Observer Class Drone
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Name: Observer Class Multipurpose Drone
Manufacturer: Metalorn Defense Department / Sojourn AI Development
Role: Multipurpose Drone
Measurements: Length- 1 meter / Width- half a meter
Propulsion: Repulsorlift
Speed: 50kph/Average, 150kph/Full Power
Armor Rating: 15 RU
Shields: 18 SBD
Weapons: 1 Plasma Cannon
Other: Phase I AI
Description
The observer class drone is designed and built to perform a myriad of different operations in many different environments. It was designed primarily from the start as a security droid to guard installations and provide a cheap security force that way also mass producable. As development progressed other functions began to be considered, such a limited assault role, or defense role in military engagements.
The observer as a result is designed for both security detail, and to perform an assault role in some missions, mainly those in urban or shipboard combat. It was given a somewhat adaptable frame with space enough for add-ons or attachments that may be needed for the Observer to perform its role. It is also the first to use a scaled down version of the lance cannons, deemed simply the Plasma Cannon.
Beside Metalorns defense Department which was responsible for the successful Paladin II design, the new Confederation Subfaction, the Sojourn, were the contributors behind the project. Mainly they designed the AI interface and neural network of the Observer giving it a real and true AI thinking capabilities, albeit without emotions or more complex functions like a fully functional AI neural Brain. This is the first real contribution to the confederation and not the last.
Explanation:
Propulsion- The Observer is fitted with a small but powerful repulsorlift engine, while small it gives the sentinel exceptional Maneuverability and speed. Capable of reaching 50kph easily, it can also reach up to 150kph when all power is diverted to engines, while going at these speeds weapons and shields are completely diminished while power is rerouted.
These engines while not extremely powerful have a ceiling around 2 km, allowing on occasions the drones to be dropped from in flight dropships over a battlefield.
Armor and Shielding- The observer was never meant for heavy duty action and was never intended to take massive amounts of damage. It was however intended more for mass production. The downside to this quality over quantity mindset meant that some things had to be sacrificed and the major one on the observer was the lack of heavier armor or heavier shielding. Leaving the drone somewhat less protected or durable than it could have been.
However while not incredibly durable the Observer can take multiple heavy blaster shots with its shields activated, and still take a few more after the shields have failed.
Weaponry- The Observer Class drone carries one weapon, they newly developed plasma cannon. Developed a short time after the final tests of the Lance Cannons system, the Plasma cannon is essentially a miniaturized lance cannons using the same technology and fundamental basics as its larger cousin.
Through focusing the plasma using magnetic coils, the plasma is channeled down the gun and through a focusing crystal and expelled out the barrel creating a continuous beam. Unlike the larger lance cannon the beam can fire for 10 seconds or less before requiring the beam to shut off for 3 seconds to cool the barrel. This reduced cooling time was result of the smaller size of the gun and the fact that damage is much less that that of its larger cousin.
AI- The AI operating system used in the Observer Class drone is essentially a “dumber” version of the AI system used by that of the Sojourn a new Confederation Sub-Faction. It continuously learns and adapts to situation presented to it, coordinating and while possible keeping in constant contact with its fellow drone AI’s. After ever new battle, or experience of some kind, the individuals AI’s will share relevant experiences with other Drones allowing them to learn as one, and adapt as one too. These rudimentary AI’s allow each drone to reason and react extremely quickly and effectively, making them potent weapons in most situations.
Since the first tests began, some of the earliest drone models began to develop something akin to personalities although severely limited by the simplicity of their AI.
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