Directorate Officer
Image Source: original image found http://adamkop.deviantart.com/art/Star-Wars-Incom-T-45-339819832]here by Adam Kopp, modifications by me[/FONT]
Affiliation: Galactic Republic
Manufacturer: Galactic Republic
Model: R46 Valiant-class Starfighter
Modularity: Warheads, as per LLT-7 General Purpose Launchers
Production: Mass-Produced
Material: Titanium Hull, durasteel frame, typical starfighter components
Classification: Starfighter
Length: 9.5 meters
Height: 3.5 meters
Width: 6 meters
Armament:
- 4 Laser cannons
- 2 LLT-7 General Purpose Launchers
Squadron Count: 12
Special Features:
Astromech Droid Slot
Basic Warhead Countermeasures Launcher (10 Chaff bursts or 7 Flares)
Standard Communications Array
Advanced Deflector Shield Generator
Standard Life Support Systems
Standard Navigational Systems
Standard Sensor Array
Standard Targeting Systems
Can Enter Atmosphere and Land
Maneuverability Rating: 2
Speed Rating: 2
Hyperdrive Class: x1
Strengths:
-Advanced deflector shields
-mix-and-match warhead loadouts
Weaknesses:
-Thinner armor than average than most starfighters
-Laser cannons cannot fire while S-foils are closed in "cruise" position
Description: Incom's departure left the Republic reeling for more starfighters, resulting in several crash projects being initiated in order for the government to supply their own starfighters if need be. One of these projects became the R44 while another became the svelte R46. The R46 is designed to complement the R44 as more of a high flight performance starfighter, though its hull is not durable as the R44 or the legendary X-wing.
In order to maximize its flight performance, the R46 was made with a smaller frame than normal covered in lightweight titanium plating. While the armor is thinner than normal compared to most starfighters, it is of average thickness around the pilot and the astromech droid slot. The canopy is composed of plexalloy, which provides almost the same protection to the pilot as the ship's normal plating. In order to partially offset its delicate build, the R46 sports advanced deflector shields. These shields are not any stronger on average compared to those of many starfighters, but have a quicker recharge time. While it currently sports a basic warhead countermeasure not unsimiliar to ones found on the original X-wing, there has been talk of an advanced version sporting a more dedicated ECM suite, but this remains merely a rumor for now. Lastly, an astromech droid slot in the rear of the fuselage allows pilots to bring astromech droid for navigation and to help coordinate the ship's systems.
During normal flight in noncombat situations, the R46 flies with its two S-foils retracted up to stay flush with its vertical wings in order to maximize fuel efficiency and cut down on drag, especially during atmospheric flight. In this "cruise" mode, like the original X-wing, the R46 cannot fire its laser cannons. Putting the two S-foils into "attack" position brings the two s-foils down and allows the pilot to fire all four laser cannons. These laser cannons are backed up by a pair of LLT-7 General Purpose Launchers, which provide R46 pilots with some flexibility in warhead loadout. While it can carry everything up to a space bomb, R46s are typically deployed with concussion missiles.
Several squadrons have transitioned over to flying the R46 after formerly flying X-wings, and report that flying the Valiant has been a relatively easy transition, as the controls and flight characteristics are very similar. Their ground support crews have taken a little bit longer to get used to maintaining the R46, but appreciate not having to worry about the two other servo-motors that moved the upper S-foils on the X-wing. The R46 is expected to join the R44 in filling up many of the slots in the fleet taken up the old X-wing series.
Development Thread: None
Intent: provide the Republic with a somewhat more agile standard starfighter to complement R44's slower but more durable nature
Who Can Use This: Galactic Republic and allies
Primary Source: N / A
