Build:Probes
8.10 Probes
Cost: 0.5 SU per 5 probes (minimum of 1)
Available: 2040
Sometimes ships need to extend the range and/or sensitivity of their sensors. They do this with probes, automated sensor platforms launched from missile launchers; they use microfusion propulsion systems and/or warp field sustainers to travel beyond the ship itself. All probes can withstand atmospheric entry; some are even capable of gently descending through an atmosphere to the surface of a planet to run scans. Most allow for some degree of remote operation, so that the ship’s crewmembers (typically the Flight Control or Tactical officer) can direct the probe where they want it to go. Probes, which are about two meters long, are encased in a photon torpedo casing or a gamma-welded duranium-tritanium and pressurebonded lufium boronate hull.
The Federation uses nine classes of probes. The designations indicate particular mission types the probe is suited for, or its capabilities; a higher numerical classification does not indicate that a probe is “better” than other probes. However, a higher-designation probe usually flies more quickly and has a greater range. Other species use similar probes.
Probes generate sufficient internal power to operate their systems until they reach their maximum range or otherwise cease to function.
In an emergency situation, a probe can be outfitted with a warhead to create a crude torpedo. This requires 10 minutes and a successful Systems Engineering (Weapon Systems) Test (failure allows the character to try again; Dramatic Failure means he thinks he’s succeeded, but the torpedo is a dud). A “probepedo” has range of 15/300,000/1,000,000/3,500,000 and an Accuracy of 5/6/8/11; it does as much damage as a normal torpedo with the same warhead.
Probes cost 0.5 SU per 5 to store, just like torpedoes, with which they are usually kept (mixed batches are possible).
Common Probe Charateristics:
- Size: 1
- Resistance: 0
- Crew/Pass/Evac: None
- Computers: 1
Table
| Type | Speed | Range | Note | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | 0.5c | 200,000 km | 1 | 2040 |
| Class II | 0.65c | 400,000 km | 1 | 2069 |
| Class III | 0.65c | 1,200,000 km | 2 | 2083 |
| Class IV | 0.6c | 3,500,000 km | 3 | 2162 |
| Class V | Warp 2, 0.5c | 430 billion km | 2 | 2220 |
| Class VI | 0.8c | 430 billion km | 4 | 2296 |
| Class VII | Warp 1.5, 0.5c | 450 million km | 5 | 2309 |
| Class VIII | Warp 8/9 | See notes | 6 | 2328 |
| Class IX | Warp 8/9 | See notes | 6 | 2337 |
- Note 1: Class I and II Probes: Short-range astronomical probes which analyze EM radiation, interstellar chemistry, and subspace fields.
- Note 2: Class III and V Probes: These probes land on planets and return samples, thus providing a detailed on-site analysis of the planet. Crews can also use Class III probes to analyze the capabilities of enemy starships. They have “stealth” capabilities.
- Note 3: Class IV Probes: These probes perform close observation of stars and other high-energy phenomena.
- Note 4: Class VI Probes: Communicator relays and emergency beacons. They cannot attain warp speed (to make it harder to detect them with subspace sensors), but have high sublight velocities. When a Class VI probe exhausts its fuel supply, it coasts and broadcasts a recovery signal toward Federation space. The probe’s navigational module facilitates recovery and trajectory tracking.
- Note 5: Class VII Probes: These probes orbit an inhabited planet for up to three months to collect information about its inhabitants and relay it to the ship. They have “stealth” capabilities.
- Note 6: Class VIII and IX Probes: Long-range sensor probes. In crisis situations, they can be used to send a lone passenger on an emergency mission. The range of a Class VIII probe depends upon its speed. At Warp 8, it can travel about 12 light-years; at warp 9, it travels for a maximum of 6.5 hours. Its long-range sensors have a range of 6 light-years. Similarly, a Class IX probe can travel for about 14 days (76 light-years) at Warp 8; at Warp 9, it travels for a maximum of 12 hours. Its long-range sensors have a range of 12 light-years.