StarViper-class attack platform

StarViper-class attack platform
Production information
Manufacturer	Mandal Hypernautics
Model	Heavy starfighter
Cost	160,000 credits
Technical specifications
Hyperdrive rating	Class 2
Shielding	Basic shields
Hull	Light armor
Sensor systems	Short-range
Armament	Arm-mounted heavy laser cannon (2) Proton torpedo launcher (2)
Crew	Pilot (1)
Passengers	None
Consumables	1 standard week
Usage
Role(s)	Starfighter
Affiliation	Black Sun Zann Consortium

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The StarViper-class attack platform was a model of heavy attack starfighter manufactured by a subdivision of MandalMotors called Mandal Hypernautics. The fighter was lightly armored, but compensated for this with heavy armaments and fast speed. It high price meant that it was primarily found in use by larger crime syndicates like the Zann Consortium and Black Sun.

Characteristics

The StarViper-class attack platform was designed by Mandal Hypernautics. The fighter had a unique design, with four wings extended from a central cockpit that could be rotated for various combat needs. When in maneuvering mode, the wings were folded back horizontally allowing for greater speed and maneuverability for dogfighting. This mode locked the swiveling twin heavy laser cannons in forward position. When not required for close-quarters combat, the wings opened out which allowed the laser cannons to rotate forward and aft. The StarVipers hull was adequately strong, but it had relatively weak armor for a heavy starfighter. It compensated for it with speed, agility and dual, forward-mounted proton torpedo launchers that could fire on enemy ships before they were in range to return fire.

History

While the StarViper was designed by a Mandalorian company, it was rarely a part of their fighting forces. Because of the fighter's high price tag, only the more substantial criminal organizations could afford them. The Zann Consortium also used them as part of their forces and at one point sent a force of StarViper-class attack platforms in an assault on a privately-run space station whose owners were deeply indebted to them. Prince Xizor, the leader of Black Sun during the age of the Galactic Empire, and his bodyguard Guri both owned StarVipers and equipped their assassins and enforcers with the heavy fighters as well.

Sources

• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Virago)
• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Dalan Oberos—Elite Bounty Hunter—StarViper-class Attack Platform)
• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Guri—Prince Xizor's Bodyguard—StarViper-class Attack Platform)
• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Prince Xizor—Black Sun Kingpin—StarViper-class Attack Platform)
• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Black Sun Assassin—StarViper-class Attack Platform
• Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Black Sun Enforcer—StarViper-class Attack Platform)
• Starships and Speeders