The Hyde Dynamics DR-2000 is a remotely piloted mini-drone originally designed for internal and external starship hull and component damage. All models of the DR-2000 are roughly cylindrical, measuring 1.4 meters in length and massing about 116kg, and are similar in concept to their cousins, the Hyde Dynamics "Scout" series remote sensor drones -- except in scale. Unlike the large, stutterwarp equipped Scouts, the DR-2000's are maneuvered only by attitude control thrusters and provide basic visual, thermal and atmospheric data, with some models equipped with a laser imaging system for obtaining 3-D image data, range finding and position sensing.
The DR-2000 series drones are powered by a 1 kilowatt fuel cell which can operate at full capacity for 100 hours between refuelings. It's nose-mounted imager/recorder has a 120 degree field of view and is equipped with image enhancement devices including light intensification, infra-red imaging, and basic image magnification.. The imager itself uses standard replacable data chips which can record up to 3000 still images, but also broadcasts live video back to the remote operator's console. Video recordings can be made at the pilot's console or directly onto the data chip if necessary ( though only for short recordings -- actual time varies according to video resolution).
The craft can be operated in a very basic, pre-programmed mode or by remote pilot. The latter operation requires a ship's remote pilot station, or can be controlled by a portable control panel with transmitter/receiver or by plugging the panel into a communications workstation. Operation range with just the portable panel and transmitter is about 10km. Using a ship's remote pilot or communications station increases the range to about 200km. If operated inside another ship, the hull of the ship will reduce the transmission range by about 20% per level of armor times the hull material's signature multiplier.
In lieu of a remote pilot, some programs are available which utilize the resources of a ship's computer to control the drone. Such programs have a wide variety of capabilites, including allowing a human operator to give simple verbal commands which the computer turns into maneuvering instructions for the drone. Additional features of the 2000 series include hi-powered spotlights, magnetic grapple for locking onto a ships hull or bulkhead ( also useful for removing bulkhead panels and moving equipment -- for skilled operators only), rotating beacons for the safety of nearby personnel, and handhold to facilitate loading/unloading ( also useful for hitching rides). The various models of the DR-2000 include a variety of other optional equipment, allowing them to preform a variety of tasks other than simple hull examination. The most popular of these is the "F" model which includes a pair of light-duty manipulator arms capable of operating control consoles and handling small devices.
Weight: 116kg Sensor Range: 10km Signature: +3 Endurance: 100 hours / 6000 maneuvers ( each maneuver uses 1 minute worth of fuel) Armor: 0.1 all faces.