The following material is an adaptation of snubfighters from STAR WARS,
a space drama created over 20 years ago and has gained a large following
here in the United States (among other places). Please feel free to use,
copy, and distribute it as you see fit. All I ask is that you give proper
credit to me and do not claim that it is your own work. Comments and
suggestions are welcome.
The K-Wing StarFighter was designed for the close/precision-bombardment
role in planetary assaults. While the Y-Wing, and the B-Wing to a lesser degree,
are used for bombing runs against capital starships/large space, the K-Wing (with its
large engines, lift-producing wings, and repulsors) is specifically designed to fly down
into an atmosphere, and destroy a base or enemy installation. Up until now, this position
had been filled by either an X- or an E-Wing (because of a Y-Wings lack of atmospheric design,
it would not be able to function well on a planet, although it can do it).
Viewed head-on, the K-Wing resmebles a capital K lying on its face - a
single center fuselage, two medium straight wings above, two short angled wings
below (ending in landing skids). Just outboard of the fuselage on the straight
wings are two of the three primary thrust engines; the third is further aft in the
fuselage, on the centerline, and has vectored-thrust nozzles. The third engine's
vectored thrust allows for non-ballistic translations during attack runs, increasing
survivability. To carry its deadly payload, the ship uses hardpoints. On each of
the 2 larger wings, there are 5 hardpoints and 4 on each of the two smaller wings.
These hardpoints are the only source of weaponry on the ship but a variety of ordance
can be placed on these hardpoints. Anything from concussion missles to proton bombs.
These wings are swept and staggered, with the upper wings set further back than the lower
so that ordance deployed from the upper wings would not damage and/or destroy the lower
wings.
This is a close-up atmospheric assault ship, and is not designed to engage in dog-fights,
therefore, when it makes its attack runs, it is accompanied by X- or E-Wings as escort,
at a 2-1 ratio, but a 1-1 is preferred. Although, this ship does have a few things over the
X-Wing (making it a better assault bomber). For example, the ship is heavily armored and
shielded (the ship has two shield generators as opposed to the one on the X-Wing and company)
and the body of the ship is designed to support the heavy payloads of missiles to be supported
so that the missles, mounted on the hardpoints, don't break off the wings. Another advantage
is the ships two-man crew. The first crew-member needs only to pilot the ship, not needing
to worry about the problems of dog-fighting, while the second crew-member is a weapons specialist,
understanding how the missiles work and being responsible for exact coordinates at which to
release the ordance. Another advantage it has over an X-Wing is its speed. Although an X-Wing
may be able to dip and swoop a bit faster then a K-Wing, in a long, straight path, a K-Wing would
outrun the X-Wing (in a vacuum).
These features may make the K-Wing sound superior to the X-Wing, but this simply isn't true.
Although its advantages are small and numerous, its disadvantages are few and serious ones.
First off, while the ship has many defensive measures, it has no weaponry other then the missiles/bombs
mounted on the hardpoints. Which means, once 18 missiles are out, so isn't the K-Wing. Another
serious downfall of the ship, is the fact that (unlike all New Republic ships) the K-Wing has
no hyperdrive system and therefore must be ferried to its targets.
The K-Wing's design pleased the developers, it was everything they were looking for in a new
fighter, durable, heavily armed, yet cheaper to manufacture due the removal of the expensive
hyperdrive units. It was tested out on the training carrier Monitor. The tests showed that all
things were ready and therefore, a wing of these new fighters was assigned to Task Force QuickFire
of the Third Fleet, where the proved to be a worth while addition to the force.
RPG STATS:
Vehicle Type: Planetary Assault Bomber Class: New Republic K-Wing StarFighter Manufacturer: New Rebulic Industries Crew: One pilot and one weapons specialist in full tactical life support.
MDC BY LOCATION:
(1) Upper Wings (2)-------------------------------150 each
Lower Wings (2)--------------------------------95 each
(2) Transparisteel Canopy-------------------------115
Secondary Engines (2)-------------------------100
(3) Primary Engine -------------------------------165
Reinforced Pilot's Compartment/Escape Pod-----125
Particle/Ray Shields--------------------------200
(4) Main Body-------------------------------------500
NOTES:
(1)
If the upper wings are destroyed, and the ship is inside an atmosphere,
the ship will no longer be able to stay aloft and will subsequently
"crash and burn". This will also decrease speed by 50%, as two out of the
three engines will be destroyed.
(2)
Destroying the transparisteel canopy will expose the pilot and will
end up killing him. Since the transparisteel canopy is part of the
escape pod, the pilot cannot hope to save his life by ejecting.
(3)
If the Primary engine is destroyed, the secondary engines (mounted on the
tips of the large wings) will not be able to propel the ship out of the
atmosphere. While the ship can still fly/take off, it will be planet-bound
until help arrives to carry it to a hyperdrive ship.
(4)
Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the K-Wing and the
pilot (if he hasn't ejected already) will be killed in the resulting ex-
explosion.
SPEEDS:
FLYING:
The engines are one of the two ships systems which can have the power
output varied to them. When it comes to speed, the ship has several
output percentages. The following table explains how fast the ship will
travel at different engine energy output percentages.
