Hyena-class bomber/Legends

Hyena-class bomber

"They targeted the south support! What are those fool droids doing?!"

- The Keeper questioning the Hyena bombers

The Hyena-class bomber, also known as simply the Hyena bomber, was a droid bomber used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems as a heavy ordnance craft during the Clone Wars. Due to its restricted availability, the Hyena-class bomber was missing in many key battles. The Hyena bomber could be armed with proton bombs, concussion missiles, and proton torpedoes. They also carried two light laser cannons for defense. The bomber saw service in different campaigns such as theBattle of Falleen and the Battle of Ryloth.

Characteristics


The Hyena-class bomber was similar in design to the Vulture-class fighter, but had a broader fuselage and two "head" units. Unlike the Vulture Droid, the Hyena bomber's wings separated in the middle while in "walker" mode. Underneath the second, immobile head, there appeared to be a red photoreceptor protruding from the blue hull. The Hyena-class bomber was capable of carrying four Proton bombs, six Proton torpedoes and six Concussion missiles inside the bomb bay beneath the hull. The Hyena bomber also carried two light laser cannons which eliminated the need for fighter escort. Hyena bombers generally operated in Squads of four to maximize damage and protection.

The configuration of pods and wings, made the Hyena-class similar in design to the Galactic Empire's later TIE/sa bomber.

Roles
The Hyena-class bomber was originally designed as an air-to-surface Bomber. With its twin laser cannons and maneuverability, the Hyena bomber also was used as a fighter but only to support other fighters. Using its speed and maneuverability, the Hyena-class bomber could approach its target, drop its payload, and be gone before the enemy attacked.

History
"It appears a surrender is unnecessary. We will all perish for the glory of the Separatist Alliance."

- Wat Tambor to Mace Windu, as Hyena bombers approach

The Hyena Bomber was first introduced in 22 BBY as a cheaper, more maneuverable bomber by Baktoid Armor Workshop.

The Hyena-class bombers first saw action during the Battle of Falleen, early in the Clone Wars. There, they shelled the capital, but could not penetrate the defensive shield surrounding the palace of the Falleen King.

During the Battle of Florrum, the Hyena Bomber proved itself as a fighter. The CIS deployed Hyena bombers with the mission to shoot down Aayla Secura's Recon ship.Hyena bombers were also used by HELIOS-3D over Iego. They attacked a lone Scout fighter sent by General Kenobi. The Hyena-class bomber showed it was a multipurpose fighter.



The Hyena-class bombers also found use during the Battle of Kadavo. Lead by Asajj Ventress, a squad of bombers was tasked with destroying a Zygerrian Labor Processing Hub. The bombers managed to take out one support cable but were then destroyed.

Bombers were also in use during the Battle of Ryloth. Before Separatist leader Wat Tambor fled the city, he ordered a nearby group of Hyena-class bombers in flight, where they started a fire bombing campaign on Twi'lek cities and villages to destroy the capital city of Lessu but were destroyed at the last second by Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano.

Behind the scenes
The Hyena droid bomber was first learned of through images of its LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars model in 2009.

Given that the CIS seems to have made a habit of naming their starfighters after (scavenging) creatures, the Starfighter was named after a hyena. The Star Wars galaxy already features many organisms sharing the names of (and seemingly very similar to) Earth creatures, including ducks and bears, among dozens of others.

Appearances

 * The Clone Wars: The Fall of Falleen
 * Star Wars The Clone Wars 6: Slaves of the Republic - Chapter 6: Escape from Kadavo
 * Gunship Over Florrum
 * Droids Over Iego
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2