CCV-XSA "The Bat"
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Submission Author(s): Braka Kurzawa
Contributing Author(s): n/a
Intent: To create an unusual yet versatile and effective starship for future submissions and role-playing.
Image Source(s): [
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https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/Ogn8B/chir-daki-deathseed-starfighter
https://starwars.fandom.com/ja/wiki/TIE/saボマー
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JqRK0 https://dav118.artstation.com/projects/vowDA
https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/2NaGp/mandalorian-n1-naboo-starfighter-star-wars
https://aminoapps.com/c/cosplay/page/item/burlesque-twilek/3rUD_IGvdQV10N58b2M8Vr4Z23VMRj
Canon Link(s): n/a
Permission(s):
Source(s):
- Primary Source(s):
- Secondary Source(s):
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer(s):
- Original:
- Modification(s):
- Braka Kurzawa
- Unknown Group of Outlaw Techs on Ord Mantell
Affiliation: Braka Kurzawa
Market Status: Closed-Market; Restricted.
Model: Customized Chir'daki Variant, CCV-XSA
Starship Name: Borgle Bat (Usually shortened to
"The Bat"), named for the nocturnal Rorian bird of prey.
Starship Registry No.: Various (Braka often 'shuffles' registry numbers to avoid security, etc.)
Starship Homeport(s):
Production Status: Unique
Material(s):
- Outer Hull Plating: Thin layers of specially-made stygian triprismatic polymer, infused with reflec-based shadowskin and durinium, were applied over the entire ship's hull, and then painted over with photo-reactive ferrosphere coating. This stealth plating could not only stop sensors scans and absorb them, but it would also – when activated – reflect and warp light around the surface of the craft, causing it to blend into and thus become practically invisible in nearly every environment. Braka devised this idea after he read about the bounty hunter known as Mist, who used a similar two-layered coating on her armor almost a millennia before. While rendering his ship virtually undetectable through visual detection or by sensors, it was still, however, not without limitations. While in flight a sharp-eyed observer might detect a faint haze-like effect about the ship, the result of slight traces which occurred when the vessel was in motion. While still, this effect would not be had, but while in motion, it was enough to be slightly detectable visually if one was really paying attention. Likewise, the sensor-stopping effects worked well for the likes of sensors carried by a person or found in a droid, in a ground vehicle, or onboard smaller sized ships, e.g., nothing larger than a small corvette really, as Braka had opted only for a thin polymer (mainly due to limits to his finances to afford thicker plating) and thus, very powerful sensors such as those found on larger military vessels, would be able to detect his ship with a dedicated scan. Finally, the visual 'invisibility' of the photo-reactive coating only occurred when this coating was activated, and when toggled off, the ship was plainly visible, albeit the dark color did somewhat allow it to blend against the backdrop of space, but while on the ground, it was totally vulnerable to visual detection. Still, when combined with the ship's other stealth technologies and countermeasures, Braka had a very stealthy ship, with little chance of his unsuspecting prey knowing he was around until it would be too late!
- Starship Hull: A durinium-impregnated durasteel hull would enhance the sensor-stopping ability of the craft and served to make the hull resistant to extreme temperatures, able to withstand incredible stress, and – since Braka had ordered it to be coated in absorbital before being plated over – it was very resistant to energy weapons, such as blasters and laser weapons, as well as kinetic damage, vibro-weapons, force pikes, and even, albeit only briefly, lightsabers. However, even though this hull was incredibly strong and still lightweight, it wasn't invulnerable. A missile strike could be catastrophic, and taking too many direct hits from heavy weaponry would, sooner or later, compromise its integrity, and it wouldn't survive a collision with a large solid object, such as an asteroid or another starship, if traveling fast enough. Yet, it was still quite tough, even by starship armor standards.
- Hull Liner:
- Micro-Anechoic Coating offered excellent sound insulation, ensuring the ship's interior was eerily silent and preventing sounds within the ship to be detected from outside.
- Agrinium Sheathing guarded against all forms of radiation, including EMP/ion threats, further protecting the various systems and components housed within it.
- Insulfoam layering ensures steady cabin temperature, and resiliency against external temperature; further provides acoustic dampening also.
- Starship Frame: A durinium-impregnated titanium-ultrachrome alloy was used in the reinforced starship frame, which was stronger than durasteel but also served to lessen vibrations, thereby improving maneuverability while also making the rotation of the S-foils smoother and more easily affected without increasing the overall weight of the vessel but actually making it lighter!
- Interior Plating: Betaplast panels were used on the ship's interior, which were then coated with absorbital, in the hope of preventing any compromise of the ship's hull in the case of a weapon discharge or detonation inside. Noted for its high resiliency against kinetic damage, the inclusion of betaplast in the design also lessened the ship's overall weight. Being non-metallic, it also offered sound resistance to build-ups of magnetic energy or static electricity.
- Viewports: Blast-tinted Glasteel replaced the older Transparisteel panels but, like its predecessor, it too was blaster-proof however the upgraded material was as strong as durasteel, eliminating the viewport as a 'weak point' in the ship's hull.
- Wiring & Circuitry: Ultrachrome was used for its conductivity and resiliency throughout the vessel.
- Starship Wings: Colium-Girondium ultra-high efficiency solar panels.
Cost:
- New: 720,000 Standard Credits
- Used: 510,000 Standard Credits
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Stealth-enabled Personal Starfighter/Transport
Role(s):
- Interceptor-type Starfighter
- Personal Transport
Dimensions:
- Length: 7.62m (25-ft.)
- Width: 11.89m (30.00-ft.)
- Height: 4.65m (15-ft.)
Armament: High (Standard Mode) Low (Speed Mode)
Cannons:
Launcher System(s):
Optional Ordinance Payload(s): "The Bat" enjoys a quick-change modular variable-selective munitions rack system, able to be swapped out quickly to accommodate various payloads, or else removed altogether with relative ease. This, combined with its launcher system, enabled a variety of payloads, able to be mission-tailored as needed. Some of these payloads available would be:
- Missiles:
- Torpedoes:
- Space Mines:
Defenses: Very High
- Shields:
- Countermeasures:
Squadron Count: None | 1
Maneuverability Rating: Very High
Speed Rating: High (Standard Mode) Extreme (Speed Mode)
- Maximum Acceleration: 3,800G (Standard Mode) 4,600G (Speed Mode)
- MGLT: 120 MGLT (Standard Mode) 180 MGLT (Speed Mode)
- Maximum Atmospheric Speed: 1,300kph (Standard Mode) 1,850kph (Speed Mode)
Hyperdrive Enabled: Yes; (x4)
GBk-685 Long-Range Hyperdrive Units, using (x4)
GBn-682 Hyperdrive Motivators (modified)
- Primary Hyperdrive Rating: 1.00
- Secondary Hyperdrive Rating: 6.00
Stealth Enabled: Yes
Optimum Crew Capacity: 1
Minimum Crew Capacity: 0
Passenger Capacity: 1 (Short-term only)
Maximum Cargo Capacity:
- Max. Cargo Weight: 226.8kg (500-lbs.) (Including Braka's equipment, weapons, and other items; and this assumes no passenger either)
- Max. Cargo Size: 4.08m[SUP]3 [/SUP](144-ft[SUP]3[/SUP])
Consumables: 1 Standard Week
STANDARD / ADVANCED SYSTEMS & FEATURES
Propulsion:
Power Plant:
Safety Package:
Escape Craft:
Avionics:
Navigation Computer:
Sensor Array:
Communications Suite:
Starship Computers:
Targeting Computers:
Life Support:
Miscellanea:
STRENGTHS
- Tough Enough: Though never intended for prolonged combat or going up against a whole fleet, the "Bat" is an absolute terror for smaller craft. It's surprising variety and amount of firepower, exceptional maneuverability, and impressive speed, stealth, and defenses make it a fearsome little ship to be sure.
WEAKNESSES
- Can't Do It All: When engaged in 'speed mode', the power from the launcher and four wingtip weapons pods was diverted to provide the extra boost needed to reach higher speeds and acceleration. This prevented the ship from using its ion cannons in this mode, removing two-thirds of the cannons onboard as well as use of the launcher system, thereby greatly reducing its offensive capabilities while in this mode.
- Limited Capacity: With limited available space for cargo or passengers, the "Bat" isn't as versatile as one might expect. It can't be used to ferry troops, deliver supplies, smuggle much of anything, act as a transport-for-hire, and cannot board another vessel, unless that ship has the hangar space for the "Bat" to come inside first. This drastically limits the types of missions and operations that Braka can use his ship for. The "Bat" is – first and foremost – a personal transport, emphasis on 'personal'.
- Does NOT Fit All: Braka's ship is only accommodating to humanoids, and the internal environment is oriented for a Kyuzo occupant. This means passengers, usually captives on short-runs back to Braka's employers to collect his bounties, will need a breath mask to survive inside. Likewise, the control yoke and avionics systems, among many other things onboard, just aren't made for non-humanoids. More still, very large species can't fit, either comfortably or at all, inside due to the cramped cabin space. Finally, the "Bat" is such a chimera and its systems so varied and design so unique, an amateur pilot would surely make history for the shortest flight in history. This is a ship that needs a skilled and experienced pilot, familiar with its controls, to handle it.
- Not For Hard Use: As tough and lethal as this little ship can be, the "Bat" isn't made for wading into heavy fleet battles or taking on targets with powerful defenses, it just can't take too many – if any – hits from large, powerful weapons. Anything bigger than the Tantive IV would be way too much to handle, and even that is pushing it, and absolutely not for very long. Without its shields, the "Bat" is easy pickings for larger turbolaser batteries, and sure couldn't withstand a missile strike.
DESCRIPTION
CONCEPT & CONCEPTION
Braka based his design on several 'ancient' starships, appealing to both his passion for history and for the versatility, efficiency, effectiveness, and the discretion they'd offer when integrated this way. To begin with, Braka decided on an unconventional starship configuration, the
Chir'daki. Originally conceived by Twi'lek engineers on Ryloth, `it might be considered an 'ugly', the galaxy-wide nickname for ships comprised of elements and components taken from a number of starships. While most 'uglies' were cheaply-made and poor-performing ships, the
Chir'daki (Meaning "Death Seed" in the Twi'lek language) was a tried-and-true design which had a number of impressive features and innovations that had given it a long and respected service history in the galaxy. However, Braka's version would not follow the usual 'blueprint' for these ships, at least not entirely.
BUILDING THE FUSELAGE
Next, he elected for the cockpit pod, or starboard fuselage, of the TIE/sa bomber, first introduced by the Galactic Empire nearly three years after the Battle of Yavin. Braka had a reinforced durinium-impregnated titanium-ultrachrome alloy used to create the starship hull. This alloy would be lighter and stronger than standard durasteel, yet able to dampen vibrations. Because of this, the ship would be steadier and more maneuverable, particularly when inside of a planet's gravity, as well as making rotation and opening of the S-foils smoother and more easily achieved.
Unable to afford to use the same alloy in the creation of the ship's hull, Braka was forced to settle for one made from durinium-impregnated durasteel. The durinium would serve to increase the sensor-stopping ability of the ship, in addition to being resistant to extreme temperatures and able to withstand incredible stress. Impressively strong, the hull was then coated with absorbital, which increased its resilience against blaster bolts, explosions, and laser weapons. Still lightweight, the hull was not made too thick, which meant that certain realities had be accepted. A direct strike by a sufficiently powerful missile could be catastrophic, as would a mid-flight collision with a large solid object if it were traveling fast enough, and sooner or later, several successive direct hits from heavy weapons could, and eventually would, compromise the ship's integrity. Still, Braka surmised, it would perform excellently against most portable weapons, except perhaps those carried on capital ships larger than smaller-sized corvettes (e.g., anything beyond roughly a CR90 Corvette.)
Now, to enhance stealth, Braka commissioned a special hull plating, constructed from thin layers of stygian triprismatic polymer, infused with durinium and reflec-based shadowskin, over which a photo-reactive ferrosphere paint was applied. When activated, the paint would work like an optical camouflage system, blending into its surroundings, leaving little more than a faint haze to visually distinguish it with and virtually invisible to scanners and sensors. Braka took the inspiration from the ships used by the Resistance and from the bounty hunter known as Mist, who used a similar combination in her personal armor. When inactive, the ship appeared as a dense matte black. Braka again had limited funds, and so could not have this plating as thick as he'd wish. As a result, the stealth features would only really guard against portable scanners, such as those used in personal armors or carried, or by those mounted in ground vehicles, starfighters, and again, ships beneath the size of a mid-ranged corvette. Larger ships with powerful, dedicated military-grade sensors and scanners could, and likely would, detect the ship with a full-spectrum intentional search, overcoming this plating's otherwise very stealthy attributes.
For the ship's main viewport, mounted to the bow, Braka opted for blast-tinted glasteel to replace the older transparisteel panes. As strong as durasteel, it was manufactured in the same way as the transparisteel, making it impervious to blasters. This helped to almost, though not totally, eliminate the viewport as a 'weak point' in the vessel's design.
Inside of this hull, Braka applied a liner and interior plating. Sound-dampening micro-anechoic coating and agrinium sheathing were layered between the hull and the absorbital-coated betaplast interior plating, which served to soundproof the interior and prevent audio detection from outside of the ship, as well as to shield internal systems from radiation, including EMP/ion threats. The betaplast was guarded against any form of interior weapons discharge or explosion, as well as static build-up and magnetic energy, making munitions carried aboard less likely to sympathetic or accidental detonation. Ultrachrome wiring was used throughout most of the vessel, providing resiliency and conductivity, while agrinium-impregnated insulating coating shielded it from radiation and EMP/ion threats.
FITTING IT OUT
This ship would be Braka's personal transport, his most formidable asset, and his home and base of operations, and he was spending the profits of several major jobs (and not a few small ones) on making it everything he wanted and needed it to be. Braka began by installing two Sirplex Zr-41 deflector shield generators, which had – like virtually all of the components he would use – been miniaturized with the advent of time and the genius of the team of Verpine outlaw techs he'd hired. Boasting both ray shields and particle shields, they could also offer navigation deflection and relativistic shielding over the entire craft. A miniaturized Sienar I-a-2b solar ion reactor was installed, along with Slayn & Korpil JZ-5g7 power converters, Vinop 02k cryogenic power cells, and a Quadex power core, comprising the vessel's entire power supply system, used to power the P-s4 twin ion engines at the rear of the fuselage and many other shipboard systems.
Two Sienar L-s9.3 laser cannons were chin-mounted at the bow, offering a potent pair of cannons, which while older and antiquated by contemporary standards, could still destroy a small asteroid with one or two direct hits! Above the viewport, an EAS Pod and Gelieg 20m-cp strobe/c-beam lamp was mounted, along with a small external loudspeaker. A de-icing/de-ionizing system and Oriolanis XM-130 chaff dispenser were mounted to the rear of the fuselage, while a Krupyx MG7-A warhead launcher was mounted ventrally. Able to be dismounted when required, it boasted a quick-change modular variable-selective munitions rack, which could carry either four Arakyd ST7 concussion missiles or else four Krupyx mag-pulse warheads and four Krupyx MG7 miniaturized proton torpedoes, allowing for versatile load-out options. When the latter was used, Braka could toggle between these as needed, and would be his preferred ordinance combination for this weapon.
ADDING THE WINGS
While historically, the
Chir'daki called for the S-foils from one of the venerated X-Wing starfighters to have been mounted on the cockpit 'ball' of a TIE/in interceptor, Braka conceived to mount them onto the fuselage he'd had constructed instead. First, he opted to use the S-foils of one of the Incom-Freitek T-70 X-Wings, which rose to fame in the New Republic and later, in the Resistance during its war with the First Order. An upgraded design to the earlier T-65, built by Incom and used by the Rebellion in the Galactic Civil War against the Empire, the T-70 took advantage of a great many innovations in starship technologies made during and in the years that followed that conflict.
The T-70 had used the smaller and more powerful 5L5 fusial thrust 'split' engines, which Braka kept, equipping them with 5k c3 carbon/halon extinguisher systems, GBk-685 long-range hyperdrive units using GBn-682 hyperdrive motivators, as well as his own modifications, such as incorporating vectrals, anti-emissions tracers, and the heat sink finials taken from an old Nubian N-1 starfighter, which were fitted to the rear of the engines. Both stealth-enhancing and heat dispersing, this configuration proved surprisingly effective. Advancements in micronization would ensure the engines remained relatively light and yet incredibly powerful. Using tibanna fuel (or its variant, tibanna-x) fuel supplies for these engines would last for up to a standard week. If exhausted, the solar ion reactor would continue to function, powering the twin ion engines, though with diminished speed and reduced firepower overall.
These, and the S-foils themselves, were mounted onto a gyroscopic mounting ring, which was then mounted onto the fuselage. The same stealth plating as had been applied to the hull was then applied to the wings and painted with the same sensor-defeating paint. Over this, colium-girondium ultra-high-efficiency solar collection panels were attached. Made ultra-thin over the last several centuries, they added very little weight but offered even better collection efficiency and power generation than their earlier versions.
The KX12 Taim & Bak laser cannons were removed and swapped out with the wingtip pods of an old ASF-1 B-Wing, coated in the same external paneling and paint. Each of these four pods housed an ArMek SW-7a light ion cannon and dedicated precision targeting laser, able to deliver powerful ion blasts with incredible accuracy, yet using less power than the previous laser cannons had, allowing surplus power to be diverted to other systems.
Mounted on the gyroscopic ring, the S-foils could be rotated about the fuselage a full 360-degrees, smoothly and efficiently opening or closing into 'attack' and 'cruise' modes at will. While in cruise mode, the wingtip weapons could not be used, but would instantly become active when the S-foils were opened, both expanding the field of fire and the overall offensive power of the ship. The variable geometry of this configuration had been a hallmark of the
Chir'daki, offering terrific maneuverability and versatility, as well as helping to confuse and sometimes delay recognition and targeting systems used by other ships – and the missiles they carried.
The four 5L5 engines also powered the repulsorlift generators – located in the wings – used for taking off and landing, and the maneuvering thrusters, as well as other systems. Finally, deployable puncture-proof pontoons were installed, allowing for water landings, and crash foam sprayers were added, in the unfortunate event of a crash landing in the hopes of preventing total disaster and improving survivability.
MAKING A HOME BASE
The ship lived up to the 'ugly' reputation, but Braka was sure it would meet his operational and transportation needs, and now it was to be kitted out to meet his other needs. Braka was well aware, as the Verpine techs wouldn't stop reminding him, that he desired a great deal of components and systems added, and despite the impressive power plant and supply system, it was still possible to overwhelm the supply to meet his demands. To mitigate this, Braka opted to use Aqualish bio-light panels inside of the ship, which required no outside power sources, and to his liking, cast a warm, gentle light. Motion-activated-and-responsive, they would brighten and dim according to motion about the cabin. They would also dim in the event of any disruption to the cabin's internal atmosphere, such as poison gas leaks or other contamination. This meant darkening during periods of rest, sleep, or relative inactivity, and brighter when moving about, working, etc. The cabin also featured a life support system, keyed to the specific needs of Braka's Kyuzo species.
Braka had a refresher booth installed, with an ultrasonic bacta-infused shower, composting toilet, osmotic field generator to prevent pests and odors, and entirely self-contained and self-cleaning/warming. Located at the rear port side of the cabin, Braka had a single-person bunk installed along the port side bulkhead. Using relaxa-bed technologies, massage circuitry and sleep-inducing harmonics would provide a full night's sleep in just a few hours' time, while a self-inflating pillow and thermal sheets added to his comfort, ensuring an optimized temperature as he slept. The bunk featured stowage compartments above and beneath the bunk itself, as well as alongside, toward the front of the cabin, all of which were coated in nightshadow and sealed using magna-locks. In the large compartments below, he kept a pair or wayfarer's space chests which contained his tools, while his armor and clothing was hung in the tall locker near the bow, which he equipped with a vibrosound cleaning device, ensuring his apparel was always clean and ready to wear. Hidden in a recess above the bunk, Braka installed a Bith hiding cube, which contained his most valuable possessions.
Along the starboard wall, Braka placed a wall locker, sealed with a magna-lock, across from the refresher entrance, where he stored his weapons and extra munitions. Made of reinforced betaplast and coated in nightshadow, it had a biometric magna-lock, like all of the compartments, and could hold his entire arsenal, including replacements! Next, a personal-sized preserver unit was installed, which could keep foodstuffs fresh for up to a week or more. A supply of field rations was also kept on hand, though Braka enjoyed cooking fresh meals for himself when he could. To this end, a condensing unit was added, which provided heat, allowed cooking and other food preparations, and even potable water could be resupplied when the environmental seal was opened while landed inside of an atmosphere. It was cramped, there was no doubt about it, but for one slightly-smaller-than-standard Kyuzo, it would be quite comfortable, uncluttered and clean, and more than enough to suit his needs.
