New Republic Fighters
Contents
A-9 Vigilence
*Class: Starfighter - Empire
*Corporation: Kuat Drive Yards
*Hyperdrive: -
*Sublight: 115 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 2xHeavy turbolaser cannon
*Length: 7.4 m
*Hull (RU): 16
*Shields (SBD): -
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 55 kg
The A-9 Interceptor, commonly known as the "Vigilance", was designed by Kuat Drive Yards (KDY), famous for its Imperial Star Destroyers. The A-9 was an attempt to enter the very profitable Imperial Starfighter market, dominated at that time by Sienar Fleet Systems, (makers of the TIE Fighter series). The Imperial starfighter corps was in desperate need of a faster, more manuverable fighter to deal with the New Republic A-Wing starfighter. Released almost six years after the Battle of Endor, shortly after the defeat of Grand Admiral Thrawn during the Imperial Mutiny, the vessel the Empire received did not meet these requirements. The A-9 was KDY's first new starfighter design since selling the Delta-7 and Eta-2 lines to Sienar following the Great Jedi Purge.
In true Imperial fashion, the craft has no shields or hyperdrive, requiring the craft to operate from a fixed base or starship. While faster than the TIE Interceptor, the craft suffers from a very weak hull and no provisions for a pilot to eject. Due to independent power generators, the weapons system is quite powerful for a ship of its size. Main armaments for the A-9 are two laser cannons, mounted on the bottom of the craft, which can fire together or independently. While the base model allows for fire-linked forward-firing of the cannon, several modifications exist which allow the gun to pivot 90 degrees down to perform strafing runs, as well as allowing the cannons to be independently targeted.
Further hampering the effectiveness of the A-9 was the fact that the ship fell into the hands of the New Republic around the same time that the vessel entered service. After a KDY factory world rebelled and successfully removed the government, several A-9 prototypes were given to New Republic forces. This proved to be a crushing blow to the A-9 program, as the New Republic carefully analyzed the design and was ready for the fighter when the Empire attacked the ocean world of Mon Calamari. While generally considered a failure, the A-9 continues to show up in Imperial Remnant fleets, as well as in New Republic/Galactic Alliance squadrons. It has been rumored for some time that KDY is in the process of developing an improved A-9 that addresses the problems with the first release.
A-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter ﾖ New Republic
*Corporation: Dodonna/Blissex
*Hyperdrive: x1
*Sublight: 120-122 MGLT, roughly 120,000 km/h in atmosphere
*Weapon(s): 2xLaser cannon, 2x Concussion Missile Launchers (six missiles each)
-1xTargeting jammer
*Length: 9.6 m
*Hull (RU): 14 - Titanium Alloy
*Shields (SBD): 50
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 40 kg
The A-wing, an interceptor starfighter used by the New Republic, is the smallest, fastest and most maneuverable of the NR craft. The A-wing has very limited shielding, and relies on its high linear acceleration and maneuverability to avoid destruction. Its essential build is that of powerful engines, weaponry and little else. The fighter was designed by Alliance General Jan Dodonna and Alliance engineer Walex Blissex, and was produced in various locations, with many fighters having slightly different characteristics. (In particular, the A-wing that Tycho Celchu flew at Endor was produced on Cardooine.) Later, Koensayr Manufacturing, producer of the obsolete Y-Wing, began mass production and this idiosyncrasy disappeared.
The A-wing's predecessor was the R-22 Spearhead. It was initially designed as a fleet interceptor, utilizing its extraordinarily high acceleration to stop enemy fighters before they could reach vulnerable freighters. However, it was soon pressed into service as a quick-strike fighter, able to hit targets before they could respond, and then flee before any defense could be organized. The design appears to share some relation with the pre-Clone Wars era Delta-7 Aethersprite starfighter.
The A-wing Mark-II had their laser cannons modified to swivel through a 180-degree arc, giving the A-wing Mark-II the abilitiy to engage any pursuit and greatly improving its firing arcs. This was an attempt by Koensayr to outbid Incom, as both were attempting to secure new contracts, the Koensayr Y-wing was being replaced by the Slayn and Korpil B-wing, while the Incom X-wing would most likely be sacrificed if the New Republic was unable to fund both contracts, due to being near-bankrupted by the Krytos virus.
