Unreviewed TIE/hu Advanced MK II "Dark Hunter"

[Anet Raine]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create an elite version of the Covenant’s TIE Hunter model.
• Image Source: Here
• Canon Link: TIE/hu “Hunter”
• Permissions: KDY
• Primary Source:
  • Covenant Pattern TIE/hu “Hunter”
  • TIE/hu Advanced “Super Hunter”

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards
• Affiliation: The Sith Covenant
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: TIE/hu Advanced MK II “Dark Hunter”
• Production: Semi-Unique (PCs Only)
• Material: Titanium hull; Quadanium alloy armor; starfighter components; laser-reflective coating

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Multi-Role Personal Starfighter
• Length: 7.5m
• Width: 6.9m
• Height: 5.5m
• Armament:
  • Very High (s-foils in attack)
  • High (s-foils closed)
  • Ion Cannons x2
  • x4 Light Repeating Laser Cannons (wing-mounted)
  • Medium Laser Cannons x2
  • Proton Torpedo Launcher
  • Warhead Launcher
• Defenses: Very High
  • Deflector Shields
  • Molecular Shields
  • Laser-reflective coating
• Squadron Count: None: 1
• Maneuverability Rating:
  • High (s-foils in attack)
  • Extreme (s-foils closed)
• Speed Rating:
  • High (s-foils in attack)
  • Extreme (s-foils closed)
• Hyperdrive: 0.5

STANDARD FEATURES

• Life Support
• Hyperdrive
• Ion Engines
• Power Plant
• Hardened Sensor/Comms Suite
• Multi-Spectrum Encryption
• Chaff Launcher
• Low-Visibility Mode
• Ejectable Pod (with maneuvering thrusters)
• Survival Kit
  • Single-occupancy Tent
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Emergency Rations (2-week supply)
  • Long-range Hyperwave Transceiver
  • Inflatable Raft
  • Medical Kit
  • Hold-Out Pistol
  • Vibroknife
  • Environmental Suit

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Highly Modular
• S-Foils
• Waterproofing
• Pressurized Hull
• Advanced EW Suite
• Advanced Shield Generator
• Advanced Targeting Computer
• Advanced Flight/Nav Computer
• DER Projector
• HIMS
• NCRAB

STRENGTHS

• S-Foils: The TIE Super Hunter uses an s-foil configuration. When in an open pattern, the Hunter sacrifices speed and maneuverability for an increased rate of fire.
  
  
• Space, Air, & Sea: The Sith Covenant modified the original design by pressurizing the hull, capable of not only submerging in water but operating as an undersea vehicle.
  
  
• Heavy Firepower: The MK II has further optimized its firepower. In addition to this, the Sith Covenant has managed to install both the proton torpedo launcher and warhead launcher, no longer forcing pilots to choose between one or the other.
  
  
• Advanced Systems: Each Dark Hunter comes equipped with a more advanced anti-EW Suite, a Hyperwave Inertial Momentum Stabilizer, and a Nav Computer Route Astrogation Bypass, increasing their odds of survivability against interdiction, hyperspace pursuit, electronic warfare, and stealth features. The addition of a class 0.5 hyperdrive should also be noted.

WEAKNESSES

• Very Complex: The performance ceiling of the Dark Hunter, particularly in the closed s-foil pattern, can only be achieved by force-sensitive and ace pilots. In any other hands, these fighters become more liability than boon.
  
  
• Very Expensive: There are simply too few Advanced MK IIs to field squadrons - reducing them to personal starfighters only.
  
  
• Fickle Power Plant: Sustained use of excessive firepower at high speeds can cause overheating and power fluctuations due to the burden of the newly installed advanced systems.
  

DESCRIPTION

A spin on the TIE/hu Advanced “Super Hunter,” the MK II “Dark Hunter” has stretched the standard design to its absolute limits, barring highly specialized and unique tuning. Even then, each of these starfighters must be hand-built and tuned to achieve the desired performance ceiling without sacrificing other areas of the ship.

That said, the engineers at Kuat who designed the damn thing believe it to be one of the finest starfighters ever produced. The deflector shields have been pushed to provide even heavier coverage, including the addition of a molecular shielding layer. The hyperdrive has been brought to a 0.5 rating, allowing it to deploy quickly across the galaxy, and comes installed with anti-interdiction countermeasures and the ability to adjust course while mid-jump.

More appealing than that is the inclusion of both proton torpedoes and standard warhead launchers, providing the Dark Hunter with a wider range of weaponry. The engines have also been rebalanced to increase the maximum speed and maneuverability ceiling, so long as there’s a capable pilot behind the console.

Due to their performance ceiling and very low production rate, the Dark Hunter has been designated as a personal starfighter only. Given that, the Sith Covenant doesn’t allow just anyone to pilot them; only ace pilots, Sith Knights, and proven Acolytes are ever granted one. Sith Lords may also elect to pilot a Dark Hunter, though they are more likely to personally outfit and tune theirs into a unique starfighter.

Compared visually to the other models, the Dark Hunter comes with a default black livery with a crimson stripe down the pod, but can easily be repainted by its owner.