A P E X
S F - 4 2 3
P R E D A T O R
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: An experimental starfighter.
- Image Source: Pavel Postovoit
- Canon Link: N/A
- Primary Source: N/A
- Manufacturer: The Confederacy of Independent Systems
- Affiliation: The Confederacy
- Model: SF-423 "Predator" Starfighter
- Production: Unique
- Material: Durasteel, Agrocite
- Classification: Elite Starfighter
- Length: 5 meters
- Width: 12 meters
- Height: 7 meters
- Armament Rating: Extreme
Agrocite-Enhanced, Solar Ionization Cannon (1) - Rapid Fire Laser Cannon (2)
- Flex Tube Torpedo Launcher (1)
[*]Defense Rating: Moderate
- Reinforced Durasteel Hull
- Advanced Deflector Shield Generator
[*]Squadron Count: None
[*]Maneuverability Rating: Moderate
[*]Speed Rating: Moderate
[*]Hyperdrive Class: Average
STANDARD FEATURES
- Standard Communications Array
- Standard Deflector Shield Generator
- Standard Hyperdrive
- Standard Ion Engines
- Standard Navigational Systems
- Standard Repulsorlift Engines
- Standard Sensor Array
- Standard Targeting Systems
STRENGTHS
Primary Weapon: Empowered by Agrocite, the Solar Ionization Cannon featured aboard the Predator was designed to cut through shield and to burn through hulls with ease. It is very effective at this role, enabling it to be a literal hunter of enemy starfighters.
WEAKNESSES
- Charge: While indeed a mighty armament, the primary cannon does feature a slower build up than other starship-mounted weapons. As a result, pilots may experience difficulty addressing rushing or aggressive opponents with this cannon.
- EMP/Ion Assault: Designed with a droid pilot in mind, this vessel would find itself all the more vulnerable to assaults by EMP or Ion weaponry. The majority of its systems are susceptible to this form of attack, as would be the synthetic operator.
In the wake of numerous battles fought beyond her borders, peacetime afforded the southern systems an opportunity to reflect. Their aims had seen them clash with three unique and sovereign nations, and from each battle invaluable lessons had been learned. While the soldiers who fought were afforded a chance to lick their wounds and to breathe anew, the masterminds behind the Confederate military found their work just beginning. It fell upon their engineers to draw from these newfound experiences in order to elevate their ability to make war. To this end, a new development project was authorized by the Confederate Defense Force: ENKIDU. And the flagship product born of these efforts was dubbed Predator.
The SF-423 was not designed with the average pilot in mind. As a nation whose war machine was founded upon the droid legions, the starfighter was best suited for synthetic pilots over organic. As a result, basic life support systems and comforts are nowhere to be found aboard the Predator - thereby allowing the design teams to devote every inch to space superiority. Overall, the Predator was built around its primary armament: a Solar Ionization Cannon that had been empowered by Agrocite. This weapon, coupled with the vessel's cutthroat pace and ability to maneuver, make the SF-423 a deadly means of securing space superiority.
However, prior to unveiling the vessel, efforts were made to add even greater versatility to the Predator. Slave circuitry was incorporated into the design, thereby allowing it to shadow ground positions and provide cover if necessary. While dominating the heavens would always be its priority, this effort would see forces on the surface benefiting from ENKIDU at launch as well. Overall, the SF-423 exists to wreak havoc upon the enemy - and is just the beginning of the Confederacy's postwar efforts.
