B L A C K O U T
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: To create a type of jamming /electronic countermeasure device for the Sith Empire.
Image Source: N/A
Canon Link: M39 ComTech, Scrambler/Baffler, 220-SIG Tactical Jammer, 4x-Phantom Short-Range Jammer, Frequency Jammer, Eradicator Comms Scrambler
Primary Source: N/A
Manufacturer: Primo Victorian
Affiliation: Aurora Industries, Primo Victorian, the Sith Empire | Closed-Market
Model: AVS-810CS “Blackout”
Modularity: No
Production: Semi-Unique
Material:
Dedicated Energy Receptor Projector
Full-Spectrum Distortion Projector
Frequency Jammer
Sensor Jammers
Scrambler, Baffler
Electronic Countermeasures
Integrated Circuits, System Boards
SPECIAL FEATURES
Temporarily disrupts communications on a planetary or system-wide level.
Hinders enemy sensors and targeting computers.
May also ‘fool’ opposing sensors allowing equipped ships to pass by unnoticed.
Capable of blocking and absorbing incoming long-range sensors.
Scrambler enables the device to hide or disguise an equipped ship’s signature.
Capable of emitting a range of background static to prevent opposing sensors from detecting vocal or electronic communication.
All in One: Consolidates a lot of the various sensor jamming technologies into one device. Does so with considerable power and range, which can be adjusted to suit the mission at hand. Whether this is disruption of communications, or blocking/fooling sensors on various frequencies - and at various ranges. From close combat to battlefield range sensors, the Blackout is meant to aid in reconnaissance efforts.
Power Hog: Requires a lot of power in order to accomplish all the various tasks assigned to it, smaller ships may find that systems power may have to be diverted to the device. Or, may find it best to have the device draw power from its own dedicated power resource/generator.
Resources: Attempting to use this device in conjunction with another system may cause power fluctuations. It could possibly overload power on a [SIZE=10pt]ship[/SIZE] if it is not managed properly. Meaning, shields, power/propulsion, and or weapons could go offline as the Blackout device will take priority on systems resources - assuming a technician has not manually adjusted resources.
Blackout is the culmination of communication and sensor jamming technologies. This component takes elements of the Phantom Short Range Jammer, Eradicator, 220-SIG Tactical Jammer, and others in order to make one device. If anything Blackout started as a project of convenience, instead of installing anywhere from five to seven systems, one could suffice.
In addition, the hope was to amplify the strength and range of the system. Making it so that the Blackout not only combined the strengths of these various systems but amplified them. This hope led to reworking elements of the device, as in essence, this was a sensor looking for other sensors. Amplifying the strengths of the Blackout Sensor would be done utilizing advanced electronics. Superconductors, integrated controllers, and high end centralized processing units, and controller hubs on the device aid in this effort.
Due to the capabilities of the device, to say that it is a resource hog would be an understatement. The ability to disrupt communications on a planetary scale, let alone system-wide means a lot of power. Add to this having to adjust to blocking or absorbing incoming sensors, and hiding the ship’s own signature. Resource management for any ship with this particular device installed is going to be key.
Attempting to use this device while the ship draws power for shields, weapons or propulsion will mean having to choose - in most cases. It is beneficial to have the Blackout draw from a dedicated generator, when possible. Otherwise, when it comes to most scouting vessels it is recommended to have the ship remain at a standstill, power rerouted to the device with minimal efforts on weapons, shields or propulsion.
This is of course assuming - this is being used at system-wide levels, the less power the system has to use - means it’s not nearly as strong. Planetary wide communication disruption will not require as much power as system-wide. Consider also the duration in which communication is disrupted. Also, take into account sensor blocking, and hiding ship signatures - it is important to know that the more the device is doing, the more power it requires.
