Shadow Squadron (Galactic Empire)



Shadow Squadron was an Imperial starfighter squadron assigned to defend the new Galactic Empire and enforce Emperor Palpatine orders.

History
After the fall of the Galactic Republic, valorous clone warrior pilots devolved into ruthless Imperial enforcers as the evil Galactic Empire was born. Shadow Squadron modified their V-wing and ARC-170 starfighters to serve the Emperor's new and more sinister cause, being specially tasked to hunt down pro-Republic remnants after the Clone Wars.

Equipment
Shadow Squadron pilots were normally equipped with DC-15 blasters, and usually carried astromech droids specially programmed for navigational support and starfighter repair. V-wing pilots were accompanied with Q7-series astromech co-pilots for navigation and in-flight maintenance.

Armor
With the introduction of Phase II pilot armor in 19 BBY, Shadow Squadron pilots used helmets that were open-faced. Their flight suit was mainly black and the helmet was black marked with a silver stripe as well as the new Imperial insignia in place of the symbol of the Republic. Their chest plates were fitted with forced-ox rebreathers in case of severe damage to their vessel.

Vehicles
After the emergence of the Galactic Empire, war planners determined that a new start was needed for naval fighter craft. Slow, heavy starfighters were de-emphasized in favor of faster and more numerous single-seat strike craft. Since the V-wing was already in limited production, it was given priority, and vast numbers of this dangerous craft were produced in a short time. Shadow Squadron's V-wings had the speed, blasters and maneuverability to make them formidable weapons, and were painted light gray with dark gray markings and stripes. The cockpit canopies were specially tinted to remove combat glare, thereby allowing for open-faced helmets that were clear for ease of instrument viewing.

ARC-170s were originally designed and developed by the Republic for assault and recon operations against Separatist forces. Built for endurance rather than speed and maneuverability, the heavy combat fighter/bombers were being phased out for more nimble starfighters with the rise of the new Galactic Empire. Shadow Squadron continued to use the heavy craft for their role in the Empire, modifying and customizing them further than the standard laser cannons and proton torpedoes in order to aid in the hunt for Imperial dissidents and pro-Republic sympathizers. Shadow Squadron's ARC-170 were likewise redecorated and redesigned with light gray paint and dark gray markings and tinted canopies as the squadron's V-wings were.

Behind the scenes
Hasbro took their Shadow Squadron 3-3/4" ARC-170 and V-wing starfighter vehicles and action figure designs from the Star Wars: Dark Times comic story arc Star Wars: Dark Times: The Path to Nowhere, particularly issues 1 and 2.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Dark Times 1: The Path to Nowhere, Part 1
 * Star Wars Dark Times 2: The Path to Nowhere, Part 2