Approved Tech Orbalisk Point Defense Laser (OPDL)

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Image Source: Dynamic multi axled laser turret by JB1992
Intent: To craft a new type of point defense laser system for use on capital-class craft.
Development Thread: None
Manufacturer: Ignus Industries
Model: Orbalisk Point Defense Laser (OPDL)
Affiliation: Ignus Industries approved clients.
Modularity: No
Production: Mass
Material: Blaster Components, Alusteel
Classification: Point Defense Laser
Size: Ship-Mounted (capital vessels only, counts as 6 PDL's)
Length: 6m
Weight: 442kg
Ammunition Type: Power and Tibanna Gas
Ammunition Capacity: Virtually Unlimited (only limited by amount of gas on ship)
Effective Range: Starfighter
Rate of Fire: Fully Automatic
Special Features: Multiple firing points on all sides of sphere. Automated sensors and targeting system included with IFF detecting suite.
Strengths:

• Can fire in more than one direction at the same time.
• Automated as long as it is activated.
• Less required per ship due to multiple directions of fire

Weaknesses:

• Easily recognizable and hull mounted, making them target-able
• Expensive by comparison to other PDL's due to the inclusion of the sensors, IFF, and targeting computer
• Rotating parts require extensive maintenance due to torsional wear and tear
• Cannot target slugs from mass driver weapons

Description: The Orbalisk Point Defense Laser, or OPDL, is a simple variation on standard point defense lasers used on capital class craft throughout the galaxy to defend against starfighter attacks and long range missiles. Over the years they have been used on everything from Darth Vader's Executor to Nebulon-B's. However, very little advancement has been made in their field of weaponry over the years, meaning that they retain the same weaknesses as those of the older models.

Enter Ignus Industries with the OPDL, a hull-mounted, automated weapons platform that can fire in multiple directions at the same rate of fire as standard PDL weapons, with the rotational mobility to allow it to effectively protect a larger area of the vessel than standard PDL platforms can. The orb in the center houses the emitters, can rotate around it's center along the x-axis only. Meanwhile, the two side bars, conveying gas and power into the orb, can rotate around the z-axis, which gives the weapon capability for covering any necessary direction at the range of starfighter weapons platforms. The included sensors, IFF reader, and targeting computer allow it to be virtually self-sufficient when active.

Of course, being mounted on the hull it does suffer some of the same problems as other hull-mounted entities, such as the shield generator towers on most Star Destroyers: it's easily recognizable and therefore easy to target (provided it doesn't kill you first). It's expensive due to its components, and costly in repairs due to torsional strain. While capable of targeting enemy fighters and long-range projectiles, it fails to counter slugs fired from mass driver weaponry as it cannot detect their powerless flight, and isn't quite fast enough to take on torpedos or missiles launched at very close range.

It does make up for these downsides in being able to control a larger area, reducing the number of PDL's needed per ship.
Primary Source: None

 

[Jorus Merrill]

<p>Awesome. Pending Admin Approval. Thanks! [member="Spencer Varanin"]</p>

 

[Ellie Mors]

Approved.