Approved Tech D.E.R.P.

[Onith Trill]

Droid Extraplanetary Repositioning Projectile​

Intent: Tactical Insertion method for The Iron Battalion
Development Thread: If Necessary
Manufacturer: Iron Crown
Model: Proton Torpedos + Drop pods
Affiliation: Lords of the Fringe
Modularity: Can be fitted into any concussion missile or proton torpedo launcher.
Production: Mass Produced
Material: Standard Materials
Classification: Torpedo
Size: Ship Mounted
Length: As long as a proton torpedo(Roughly 3 meters based on how this picture scales a proton torpedo in comparison to a 12.5 meter long T-65 X-wing)
Weight: Around the same weight as a proton torpedo
Ammunition Type: It’s a missile
Ammunition Capacity: 1 TA-1 Droid per Missile
Effective Range: Standard Proton Torp range
Rate of Fire: Single Action
Special Features: Carries a TA-1 Battle Droid
Description:
The D.E.R.P is, at it’s simplest, a proton torpedo that has had its payload replaced by a TA-1 Droid and it’s equipment(Typically a standard blaster rifle, pistol, and small miscellaneous item. Larger or wider items won’t fit). While organic species typically require a bit more space and cushion to survive atmospheric entry droids have a much more sturdy constitution, allowing for such methods of planetary deployment. This allows practically any starship interceptor to be retrofitted into a sort of mini-dropship by merely changing it’s loadout, though obviously the larger the ship the more distribution.

While this can prove a powerful boon in a ground assault, the technology is not without it’s flaws. Trading out normal proton torpedos/concussion missiles for a complement of DERP means a ship is far less dangerous in the sky, and if it’s shot down before emptying it’s “payload” that means that valuable droids are expended as well. Even if the DERP’s are fired it’s not guaranteed that it will get down safely. While a DERP’s landing usually doesn't damage it’s TA-1 that doesn’t mean it can’t get shot down beforehand by planetary defenses. Overall the DERP is best used as a quick tactical insertion tool for when it’s too hazardous to land a dedicated drop ship, or when one ship needs to distribute troops in differing areas quickly.

 

[Ellie Mors]

[member="Tal"]
Neat-o. A drop-pod that doubles as a kamikaze missile.

Approved, pending secondary. Abuse and you shall suffer.

 

[Soliath Devin Talith]

[member="Tal"]
Drop Pods are generally not a Star Wars technology, but the factory has accepted them in the past. Thus i have no problem with the general concept.

However my Issue with the submission is this;

While a DERP’s landing never harms it’s TA-1...

This seems unlikely. Drop pods are historically notoriously difficult to control, guide, and properly land. Some will inevitably end up with its contents destroyed, human OR droid. I would like the sub to reflect that.

 

[Onith Trill]

[member="Soliael Devin Talith"]

They're not intended to be flown or guided, just shot really. They'd be as precise in their landing trajectory as any proton torpedo would be hitting a target under atmo(which isn't to say extremely precise, but workable at the very least). As for properly landing I've edited "never" to "usually doesn't". Acceptable?

 

[Soliath Devin Talith]

[member="Tal"]

Yes, thank you.

Absolutes bother me. Not a Sith anymore.

Approved.