Work In Progress Külək XT-9 Multipurpose Gunship (WIP)

[Venn Kolis]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a fast multipurpose gunship unique to the Sith Eternal
• Image Source: Ethan Scheu
• Canon Link: Comparable Ship
• Permissions: WIP
• Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Name: Külək XT-9 Multipurpose Gunship
• Manufacturer: Jaeger Solutions
• Affiliation: The Sith Eternal, Venn Kolis, Darth Maliphant
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: Thresher XT-9
• Production: Limited
• Material:
  • Outer Hull: Duramentium
  • Viewports: Tranparisteel
  • Interior: Alusteel w/ friction wax overlay

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Gunship
• Length: 35 meters
• Width: 36.5 meters
• Height: 10 meters
• Armament: Average
  • (1) Emberfly Blaster Autocannon
  • (2) Nose mounted automatic slugthrowers
  • (2) Forward facing variable payload retractable launcher tubes, mounted on each side of the fuselage
    • Typically Thermite or Concussion missiles
• Defenses: Average
  • Layered Duramentium Armor Plating with woven ceramic shock underlay
  • (2) SG-1012 "Waveform" Starfighter Shield projectors
• Squadron Count: Low (8)
• Maneuverability Rating: Very High
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: 3.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• Industry Standard Hyperdrive
• Traditional sensor and targeting package
• (5) Supplementary Lateral Thrusters

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Networked Shielding
  • More than simply layering two energy shields, the unique properties of Jaeger's Waveform projector means that this ship's defenses create a positive feedback loop between the two devices, and react with violent short-range retaliation when struck with an energy-based projectile.
• (3) Scaled IE-10 "Event Horizon" Class Ion Engines
• LS-132 "Terra" Life Support System
• C-3a "Mercury" Class Communications Suite
• Scaled cockpit and interior for ease of access for both near-humanoids and larger species.

STRENGTHS

• Highly Agile
  • The Külək's design prioritizes maneuverability, with 3 main hinged engines allowing for hairpin turns, and 5 lateral thrusters enabling pilots to make minute changes in the air. Hovering isn't just an option, it's optimal.
• Versatility of Engagement
  • The Emberfly Blaster Autocannon was designed with the Külək in mind, and the weapon shines where it was meant to be. Its sole purpose is to be as nasty and scary as possible regardless of the enemy's position, whether they are ground troops, enemy fightercraft, or a hostile corvette. Air-to-ground, air-to-air, ships in it's own class or a class above, the Külək's Emberfly will rain terror on you all the same.

WEAKNESSES

• Awkward Loading
  • The ship's streamlined design leaves not a lot of room for bay doors. The only way in or out of the ship is through blastdoors located in the roof of the craft. This makes it a cumbersome dropship, requiring even experienced soldiers to retrain how they enter a combat zone.
• No Docking
  • In addition, the ship's unorthodox door placement does not incorporate a docking port. The craft has full hyperdrive functionality and can function in space autonomously, but cannot link with any craft that doesn't have a hanger to accommodate the Külək.
• Small Pack
  • Despite it's function as a light gunship, the Külək travels in relatively small squadrons for its class. This is something of a design issue, as the Waveform shield generator is designed to work in tandem with itself across a large swarm of fightercraft. This problem is somewhat mitigated by the choice to equip each Külək with two Waveform projectors; mitigated, not solved. It's a ship that ought to be dodging hits, not taking them.
• A Downed Dragon
  • While the Külək has perfectly serviceable landing gear, it is unable to use it without retracting the Emberfly cannon into the ship, leaving it without its primary armament. Unless it is safely in-hanger, the Külək is not likely to land for any reason, meaning those boarding or unloading in a combat zone will need to get creative.

DESCRIPTION

• Cargo Capacity
  • 2 Metric Tonnes (No ground compliment)
• Ground Compliment
  • 20 average size humanoids, standard loadout (No cargo payload) OR
  • 10 large size humanoids, standard loadout (No cargo payload)
• Crew Requirements
  • Optimal: 4
  • Skeleton: 1

In the pursuit of one dream, another is often sacrificed. In an attempt to make the Külək Gunship into an agile air superiority craft, it was stripped of the qualities of a good dropship. Trying to save Kesh from the Bryn'adul, many native Keshiri welcomed the return of their ancient tyrants, the Sith. As the Sith religion is hunted and burned by militant powers across the galaxy, the victims become martyrs. The survivors become fanatics. And the fanatics who find the Sith Eternal? Disappear without a trace. For war never begins until the Sith are good and ready. Until every preparation has been made, and victory assured.

In the pursuit of the Sith's extinction, the eastern systems kill their fragile dream of peace. They can take some solace in the knowledge that their peace was always, and ever will be, a lie.