StarViper-class attack platform

StarViper-class attack platform The StarViper-class attack platform was a heavy starfighter that was based on Prince Xizor's Virago, and was used extensively in the criminal underworld during the era of the Galactic Empire.

Characteristics
"Please repeat the communication, over."

- A Zann Consortium StarViper pilot

The StarViper was equipped with dual laser cannons of medium destructive power, and unlike other starfighters, it was a short but tall fighter, lacking a fuselage. It had decent armor and was fairly quick, but was expensive, which meant that it was not deployed in large squadrons. For some reason, pilots of Consortium StarVipers often reported difficulties in communication. This may have been due to the pilots' recklessness and willingness to disobey orders.

History


The StarViper was commissioned by Xizor as his personal starship. He collaborated directly with MandalMotors on its design, and he purchased all production rights upon completion to ensure the ship would remain unique. Following Xizor's death, MandalMotors reacquired the production rights and released a StarViper variant less powerful than Virago to the open market. In addition, Mandal Hypernautics began producing the fighter.

StarVipers formed the main starfighter force of the Zann Consortium, and they were modified to carry and deploy swarms of old Pistoeka sabotage droids that the Consortium obtained via the black market, although they proved inferior to interceptors such as the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor and TIE/In starfighter. Additionally, these fighters were also employed in small numbers by the Mandalorian forces present on Mandalore during the Galactic Civil War.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns
 * Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption
 * Shadows of the Empire novel
 * Shadows of the Empire comic
 * Shadows of the Empire game
 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
 * The Mandalorian Armor
 * Slave Ship
 * Hard Merchandise
 * Shadows of the Empire: Evolution
 * Sacrifice