Ashin Varanin
Professional Enabler
Image Source: Here
Intent: The second in a line of probe droids, this one for space and atmospheric use
Development Thread: None
Manufacturer: Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps
Model: Naboo Superluminal Reconnaissance (SUREC) Probe Droid
Affiliation: Royal Naboo Defense Force, Theed Hangar, Galactic Alliance
Modularity: No
Production: Minor
Material: Durasteel, electronics
Classification: Second-degree/class two
Weight: 360kg
Height: 2.2m at longest dimension
Movement: Engine/repulsorlift/hyperdrive combination, comparable to a starfighter (class 2 speed/maneuver/hyperdrive) or a standard probe droid’s maneuvering pod.
Armaments: None. In extreme conditions, with time and effort, sensor gear could be removed and replaced with a basic warhead. This would be a last-ditch defensive option and a total waste of a good probe.
Misc. Equipment:
- Full-spectrum high-powered sensor package covering realspace (to a range of two light-hours), subspace and hyperspace.
- High-powered lifeform sensors.
- High-powered hyperspace transceiver, specialized for tightbeam burst transmissions.
- Miniature Bith-made Seifax hyperdrive and ultra-short-range fuel supply.
Strengths:
- Fulfills a variety of mission profiles.
- Capable of hyperspace jump.
- Provides decent scans of a good-sized area within a relatively short amount of time.
- Using tightbeam hypercomm, can transmit data despite virtually any communications jamming.
- Disposable if necessary.
Weaknesses:
- Extremely obvious and easily targeted when actively scanning.
- Hyperspace range of only 700 light-years, less than most system defense fighters.
- Quite fragile, comparable to your average probe droid or a very light starfighter. Highly vulnerable to flak, Vulcan cannons, and antimissile octets when performing its third mission profile (close scan of a single vessel).
- Not a dedicated tactical or survey probe: provides decent but not comprehensive scans in most situations.
The SUREC probe has three basic mission profiles.
In its first mission profile, the SUREC is dispatched to a star system within 700 light-years. It scans each planet and moon in passing. The result is a general picture of resources, atmospheric composition, surface gravity, and the presence and density of life. The SUREC will also note the presence, number, composition, and general threat level of starships.
In its second mission profile, the SUREC is dispatched to a location where starships or space stations are believed to be, within 700 light-years. The SUREC produces a decent, but not comprehensive, scan of any ships or stations found, and transmits its data to its deploying authority when threatened or at regular intervals. The SUREC is not capable of recognizing specific makes and models of starship, but can usually provide the deploying authority with enough visual and sensor data for recognition or some degree of analysis. For example, at standard turbolaser range a SUREC is capable of estimating a count of weapons emplacements.
In its third mission profile, the SUREC is dispatched to a location where a specific vessel or station is believed to be, within 700 light-years. The SUREC commences a close flyby for an in-depth scan of a single target. Due to the probe's small size and nimbleness, it can generally complete its scan and transmit its data around half the time before it is destroyed, assuming it comes under fire. Obviously this number drops significantly when a competent commander or certain weapon types are involved. Mandalorian Vulcan cannons, for example, will utterly shred the SUREC at range, and antimissile octets and flak cannons are also very effective. If the SUREC recognizes a high hazard level, it will transmit increasingly detailed sensor reports with one burst transmission every second as it approaches the target. This process is extremely power-intensive, so if -- by some miracle -- the SUREC survives a situation like that, its powerplant will generally break down afterward.
Primary Source: Some elements adapted from the Naboo SIARC probe.
