A sensor jammer was a type of device capable of fooling or blocking sensors.[1] A sensor jammer created static, random signals, or false responses in order to conceal one's exact position from enemy sensors. Sensor jammers were also capable of blocking communication signals. At the same time, the amount of energy broadcast by a sensor jammer would alert the enemy to its general location. Special electronic countermeasure packages could be used to help expand and scatter the jamming signal to make locating the source of the signal more difficult.[2]
All combat craft were equipped with some form of sensor jammer in order to defeat an enemy's targeting computer. The more sophisticated a targeting computer however, the quicker it would be able to achieve a "target lock."[3] The targeting computers used by Imperial TIE fighters for example were superior to their Rebel counterparts.[3][4]
The size and power behind a sensor jammer determined the strength of the jamming signal and the affected area. For example, the A-wing's 4X-Phantom short-range sensor jammer could jam the sensors and communications of other starfighters, but the sensors carried by larger capital ships would be able to burn through the jamming signal.[3] An Imperial-class Star Destroyer meanwhile could broadcast a jamming signal powerful enough to block out all scanner and communication channels, forcing their opponents to rely on visual sensors and communications.[5]
Appearances[]
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Rising Malevolence"
- Jedi: Battle Scars (Mentioned only)
- Jedi: Battle Scars audiobook (Mentioned only)
- Crimson Reign 4 (Mentioned only)
- Star Wars: Squadrons
- Victory's Price (Mentioned only)
- Victory's Price audiobook (Mentioned only)
Sources[]
- Star Wars: Card Trader (Set: Blueprints)
- Star Wars: Card Trader (Card: A-wing Fighter - Blueprints)
- Star Wars: Card Trader (Card: Slave I - Blueprints) (First mentioned)
- Star Wars: Armada — Imperial Assault Carriers Expansion Pack (Card: Jamming Field)
- Star Wars: Armada — Rebel Transports Expansion Pack (Card: Jamming Field)
- Star Wars: X-Wing Deluxe Book and Model Set
- Poe Dameron: Flight Log
- Star Wars: A-wing Deluxe Book and 3D Wood Model
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Incredible Cross-Sections
- Star Wars Helmet Collection 53 (Weapons & Uniforms: The Adventures of Nien Nunb)
- The Last Jedi: Rose Tico: Resistance Fighter
- Star Wars Helmet Collection 61 (Databank A-Z: Unknown Regions–Utai)
- Star Wars: Smuggler's Guide
- TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual
- Rebel Starfighters Owners' Workshop Manual
- "Republic, Rebel, and Resistance Starfighters" — Star Wars Encyclopedia