Braka also kept a holo-poster of the Twi'lek/Zeltron hybrid, Mehna'taun, the sultry young singer, actress, model, and dancer who'd risen from slavery to become one of the galaxy's most-desired icons, in the interior of the door to his clothing compartment and held quite a 'crush' on the famous exotic beauty.
RE-IMAGINING THE COCKPIT
Braka installed a Mk GT8 Ejection Pod, adding a self-contouring seat cover to make longer trips more comfortable for him when at the helm. It was equipped with a crash kit, that included a spare holdout blaster, and used an emergency acceleration compensator. The control yoke was designed to keep all major controls closely available and simplified, removing the bulky display panels and replacing them with a holographic tactical display using a fully-integrated VDV-100 holo-display system, hyperwave transceiver, shadowcloak disguise system, and connected to a Duros Bio-Comp 1000, used as the ship's main computer. Voice-activated and not requiring any outside power source, he still needed to use organoform circuitry to connect to other systems aboard, but it offered an incredibly vast data storage system and extremely fast processing power. A hardwired T-11 armored databank would serve as a back-up computer. A VPN software was used, along with bio-hexacryption, exhaustive data management software, pyrowalls, a voice-activated BiVVol RVR-325 console security lock with secondary biometrics and activation sequencing, anti-tamper subspace alarm, and numerous other security and privacy measures were included, owing to Braka's (usually justifiable) paranoia about such things. Braka even went so far as to include shock-filament into the floor panels to disable intruders!
While having reduced the 'footprint' of the usual TIE/sa cockpit by more than forty percent, Braka was also able to install a Fondor Droid Mod, nicknamed "BB" which served as co-pilot/autopilot, navigator, gunner, starship systems manager, and more. Expanding the AI programming, Braka ensured the Droid Mod could aid him in any number of ways, including those administrative, security, data management, and even nefarious duties when called upon. Slave-rigging allowed Braka to summon his ship when away, allowing the Droid Mod to pilot to him, even through hostile territory, when called. Several slicing technologies were also integrated, along with various bits of software to slice and hack into various computers and systems remotely. Further, the Droid Mod was connected to the ship's security and surveillance system, sensors, targeting systems, navigation computers, and of course, avionics. In all, Braka's cockpit area was much more compact and yet more powerful than what a TIE/sa bomber pilot might have experienced centuries ago.
EXTRA STOWAGE
Braka's personal weapons, clothing, and other equipment only accounted for roughly forty percent of the ship's overall cargo capacity. This would allow him – if he absolutely needed – to ferry a captive mark, usually restrained and sedated, back to an employer. Further, Braka kept several tool kits aboard. A starship tool kit, scaled-back pioneer kit, and other kits were kept aboard also, ensuring he had everything he needed, no matter where he might find himself. Even so, Braka could also carry small volumes of cargo when called for, be it contraband such as spice or other illegal items, recovered items, etc. Though not a freighter by anyone's reckoning, Braka's ship could carry limited size-and-weight cargo loads for short trips.
CONCLUSION
Braka had at considerable cost constructed a remarkably tough, lethal, fast, and nimble starship. Versatile and capable, it was still exactly what it was, an 'ugly'. This appearance of being a looming black hunk of cobbled-together space junk, seemingly old and recycled in every way, and certainly unassuming to the untrained eye, was vital to Braka's plans. He wanted something he could set down in any shadowport or spaceport, sitting along at the end of some small landing pad, easily ignored, overlooked, underestimated and dismissed. Should he set down on some remote world, it could 'disappear' into its surroundings, seemingly insignificant and hard to find, from which he could operate. He named this 'monstrosity', as one of the Verpine techs had muttered during the initial design phase, after the Rorian Borgle Bat, shortening the name to simply the
Bat. Chosen because of the animal's mysterious origins, shadowy nocturnal nature, fearsome fighting ability and lethality, and its habit of capturing living prey and returning its captives to its lair before bleeding them dry and stacking their bones like trophies, all qualities which Braka assumed suited himself and a bounty hunter and mercenary perfectly.
The
Bat is Braka's prized possession. Certainly, it was not a front-line space superiority fighter, nor a luxurious space yacht, it was instead the ideal, low-profile, deadly, and versatile starship he'd always dreamed of owning.
[Left: The starboard cockpit pod of the TIE/sa Bomber, in its factory stock configuration. Provided for visual reference.
]
Modifications Made:
- Forward-mounted Floodlamp: Positioned the viewport, the Gelieg 20m-cp Strobe/C-Beam Lamp offers a powerful forward-facing spotlight, to aid in navigation and travel.
- https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/20m-cp_Strobe/C-Beam_Lamp
-
- EAS Pod: Mounted alongside of the floodlamp, the EAS Pod provides situational awareness up to a 5km radius around the landed ship, giving real-time data updates concerning weather, gravity, atmospheric conditions, temperature, and approaching lifeforms, vehicles, etc. This information is catalogued and shared wirelessly to Braka's facemask, giving him full knowledge of his ship and its condition and surroundings even while he is away from it.
