Alric Kuhn
Handsome K'lor'slug
Affiliation: Vanir Technologies, The Dark-Net
Manufacturer: Vanir Technologies
Model: VT-Defense Drone
Modularity: No
Production: Mass-Produced
Material: Durasteel, Dallorian Alloy
Length: 1.8m
Height: 0.69m
Width: 1.4m
Armament:
- One Composite Beam laser
Squadron Count: 36
Special Features:
- Communications Relay
- Repulsor Drive
- Ion Engine
- Tracking Device
- Advanced Targeting System
- Simple Droid Programming
Maneuverability Rating: 1
Speed Rating: 1
Hyperdrive Class: 2
Strengths:
Composite Beam Laser: The VT-Defense Drone's, also known as Dark-Net Drones are equipped with only a single weapon. This weapon is a composite beam laser close to that found on a LAAT/i Gunship back in the clone wars. The laser is slightly stronger, and is capable of sustained fire for anywhere from three to five seconds before requiring a short cooldown to use again. This weapon is generally ineffective against larger capital class vessels, however when used in conjunction with several of its kind the Dark-Net drones are capable of quickly cutting through shields and dealing quite a bit of damage to even larger starships.
Swarm: A Dark-Net Drone is not meant to be operated on its own. By itself, a VT-Defense Drone is entirely vulnerable, defenseless, and almost entirely useless. These ships are designed to operated in swarms of up to a hundred. They work together, supporting each other and defending themselves from larger targets or ones that are more clever. Dark-Net drones can really only ever be successful in large packs.
Weaknesses:
Shields&Armor: The VT-Defense Drones are entirely defenseless. They have no shields and relatively no armor. A single Concussion missile is capable of destroying a VT-Defense Drone in one hit. They are not meant to last long, much like ancient Imperial Tie Fighters. They are cheap ships that can be produced in mass and are used as such. A large EMP wave would likely completely obliterate an entire wing of Dark-Net Drones.
Stupid: For lack o a better term, the VT-Defense Drones are stupid. They do not have proper AI programming, nor do they have the more advanced programming of some droid starfighters. The average intelligence of a Dark-Net drone is probably about that of a very stupid dog. They hunt, they chase, and they fire their laser. It would be very simple to out think them, the threat of the VT-Defense Drones come in their numbers, nothing else.
Description:
The VT-Defense Drones are a continuation of a line of products that were first produced by another company owned by Alric Kuhn.
The theory behind 'dumb' drones was never that they would be the perfect replicates of living pilots or experts, nor where they meant to be an alternative to 'smart' droids who were capable of independent decisions and thought. No, the purpose behind these drones was simply as a holding measure. The VT-Defene Drone is no different in this aspect, they are not meant as a means of defending the Dark-Net all by themselves, but rather as a quick response team.
The Dark-Net Drones are stationed in packs in deep space planted by the same seedships that seed the Dark-Net within Primeval space and other places.
The ships linger in these packs, hibernating and waiting for something to happen. When a Dark-Net relay is attacked, or a Dark-Net Seedship is attacked, the Defense Drones are activated via a signal. The pack of Dark-Net Drones then jump into action. Since they are drones, and have been prepared for this, they immediately move towards the target location, jumping into hyperspace only seconds after receiving the signal.
The Dark-Net drones are then meant to harass and deal as much damage as possible to the aggressor before real help can arrive.
They are not meant as a frontal assault force, but are more akin to cannon fodder that holds the line until the real forces can arrive. They are little more than an inexpensive stalling tactic produced to aid in the Dark-Net's defense.
Development Thread: N/A
Intent: To create an automated Defense system for the Dark-Net
Who Can Use This: Me. I Can.
Primary Source:
