Space Defense System

The Space Defense System (or SDS) is a series of defensive systems deployed in Xedael Empire star systems. Based on multiple layers of defense, the Space Defense System relies on drone and robotic warships to interdict an invading flotilla in space. These systems are augmented by large, capital-grade weapon systems located on planets, moons, and orbiting space stations.

Control Systems
At the core of the SDS is the computer network used to control the massive array of interlocking weapons systems. These computer programs were sophisticated enough to reroute signals around damaged systems, and are designed to operate with minimal oversight from organic beings. Developing such a system did not come without perils, however. During the initial deployment, the SDS of the Ingr System misidentified and destroyed several civilian vessels. The errors in the friend-foe identification algorithms have long been corrected.

The artificial intelligence governing each star system's SDS draws upon an extensive database of past naval engagements, and is capable of learning from its previous actions and mistakes. The program is capable of controlling the pace of an engagement and is smart enough to judge when offensive operations are necessary to defeat an opponent. The AI is quite capable of setting its own target priorities and can easily coordinate the attacks of hundreds of drone fighter craft and warships to work together to destroy enemy forces.

Space Elements
The primary defensive element of the SDS are a series of automated space stations located at a solar system's primary jump points. These stations mount capital weapons and can easily destroy any attacker that comes into range. The designers of the SDS, however, viewed a purely defensive system as very vulnerable, and so created an offensive element.

The SDS employs the XS-5 Fighter Drone and a series of robotic warships based on the venerable Barrier-class destroyer. With no need to stock food, supplies, or provide crew quarters, the drones are free to devote a considerable amount of their mass to weapons and defensive systems. As a result, these drones are equipped with payloads more commonly found on larger and heavier vessels. The XS-5 Fighter Drone in particular is quite deadly because of its increased agility and speed, a result of the lack of inertial dampening equipment.

Planetary Elements
Realizing that the space elements wouldn't be able to destroy every incoming enemy, the SDS designers incorporated ground-based systems to augment their firepower. By mounting capital grade naval lasers and particle cannons in fortified emplacements, the engineers insured that any attacking forces that reached the atmosphere of the planet would be engaged by heavy firepower. To engage smaller, faster targets like fighter craft, the designers installed dedicated missile and laser batteries that would saturate the target area with munitions. These missile systems can also be used to supplement the firepower of the main anti-warship weapon.