BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter

BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter The BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter was a variant configuration of the BTL Y-wing starfighter. It was used primarily by the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Characteristics
The BTL-S3 was the most common Y-wing configuration. A two-man strike starfighter, the first crew member piloted the craft, while the second acted as a gunner and controlled the swivel-mounted, fire-linked, dual ion cannon, located right above the cockpit.

Many Y-wings of this variant were modified with defensive rapid-fire blaster turrets replacing the ion cannon turret, and particle cannons instead of the dual laser cannons on the nose. These Y-wings were used as heavy capital ship destroyers, and were eventually phased out by the new B-wing starfighters.

History
Luke Skywalker used this variant on his mission to Panna in 0 ABY, as did Princess Leia Organa and C-3PO on their journey to the Circarpous system.

The Deretta Destroyers, a mixed starfighter squadron of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, consisted of several BTL-S3s. Rebel pilot Tenk Lenso proved his skill as a gunner in the rear of a BTL-S3 while serving with the Destroyers.

Several of the BTL-S3s were stationed at Echo Base on the planet Hoth in 3 ABY. They assisted the base's T-65 X-wing starfighters in the evacuation of numerous GR-75 medium transports through the Imperial blockade of the planet. Rogue Squadron members Derek Klivian and Wes Janson escorted the transport Thon's Orchard to safety using a BTL-S3.

Twelve of these variants, piloted by Bothans sympathetic to the Rebellion and Alliance pilot Ace Azzameen, participated in the capture of the Imperial freighter Suprosa during the First Battle of Bothawui to capture a supercomputer containing the plans to the second Death Star.

Appearances

 * The Story of the Faithful Wookiee
 * Splinter of the Mind's Eye
 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
 * Shadows of the Empire novel
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: In the Empire's Service