tags:
- Starship
- Sensor
One of the most vital systems present on any starship were the starship sensor arrays, also known as sensor suites. Without sensors, starships lacked the ability to navigate effectively, identify nearby dangers, detect approaching vessels or projectiles, or map out interstellar phenomena. These sensor arrays gathered data about the nearby space or environment utilizing various sensor types; then, a sophisticated computer would process and analyze this data for the crew's use.
Every starship sensor array incorporated some type of long-range sensor mechanism, a computer dedicated to collecting the information, and a display screen for the pilot to view the data. However, larger vessels typically had multiple sensor arrays and diverse sensor types, including sensors operating in passive mode, active sensors, search-mode sensors, focus-mode sensors, full-spectrum sensors, and short-range electrophoto receptors. The electrophoto receptors scanned frequencies ranging from ultraviolet to infrared radiation and were frequently integrated into targeting computers. Other energy receptors specialized in detecting energy emissions, such as those originating from engines, communications, heat signatures, and weapon discharges. Certain sensors were specifically engineered to identify organic lifeforms. Crystal gravfield traps possessed the ability to pinpoint cloaked ships and other gravitational irregularities, while hyperwave signal interceptors monitored for hyperspace disturbances, like Cronau radiation.
On warships, a sensor officer was assigned to monitor the sensor arrays.
Specific starships were outfitted with advanced military-grade sensors designed to acquire electronic signals intelligence, or elint [1]. The Traffic Interdiction Vessel from the Clone Wars era represents one such example.
The sensor array aboard the Tantive IV is referred to as the "solar fin" within both the script and the novelization of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.