B-wing



Alliance B-wing Starfighter

One of the Rebellion's most well-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 as part of the Shantipole Project, the B-wing has proved one the most versatile starfighters in the galaxy. Initially, only one 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.

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 capital.

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 is less maneuverable due to the larger cockpit.