- Biometric MLC-50 Magnalock: Installed on the ingress/egress hatch above the cockpit, this hatch prevents unauthorized access to the ship's interior. A remote alarm system alerts Braka to anyone trying to gain access to his ship while he is away as a safeguard against thieves and shipjackers.
- Blast-tined Glasteel Viewport: Replacing the earlier transparisteel viewport, the new one is stronger and provides greater protection against not only blasters but against kinetic damage as well. The viewport provides Braka with excellent forward visibility.
- Environmental Seal: The entire fuselage is sealed against high-pressure and offers protection against flying dust and debris, airborne pathogens and contaminants, radiation, temperature, and other hazards, relying on enviro-filters and life support to provide a fully self-contained environment inside when needed. Exterior vents can be opened to freshen air and allow the condensing unit to resupply potable water as well.
- Gyroscopic Mounting Ring: The hallmark of the Chir'daki design, a gyroscopic mounting ring was installed to allow the S-foils of the ship's wings to rotate around the fuselage and open and close as needed, thereby improving maneuverability and altering the craft's configuration at will, while keeping the cockpit stabilized.
- Chin-mounted Laser Cannons: Two chin-mounted Sienar Fleet Systems' L-s9.3 laser cannons were mounted on the chin of the cockpit pod, in the same manner as they were positioned onto the TIE/IN Interceptor variant. These cannons were agrocite-enhanced, further increasing their already lethal potency, as the stock cannons could destroy a small asteroid in as little as a single shot with a direct hit. This made them more than enough to destroy a starfighter or similarly small craft with one or two direct hits.
- Ventral-mounted M-g-2 General Warhead Launcher: A single multi-munition launcher was mounted below the craft, similarly to how they were used aboard other TIE variants. The launcher could be equipped with a variable quick-change ordinance loadout, including four (4) concussion missiles, three (3) proton torpedoes, two (2) proton rockets, or one (1) space bomb, depending on mission-specific needs. Most often, Braka opted to carry four (4) Arakyd ST2 concussion missiles, which were as powerful as a photon torpedo, but had lower effective range than other concussion missile models. Although forward-facing, these missiles' guidance systems did allow for a missile to be fired and then route itself against a rearward target, however they needed to launch forward and 'swing around' to strike them, making them much less efficient against pursuing craft.
- Oriolanis XM-130 Chaff Dispenser: Mounted dorsal-aft, the chaff dispenser could help to defeat incoming projectiles when activated. Due to logistical restraints however, Braka's dispenser could only be loaded for a single use and would need to be reloaded in port again before it was ready for reuse. Thus, while an effective physical countermeasure, the one-time-use capability limited its role for prolonged combat purposes.
- Improved Hull and Overlay: Braka had the entire hull replaced with durinium-impregnated durasteel, which helped to block enemy sensors and scanners, like those used by ground crews and customs officials, from scanning into the ship's interior. The durasteel was tough, and was coated with absorbital before the outer plating was installed, making it better protected against energy weapons, plasma energy weapons, kinetic damage, and resistant to extreme temperatures, physical stress, and even – at least temporarily – lightsaber-type weapons. Next, outer hull plates, made from a thin layer of stygian triprismatic polymer, infused with reflec-based shadowskin and durinium, were applied over the entire exterior. A coat of photo-reactive paint coated these plates. Definitely stealth-enhancing, the plating further prevented detection by various scanners and sensors, and the coating served as a form of optical camouflage when activated, appearing as a dull matte-black surface when deactivated. During flight, the active camouflage effect left a faint, hazy 'blur', which could be detected by a sharp-eyed observer, though while stationary, this effect worked much better. Likewise, if deactivated, the starship – while stationary – could be visually-detected easily, appearing a darkly-colored mass against its background. Because Braka had limited resources, the plating was very thin, and therefore its anti-sensor capabilities were limited to blocking only those which were found aboard starfighters and ships up to smaller-sized corvettes. Larger vessels with more powerful sensors, especially those found on military-grade capital ships could still detect Braka's ship quite easily, even if his stealth made targeting him more difficult.
- Interior Living Area: Braka knew that the standard cockpit area of a TIE/sa could comfortably – albeit cramped – hold as many as four (4) adults, including the pilot, inside. However, when using contemporary advancements in micronization and technologies, the fuselage could retain, even expand, the number of onboard systems in a much smaller footprint, leaving him with quite a bit of unused space inside. Thus, Braka decided to exploit this space, installing a small living space for himself. Since the TIE/sa had an integrated life support system already, he installed a refresher booth, equipped with a bacta-infused ultrasonic shower, composting toilet system, and self-contained cleaning/sterilization/drying system. When landed, the toilet tank could be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced. Osmotic field generators were installed, which both maintained a healthy environment within and defeated odors and pests from permeating the space. Braka next installed a wall locker and other stowage compartments, and used an old smuggler's trick, coating their interior with nightshadow to defeat low-powered scanners from 'peering inside'. Magnalock systems, like those on the hatch, were also utilized. A single bunk, able to comfortably hold one person, was installed, and utilized relaxa-bed technology, with massage circuits and sleep-inducing harmonics, enabling Braka to receive a full night's rest in only a few hours of sleep time. A pillow and thermal sheet were used for bedding, which set Braka's body to optimum temperatures for healing and comfort, regardless of the environment around him. Hidden above the bunk, a Bith Hiding Cube was cleverly concealed in a recess, guarded by yet another biometric lock, where Braka kept his valuables. Aqualish bio-light panels were used for interior lighting, as they did not require any external power supplies. A secondary feature of these is that they would dim in the event of any compromise to the interior atmosphere of the ship, alerting him to potential danger. A personal-sized preserver unit would keep foodstuffs fresh to up to just over a standard week, while a condensing unit provided heating, potable water, and allowed for food preparation and cooking. Although cramped, the small quarters were sufficient to allow Braka to live within them indefinitely, moving about comfortably enough, and storing his weapons, clothing, and gear securely inside. To further maximize space, Braka removed the bulky solid display systems, replacing them with a much sleeker holographic heads-up tactical display, using a VDV-100 system integrated into the hyperwave transceiver, allowing for holographic communications, HoloNet access, and information display with communications virtually throughout the galaxy using hyperwave technologies. A shadowcloak disguise was used, along with a VPN, bio-hexacryption, pyrowalls, and other technologies to ensure security and anonymity. Braka even applied a self-contouring seat cover to the ejection pod seat, making it much more comfortable for long flights.
