Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor/Legends

The Delta-7 Aethersprite Interceptor is a fictional starfighter from the Star Wars saga. It is sometimes referred to as a "Jedi Starfighter". It first appeared in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and returned in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, along with a new fighter in the same line, the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor.

The Delta-7 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 Judicial Department, the starfighters owned by the Jedi Order were colored in the red-and-white hues that represented diplomatic immunity in the Galactic Republic.

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 coloured in turquoise, while 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.

Towards the end of the Clone Wars, manufacturer Kuat Drive Yards developed a more refined starfighter&mdash;the Eta-2 Actis 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.