Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor

The Eta-2 Actis light interceptor, sometimes known as the "Jedi Interceptor", is a Clone Wars-era starfighter that shares elements of the Delta-7 Aethersprite-class "Jedi starfighter" and the TIE Fighter of the later Galactic Empire.

Following on from the success of the Delta-7 Aethersprite Interceptor, Kuat Drive Yards subsidiary Kuat Systems Engineering designed the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor. Like its predecessor, the Eta-2 was forced to either dock with a larger ship or use an external hyperdrive ring for faster-than-light travel; however, it had room for a full astromech droid instead of a truncated unit as was fitted into Delta-7 interceptors. The standard fighter complement of a Venator-class Star Destroyer included 192 Eta-2 interceptors. Many of these were probably piloted by clones.

Thanks to its status as a war-time starfighter, the Eta-2 had more firepower at its disposal than the Delta-7&mdash;two twin-barrel laser cannons and two ion cannons&mdash;though the fighter's limited power systems restricted the ability to fire continuously. Raith Sienar's twin ion engine design allowed the Eta-2 to achieve a maximum acceleration of 5,200g. Unlike the Delta-7, the Eta-2 did not have missles.

Some of these starfighters were customized by their pilots. While Obi-Wan Kenobi's red-hued fighter was more in line with the factory standard, Anakin Skywalker's craft was modified by the young Jedi Knight. Both fighters were flown into action during the Second Battle of Coruscant, though during the conflict, Obi-Wan's astromech - R4-P17 - was stripped of her plating by a flight of deadly buzz droids; however, no damage was done to the circuitry. Still, R4 was lost later on during the battle.

Following the Clone Wars, elements of the Eta-2 Actis design were used in the creation of Sienar Fleet Systems's TIE Fighter - most notably the vertical radiator panels and twin ion engines. The Delta line was sold to Sienar some years after the Galactic Republic became the Galactic Empire.

During the Galactic Civil War some Eta-2s still remained operational in the Imperial Starfleet and were reserved for skilled pilots. Others were captured and used by Rebels, with similar requirements.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Clone Wars
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith