A joint-effort project developed by Frank V Bonura and Alix Sauget, with additional help from “Quint” and Paul Cargile. Based on the original ATL Interceptor™ toy made by Kenner® and is also based on the drawings by David Deitrick, and schematics by Stephen Crane both from “The DarkStryder Campaign” boxed set published by West End Games®.
To fully understand the Defender Starfighter we must go back to 1985. The original Star Wars® toy line had been the best selling line of toys in known history. Towards the end of original run, Kenner® produced a line of toys based on the “Droids” cartoon series. One the toys that appeared in this time was the ATL Interceptor™.
The original toy featured fold out wings and fold out laser cannons. The toy's cockpit was designed for one pilot. West End Games® would use some of these features in its starfighter design and would make some changes drastic changes as well.
1995 the toy is transformed into a tool for roleplaying and was renamed the Republic Engineering Corporation Defender Starfighter. The new starfighter made it's debut in “The DarkStryder Campaign” boxed set published by West End Games® and was used by New Republic forces.
West End Games® re envisioned the old toy and produced a new image and new a schematic diagram to go with the new name of its RPG starfighter. These new pieces of art had many exterior features that did not agree. We have attempted to use elements from both artists and when neither of these sources had any answers, we used the original toy to fill in some of the needed gaps.
We started our project with the schematic diagram drawn by Stephen Crane. Having decided that these images were the most complete we placed them on the top of the hierarchy. Below the Stephen Crane schematic we placed David Deitrick's color drawing and used it to add color, details, and markings to the schematics. We decided the Republic Defender was not the ATL Interceptor™ and thus the original toy was only a source of inspiration and not a genuine source for this project. The toy serves only as a tertiary source to provide information when the other two sources are silent. The end result is the ship we produced below. The variant models are based on the harmonized Defender Starfighter we produced from the original sources.
We moved onto the interior and discovered that the toy this starfighter was based on only was designed for one action figure. The RPG stats provided for a crew of two (pilot and gunner). This caused great concern and required us to perform numerous size and fit tests with scaled pilot models ranging in height from 5'-9" to 6'-0". A study of earth aircraft was in order and we discovered the transverse cockpit configuration of the Grumman A-6 Intruder addressed many of our needs and concerns. We thus adopted many of the aircraft's design features as we developed the cockpit.
We further discovered that if we placed the crew as far back and as low as cockpit visibility would allow we could fit two human-sized models sitting transverse (side by side) in the starfighter. The seating configuration allows excellent visibility to both (pilot and gunner) and facilitates ease of entry and exit from the ship. The results of this can be seen in the interior views below.
Defender
The Defender is a new short-range fighter derived from a much older starfighter design. The FarStar has four of these vessels.
The Defender is specifically designed for space defense. It is lightweight and compact, featuring light armor but impressive fire-power. The ship is smaller even than the A-wing fighter, making it a very small target for enemy gunners.
It has no hyperdrive and is dependent upon a base ship for transport. The Defender is much slower than modern fighters like the A-wing, but it is a vast improvement over older fighters like the V-wing and Z-95 Headhunter. The ship has exceptional space maneuverability, which can be attributed to the extendible S-foil struts with maneuvering jets. The struts extend out for combat, but are pulled flush against the hull for normal space flight or for atmospheric flight. The maneuvering jets allow the Defender to make sudden spins and turns in space, including 180° turns. The struts are especially vulnerable to damage in an atmosphere because sudden maneuvers can weaken or even tear off the struts; normally the pilot simply chooses to keep the struts flush with the hull, reducing maneuverability but keeping the Defender intact.
“Star Wars® - The DarkStryder Campaign”, p. 77
Defender
“Star Wars® - The DarkStryder Campaign”, p. 77
- Craft: Republic Engineering Corporation Defender Starfighter
- Type: Short-range defense fighter
- Scale: Starfighter
- Length: 5.3 metersa
- Skill: Starfighter piloting: Defender
- Crew: 1, gunners: 1b
- Crew Skill: Varies
- Cargo Capacity: 50 kilograms
- Consumables: 1 dayc
- Cost: 45,000 (new) 15,000 (used)1
- Maneuverability: 4D (1D+2 in atmosphere / 3D with S-foils extended2)
- Space: 8
- Atmosphere: 350; 1,000 kmhd
- Hull: 2D+2
- Shields: 1D (1D+2 with S-foils retracted)3
- Sensors:
- Passive: 30/1D
- Scan: 60/2D
- Search: 90/3D
- Focus: 4/4D
- Weapons:
Consumables: 1 weekappears to be an error or typo because this ship is described as
short-rangein its Capsule and Type. We corrected the consumables rating based on the fighter's low cost and the consumables ratings of other short range fighters in the game.
3 laser Cannons (fire-linked)did not take into account the role of the gunner nor the wing cannons' ability to fire independently of the nose cannon due to their articulation. The stats for the wing cannons and nose cannon have been separated for independent use by the pilot and gunner. The pilot and gunner can fire upon 2 separate targets in the frontal firing arc of the ship. If needed, the pilot can take control of all 3 cannons and aim them at the same target for a massive volley of firepower that does 6D damage.
In the interests of expanding this simple starfighter into a broader more dynamic tool for the roleplaying game we decided to develop optional equipment for the Republic Defender. It is the intent of these optional accessories to enhance and enrich the roleplaying experience for all Players and Gamemasters who may use these tools to increase the level of detail in their respective campaigns.
It is our further hope that the ideas presented here will aid both the small struggling brash pilot who is eager to upgrade and improve their personal fighter and the large government defense contractor trying to balance and minimize their military budget for planetary defense.
Like all optional equipment please check with your Gamemaster to see if these items are allowed and if any modifications to their cost or game stats are required to fit them into your campaign. This list is by no means exhaustive and we encourage you to explore what combinations work for your campaign and to expand this list with your own personal options and equipment.
These components are installed in the bow accessory hardpoint, located in the nose of the ship. If these components are being installed as replacements for factory original equipment, additional labor costs will apply to remove the old equipment, install the new equipment, and configure the ship's computers. These labor costs are typically the same price as the accessories being installed. See page 31 of “Galaxy Guide 6 - Tramp Freighters” - Second Edition, for more information.
This delete option removes any standard equipment module in the bow hardpoint. If this option is replacing the standard laser cannon, the ship will gain 1000 kilograms (1 metric ton) of added cargo capacity. The surplus cargo capacity can also be used in its entirety or in combination with other delete options or engine modifications to increase the ship's speed. Otherwise the surplus cargo capacity can be used to add 0D+1 to the ship's maneuverability with a remainder of 444 kilograms of additional cargo capacity. If ordered as a factory option it extends a discount of 3750 credits to the retail price of the ship.
This option replaces any standard equipment module in the bow hardpoint. If this option is replacing the standard bow laser cannon, the ship will gain 667 kilograms [HA03] or 333 kilograms [HA04] of added cargo capacity respectively. The surplus cargo capacity can also be used in its entirety or in combination with other delete options or engine modifications to increase the ship's speed. Otherwise the surplus cargo capacity from option [HA03] can be used to add 0D+1 to the ship's maneuverability with a remainder of 111 kilograms of additional cargo capacity. These cannons are designed primarily for engaging ground targets but can also be used effectively on air-to-air or space targets as well. The close ground support cannons also require a gunner and this option is only available on models with a standard gunner station or can be purchased in combination with option [CL04].
This option replaces any standard equipment module in the bow hardpoint. If this option is replacing the standard bow laser cannon, the ship will gain 333 kilograms of added cargo capacity. The surplus cargo capacity can also be used in its entirety or in combination with other delete options or engine modifications to increase the ship's speed. As with all ion cannons, [HA05] uses the rules for “Starship Weapons” on page 127 of “The “Star Wars® roleplaying game" - Second Edition - Revised and Expanded.
This option replaces any standard equipment module in the bow hardpoint. If this option is replacing the standard laser cannon, the ship will gain 555 kilograms of added cargo capacity. If ordered as a factory option it extends a discount of 1125 credits to the retail price of the ship. The launcher was designed to load the 23cm diameter MG7-C proton torpedo or the 23cm diameter Divto 7007 rocket launcher canister. Divto 7007 canisters allow the use of any combination of seven 70mm Divto rockets in each canister (for more information see below). Proton torpedoes and rocket canisters can be loaded in any combination to meet mission requirements.
This is the standard 23 cm replacement torpedo for use in option [HA06].
This option replaces any standard equipment module in the bow hardpoint. If this option ordered as a factory option replacing the standard bow laser cannon, the ship will loose 4000 kilograms of cargo capacity and adds an additional 8250 credits to the retail price of the ship. Although this option is primarily used on the REC Diligence, it can be ordered on other models in this product line provided the necessary additional options are ordered to provide sufficient lift and thrust to carry this heavy equipment. As with all tractor beams, [HA07] uses the rules for “Starship Weapons” on page 127 of “The Star Wars® Roleplaying Game” - Second Edition - Revised and Expanded.
