Camellia Swift
Camellia
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create a space superiority starfighter as Rendili has not designed such in a while, specifically one meant for dogfighting.
- Image Source: http://swtor.wikia.com/wiki/File:S-250_Chela-class_starfighter.jpg
- Canon Link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/S-250_Chela-class_starfighter
- Restricted Missions: N/A
- Primary Source: N/A
- Manufacturer: Rendili Stardrive
- Model: Chela S250 (refit)
- Affiliation: Open to Contracts, Rendili Defense Force, Free World Coalition
- Production: Minor
- Material: Durasteel, duranium, Alusteel, Titanium, Glasteel, Transparisteel
- Classification: Heavy Starfighter
- Length: 8.78 Meters
- Width: 8 Meters
- Height: 14 Meters
- Armament: Average
- Twin Heavy Dual Linked Rotating Laser Cannons
- Concussion Missile Launcher x2
- Chaff Launcher x1
- Defenses: Moderate
- Squadron Count: 12
- Maneuverability Rating: Average
- Speed Rating: Average
- Hyperdrive Class: Class 2
- Standard Communications Suite
- Standard Deflector Shield Generator
- Standard Life Support Systems
- Standard Navigational Systems
- Standard Sensor Suite
- Standard Targeting Systems
ADVANCED SYSTEMS
Strengths:
- Designed to Dogfight: Though the Chela refit has made few overall changes to the design, major changes include the addition of a chaff launcher and the alteration to its twin linked lasers to allow them the ability to pivot and aim in a full 360 degree angle ahead, behind, above, and below the starfighter (though not side to side that'd be silly). Thus the Chela can defend itself during dogfights when enemy craft get behind it or attempt to attack from some of the blindspots starfighters typically have. This in addition to its chaff launcher to deter missile attacks and its above average shielding make it a determined combatant against hostile fighters.
- Where's R-2: Lacking an Astromech droid that is common for most modern fighter craft leaves the Chela refits lacking the ability to make ongoing repairs outside of a port or base. It leaves their operation in extended combat at risk as damage accumulates and repairs may require downtime where an astromech could allow a pilot to go on due to its support. And while not as primary a factor, the lack of an astromech can slow down hyperspace calculations and means a pilot cannot rely on the droids for on the fly system modifications such as targeting algorithms.
Overall the changes are, for the majority, designed to slide the Chela S250 into a dogfighting role. As the ability to fire back at an enemy starfighter attempting to pull behind the Chela is quite evident of. In addition to the increased firing angles, the Chela has an increased hull capacity from its former days as it sports a layer of duranium to absorb of the energy of hostile laser cannons. These design choices have made the Chela a different type of dogfighter from the type of craft that simply attempt to outmaneuver or outrun enemy craft to get behind them, and instead has the Chela focusing on surviving enemy attack runs while having the ability to destroy its attackers that try to maneuver around it. In this capacity Rendili Stardrive began production of their new starfighter feeling its quality matches the Rendili Starfighter and the original Aurek Interceptor from its glory days.
It is a heavy starfighter meant to engage enemy craft and certainly shining at the task. However, it is a confession the Chela S250 in this role with its upgrades is a rather skill intensive craft that requires capable pilots at the controls. An astromech unit or advanced targeting systems could likely reduce the strain on the pilot to utilize the full potential of the new gun controls, but the cost to implement such into the design and maintain a general production was deemed too problematic.
