Unreviewed TIE/HTB "Sathog"

[Anet Raine]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: A heavy bomber for the Sith Covenant.
• Image Source: Here
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: KDY
• Primary Source:
  • Skipray Blastboat

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards
• Affiliation: The Sith Covenant
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: TIE/HTB “Sathog”
• Production: Minor
• Material:
  • Alusteel frame
  • Titanium armor
  • Starfighter components

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Heavy Torpedo Bomber
• Length: 25 meters
• Width: 9 meters
• Height: 14.2 meters
• Armament: Very High
  • x3 Medium Laser Cannons
  • x2 Medium Ion Cannons
  • x3 Repeating Laser Cannons
  • x2 Proton Torpedo Launchers
• Defenses: Average
  • Deflector Shields
  • Medium Armor
  • x2 Point-defense Laser Cannons (rear-facing)
  • Chaff Launcher
• Squadron Count: Very Low: 4
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: Class 2.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• Power Plant
• Engines
• Maneuvering Thrusters
• Shield Generator
• Navigation Computer
• Targeting Computer
• Comms System
• Sensors Package
• Ejectable Cockpit
• Hyperdrive
• Life Support
• ECM

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• None

STRENGTHS

• Gunboat: The TIE/HTB is a heavily-armed starfighter that sits somewhere between a bomber and gunship. Its armament is lethal against other starfighters, and a pair of proton torpedo launchers allows a squadron of them to menace capital ships, too, if left unchecked.

WEAKNESSES

• Size: At 25 meters in length and 14 meters wide when landed, the Sathog-class takes up precious hangar space, reducing the total number of smallcraft that can be packed inside with them. As a result, a single squadron of Sathogs rarely exceeds four craft.
  

DESCRIPTION

The TIE Heavy Torpedo Bomber, or “Sathog,” is the Sith Covenant’s choice of heavy bomber. Designed by Kuat Drive Yards using lessons from Sienar Fleet Systems’ Skipray Blastboat, the TIE/HTB further improves on the concept with starfighter-grade speeds and slightly better maneuverability. Each ship is crewed by four: two pilots, two gunners. And equipped with standard military-grade systems.

In combat, Sathogs operate in squadrons of two to four bombers each. They sometimes exceed that number when launched from a planetary base, but their large size takes up significant space in starship hangars, limiting the number of smallcraft that can be stored on even dedicated carriers. Still, even a small squadron of these heavy bombers can threaten an enemy capital ship, making them effective in their combat role. However, despite their speed and firepower, the TIE/HTB are liable to be picked off by interceptor squadrons, and their medium armor can do little to weather heavy point-defense weaponry. It is best to pair them off with escort squadrons and hit their target in strafing runs, preferably where they’re weakest.

Because heavy bombers are often a high-priority target in fleet engagements, crewing a TIE/HTB is one of the more dangerous assignments in the fleet. Despite this, the Sathog has gained a positive reputation within the Covenant fleet and is seen as a desirable assignment for advancement, especially in the western reaches of Covenant space, where Sathogs are likely to spend time shredding pirates and shaking down lone merchants.