These components are installed on the wing accessory hardpoint, located in the wing tips of the ship. If these components are being installed as replacements for factory original equipment, additional labor costs will apply to remove the old equipment, install the new equipment, and configure the ship's computers. These labor costs are typically the same price as the accessories being installed. See page 31 of “Galaxy Guide 6 - Tramp Freighters” - Second Edition, for more information.
The option allows the fighter to have two accessory hardpoints mounted along side the port and starboard wing edges (two included). The hardpoints can be used for fixed accessories, launchers, and missiles. The hardpoints have couplers for remote ejection and a universal communications connection for power and accessory control.
Warning: Option [HA01] adds 8cm to the total width of the fighter plus the width of any accessories installed on them. Please be sure to check the clearances of your launch and landing tubes and/or hangars prior to using this option. Republic engineering Corporation is not liable for insufficient clearance damage caused by misuse of this equipment.
The option allows the fighter to have two accessory hardpoints mounted on the top faces of the port and starboard wings (two included). The hardpoints can be used for fixed accessories, launchers, and missiles. The hardpoints have couplers for remote ejection and a universal communications connection for power and accessory control.
Warning: Any accessories installed on these pylons that exceed 30cm in diameter will increase the width of the fighter. Please be sure to check the clearances of your launch and landing tubes and/or hangars prior to using this option. Republic engineering Corporation is not liable for insufficient clearance damage caused by misuse of this equipment.
Game Notes: Use of this option will reduce visibility to the flanks of the ship if accessories are attached to the pylons. Visual search rolls, made on ground targets, while in the air, from the port or starboard arcs, are made at -1D.
The option allows the fighter to have two accessory hardpoints mounted on the top faces of the port and starboard wings and two accessory hardpoints mounted along side the port and starboard wing edges (four included). The hardpoints can be used for fixed accessories, launchers, and missiles. The hardpoints have couplers for remote ejection and a universal communications connection for power and accessory control.
Warning: [HA03] adds 8cm to the total width of the fighter plus the width of any accessories installed on them. Any accessories installed on the top pylons that exceed 38cm in diameter will increase the width of the fighter. Please be sure to check the clearances of your launch and landing tubes and/or hangars prior to using this option. Republic engineering Corporation is not liable for insufficient clearance damage caused by misuse of this equipment.
Game Notes: Use of this option will reduce visibility to the flanks of the ship if accessories are attached to the top pair of pylons. Visual search rolls, made on ground targets, while in the air, from the port or starboard arcs, are made at -1D.
The Divto System consists of two launch canister models Model 7007 and the larger Model 7019. Both of these canisters can be fitted on wing pylon options [HB01], [HB02], and [HB03]. Also Model 7007 can be inserted and deployed from launcher option [HA06]. The Model 7007 holds any combination of seven 70mm Divto Rockets and Model 7019 can hold any combination of 19 (for more information on specific rockets see below).
The SR-2 is designed for air-to-surface close ground support. The warhead explodes sending thousands of small Durasteel fragments into the blast radius.
The SR-4 is designed for air-to-surface or air-to-air vehicular targets. The warhead explodes releasing hundreds of Durasteel flechettes (darts/needles) in a disc-shaped pattern. Operator must select the range at which the warhead explodes. Flechettes are then propelled by the residual momentum of the delivering rocket.
The SR-8 is designed for air-to-surface armored vehicular targets. The warhead is a shaped charge that explodes on impact causing maximum damage to hard targets and structures.
In the interests of expanding this simple starfighter into a broader more dynamic tool for the roleplaying game we decided to develop Variants for the Republic Defender. This is to simulate what any automotive or aerospace company would do, produce a line of products instead of having a single starfighter. It is the intent of these variants to enhance and enrich the roleplaying experience for all Players and Gamemasters who may use these tools to increase the level of detail in their respective campaigns.
Like all optional equipment please check with your Gamemaster to see if these Variants are allowed and if any modifications to their cost or game stats are required to fit them into your campaign.
As the Republic Defender capsule indicated, The Defender is a new short-range fighter derived from a much older starfighter design.
This is our explanation and expansion of its history.
The REC Diligence Cargo Shuttle and Prefect Starfighter are the parents of Republic Defender. Using parts from its Prefect Starfighter line and modified S-foils from the Diligence Cargo Shuttle, Republic Engineering Corporation was able to retool for defense to aid the Rebel Alliance in the Galactic Civil War. Thus the Defender Starfighter was born. The ships below are the vessels that made that possible.
