Unreviewed Lambda-class R-1s reconnaissance shuttle | Lambda Scout

[FN-999 (restored)]

“Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted” - British Field Service Regulation, 1912
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OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a dedicated reconnaissance vessel for Imperial aesthetic organizations.
• Image Source: ArtStation - Imperial Shuttles by Steven Ta
• Canon Link: Lambda-class T-4a shuttle
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source:
  • ArtStation - Imperial Shuttles by Steven Ta
  • Lambda-class T-4a shuttle

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Alge Imperial Shipyards Incorporated
• Affiliation: Alge Imperial Shipyards Incorporated
• Market Status: Open-Market
• Model: Lambda-class R-1s reconnaissance shuttle (“Lambda Scout”)
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material:
  
  • Hull/Engines: Percidium frame & plating, transparisteel viewport, wiring & electrical components
  • Wings: Percidium, wiring & electric components

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Reconnaissance Ship
• Length: 20 m
• Width: 25.5 m (wings unfolded) / 9.5 m (wings folded)
• Height: 14.5 m
• Armament: Average
  
  • 2x twin laser cannons (front, immediately above side wings)
• Defenses: High
  
  • Single-layer deflector shielding
  • Electronic Countermeasures Suite
  • Titanium-reinforced percidium hull
• Squadron Count: Very Low [6]
• Maneuverability Rating: Low
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: Class 1.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• C-3A Mercury Class Communications Suite
• LS-132 Terra Life Support Systems
• 2 weeks of standard rations
• Kitchen
• Crew bunks (6)

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• IE-10 Event Horizon Ion Drives
• RSM-4 Mounted Scanner System

STRENGTHS

• I See You: The Lambda-class R-1s is equipped with a RSM-4 mounted scanner system, a four-layer sensor suite that enables it to function as an effective reconnaissance craft.
• Thick Skin: The Lambda Scout not only retains but slightly improves upon the highly durable hull of the classic Lambda, allowing it to operate in environments too dangerous for other small craft and withstand enemy fire for longer than most.
• Road Trip Ready: In order to facilitate days-long reconnaissance missions far from friendly capital ships or space stations, the Lambda Scout possesses a hyperdrive and a storage room for provisions as well as a small kitchen and bunks for crew members in the place of the original Lambda’s strictly utilitarian benches.

WEAKNESSES

• Turns Like a Bantha: As with the original Lambda, the Lambda Scout is not very maneuverable and can easily be flanked by most starfighters as well as more agile gunships.
• Blind Spot: Unlike the classic Lambda, the Lambda-class R-1s lacks a rear turret, making the shuttle’s flanks and rear a major blindspot that can be exploited by starfighter pilots.
• Shield Downgrade: As a result of the energy demands of the RSM-4 scanner system, less power can be given to the Lambda Scout’s deflector shield, making it weaker than that of the original Lambda.

DESCRIPTION

For centuries, the Lambda-class shuttle has proven immensely useful in Imperial service.
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From its original role as a troop or VIP transport, the Lambda had since been modified to serve as a cargo hauler, gunship, or even a missile boat, proving the versatility of its sturdy and modular hull. The Lambda R-1s, better known as the Lambda Scout, is the newest reimagining of the Lambda-class in Imperial service.

Compared to the original Lambda, the Lambda Scout has vastly superior reconnaissance capabilities, equipped with the powerful RSM-4 Mounted Scanner System in the place of its rear turret. The R-1s also has greater endurance thanks to an expanded storage room and the replacement of benches with bunks made possible by converting spaces previously used for seating troops and storing their weapons.

The Lambda Scout’s greatest downside compared to the original Lambda is its reduced combat capabilities. Of the Lambda’s original armament, only four laser cannons remain, with the rear turret replaced by the RSM-4 scanner and its wing cannons replaced by long-range radio receivers. Furthermore, while the Lambda Scout retains the original Lambda’s sturdy hull, its shielding is weaker due to the diversion of energy to operating the scanners. Ultimately, the Lambda Scout’s sacrifices to its armament and defense were deemed acceptable since it was not intended as a frontline fighter, relying instead on its high speed and fast hyperdrive to quickly escape any hostile forces that detect it.
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