|
| Dactyl Starfighter | |
| Production Information | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Scale |
Starfighter |
| Cost |
220,000 Katak (300,000 credits) |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Length |
15m |
| Maximum Acceleration |
23 MGLT/s |
| MGLT |
150 MGLT |
| Atmospheric Speed |
2200kph |
| Maneuverability |
135 DPF |
| Hyperdrive Rating |
Class 3 |
| Shielding |
100 SBD |
| Hull |
40 RU |
| Armament |
|
| Crew |
2 |
| Usage | |
| Year Introduced |
14 ABY |
| Affiliation | |
| Exodus Information | |
| Creator | |
The Dactyl is the Jade Empire's most advanced starfighter, an adaptation of TIE Defender technology.
During the early days of the Jade Worlds' exposure to the 'civilized' galaxy, the Sandian Imperial League attained good relations with the Unknown Regions government. As part of a backroom deal involving joint defense forces, shared colonies and a potential political marriage - that of Halla Kitani Kaijus to Braily Terrablade - the Sandians gifted the Shau'ghunate Guard with TIE Defender technology. They had captured it from the Empire years before, and a version of the Defender, known as the Sandian Dart, had already seen service with the SIL and its colonies in the Unknown Regions. This technology was integrated into a fighter that met expectations but failed to improve upon its sources. Thus was born the Dactyl, named for a mythical Jade Worlds demigod associated with the making of oaths.
After the creation of the Jade Empire in 17 ABY, production of the fighters increased, especially as revenue from Iron Crown Productions strengthened the Guard. The bulk of the Jade Empire's Dactyls are constructed in the deep-space shipyards near Halcyon; like the Whirlwind-class Assault Courier, the Dactyl is one vessel that Iron Crown generally refuses to sell, even to governments.
Due to a high survival rate - the Dactyl can handle the starfighters of the Xen'Chi, Ebruchi, Eickarie and Blazing Chain, and even the more advanced variants of 'infant' Abominors - the Guard and the JEAF have invested heavily in these vessels. The Jade Empire does not lack for money, but it does lack skilled pilots somewhat, and it prefers an opposite ethic to that which spawned the TIE series: its skilled pilots must survive at all costs. Accordingly, even in the event of catastrophe, the Dactyl is a very safe starfighter. Redundant safety systems guard the pilot and sensor intercept officer (SIO).
The Dactyl is best flown when linked to the pilot and SIO through their Command Tactical Implants. Unlike other Jade Empire starfighters, the Dactyl is capable of connecting with its crew at such a fundamental level that flying it is something of an out-of-body experience. Only a pilot well-trained in the use of the ComTac can push the Dactyl to its full capacity. It is rumoured that former Shau'ghunate Guard Ashin Varanin flies a Dactyl from time to time.