Diligence
The Diligence is older than the Defender model seeing first production four years before the battle of Yavin and production continued for 29 standard years. This ship is a short range cargo shuttle designed for grasping and transporting external cargo containers or objects for transport from orbit-to-surface, surface-to-orbit, and interplanetary missions. All cargo containers used outside of atmosphere should be space-rated.
Warning: Republic Engineering Corporation is not liable for damage to cargos transported in non-space-rated containers or items exposed to the vacuum of space.Unlike the Defender Starfighter, the heavy grasping S-foils on the Diligence can function in atmosphere or space with no fear of being damaged and sheared off from friction or flight loads. The S-foils also contain short range tractor beams to hold cargos that can fit between them. Smaller cargo containers do not need to make contact with the grasping pads for the system to work. The Shields of the Diligence completely extend around cargos of 2.32m wide, 1.92m tall, and 5.3m long or smaller size. Cargoes of larger size will only be partly protected by the ship's shields. Equipped with a passenger seat the Diligence can also be used for transporting a passenger as well as freight.
— Homebrew roleplaying game Capsule by: Frank V Bonura.
Diligence
— Homebrew roleplaying game stats by: Frank V Bonura.
- Craft: Republic Engineering Corporation Diligence Cargo Shuttle
- Type: Short-range external-load shuttle
- Scale: Starfighter
- Length: 5.3 metersk
- Skill: Space Transports: Diligence
- Crew: 1
- Crew Skill: Varies
- Passengers: 1
- Cargo Capacity: 12 metric tons
- Consumables: 1 day
- Cost: 45,063 (new) 15,021 (used)
- Maneuverability: 2D (0D with S-foils retracted)
- Space: 6
- Atmosphere: 295; 850e
- Hull: 3D+1
- Shields: 1D (1D+1 with S-foils retracted)
- Sensors:
- Passive: 30/1D
- Scan: 60/2D
- Search: 90/3D
- Focus: 4/4D
- Weapons: None
Prefect
The Prefect is the economy model in the Republic Engineering Corporation's starfighter line. It is older than the Defender model seeing first production two years before the battle of Yavin and production continued for 24 standard years.
The Prefect is marketed mostly to budget-conscious private pilots, or for use in aero-sports, and for big game hunting. Prefects can be seen in use by local constabulary forces and as armed shuttles if equipped with the [CL03] passenger option. Option [CL04] is used only in combination with other optional equipment that requires a gunner station. Prefects can also serve as REC Starfighter trainers when equipped with the copilot option [CL05].
The prefect has been stripped down to save on costs and weight. This model does not have S-foils like the Defender nor does it have wing mounts for cannons. Unless otherwise noted, the Prefect can use any of the REC optional equipment used on the Defender.
— Homebrew roleplaying game Capsule by: Frank V Bonura.
Prefect
— Homebrew roleplaying game stats by: Frank V Bonura.
- Craft: Republic Engineering Corporation Prefect Starfighter
- Type: Short-range economy fighter
- Scale: Starfighter
- Length: 5.3 metersl
- Skill: Space Transports: Prefect
- Crew:
- Base model and Option [CL03]: 1
- Option [CL04]: 1, gunners: 1
- Option [CL05]: 1 or 2 (optional copilot/student)
- Crew Skill: Varies
- Passengers:
- Base model: None
- Option [CL03]: 1
- Options [CL04] and [CL05]: None or 1 (optional only if flown by one pilot)
- Cargo Capacity:
- Base model: 404 kilograms
- Option [CL03]: 460 kilograms
- Options [CL04] and [CL05]: 380 kilograms
- Consumables: 1 day
- Cost:
- Base model: 34325 (new) 11442 (used)
- Option [CL03]: 35525 (new) 11,842 (used)
- Options [CL04] and [CL05]: 36125 (new) 12,042 (used)
- Maneuverability: 1d+2
- Space:
- Base model: 7
- Options [CL03], [CL04] and [CL05]: 6
- Atmosphere:
- Hull: 3D
- Shields: 1D+1
- Sensors:
- Passive: 30/1D
- Scan: 60/2D
- Search: 90/3D
- Focus: 4/4D
- Weapons:
- 1 laser Cannon
- Fire Arc: Front
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Skill: Starship gunnery
- Fire Control: 2D
- Space Range: 1-5/20/35
- Atmosphere Range: 100-500/2/3.5 km
- Damage: 4D