HEIGHT:
5.6 meters from the top of the ship to the bottom of the landing pads.
WIDTH:
15.3 meters from wing tip to wing tip.
LENGTH:
11.4 meters from fuselage to engine.
WEIGHT:
13.9 metric tons.
CARGO:
The ship has a small cargo hatch in the belly of the ship. It can carry
no more then 110 kg in an area roughly 6 meters cubed. It also has
18 hardpoints in which to carry its payload.
POWER PLANT:
The ship uses 2 Incom 4L4 Thrust Engines and 1 Incom 4L16 Ion Drive Unit
to propel it. These are fueled by a Novaldex O4-Z Cryogenic Power Cells
and Ionization Reactor that requires a certain type of liquid to power a
fusion generator which provides the power for the ship's systems (i.e.
engines, life support, shields, etc.). The fuel provides the ship with
enough fuel to run perfectly for six hours. The hyperdrive uses the same
type of fuel but has a better range. The fact that the fuel for the
hyperdrive only powers the hyperdrive allows it to be used for a total
of sixteen hours.
WEAPON SYSTEMS:
1. PRIMARY HARD POINTS (10): On each of the two larger/upper wings
of the K-Wing, there are five hardpoints. These hardpoints can carry
a variety of missiles, bombs, and torpedoes (see the list
below).
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defense
RANGE: See Table Below.
DAMAGE: See Table Below.
RATE OF FIRE: See Table Below.
PAYLOAD: 4 on each wing, 8 total.
3. CHEMPAT "DEFENDER" DEFLECTOR-SCREEN PROJECTOR: This is the K-Wing's primary-
mary source of defense. It is a sophisticated system that allows it to
repel all energy and projectile attacks. The shield's can be set to
protect the rear, front, or entire ship with varying degrees of power
which is one of the features that makes the K-Wing truly versatile.
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
PROTECTION: The Shields normally have a total of 200 MDC, 100 front
and 100 aft. However, the power can be transferred so that all power
is generated into a pair of screens in the front or a pair in the
aft. Each one of the screens has 100 MDC so therefore, the Shields
can be set so that it has 200 MDC in either the front and the aft.
Finally, if enough power is shunted from other systems, the Shields
can generate up to four screens, two forward, two aft. This gives
the Shields a total of 400 MDC.
REGENERATION RATE: Level one drains power from Shields at a rate of
40 MDC per action and increases the engine output by 50%. Level two
adds 25% to engine output and drains 20 MDC per action from the
Shields. Level three doesn't drain or recharge the shield and does
not add or take away from engine output. Level four decreases engine
output by 25% and recharges the Shields at a rate of 20 MDC per
round. Level five sucks up 45% of engine power and recharges the
Shields at a rate of 40 MDC per round.
SIZE: The shield is ovular shaped so that the closest the shield
comes to the ship is 1 meter.
DURATION: Unlimited.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE K-WING STARFIGHTER
ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM: As explained in the sections concerning the
shields and engines, the energy transfer system allows power to be distributed
to the pilot's needs for the current situation. This feature adds to the K-Wing's
already known durability. The system can switch power being generated from one
system to another. Unlike its predecessors, the K-Wing cannot use the energy of
the weapons systems to increase its defensive capability, for it has no weapons other
then missiles.
IDENTIFIER FRIEND/FOE (IFF): This is a system that is tied directly into
the ship's scanners. It picks up the name and type of ship, station, or
probe that are currently being scanned by the ship. It works in tandem
with the targeting computer to register target locks and also hooks in
with the scanners to record how much damage the target currently displayed
has taken. Also, the IFF broadcasts to other ships what kind of craft it
is linked to and, if it is a one man ship, who the pilot is.
FABRITECH ANq 3.6 TRACKING COMPUTER WITH IN-344-B "SIGHTLINE" HOLOGRAPHIC
IMAGING SYSTEM: This system works with the IFF, lasers, and torpedo
launchers to acquire targets, hold them in memory, and indicate when the
ship is in range and if there is a successful target lock. This system
can also target smaller parts of ships allowing it so that parts that
have a deduction to strike can be targeted and fired upon without the
deduction and even gain a +5 to strike! Also, it helps the torpedoes to
gain a successful target lock. This means, that the torpedo will track
the target for roughly two melee rounds. The torpedo travels at a speed
of 100 Km/Min and they also have a +5 to strike.
SENSOR PACKAGE: This is a sophisticated system (a Fabritech ANS-5d Unit
with LP Phased Tachyon Detection Array [PA-9r] and SP Primary Target
Analysis Grid [PG-7u]) that has four different types of sensors. The
first, a passive sensor, lightly probes the ship without the target ship
knowing it is being probed. This probe can gather only small bits of
information such as damage, IFF readings, distance, and speed. The
second type of sensor is a Scanner. This system gets all the normal
information, crew capacity, weapons systems, etc. It also returns the
same results as the passive sensor only but along with the wider amount
of information, it also alerts the target ship that it is being scanned.
The search probe allows the pilot to input a certain system that is to be
searched for. For example, the pilot wants to know if the ship has a hyper-
drive system. He inputs his query into the computer and the target ship is
probed to find out whether or not the system is on board the ship. The last
type of sensor is an intense focus on a specific system. This system could
be targeted on a weapon system such as a laser gun and the type of info-
information that would be brought back would be something along the lines of
power needed to operate, damage a weapon will do, etc. This sensor package
is considered one of the Alliances better defenses against attack ships.
ESCAPE POD: The entire reinforced cockpit of the K-Wing is a detachable
escape pod that can be jettisoned when the fighter is destroyed. The
ejected cockpit does not contain thrusters, but does contain a
powerful locator beacon and an integrated life support system that can
support the pilots for up to 30 minutes after ejection. The combat
computer is programmed to automatically eject the escape pod if the
K-Wing is destroyed (main body MDC reduced to 0), but this can be
overridden if the pilot is feeling suicidal for some reason.
HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the K-Wing is equipped with a homing
device that enables rescue teams to locate a disabled craft or ejected
life pod. The range of the signal is 400 miles (640 km). Most
fighters and Alliance ships can key on and track/locate specific
signals, and the on board computers will automatically notify their
pilots if such a signal is detected.
STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: The K-Wing comes equipped with a portable
survival kit. Inside the small reinforced box is a medium-sized
flashlight, two hand flares, one rocket flare, a compass, infrared
distancing binoculars, a small mirror, a pocket knife, dehydrated and
concentrated food (can be stretched into a five day supply for one
person) and basic first aid items (aspirin, bandages, disinfectants,
etc.)
TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The K-Wing's cockpit is pressurized, and
also provides additional air feeds to the pilots' flight suits that
provides them with pressurized breathing. The Alliance flight suit also
contains an upper and lower g-suit that promotes blood circulation
even during high-g turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's
blacking out in combat.
PILOT FLIGHT SUIT: All Alliance snubfighters come with a custom-designed
flight suit for the pilot. This flight suit consists of an upper and
lower g-suit that promotes circulation even during high-g turns, thus
decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking out in combat.
AUDIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Long range, directional communications
system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (960 km) or
can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
COPILOT SEAT: The K-Wing is equipped with a second pilot's seat behind
the main pilot's seat for a copilot. The copilot acts as a weapons specialist,
tactical advisor, and systems supervisor. Also, the copilot monitors
communications. The jobs that are performed by the copilot allow the pilot to
concentrate on precise flying, an necassary tool for bombing runs. The copilot can
also assume command of the K-Wing if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
TORPLEX Rq 8.Y FLIGHT CONTROL AVIONICS PACKAGE: This advanced system
helps experienced pilots to better navigate the ship. Even if the pilot
has never sat in the cockpit of an K-Wing, he will still have combat
bonuses as if he had been heavily trained in it. The bonuses are as
follows:
+3 to strike.
+1 to parry.
MISSILE TYPES USED WITH THE K-WING STARFIGHTER
MISSILE TYPE
HARD POINTS OCCUPIED BY THIS MISSILE
DAMAGE (FROM ONE MISSILE)
RANGE
Concussion Missiles
One
6D6x10 M.D. per missile
4 Kilometers
Advanced Missiles
One
7D6x10 M.D. per missile
4.3 Kilometers
Mag Pulse Missiles
One
6D6x10 M.D. per missile to shields, however, the missile
is designed to take out the systems of other ships. Do this, it will require one per starfighter, 2 for a
cargo ship/freighter, 3 for a light frigate or escort, and 6 or more to take down a capital ship.
The effects are permanent until they can be repaired.
3.4 Kilometers
Proton Torpedoes
One
9D8x10 M.D. per torpedo
3 Kilometers
Advanced Proton Torpedoes
One
8D10x10 M.D. per torpedo
3.2 Kilometers
Heavy Rockets
One and a half
1D10x100 M.D. per rocket
1.2 Kilometers
Space Bombs
Two
1D6x1000 M.D. per bomb
.5 Kilometers
COMBAT BONUSES FOR K-WING STARFIGHTER TRAINING:
NOTE: Most pilots never receive Advanced K-Wing Training. The people that do
are the elite. To date, only pilots being trained for Black Squadron
have ever received advanced training.
BASIC K-WING STARFIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING
1 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
Add one additional action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and ten.
+1 on initiative.
+4 to strike.
+2 to parry.
+1 to dodge.
ADVANCED K-WING STARFIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING
3 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
Add one additional action/attack at levels two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, and fifteen.
+3 on initiative.
+7 to strike.
+4 to parry.
+2 to dodge plus an additional +1 to dodge at every even number level of experience.
REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN
The Star Wars Trilogy by Lucas Arts, Inc.
The X-Wing and TIE Fighter Computer games.
Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels.
The Star Wars RPG by West End Games.
The X-Wing novels by Michael A. Stakpole and Bantam books.
The Black Fleet Crisis Novels by Michael P. Kube-McDowell
An online document I found, claiming to have been written by a Michael Paul McDowell, the author of the Black Fleet Crisis.
Star Wars Technical Journal of the Rebel Forces: Vol. #3.
