Virago

Virago "I think that's just about the most disturbing thing I've ever seen."

- Dash Rendar

Virago was the personal starship of Prince Xizor.

Although the crimelord had access to numerous starships, his favorite was a heavy assault starfighter called Virago. When Xizor contracted MandalMotors, he demanded a vehicle that could rival the TIE Interceptor in speed and agility. The company succeeded by producing the StarViper-class attack platform, a vehicle which had more in common with a mobile weapons platform than a starfighter. A pleased Xizor christened the vehicle Virago and purchased all rights to the design to ensure that his transport would remain unique.

Virago had four adjustable wings and thrust nacelles that moved constantly during flight, which created the illusion that Virago was a strange, living creature. Each of the vehicle's wings were capped with two microthrusters. To achieve high speeds and for atmospheric travels, the craft's wings folded closed behind the cockpit. In combat, Virago's four wings expanded for better maneuverability. They moved and used the same type of S-foil technology used on the X-wing starfighter. These wings were heavily armored and each contained a power generator along with reserve fuel tanks for long travels.

Virago's weapon systems were built around an advanced targeting computer along with an experimental laser sighting system rather than being built around the weapons themselves. With this unorthodox design strategy, the craft would not require excessive or illegal weapons that would attract attention. Once the targeting computer was in place, any weapon installed would perform better than manufacturer specifications. Virago was armed with two forward-mounted Taim & Bak Ht-12 double laser cannons and two forward Borstel proton torpedo launchers.

Virago was apparently destroyed in battle over Coruscant, when Darth Vader's flagship Executor destroyed Xizor's skyhook. Soon after Xizor's death, MandalMotors regained the rights to the StarViper design and began producing inferior versions of the original craft.

The Virago also makes a cameo appearance in Clone Campaigns, however this is more than likely non-canon. The unit is placeable in the scenario editor, but any appearances in missions are more than likely Easter eggs.

Appearances

 * Shadows of the Empire
 * The Mandalorian Armor
 * Slave Ship
 * Hard Merchandise
 * Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns