Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

Well, arguably most of the other things you're doing are either part of or default form mechanic, at least as you're doing them. What GURPS calls a skill isn't exactly the same as what a training system would call a single skill.

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

If it helps, I understand that the takeoff and landing of drones is normally done by different people to the in-mission control ... although I think that could be more to do with the delay involved in controlling them from the other side of the planet. The takeoff/landing guy being found at the actual airstrip the drones are using, whereas mission control can be anywhere with a satellite jack.

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

I've been halfheartedly working on an article about drones and drone-riggers, building off of the same foundation as One With The Ship. It's been on back-burner forever, since I haven't played a game where it's come up in a while, so I'm actually kinda hoping someone beats me to the punch.

Anyway, I concur with those who say to use Piloting of the appropriate kind if you're in direct control (Ultralight for most small drones, maybe High-Performance Aircraft for something larger like the Predator) or Electronics Op (I'd probably go with with Surveillance in most cases) if it has on-board flight control. This could be simplified in more cinematic campaigns with a new specialization, Piloting (Drones).

Other systems are controlled essentially as if flying in a cockpit ... Artillery or Gunner for weapons, Electronics Op (Sensors at least, plus any other systems it has).

Repair skills by type: Electronics Repair for sensors, comm (control) systems, etc; Mechanic for the same specialization as Pilot; Armoury for weapon systems, etc.

Design skill could be its own specialization of Engineering (Drones), or more realistically, a combination of Computers, Electronics, Robotics, and the appropriate kind of drive.

Anyway, hope that helps. Drop me a line if you'd like to discuss other ideas ... I'd much rather see a good article soon, than wait for me to come back around to it.

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

How about you write it up - I'll use it in a game and we can get that article a-working. :-)

I could even get one of my gunbunny players to write up examples of the drones themselves for it. Maybe aim at TL8 specifically - maybe with some higher TL info?

Hmmmm. I like that.

Ugh. I totally forgot about weapon skills - that would have sucked for the player and been a totally uncool moment in game. My eyes somehow glazed past theothersarah's post for some reason. >_<

This is useful. Thank you.

I was thinking of using Engineer (Vehicle Type).

You know, I'd love to add you to my cadre of authors in my Pyramid Mentoring Group. You've got a lot to offer to new writers IMHO.

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

Hmm... let me look at what I've got, and see how much there is left to do. It seems like I had a good outline together, but I was dragging my feet on statting up some sample drones.


That could work too ... in fact, that's probably more appropriate (and certainly more compact) than (Electronics + Robotics + Drive type) in most cases, and (Computer) is only needed if you're designing the control software.


Yeah? *blush* ... thanks! I'd be happy to contribute whatever I can.

Probably my biggest challenge is that I'm moody and unreliable as a writer. I detest deadlines, but without them, I procrastinate indefinitely until something triggers a Manic Phase ... and then I get a bunch of work done, forgoing food, sleep, and social graces, until I burn out and crash. During that cycle, I start out (in the word of one Mr. Marsh) positively "spritely," but that's gradually replaced by growing irrationality and irritability.

All by way of saying that my process might not work for everyone. :)

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

You know, I'm pretty good at helping people meet deadlines.


And it makes as much sense as anything else for that skill.


Yes. You would. I'll send you a PM right now.

I actually know a bit of something about this - I even have a few techniques which might help.

LOL. And yet, you'd be quite helpful.

Re: Modern Drone/UAV Operation Skill
 

You want to talk to me about it, send me a PM. I might just be an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer, but I still know a lot more about it than you could find out looking it up on the Internet or reading some books. At the very least, I'd be able to help you come up with an AME occupational template.