Notably, some other A-wing designs even had their guns modified to swivel in a complete 360 degree arc, providing a nasty surprise to any chasing fighter.
The A-wing was the Rebel fighter of choice for dogfighting. Its high speed, maneuverability, and default load of concussion missiles made it more than a match for the usual TIE fighter and TIE interceptor, and the only Rebel fighter capable of taking on the TIE Advanced on reasonably equal terms. Today, that is not the case- the VEN uses well tuned Interceptors able to acheive a slightly higher speed than these highly proficient A-wings. It is simply up to the skill of the pilots who wins those fights.
Tactics
A-wing Slash
The A-wing Slash is a battle maneuver where a group of slower rebel starfighters, such as X-wings or Y-wings, would approach an Imperial convoy, hiding A-wings in their drive exhaust. The covering fighters would then pull away, leaving TIE Fighters flatfooted against the speedy A-wings, which would launch concussion missiles against the convoy and pull away.
The maneuver was invented by Garm Bel Iblis, and was used at the battle of Bilbringi. Imperial Admiral Gilad Pellaeon used a modified version of this maneuver, using Preybirds and proton torpedoes, against pirates attempting to disrupt a rendezvous with Bel Iblis. Pellaeon was attempting to hold peace talks, and by using the maneuver he confirmed his attacker was not Bel Iblis, thus allowing the peace talks to go ahead, and eventually end the war between the Empire and the New Republic.
A-9 class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter - Empire
*Corporation: Kuat Drive Yards
*Hyperdrive: -
*Sublight: 115 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 2xHeavy turbolaser cannon
*Length: 7.4 m
*Hull (RU): 16
*Shields (SBD): -
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 55 kg
B-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter
*Corporation: Slayn & Korpil
*Hyperdrive: x2 Slayn & Korpil HYd-997 Hyperdrive
*Sublight: Top Speed at 60 MGLT in space/950 km/h in atmosphere
*Weapons (Default Configuration):
-1 Gyrhil R-9X Laser Cannon
-2 Gyrhil 72 Twin Auto-Blasters
-3 ArMek SW-7a Ion Cannons
-2 Krupx MG9 Proton torpedo launchers (6 Torpedoes each)
*Length: 16.9 m
*Hull (RU): 60 - Titanium Alloy
*Shields (SBD): Standard Slayn & Korpil Deflector Shield Generator with Slayn & Korpil JZ-5g7 Power Converter rated at 100 (SBD)
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 45 kg
The B-wing is one of the Rebellion's most heavily-armed starfighters and a key factor at the Battle of Endor. The B-wing is essentially a long wing with a pair of folding airfoils and an array of weapons, including ion cannons, proton torpedo launchers, and laser cannons. Because the cockpit is surrounded by a unique gyrostabilization system, the pilot always remains stationary, even as the rest of the ship rotates during flight.
Personally designed by Commander Ackbar with the help of skilled Verpine shipbuilders, the B-wing has proved one of the most versatile starfighters in the galaxy. Initially, a single prototype B-wing was produced to test the ship's unique design. This single starfighter was then sent on a test mission to destroy an entire TIE fighter staging area on Yunkor IX. The B-wing succeeded, and the Rebellion commissioned a full squadron of the starfighters.
Integral to the B-wing's success is its adaptability: the craft's eight weapon mounting emplacements are interchangeable modules, allowing Alliance mechanics to easily reconfigure each ship's complement of weapons depending upon the pilot's preferences and mission requirements. The B-wing's incredible performance played a part in Ackbar's promotion to Admiral, and led the way for the Rebel Alliance's attack on the second Death Star at the Battle of Endor.
Always heavily armed, the B-wing's primary mission profile usually involves attacks on much larger Imperial ships. Utilizing ion cannons and other unusual weapons, the B-wing is capable of quickly disabling these targets. Secondary missions include assault strikes on orbital and ground-based Imperial facilities, and escort duty for X-wing and Y-wing fighter squadrons.
Also, because of its radical design and numerous weapons, the B-wing is notoriously difficult to handle. Only the most skilled pilots can even attempt to control the craft. Among the most successful B-wing pilots are several Sullustans, including Ten Numb. Still, B-wings played a great role in the Battle of Endor and the New Republic's assault on Coruscant. The fighters were even responsible for destroying Darth Vader's private citadel on the Imperial Capitol.
After the Battle of Endor, Ackbar aided in the design of a more advanced B-wing, the B-wing/E2 or "Expanded B-wing". The model boasts an elongated command module, allowing for a gunner seated directly behind the pilot. The addition of the gunner has relieved much of the burden of combat duties from the pilot, resulting in much higher kill ratios for the B-wing/E2. The fighter is also more durable and faster than the original, but less maneuverable due to the larger cockpit.
E-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter ﾖ New Republic Era
*Corporation: FreiTek Incorporated
*Hyperdrive: x2
*Sublight: 150 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 1xTriple blaster cannon
*1xProton torpedo launcher
*Length: 11.2 m
*Hull (RU): 33
*Shields (SBD): 40
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 110 kg
The E-wing is a type of single-pilot starfighter developed by FreiTek Inc.; it is the first fighter designed entirely under the support of the New Republic.
The E-Wing is the culmination of New Republic engineering. Its main strength is the ability to deliver firepower and its role as a weapons platform. An overall space superority fighter, it delivers the cutting edge of technology and was key during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion and was able to face down many other opponents of the New Republic.
The Republic introduced the E-wing during Grand Admiral Thrawn's campaign to rebuild the fallen Empire. Built with cutting-edge weapons, shielding, and propulsion systems, the fighter is extremely powerful and well-rounded. Its triple laser cannons make it an excellent dogfighter, and its proton torpedoes are perfect for bombardment against larger capital ships or picking off enemy starfighters at long range.
The spaceframe of the E-wing is surrounded by two aerodynamic foils which provide stability and increased weapons capability. The nosecone contains the starfighter's powerful sensors, while an R7 astromech droid can easily be positioned in a concealed slot directly behind the cockpit. Much of the great cost of the E-wing comes from the use of the R7 droid, a much more sophisticated and expensive astromech than the classic R2 series.
This fighter has a relatively heavy weapons loadout of three lasers and one proton torpedo launcher with a magazine of sixteen torpedoes. Like most Rebel designs, the lasers were spread out and could be set to converge at varying distances. The torpedo loadout presumably consisted of anti-fighter proton torpedoes; no other fighter could carry so many. FreiTek's engineers also incorporated a number of remarkable advances in flight control and power regulation, resulting in the E-wing to be as fast and maneuverable as the TIE Interceptor, while the heavily reinforced hull allowed it to take more damage than even the famous X-wings of the New Republic.
The E-wing had some initial teething problems relating to the placement of the wing lasers near the outboard engines. The tibanna cooling gas tended to degrade at accelerated rates which swiftly rendered those guns near-useless (and cutting gun firepower to a third). Those problems were eventually resolved and the fighter entered fleet service. It is known to have served at least with the New Republic's Fifth Fleet as the primary fleet space superiority fighter. They served primarily as escorts for K-wings, sacrificing themselves so that the K-wings could launch their concussion bombs.
Four major models appeared to have been designed; the last (Series IV) was introduced around the time of the capture of Coruscant by the Yuuzhan Vong. By that point in the war, the X-wing was rapidly equipping most squadrons in the massive military expansion; the more sophisticated E-Wing may have been limited to some elite squadrons.
K-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter ﾖ New Republic Era
*Corporation: Republic Sienar Fleet Systems
*Hyperdrive: -
*Sublight: 110 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 4xLaser cannon
*1xMulti-purpose launcher
*Length: 11 m
*Hull (RU): 28
*Shields (SBD): 50
*Crew: 2
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 50 kg
The K-wing, also known as the Koensayr BTL-S8 K-Wing Assault Starfighter is Koensayr's latest bomber class starfighter. Originally creating the Y-wing for the Imperial's ongoing conflict with the Imperial remnant, this fighter was created to perform similar duties. Like the X-wing and A-wing starfighters, and most other New Republic starfighters, the K-wing was designed to perform a special role in combat. The K-wing starfighter's missions included close-range precision bombing of planetary targets and slow moving capital ships and space stations deep within a planetary gravity well or atmosphere. Its primary assault modes are dive-bombing, skip-bombing, and lob-bombing.
