CloakShape fighter/Legends

CloakShape fighter "I once had a guy come in here looking to buy an original CloakShape. I just laughed and told him that there's no such thing as an "original" Cloakshape."

- Shug Ninx

The CloakShape fighter was a space and atmospheric fighter built by Kuat Systems Engineering decades before the Clone Wars.

They were eventually adopted by the Judicial Forces of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order (as Whitecloak fighters, a modified version), corporations, and local governments, and criminal organizations like the Nebula Front.

They were not considered particularly agile or powerful when first introduced, but the reinforced hull made the vessel quite durable and overall they were generally considered adequate for their class. They had comparatively small powerplants which made them less than ideal for combat in deep space, but they performed competently in planetary atmospheres and were thus considered best suited to a defensive role.

The CloakShape's simple design, modular compartments, and universal adapters encouraged modification, allowing them to be fitted with a variety of aftermarket systems. A skilled mechanic could remove and replace entire systems with ease, and by the time of the Battle of Yavin it was widely considered impossible to find a "original CloakShape".

Upgrades were commonly available to provide a stronger power generator, greater fuel storage, stronger weapons, more advanced sensors and targeting computers, and more powerful engines. Cloakshapes are so easy to modify, that even a novice mechanic can rip out entire systems and successfully replace them. Upgrades could even add completely new systems such as deflector shields, or convert the cockpit into an escape pod. Especially popular was a self-powered hyperdrive sled.

The most popular addition was the Curich Engineering rear wing and stabilizer conversion kit; it was so common that many assumed that the fighter originally came with the stabilizer. Even with the improved handling and turning radius provided by this modification, however, the CloakShape still had its flaws; like the Z-95 Headhunter, its relatively slow sublight speed allowed heavy weapons, normally useless against a starfighter, to target the sluggish craft.

Despite its drawbacks, the CloakShape remained in service for decades after it was first regarded as outdated. CloakShapes could often be found in service as system patrol craft, smuggler blockade vessels, and support vessels for anti-piracy actions. A squadron of CloakShape fighters was part of the New Republic fleet that hunted for Warlord Zsinj; however, due to age, these ships suffered badly during the battles with the warlord. Years later, they were used by bounty hunters pursuing Han Solo on Nar Shaddaa.

Appearances

 * Cloak of Deception
 * Star Wars Republic: Rite of Passage
 * Jedi Trial
 * Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
 * The Hutt Gambit
 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
 * X-wing: Solo Command
 * Dark Empire
 * Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood