the hyperdrive, rendering it average in the most optimistic terms. The defensive technology has been updated, but remains typical for a multi-role starfighter of its time, offering no unique advantages or strengths in that regard.

While the Covenant Pattern TIE Hunter cannot be called a marvel of engineering, it remains a well-rounded starfighter and is a highly adaptable platform for more advanced variants down the line.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Under Review.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Anet Raine

Looks good. Approved.