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| Overview
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STARFIGHTER WEAPONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
BEAM WEAPONS Previously found only on capital ships and large installations, beam weapons were successfully miniaturized and placed on starfighters during the Galactic Civil War. The four varieties of beam weapon are a valuable addition to any starfighter, providing the pilot with advanced offensive and survival capabilities. TRACTOR BEAM The most commonly-encountered beam
weapon. It was first modified for starfighter use on the prototype
TIE Avenger by Admiral Zaarin. The tractor beam prevents the target
vessel from maneuvering and pulls it toward the attacker, making it easy
prey for fire-linked lasers or if time allows, a warhead shot.
Useful only at short range, the tractor beam requires an immense amount of
power, limiting its duration to several seconds before recharging is
necessary. This is normally enough time for a kill shot, giving the
tractor-equipped craft a critical edge in starfighter combat.
JAMMING
BEAM Developed by the Empire just prior to the Battle of Endor, the Jamming Beam causes no damage. Instead, it disrupts the fire control systems of a targeted vessel, eliminating the target's ability to fire energy weapons. The attacking craft is then free to engage free of defensive fire. Multiple Jamming Beams are necessary to completely interrupt the energy weapons of larger vessels. DECOY BEAM Upon activation, the Decoy Beam creates a multitude of sensor ghosts which confuse enemy fire control computers and prevent the enemy from targeting the attacking vessel. The Decoy Beam is omnidirectional, so unlike the Tractor and Jamming Beams, the target vessel need not be in the attacker's crosshairs for the Decoy Beam to function. Like the Jamming Beam, multiple Decoy Beams are required to completely disrupt capital ship targeting. ENERGY BEAM Occasionally found in custom battles and free missions, the Energy Beam is nothing more than an auxiliary power generator and not a true beam weapon. It is only capable of directing extra energy to the ship's engines, making up for energy lost by increased shield or laser recharge rates. It is included in this course for the sake of completeness.
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