As integral to galactic warfare as turbolasers, blasters
and even soldiers themselves, deflector shields were
used to protect entire cities or a single infantry trooper;
in the thick of a ground assault or deep in a dogfight
above a war-torn planet.
Deflector shields were basically a web of energy
which could shroud an object either fully or partially.
Depending on the type, deflector shields could be
projected close, to protect a single object, or further to
envelop more than one. Deflector shields were often
associated with space combat, but they were also
enabled to protect a ship against asteroids and meteor
showers. Some deflector shields were even modified to enshroud entire planets.
Though starfighters used deflector shields to maximise durability during dogfights, only large ships could carry the most powerful deflector shields, due to the massive amount of energy needed to power them. Planet-based deflectors were commonly the most powerful of all, and as such could widen its range considerably - enough to cover acres of land, or even moons and satellites in orbit. The Empire used such technology when protecting the unfinished second Death Star above the moon of Endor. When a Rebel strike team destroyed the shield generator, Rebel ships were able to enter the battle station and attack the main reactor.
Starfighters usually carried rear and forward deflector shields, so their pilots could allocate extra power to the direction of incoming threats. Larger starships often carried many shield generators to protect various sections of the craft. Shields weakened under repeated fire, so power needed to be shifted in order to protect the ship. Deflector shields were also used in other fashions such as plugging holes in a starship's inner hull, and blocking harmful radiation from escaping from industrial facilities. |
