Besalisk Brigadier
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Image Credit: Turi Cacciatore
Intent: To create a next-gen Jedi Starfighter.
Canon Link: Delta-7 Aethersprite-class Inteceptor
Restricted Missions: N/A
Primary Source: N/A
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Mara-Perlemian Trade Council
Model: I/J-7B 'Gyrfalcon' Interceptor
Affiliation: Mara-Perlemian Trade Council
Production: Limited
Material: Durasteel Hull, Alusteel Armor Plating, Glassteel and Transparisteel cockpit.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Interceptor, Specialist
Role: Jedi Starfighter
Length: 9.7m
Width: 10.6m
Height: 2.4m
Power Core Generator/Reactor: LP2d-2(V) Solar Ionization Reactor
Hyperdrive Rating: 1.0
Crew: 1 + 1 Astromech
Passenger Capacity: N/A
Consumables: Survival Kit
Speed Rating: Very High
Maneuverability Rating: Extreme
ARMAMENT
Armaments: Very Low
2 x L9x-19 Rapid Fire Light Laser Cannons (concealed on the inner edge of the forward wings)
Squadron Count: None - 1
STANDARD SYSTEMS
- Light Combat Ray Shielding
- Light Combat Particle Shielding
Advanced ANx-y Sensor Package
Standard Encrypted Communications Package
Advanced TAT and BAC Combat System Package
Ionic Shielding Package
Ion Shields
Cap Drains
Duraplast Plating
Energy Sinks
[*]
Standard Electronics Warfare/Countermeasure Package
Sensor Jammer
220-SIG Tactical Sensor Jamming Device
Electronic Countermeasures
Full-spectrum Distortion Projector
ADVANCED SYSTEMS
- High Maneuverability Verniers: The odd tail like prong jutting aft from the cockpit consists of a set of thrusters that, combined with the spread x-foils, give the vessel the ability to conduct extremely high-g turns, practically spinning on a dime.
Strengths:
- Extremely Quick: This new model Jedi Starfighter is very fast, able to keep pace with the classic interceptors like A-Wings' or TIE/INs.
- Super Maneuverability: The vernier thrusters and x-foils allow the xxx to pull some incredible maneuvers, assuming one can maser the controls.
- Difficult Controls: An incredibly difficult vessel to control, the Gyrfalcon is termed a Jedi Starfighter largely because the technique to properly fly one requires either force ability to fly intuitively or decades of experience. The former is easier and more readily accessible for the MPTC.
- Not Deployed in Squads: For a variety of reasons, the Gyrfalcon sees very limited deployment. It is typically used for special missions or as a solo reconnaissance scout.
- Limited Armament: The Gyrfalcon lacks any hard striking capability, featuring only a pair of rapid fire laser cannons. It is an excellent interceptor when used against other strike craft but simply is not a threat to harder targets.
DESCRIPTION
The I/J-7B 'Gyrfalcon' Interceptor did not start its life intended for use by the much-maligned Jedi, but the realities of its design all but necessitated that development. Originally intended to a very fast interceptor to balance out strike fighter squadrons, the craft suffered from a skyrocketing development cost that was only partially balanced out by its remarkable capabilities. In the end a limited production run was authorized, and the fighters that came off the line proved to be extraordinarily difficult to master, even for seasoned test pilots.
Defenses are fairly standard, and armament is light but effective, with a pair of high precision rapid fire laser cannons concealed up forward. The only truly exceptional thing about the fighter are its speed and maneuverability. But they came with a price, the interceptor proved unwieldy and borderline unsafe for wider deployment.
For a while it seemed like the craft was doomed to failure, production was halted and the limited stocks relegated to hanger duty. Then a bored Jedi Master loosely associated with the brand new Trade Council Provisional Order took one out for a ride. Thrilled with the capabilities of the small fighter, he oversaw the transfer of most of the interceptors to the nominal control of the TCPO. There, piloting training focused specifically on utilizing a connection with the force to compensate for the difficult controls, flying by 'instinct' in the manner of famous Jedi aces like Anakin Skywalker and Plo Koon.
Thus the interceptor with a troubled past became well known as the MPTC's own 'Jedi Starfighter,' and it's presence now all but confirms the movement of one of the few Jedi who have chosen to align with the new order.