A sensor provides a +1 SE bonus per level; so a Class 5 Sensor will modify the base -7 SE penalty by +5 for a final SE of -2. Base SE is the same for all mecha types: it's -8 with no sensor, or -7 if one is present. If the sensor is mounted on the head, there is a further +3 bonus. Unlike MV and TR, the final SE value is usually higher than 0.
An excellent Class 8 senor can be obtained near the beginning of the game from an Aranos.
Additional sensors will not increase the SE bonus, but they may be used as backups like the Vadel.
Note that if your mecha does not have a head, you may add one. Because the SE rating comes from the first sensor on the list of parts, you may need to remove and reinstall some limbs so that the sensor on the head is higher in the parts list than any backup sensor you may have. A common trick is to install a head on the headless mecha, remove a leg, and then reinstall the leg. Put your sensor package in the head, and your backup sensor in the leg you reinstalled.
Like targeting computers, sensors weigh basically nothing on a mecha scale. Unlike targeting computers, the weight and DP does vary.
| Type | PV | kg | DP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 100 | 27.5 | 165 |
| Class 5 | 1300 | 17.5 | 105 |
| Class 7 | 2500 | 12.5 | 75 |
| Class 8 | 3250 | 10.0 | 60 |