- Hull Lining: Sound-dampening micro-anechoic coating and agrinium sheathing were layered between the hull and the betaplast interior plating, which served to soundproof the interior and prevent audio detection from outside of the ship, as well as to shield internal systems from radiation, including EMP/ion threats. The betaplast was guarded against any form of interior weapons discharge or explosion, as well as static build-up and magnetic energy, making munitions carried aboard less likely to sympathetic or accidental detonation.
- Computer Systems: Braka cleverly opted to integrate a Duros Bio-Comp 1000, linked to other systems in the ship using organoform circuitry. Since the Bio-Comp did not need any external power source, this greatly reduced the power demands aboard the ship while expanding the data storage capacity exponentially. An armored computer core served as backup, but the main computer was exceptionally difficult to slice, and contained an expansive software suite, allowing for fast access and retrieval of information, data analysis and collation, and exceptional processing speeds. This innovation also reduced the footprint of the onboard computer suite greatly, lowering the overall weight of the vessel and maximizing space aboard. Other computers, such as the onboard navigational, targeting, and starship management systems, sensor array, and other devices were all routed for operation by a Fondor Droid Mod. In lieu of the installation of a more-common droid socket or similar system, the Fondor Droid Mod was hard-wired into the ship, and its artificial intelligence could be – and was – expanded to provide a variety of services and fill various roles, aiding Braka in his work. This too reduced much of the space used aboard, yet provided much more in terms of capability than a standard astromech's droid brain, etc. as the heuristic programming and capabilities of an AI system would, over time, develop to 'intuitively' meet and even anticipate Braka's needs and preferences. Among these abilities, the droid mod also could act as co-pilot and gunner for him, enabling it to relieve him at the helm or assist him during combat and, since the ship was slave-wired, Braka could summon his ship while away from it, using a beckon call system integrated into one of his gauntlets, and the ship could come to him autonomously, even handily fighting its way to him if need be!
- Safety & Security: Braka had a healthy amount of paranoia, particularly concerned about someone gaining unauthorized access to his ship, or – in the event he was taking a captured mark back to his employer – being surprised from within it. To put his mind at ease, Braka installed tiny security cameras, equipped with night vision and thermal sensors, strategically inside, which could be monitored by the droid mod and which he could access remotely, giving him a full view of what was happening aboard his ship at all times. Motion sensors, linked to these cameras, as well as a lifeform sensor cannibalized from a handheld detector, were utilized also, in an attempt to guard against a cloaked intruder or a potential breakout attempt by a captive. Furthermore, he installed shock-filaments into the flooring, capable of delivering a powerful shock able to decapacitate and stun potential intruders when activated, unless however the intruder was suitably protected from this by the likes of specially-insulated footwear or the like. A fire suppression system was also integrated, and, as mentioned previously, all stowage for his clothing, weapons, and other items were protected by biometric magnalocks. The command yoke and control panel was also guarded, using a BiVVol RVR-325 voice-activated console lock, tied to the main control computer and cross-connected to the main drive control package, which prevented his ship from being stolen unless the proper sequence of syllables was used. A top-grade voice replicator device would be needed to defeat this system, and a single failure would lock a would-be thief out of the ship's controls and systems. As a secondary measure, a combination of genetic code, subroutine activation, and coded sequence of switches was needed to fully gain control over the ship if the locking mechanism was activated. Together with the ever-vigilant droid mod, Braka was confident that his ship was well-guarded at all times.
- Stealth Package: In addition to the sound-baffling hull liner, camouflage system, and sensor-defeating materials and coating already discussed, Braka included a number of other stealth technologies into the configuration of his ship. First, the heat sink finials of an N-1 Nubian starfighter were fitted with the four 5L5 Fusial Thrust Engines to reduce the ship's thermal signature, while vectrals, ion emissions tracers, and trace thrust dampeners were added, further reducing the ability of detecting or tracking the ship. A photonic emitter, gravitic modulator, and spectral diffuser cooperated with the plating configuration to lower the physical presence and cross-section of the ship, making it appear significantly smaller than it was. Terrestrial-based scanners would usually read the ship as nothing more than perhaps a bird or similar avian, while in space, smaller vessels might not even detect it all, allowing Braka to slip past patrol ships, blockades, and starfighters with relative ease. A signature modulator and IFF confuser were used by the droid mod to falsify registration information and signatures also, making the ship incredibly hard to identify when Braka wished to operate under the nose of regular authorities.