The K-wing consists of two large maneuvering wings connected to a large, fixed stabilizer. Primary thrust turbines located at the junction between the stabilizer and wings provide the K-wing with sublight speed similar to the Y-wing's top speed despite its greater size. An ion engine mounted near the rear of the main stabilizer allows extremely fast acceleration for short bursts. It also has repulsors for planetary bombing runs. The K-wing lacks a hyperdrive and must rely on large fleet carriers, of which are described in the New Class program page. To fulfill its role in the New Republic Defense Force, the K-wing supports a deadly arsenal for a vehicle of its size. There are 18 hard points which spread across the vehicle's 3 wings that allow New Republic engineers to arm the vehicle with a large variety of weapons including concussion missiles, sublight torpedoes and floating mines. The disadvantage to this system is that once a K-wing fires its last weapon, it has to return back to its docking bay to rearm. When it is attacked by enemy fighters, the K-wing can open fire with a short-range quad turbolaser turret and a medium-range twin laser cannon turret mounted on its command module. However, it is a poor dogfighter, and needs escorts through heavy fire to battle enemy interceptors and to intercept incoming blasts that could easily pick off the sluggish K-wings. Combat protocols call for each bomber to have at least 1 or 2 prefereably E-wing escorts. It is also equipped with a deflector shield. Because of its large amount of weapons, the K-wing requires a gunner. The pilot and gunner sit in small cockpits on either side of the command module. The command module can also detach from the rest of the ship to serve as an escape pod.
Standard weapons loadout includes a concussion bomb (called an "egg") and eight CM-5 concussion missiles. The concussion bomb is the primary explosive ordanance, and causes heavy damage on impact. If the bomb is armed before bombing runs commence, the K-wing can literally explode into pieces if hit by even light fire. The egg can snap structural supports of a Class-2 Imperial shipyard, destroying it (as demonstrated in the Battle of ICL-905) or cause heavy damage to a Yevethan thrustship (called a "Fat Man" by New Republic officers).
X-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter
*Corporation: Incom Corporation
*Hyperdrive: x1
*Sublight: 100-115 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 4xLaser cannon
*2xProton torpedo launcher
*Length: 12.5 m
*Hull (RU): 20 - Titanium Alloy
*Shields (SBD): Shield Forward/rear-projecting Chempat deflector shields with 50 (SBD) rating
*Crew: 1 pilot, 1 astromech droid
*Passengers: -
*Cargo Capacity: N/A on XJ series. Older models had a small cargo bay capable of holding 110 kg.
The Incom T-65 X-wing is a legendary starfighter - the main all-purpose craft of the Rebel Alliance. In A New Hope, the X-wing is the craft that Luke Skywalker uses to destroy the Empire's first Death Star at the Battle of Yavin.
Hyperspace capable, X-wings have pairs of wing-like strike foils, or S-foils, mounted at the rear of the craft; normally the foils on each side are locked flush against each other, but during combat the foils are folded out to increase the spread coverage of the laser cannons mounted at the tips of the foils, to improve maneuverability, and to better dissipate waste heat. This gives the craft its distinctive "X"-like profile when viewed from the front or rear. The cannons on some earlier models cannot be fired with the S-foils in locked position. The S-foils main purpose is to give it a sleeker profile, making it a harder target and even faster moving object should it be launched in atmosphere. An attempted jump into hyperspace with the S-foils folded out will cause extreme stress to the ship.
Weapons
Though it is reasonably maneuverable, the X-wing is better known for carrying four powerful laser cannons, along with tubes for proton torpedoes. Other warheads such as concussion missiles can be fired from the launchers, but this requires a considerable amount of time and effort on the part of the technical crews, and the overall versatility of the proton torpedo is ideally suited to the X-wing's varied mission profile. The X-wing's fire control systems provide various settings:
Single fire: Each laser cannon fires individually but in a constant sequence. This setting provides the pilot with the highest rate of fire but generally will lack the high impact of having all the X-wing's lasers strike at once. This mode was most likely the best for Rebel pilots when dealing with the agile Imperial TIE fighters, considering the TIE's well documented fragility and complete lack of shielding.
Dual fire: Two laser cannons, one on each side, pair up and fire in an alternating sequence. While decreasing the overall rate of fire, dual fire mode naturally increases the damage potential of each attack due to a damage intensifying effect all projectiles have when they impact at roughly the same location.
Quad fire: All four laser cannons (one at each foil-tip) fire together. This fire mode greatly reduces the rate of fire but gives the X-wing's lasers their greatest punch. While the X-wing's laser cannons adjust for distance on every setting, it is most visible in this mode.
Stutter fire: Many underpowered bolts are fired. This modification was incorporated during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, to overwhelm their singularity defenses. Presumably also useful for anti-personnel purposes.
The fighter has cockpit space for one pilot, assisted by an astromech droid (such as an R2 unit) in an external socket. The astromech monitors the status of the craft, can make limited emergency repairs and handles hyperspace calculations.
Y-Wing class Starfighter
*Class: Starfighter
*Corporation: Koensayr
*Specification: BTL-S3/BTL-A4/BTL-A4 (LP) Y-wing Starfighter
*Hyperdrive: x1
*Sublight: 80 MGLT
*Weapons:
-2 Taim & Bak IX4 Laser Cannons
-1 ArMek SW-4 Twin Ion Cannon (on rotating turret)
-2 Arakyd Flex Tube Proton Torpedo launchers (4 Torpedoes Each)
*Length: 16 m
*Hull (RU): 40
*Shields (SBD): Forward/Rear Projecting Chempat Deflector Shields (rated at 75 SBD)
*Hull: Titanium reinforced alusteel alloy
*Crew: Crew 1 pilot, (S3 models have an added gunner), 1 astromech droid
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 110 kg
*Quick Description: Light Bomber/Escort Vehicle
One of the most durable and reliable starfighters in the galaxy, designed to excel in close-quarters combat, Y-wings also perform well as light bombers and escort vehicles. The Y-wings primary weapons are a pair of laser cannons and a rotating ion cannon, but it can also carry proton torpedoes, concussion missiles, and proton bombs. Although used heavily before the Battle of Yavin, they were widely replaced by X-wings in later years.
Despite its age, the Y-wing has become one of the Rebel Alliance's most impressive starfighters, serving admirably at the Battle of Yavin and other important conflicts. Prior to the introduction of the X-wing starfighter, Y-wings were the flagship fighters of the Alliance. Near the Battle of Endor, the Y-wing was expected to be phased out completely in favour of the newer B-wing, since latter was more heavily armed as well as also having ion cannons. However, the B-wing suffered from technical difficulties and shortages of skilled pilots, and the Y-wing retained the advantage in manuverability as well as armour protection (though the B-wing has stronger shields).
The twin-engine Y-wing, at 16 meters long, is a multipurpose ship originally designed to serve as both an attack fighter and bomber. The resilient starfighters can deliver and withstand a great deal of punishment, but they lack the payload capacity, speed, stealth and maneuverability of many modern Imperial attack fighters. Many space combat simulators exacerbate this by designing the ship as a pentagaonal prism (which is easier on the game engine), giving the vessel a substantially larger target area than would actually be the case.
Fortunately, the Y-wing is easily modified and can be reconfigured in countless variations. Rebel technicians often strip a Y-wing of bulky armor and generators before an assault on an Imperial convoy, or prepare the craft for bombing runs by adding more powerful shields and significantly increasing the vehicle's payload. In the factory configuration, the Y-Wing has a superficial hull plating which extend back from where the cockpit ends, but these plates are usually discarded as they serve no practical function and only makes maintenance harder. Y-wings also serve on diplomatic escort missions and for long-range patrols. The BTL-A4 Y-wing (LP), or Longprobe, has extra provisions, more powerful sensors and a sophisticated navigation computer specifically for patrol and reconnaissance duty.
