Well-Known Member
Image Source: Jordan Walker
Intent: To create an in atmosphere probe for collecting meteorological and targeting data as a guide for increased accuracy of orbital strikes.
Development Thread: None
Manufacturer: Ignus Industries
Model: Sensory Navigation and Aiming Probe (SNAP)
Affiliation: Ignus Industries Approved Contractual Clients
Modularity: No
Production: Limited
Material: Agrinium, Durasteel, Transparisteel, Heat Sinks, Electronics
Strengths:
- Contains a sensor sweet capable of detecting meteorological data from high altitudes
- Contains triangulation software in a targeting computer
- Can be shot into the atmosphere and survive reentry
- Recoverable
- Susceptible to electromagnetic weaponry and electrical storms
- Susceptible to communications jamming
- Not a droid, so can't maneuver out of harms way
- Costly, making recovery a near must
Description: The SNAP was designed in light of years of galactic failure to minimize civilian casualties and wanton destruction as a result of orbital strikes. Orbital strikes are not something which become obsolete; they play a critical role in support of ground forces. In light of the fact that atmospheric conditions and gunner error are often the cause of mishaps, the SNAP was developed to obtain meteorological data, analyze it, feed data to its internal targeting computer, and relay that information to the guns of the ships that the probe was launched from. This produces a higher precision strike when engaging enemy forces and minimizes collataral damage. The probe is designed to be launched from a ship via tractor beam, and can withstand atmospheric entry. Once in the upper atmosphere, it uses small jets to keep itself aloft.
The downside is that to create such a powerful, tightly compact piece of machinery means that it's costly. It's also susceptible to jamming, since no alternate forms of communication could be fit into the probe without greatly increasing its size. Additionally, it is not shielded against electrical attacks, making it susceptible to both electrical storms and electromagnetic weaponry. The probe is also not a droid, making it incapable of attempting to avoid things which would harm it. Because of all of these, it is necessary that the probes be recovered after use. They are designed to take a beating, after all, and electrical attacks just mean electronics need replaced.
In short: it's a probe designed to sit in the atmosphere, collect atmospheric and targetting data, feed that data to its source ship, and create an environment of better accuracy in orbital strikes.
Primary Source: None
