Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor/Legends


 * "Jedi Starfighter" redirects here. For the video game, see Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter.

The Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor, more commonly known as the Jedi starfighter, was a starfighter from around the time of the Clone Wars. An evolution over the ancient Republic fighter, it was a small, sleek interceptor used by the Jedi Knights for reconnaissance missions. However, the starfighter was fitted with two twin-barrel laser cannons allowing the pilot to fight when necessary. As part of the Republic's Judicial Department, the starfighters owned by the Jedi Order were colored in the red and white hues that represented the diplomatic imunity that the Jedi enjoyed.

The Aethersprite was too small for a hyperdrive, instead relying on other spacecraft or an external hyperdrive ring for faster-than-light travel. The size of the craft also would not allow for a factory model astromech droid navigator, as future starfighters such as the X-wing used. Instead, astromech droids were integrated directly into the starfighter, with only the droid's truncated heads visible. The Aethersprite had very powerful sublight engines, driving it to a maximum acceleration of 5,000g.

The Delta-series pre-dated the Jedi's use of the Delta-7, which came into service shortly before the Clone Wars. The Delta-6 starfighter was used previously by the Jedi, and the Delta-12 Skysprite was in operation during the launch of the Outbound Flight Project. Jedi Master Adi Gallia flight-tested a Delta-7 prototype when faced with Captain Cavik Toth and his Trihexalon fleet. Thanks to this trial, Saesee Tiin made several modifications to the starfighters for increased performance.



Stationed in the hangar bays of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and other facilities, Aethersprites were assigned to all field Jedi. General-use starfighters were colored in turquoise, and starfighters coded for use by specific Jedi were colored red. Other hues emerged due to individual customization during the Clone Wars. Anakin Skywalker extensively modified his Delta-7, adding large turbine engines and a paint scheme reminiscent of that used on his podracer on Tatooine. Plo Koon also flew a customized fighter.

Towards the end of the Clone Wars, manufacturer Kuat Drive Yards developed a more refined starfighter&mdash;the Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor&mdash;based on experience gained from the Delta-7 Aethersprite. These fighters were used in large numbers during the Clone Wars, including the Battle of Coruscant. Several years after the Clone Wars ended, Kuat sold the entire Delta line to Sienar Fleet Systems.

The design of the Delta-7 later evolved into the R-22 Spearhead of the Galactic Civil War.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars: Clone Wars
 * General Grievous
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike