defy the tyrannous stars
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To sub a Chaos variant of the canon X-83 TwinTail for use by GA pilots and in Alliance fleet compositions.
- Image Source: Wookieepedia
- Canon Link: Canon X-83 TwinTail
- Restricted Missions:
- Primary Source:
- Manufacturer: Incom
- Model: Incom X-83 TwinTail Starfighter
- Affiliation: Galactic Alliance
- Production: Limited.
- Material: Durasteel hull
- Classification: Space Superiority Fighter (Elite Fighter)
- Length: 11 meters
- Width: 4 meters
- Height: 3 meters
- Armament: Moderate
1 Proton Torpedo Launcher (6 Torpedoes)
- Defenses: High
- Squadron Count: 12
- Maneuverability Rating: High
- Speed Rating: Average
- Hyperdrive Class: 1
Hardwired Astromech Unit
Advanced Sensor Array
Advanced Targeting Array
Standard Life Support Systems
Standard Navigational Systems
Strengths:
- Versatility: Like most Incom models, the highly experimental X-83 is designed to be as well balanced a starfighter as possible, but unlike its predecessor this prototype line of next gen ships attempts to push that balance to its limits. Well armed, with heavy shields and armor and very maneuverable, the TwinTail's role is to be the most advanced, deadly fighter craft in any given engagement.
- Heavy Shields: While not exactly shuttle grade, the shielding on the TwinTail starfighter is nonetheless state of the art, and capable of shrugging off a lot more fire than its X-Wing counterpart.
- Weaker Extremities: While the TwinTail's armoring is thick around the canopy and most primary systems, attacks focused on either the hybrid solar panel s-foils or the starfighter's thinner tail have a much higher chance of either destroying or disabling the craft.
- Vulnerable to Hazardous Environments: Whether it be the ionizing clouds of a gas nebula or intense atmospheric weather such as electrical storms, the sheer number of cutting edge systems working in tandem make the X-83 acutely vulnerable to flying under sub-optimal conditions. If the starfighter remains in an environment severe enough for too long, it can even lose propulsion and main power, leading to an unavoidable state of emergency.
- Mistrusted Reputation: Meant to streamline the functioning of the fighter's electronics by acting more as an extension of the ship's main computer, the astromech droid of the TwinTail is hardwired into the craft. Without frequent memory wipes, the ship can develop a personality of its own. Incom recommends wiping its memory often for this reason, as a developing personality can lead to personality flaws. While some pilots see this as a feature, horror stories about pilots' own ships not obeying their commands have led to mistrust among most Alliance pilots, even as the design finally starts to become more available.
Description:
As part of ongoing efforts by the Galactic Alliance to further increase their diversity profile in terms of available craft for their starfighter corps, Incom was contracted to produce several newer lines of fighters meant to complement, if not oust the X-Wing from its seemingly immovable position as de facto starfighter of choice for most Alliance pilots. While the team behind the Crossfire sought to reimagine the X-Wing design almost completely, the division working on the X-83 Project instead took the basic framework of the predecessor model and attempted to streamline and upgrade each aspect in almost every way possible.
With their end result sleeker, better shielded, and grossly over budget, the design team at Incom nonetheless stood by their design based purely on its results in dogfighting simulations against most comparable craft available on the open market. Outperforming the stock X-Wing in almost every respect, the only problem that remained to be solved was the incredible cost and logistics of manufacturing them on anything approaching a mass scale. Not just costly, but requiring several state of the art systems either from competitors or that hadn't even hit the market yet, the Galactic Alliance Starfighter Corps finally agreed to purchase a limited run for use by certain ace and special operations squadrons.
One of the most surprisingly controversial aspects of the TwinTail's innovative design is the hardwired integration of the vessel's assigned astromech unit. Much more capable at providing diagnostic intel and performing minor repair duties even during flight, Incom nonetheless recommend pilots perform regular memory wipes lest their starfighters start to develop personalities of their own. While this may seem like just another bonus for some, an X-83 astromech's discovery of traits like obstinance or squeamishness during the middle of a firefight can mean the difference between life and death for a TwinTail pilot.
X-83 pilots wear flight suits that can be sealed against vacuum, and in the event of an emergency are able to jettison themselves from the cockpit.