Thus, with a much-shrunk sensor profile and thermo-chemical signature, fully-encrypted communications suite, false identity capabilities, optical camouflage, sensor-blocking hulls, sensor mask and jammers, and baffled engines, not to mention the innately variable geometry of the ship's configuration and small physical size made it difficult to target, trace, or detect, regardless of the sensors and scanners, even potential observers, it might face!
- S-Foils: The S-foils from a T-70 X-Wing, including their 5L5 fusial thrust split-engines, were mounted onto the gyroscopic mounting ring. The S-foils utilized ultra-efficient colium-girondium solar panels like those used in TIE-series fighters, which doubled as passive radiator panels, helping to prevent overheating from the engines. The S-foils also improved atmospheric stabilization, and Braka had the outlaw techs strip away the KX-12 Taim & Bak laser cannons, replacing them with ArMek SW-7a light ion cannons, paired with precision targeting lasers, and these wingtip ion cannons were designed that they could be fired in cruising mode or attack mode. Although in attack mode, accuracy was improved and spread coverage increased. These weapons could be fired individually or could be linked to fire in concert together or else staggered in pairs, depending on Braka's needs. The ion cannon pods were lighter than the previous laser cannons and used less power also but were powerful enough to disable smaller-sized craft or vehicles with just a couple well-placed shots.
As for the Incom-FreiTel 5L5 fusial thrust split-engines, Braka had the techs fit them with the finial heat sinks of an old N-1 Nubian starfighter, lowering the ship's thermal signature and reducing its ion emissions, utilizing vectrals, thrust trace dampeners, anti-ion emissions tracers, which made it virtually impossible for all but the most powerful sensors to detect the vessel's heat or emissions.
Mounted on the ring, the S-foils could be opened or closed at will, as well as to rotate about the cockpit pod a full 360°, effectively changing the profile and configuration of ship, even mid-flight, giving it a versatile and highly maneuverable quality. The S-foils' rotation had a secondary benefit behind the enhanced agility, in that its variable geometry could make it harder for targeting systems to recognize and lock on to the ship, albeit only slowing them by a second or two usually. However, this was enough for a skilled pilot to exploit, better evading incoming missiles and in many cases, using the ship's speed to outrun enemy heavy cannons before they could lock on to it.
RESUPPLY, REFIT & REFUELING
When he landed in a spaceport, or anywhere actually which had a breathable atmosphere and available resources, Braka would open the vents, allowing the condensing unit to refresh the potable water supplies onboard (up to a standard weeks' worth) and to refresh the air supplies, using air scrubbers, filters, etc. to ensure against contamination. He could also remove and clean the ship's composting toilet system, using a small hatch on the vessel's underbelly before replacing it again. The preserver unit could be used to hold foodstuffs, keeping them fresh for up to a week. Braka did keep a small supply of pre-packaged ready-to-eat ration pills aboard but liked to cook and eat using fresh ingredients whenever possible. Refueling could be done in most spaceports. Since the twin ion engines utilized solar energy, no refueling was needed as the panels overlaid on the wings would collect enough to power the reactor attached to them. However, for the four engines mounted on the s-foil wings, beside the main fuselage, these were configured to use tibanna gas (or also its variant, tibanna-x), and the ship's reserves were sufficient for up to a week's worth of fuel. In the event Braka found himself without fuel, the solar-powered ion engines could be used – at the cost of his ship's offensive weaponry (save for the launcher) and diminished capacity of other systems – to continue to travel until refueling could be had. This was not an option that Braka particularly ever wanted to use and was sure to 'top off' with fuel whenever possible. As for the launcher, concussion missiles like his preferred ST2s could be attained in most ports and from many suppliers throughout the galaxy, and likewise, his chaff dispenser could be replenished also. Ground crews needn't be specialized given the age of many of the systems used aboard, and many light repairs and maintenance services were not overly complicated for this reason either. However, the sheer amount of modifications Braka incorporated into his ship meant that, in the event of heavy damage, repairs would require technicians to be more skillful and have access to specialized tools, equipment, and facilities, making such repairs harder to attain in backwater and remote or less developed locations.
Combined with the gear carried in Braka's vest, bandolier, and the advantages gained from his facemask and gauntlets, his armored clothing, and his body glove, not to mention his impressive arsenal, Braka was confident he was ready for most any situation he might find himself in. Able to handle most any environment, with numerous options for combat available, and a host of small survival items and personal tools at his disposal. On board the ship, he maintained other stores of items, and additionally maintained a few covertly-rented secure storage lockers on different worlds, in case he needed to resupply. These lockers were on Nar Shadaa, Coruscant, Ryloth, Dantooine, and Bespin, and each contained spare munitions, clothing, tools, and weapons. Rented through a series of covers and fronts, using cleverly forged documents, they were paid on time and specially modified with nightshadow to prevent discovery, ensuring that while on a mission, he could make a quick stop on one of these worlds to resupply himself.
All in all, Braka's possessions, other tools, weapons, and gear, those carried regularly aboard his ship anyway, weighed around 90kg, using and accounting for only 40% of his ship's total cargo capacity, leaving enough for the rare, captured mark or small cargo loads when needed.
