Rigel Class Communications Platform

The Rigel Class Communications Platform, or more simply, outpost, is a communications and alert platform utilized by the PXE. It is equipped with advanced sensory systems which allow it to detect the approach of possibly hostile vessels and alert other ships or fleets nearby.

Spoiler:

Rigel's are much less expensive than warships, since they lack the expensive thruster and warp drive systems of a conventional ship, and can rotate to create their own gravity. Most power is generated by the large solar arrays, but it is equipped with 2 MCEG-1's which can provide more reliable energy.

Rigel's are not really built for combat. While they are moderately well armed, and their shielding is quite strong, without their shields, the Rigel's are essentially defenseless. However, this does buy more time for NC to scramble as many fleets as possible, and can mean the difference between stopping an invasion on the border or getting surrounded by the enemy. For this reason, it is often viewed as a privilege to serve onboard a Rigel.

The Rigel is equipped with multiple hangar bays and landing platforms. The platforms are used for shuttle landings, while the primary strips and hangar bays are utilized to carry predominantly drone scouts and fighters.

Spoiler:

Specifications:

Model: Rigel Class Communications Platform
Manufacturer: PXE
Produced: 2606 - present
Cost: 5.3 million SPXC

Length: ~300 meters
Width: ~300 meters
Height (including sensory arrays): ~610 meters

Affiliation: PXE Navy
In Service: 2606 - present
Roles: communications platform, early-detection warning system, outpost, staging outpost (fighter), defense station

Armaments:
x32 TMC-2's

Defenses:
5.0 - 5.5 cm absorbic armor

ASG-1
HTSG-2
DSG-1

Communications:
FIS-XXX
CIS-1
CIS-2
CIS-3
CCIS

Intelligent Systems:
SANDAS

Sublight Propulsion:
x8 SLPT-26's (maneuvering thrusters)

Powerplant:
x2 MCEG-1's (under each ring)
x1 HPSG-1 (made of 48 individual panels)
x1 HPSG-7 (the rings)
x16 HPEG-3's

Complement:
x2 fighter squadrons (generally drones modified for reconnaissance)
x8 Fireclaw dropships (for evacuations/transport)

Okay, first of all, this thing is AWESOME! I LOVE the design and purpose! It's a beautifully utilitarian starbase! It just LOOKS really, really good. WELL done on the build!

Second... THIRTY MINUTES OF FLEET BOMBARDMENT?! I think you might want to tone that down... a lot. That's really OP. I could see it taking heavy fire from one or two ships for twenty minutes... but not a fleet for thirty-five. Other than that, I find your specs for this awesome starbase to be very realistic well well-thought-out. Of course, you always put a great deal of effort into specs.

Anyways, I really LOVE the design of this thing! It's one of THE best starbases I have ever seen created in Lego. In fact... I'm struggling to remember one that I like anywhere near as much as this... Brilliant work!

@Dino: Thanks! Glad you like it! I just took that part out, just cause I'm too lazy to argue. Anyway, thanks! I'd also like to tell you that I'm feeling a lot better today. Thanks for all the advice you gave me yesterday.

I know how you feel. I'm glad you're better today! And you're welcome on both counts.

It's rare for us to see a station-esq creation uploaded - but even so, this is probably one of the best. The overall shaping and detailing make for a very visually pleasing and functional design - to echo Dino, very utilitarian. I especially like the greebling on the top/bottom antennae. I'm also amazed and pleased at the relatively controlled number of weapon platforms.

Overall, great work.

@Dino:

@Essaych: Thank you very much! I like how you put controlled amounts of weapons.

Wow.... simply amazing. I love the ring structure design, but the whole craft is simply incredible. I love it!

Very nicely done! Fantastic work and detailing!

@Tetra & Kojan: Thanks so much both of you!

VERY well done, PXR! I think this is the most beautifully-done station-ish creation seen on this site. Excellent work!

@Scare: Thank you! I think it's the only one though...

Which means it's also automatically the worst....

Just sayin'.

I've seen plenty of starbases from the Lab, and other Lego sites, and TRUST ME, this would not qualify as the worst in any way, shape, or form.