Regardless of a specific fighter's configuration, each Y-wing has three main components. The armored forward cockpit module houses the pilot, targeting systems, weapon controls, and life-support systems. The Y-wing's Novaldex power generator and Koensayr R300-H hyperdrive unit are housed in the midsection, which is simply a reinforced central spar extending from the cockpit. Attached to this spar is a thin cross-wing, which contains the Thiodyne 03-R cryogenic power cells and connects the craft to two immense Koensayr R200 ion jet sublight drives.
In the cockpit, the pilot controls a pair of forward laser cannons and the twin proton torpedo launchers. The Y-wing is also equipped with a turret-mounted ion cannon, located atop the canopy. An extended version of the Y-wing cockpit supports a copilot, who generally functions as a gunner in charge of the ion cannons.
Like the X-wing, an R2 or R5 astromech droid fits into a droid socket behind the cockpit and monitors all flight, navigation and power systems. The droid can also handle fire control, perform in-flight maintenance, and reroute power as needed. Most importantly, the R2 unit stores several hyperspace jump coordinates to allow quick retreats.
Z-95 Head Hunter Fighter Craft
*Class: Starfighter - Independent
*Corporation: Incom Corporation
*Hyperdrive: -
*Sublight: 105 MGLT
*Weapon(s): 2xTriple blaster cannon
*1xConcussion missile tube
*Length: 11.8 m
*Hull (RU): 14
*Shields (SBD): 20
*Crew: 1
*Passengers: -
*Cargo: 85 kg
The Z-95 Headhunter is a starfighter that was designed jointly by Incom Corporation and Subpro Industries several decades before the Clone Wars. Considered one of the most capable fighters of its day, it boasted a distinctive bubble canopy and two sets of blasters mounted at the ends of its two wings. Its sleek, yet rugged, design was attributed to Seti Ashgad, an engineer in Incom's Hyperdrive Design Division.
The Z-95 is smaller in size than its successors: the ARC-170, designed during the Clone Wars; and the T-65 X-wing, designed shortly before the outbreak of the Galactic Civil War. While the Z-95 still enjoyed considerable use in the years following the establishment of the New Republic, it was clearly outclassed by fighters developed in the decades since its original release. When compared to the T-65, it is slower, less-maneuverable, has lighter armor and shielding, and is not as heavily armed. Yet it is fairly inexpensive and reliable, making it a favorite amongst smugglers, Outer Rim organizations, local system defense forces and bright-eyed youngsters with dreams of becoming fighter jockeys.
Owing to its longevity, it is not surprising that many variants of the Z-95 have come into existence due to the efforts of starship mechanics and hotrod pilots throughout the galaxy; these include a split-wing version, a courier version that can accommodate a single passenger, variants with various alternative weapons loadouts, and a trainer version that was commonly used by the Rebel Alliance until replaced by the T-65X. Weapons systems vary among the different models, but most Z-95s are equipped with two wing-mounted triple-blasters, which are fire-linked. Another common weapon systems are a bank of concussion missiles. The dedicated missile platform Z-95s, of course, had increased payloads.
A common model featured twin Taim & Bak KX5 fire-linked laser cannons, and twin Krupx MG5 concussion missile launchers. These weapons are controlled through a Fabritech ANq 2.4 tracking computer and SI 5g8 "Quickscan" vector imaging system. Sensor systems include a Fabritech ANS-5c unit with long-range Phased Tachyon Detection Array #PA-9r and one short range Primary Threat Analysis Grid model #PG-7u.
Lastly, Z-95 Headhunter is notorious for being able to take brutal punishment before falling apart, though as starfighter weapon technology has progressed, Headhunter pilots would rather trust their flying than their armor and shields. Z-95s have respectable armor plating, but their shielding tends to be very light. Near the end of the product line, Z-95s could boast a titanium alloy hull and XoLyyn shielding.
