Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled
 
 
 
Name/Model# : Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled
Designer/Manufacturer : Uulshos Manufacturing
Combat Designation : Atmospheric Patrol Vehicle
Scale : Speeder
Length : 4.6 Metres
Skill : Repulsorlift operation: Storm Skimmer
Crew Skill : Vehicle blasters 4D+1 and repulsorlift operation 4D+2
Crew : 2
Troops : None
Cost of Vehicle : 22,500 Credits
Vehicle Speed : 430 kph (WEG=150)
Altitude Range : 10 km from Ground Level. If 11-15 km from Ground Level, then manoeuvrability reduced by 1D
Manoeuvrability : 2D+1
Cargo Capacity : 100 kg
Weapons :
1 Heavy Repeating Blaster
After Endor
2 Heavy Repeating Blasters (1 Forward, 1 Left/Forward/Right [May turn one facing per round])
Crew: Pilot for Forward Blaster, Co-Pilot for secondary blaster
Fire Control: 1D
Range: 3-75/200/500 Metres
Damage: 5D+1
Cover of Vehicle : 1/2
Shields/Body Strength : Shields None. Body Strength 1D+2

 

    The Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled was originally designed for use by Scout Troopers, more so the design proved quite popular around the time of the Battle of Yavin (nearly ten years before the Imperial Civil War). Eventually however, the Empire decided to replace this design with the speeder bike, while keeping a massive backorder of these sleds as all-purpose vehicles. Similar to speeder bikes which feature limited weaponry in favour of speed and stealth, the Storm Skimmer is no different. But in the aspect of protection, the sled presents a considerable sum of protection against enemy fire, unlike the speeder bike. A common sight in the media was a Storm Skimmer racing to its objectives with a pair of troopers onboard.

    Originally, the Storm Skimmer was armed with only one heavy repeating blaster cannon, however, around the time of the Imperial Civil War a secondary heavy repeating blaster was added to the weapons load out to allow multiple targets to be covered. These vehicles are intended to serve in the rapid deployment and anti-personnel role. While this vehicle is primarily employed by the Empire, some Storm Skimmers have fallen into Rebel hands via being captured. It must be noted however, unlike Stormtroopers' whose armour provides a sealed environment which allows them to pilot the Storm Skimmer to its highest altitude, other users must wear pressure suits to match that feat.

*After Endor* With the decline in the Empire's influence and control over the Galaxy, Storm Skimmers have been pressed back into service. With vehicle and weapon shortages the Empire became very cautious in troop assignments. On planets which feature a sizeable Rebel presence, troop deployment became a paramount issue. Commonly working under the guise of minor incidents, these Rebel feint manoeuvres were designed to draw away the Empire's heavy vehicles to expose vulnerable sites to attack. In response to these tactics and to prevent an incident from ballooning into violent situation, Storm Skimmers allow a small number of soldiers to be rapidly deployed at the first sign of unrest and quash it.

 
   
Sources: DE (Scene where the stolen Hunter-Killer Probot is intercepted by a security patrol on Byss) / DESB***Pg 118 / IE***Pg 11
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