Approved Vehicle Imperial Strategic Surface Skimmer

[Credit Wizard]

IMPERIAL STRATEGIC SURFACE SKIMMER​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a mass-produced Imperial atmospheric skyfighter designed to suppress defenses, disrupt formations, and weaken targets prior to Tarkin Initiative landings.
• Image Source: ILM ART DEPARTMENT CHALLENGE // THE RIDE
• Canon Link: Modified Skyfighter
• Permissions: HAMWAGON Permission
• Primary Source: Tarkin Initiative | Skyfighter | Atmospheric Repulsorcraft Models

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: The Trade Federation |:| 900 ABY
• Affiliation: Tarkin Initiative
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: Imperial Strategic Surface Skimmer
• Modularity: Imperial Modification Program Installed ( Yes )
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material:
  • Impervium Hull and Armour Plating (Ablative) with Secondary Turadium Armour Plating.
  • Myoflex Heat Sinks
  • Thermal Gel, Duravlex & Agrinium mesh liner
  • combat de-ionizer(s).
  • Ultrachrome circuitry, electronics and repulsor components.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Airspeeder / Gunship
• Role: Pre-Landing Suppression Craft / Atmospheric Strike Platform
• Size: Large
• Weight: Heavy
• Armaments:
  • HSB Equipped Fire-linked Heavy Laser Cannons (6), Proton Bomb Bay (1), Energy Torpedo Launchers (2)
• Defenses: High
  • Reinforced Carbon-nanofilament Armor Plating & Enhanced Carbon-Durasteel Armor Reinforcements
  • Medium Power Energy-charged Ablative Plating Reinforcements
  • Medium Power Reinforced Shield Generator, & Galaxy Guard Booster
    • Ray, Particle and Concussion Barriers - Overlaid
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: High
• Propulsion: Repulsorcraft
• Minimum Crew: 3 Imperial Service Personnel
• Optimal Crew: 3 Imperial Service Personnel
• Passenger Capacity: None
• Cargo Capacity: None

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Dedicated Energy Receptors
• Imperial Myriad Visual System
• Imperial Audio Sensor
• Imperial Communication Module
• Military Grade Reflective Armor
• Fire Suppression System
• Laser Reflective Armor
• S-30 Retention System
• GPO-12 "Ironmaze" Threat-Prevention Suite
• Target Identification Network
• Integrated Heavy Targeting Optics
• Myriad Visual System - MK. 2
• 'Electric Eye' weapon optics system

STRENGTHS

• Heavy Suppression Firepower
  With six fire-linked heavy laser cannons, torpedo launchers, and a proton bomb bay, the skimmer delivers sustained anti-vehicle and anti-fortification fire. It excels at stripping shields, collapsing defensive lines, and neutralizing hardened landing zones prior to troop deployment.
• High Battlefield Survivability
  Its layered armor, ablative plating, reinforced shields, and reflective coatings make it unusually durable for an atmospheric strike craft. The vehicle is designed to survive repeated low-altitude attack runs through dense ground fire.
• Advanced Targeting and Sensor Warfare
  The Ironmaze suite, Myriad visual systems, Electric Eye optics, and integrated targeting network allow it to identify threats, coordinate strikes, and maintain firing solutions even in cluttered or hostile environments. It performs particularly well in chaotic landing zones.
• Optimized for Formation Assault Doctrine
  Built for mass deployment, the skimmer functions best in coordinated attack waves. Multiple vehicles can saturate defenses, overwhelm shielded positions, and create safe corridors for dropships and troop transports.

WEAKNESSES

• Large Strike Profile
  Its heavy armor, weapon load, and multi-crew configuration result in a large silhouette that is difficult to conceal. Enemy anti-air batteries, missile systems, and interceptors can track it more easily than smaller craft.
• Crew Dependence
  Unlike many Imperial vehicles, the skimmer requires a full three-person crew to operate at peak efficiency. Loss or injury of one operator significantly reduces combat performance.
• Not Designed for Space Combat
  The craft is optimized for atmospheric operations and performs poorly outside gravity wells. It lacks the maneuvering capability and operational endurance to function as a true starfighter.
• Power-Hungry Systems
  Its shields, targeting arrays, and heavy weapon banks draw substantial energy. Extended bombardment cycles can force reduced firing rates or temporary system throttling during prolonged engagements.

DESCRIPTION

The Imperial Strategic Surface Skimmer was developed by the Tarkin Initiative as part of its evolving planetary invasion doctrine. Rather than relying solely on orbital bombardment or traditional starfighters, Initiative planners sought a dedicated atmospheric strike vehicle capable of weakening defenses in the crucial moments before ground forces landed.

The result is a heavily armed repulsorcraft designed to operate directly above the battlefield. Flying fast but stable, the skimmer performs repeated suppression passes against anti-air batteries, armored units, fortifications, and entrenched infantry. Its layered armor and reinforced shielding allow it to survive the intense defensive fire common during initial landings, while its advanced targeting suites help it maintain firing solutions even in smoke-filled or sensor-jammed environments.

Unlike interceptors or space fighters, the skimmer is not meant to control the skies. Instead, it functions as a forward assault platform that bridges the gap between orbital strikes and ground assault. When deployed in coordinated waves, these vehicles hammer landing zones, fracture defensive lines, and create the conditions needed for the Tarkin Initiative's army to deploy safely.

 

[MANIAC]

Credit Wizard

Nicely made.

Approved.