BTL Y-wing starfighterProduction informationManufacturerKoensayr Manufacturing[1]ClassAssault Starfighter/Bomber[2][3]ModelsBTA-NR2 Y-wing starfighter[4]BTL-A4 LP[5]BTL-A4 Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber[2]BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber[2]BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter[2]UsageRole(s)Bomber[3]Snub-fighter[6]Year introducedDuring or prior to 22 BBY[7]AffiliationGalactic Republic[8]Galactic Republic Navy[8]Alliance to Restore the Republic[6]Rebel Alliance Navy[6]New Republic[9]New Republic Defense Fleet[9]Amaxine warriors[10]Spice Runners of Kijimi[11]Resistance[12]Resistance navy[12]Citizens' Fleet[11][Source]
The BTL Y-wing starfighter, also known to as the Y-wing starfighter/bomber or more simply as the BTL-series, Y-wing fighter, or Y-wing and nicknamed the wallowing pigs, was a series of multi-role starfighter-bombers manufactured by Koensayr Manufacturing. Commissioned by the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars, many surviving Y-wings would go on to serve with the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Notable models included the original two-seat BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber; its successor, the BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter, and the single-seat BTL-A4 Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber.
For weaponry, the Y-wing was fitted with two forward firing laser cannons, either the KX5 or IX4 models.[2] These weapons, designed to penetrate battle cruiser hulls, could have devastating effect on lesser targets, collapsing a five-story stone building in just a few shots.[15] Backing up these were twin SW-4 or SW-5 ion cannons, mounted on a rotating turret controlled either by a dedicated gunner or by the pilot depending on the variant. Lastly were a pair of MG7 proton torpedo launchers, each with a six-round magazine. Besides proton torpedoes, these launchers could launch other weapons including concussion missiles, proton bombs, and cluster missiles.[2] The starfighter was capable of unleashing a tremendous amount of firepower, especially when attacking in groups: a squadron of Y-wings could carry enough ordnance to glass an entire city, bathing the battlefield in blinding white detonations which scrambled sensors.[16] The Y-wing could also carry external ordnance mounted directly on its hull, such as an electro-proton bomb.[17]
The original Y-wing featured a plethora of additional equipment geared towards its mission of long-range strikes. This included backup batteries, a secondary life support system, fresh water tanks, and an emergency flotation system. Because the Y-wing tended to run hot, a complex cooling system extended throughout the entire starfighter.[2]
Other changes included the removal or reconfiguration of various components to lighten weight. This included removing the fuel reclamation system for all but some BTL-S3 models (which were utilized as couriers) and replacing the torpedo launchers' six-round magazine with a four-round model. The engine-supported pylons were also shortened to improve maneuverability during close combat. While the resulting fighter looked spindly, overall integrity on the Y-wing was not compromised, and it resulted in a faster and more lethal starfighter than the original.[2] The speed and maneuverability of certain models, in particular the two-seat BTL-S3, was still considered subpar, but they were regarded as reliable and well-armed nonetheless.[12]
The BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber was the original model commissioned by the Republic Navy in the early stages of the Clone Wars, designed as a combination starfighter and long-range bomber that could replace the V-19 Torrent and Jedi interceptors.[2] The model's distinguishing feature was its bubble-turret, which swiveled 360 degrees, providing a clear view of surrounding space for gunners.[19] A mainstay of the Republic Navy, it was present at many of the major battles of the war, though most BTL-Bs were scrapped by the Empire after the conflict.[2]
Designed after the success of the BTL-B, the BTL-A4 Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber variant served as a single-seat tactical strike spacecraft which lacked the gunner's position of other variants.[2] This variant was extensively utilized by the Alliance to Restore the Republic and New Republic during the Galactic Civil War, seeing action at major battles such as Scarif, Yavin, Endor, and Jakku.[19][20]
The BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter retained the tailgunner position from the BTL-B, though it eliminated the elevated bubble turret by seating the pilot and gunner back-to-back in the cockpit.[2] Like the BTL-A4, it would go on to serve with the Rebel Alliance,[21] and by the time of the Cold War three decades later, it was still valued for its toughness despite being considered an antique.[12]
The BTA-NR2 Y-wing starfighter restarted the Y-wing line after the Galactic Civil War re-popularized the design as "the starfighter that broke the Empire's back." It was largely based on the BTL-A4 single-seat variant, and emulated the customizability and lack of armor plating that customers associated with the "rebel Y-wing." Despite this, it featured optional plating and improved sensors, deflector shields, controls, and engines. This variant saw service as a planetary defense craft with the New Republic Defense Fleet, as well as with the Resistance in their fight against the First Order.[2]
In the Clone War, Y-wings proved their worth to the Republic, taking part in several key battles against the Separatists. Despite their size, the two-seat starfighters were quite maneuverable, with clone trooper pilots routinely performing quick rolls while staying in formation. Their turrets and fixed guns allowed them to engage and destroy multiple targets simultaneously, making them effective in combat missions against enemy starfighters.[8] This versatility made them suitable for a number of mission profiles, whether it involved attacking enemy capital ships or bombing ground targets. They were, however, considered "buggy" in atmospheric operations.[22]
Shadow Squadron, a unit of clone trooper pilots, flew Y-wing bombers in the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula under the command of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker. Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano flew as the gunner in Skywalker's Y-wing, and Jedi General Plo Koon served as a fighter escort. The Y-wings successfully destroyed Malevolence's ion cannon in the engagement. Out of an initial force of 12 Y-wing bombers, six were lost in the assault.[8]
In 21 BBY, Republic Y-wings bombed Separatist anti-aircraft cannons in the Second Battle of Geonosis, allowing Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Ki-Adi-Mundi to land at Point Rain. Y-wings also defended Admiral Wullf Yularen's command ship from attack by Geonosian Nantex-class territorial defense starfighters and assisted the defense of Kenobi's position.[26]
Republic Y-wings saw action at the Battle of Sullust, engaging Separatist starfighters and conducting bombing runs on their capital ships. Darth Sidious ordered Count Dooku to kill Asajj Ventress in the battle, leading to a Separatist withdrawal and a Republic victory.[28]
Y-wings participated in the Battle of Umbara, destroying Separatist frigates guarding the planet and dropping ordnance on Umbaran Militia personnel who had ambushed the 501st Legion.[30] They also took part in atmospheric combat operations, engaging Vulture-class starfighters and droid tri-fighters in air-to-air combat.[31] The Battle of Umbara ended with a Republic victory and the execution of the traitorous Jedi General Pong Krell.[32]
Soon after the formation of the Galactic Empire in 19 BBY, an early rebellion against Imperial rule began to take shape. Secretly supported by influential Senators like Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, the various rebel cells operated whatever kinds of vehicles they could acquire. Y-wings, having been relegated to planetary defense duties, were popular craft for the rebels because of its built-in hyperdrive and durability. Sold to military surplus sellers or scrapyards, the Rebels sought to buy or steal as many as they could, with the Y-wing being the most common Rebel starfighter during the Galactic Civil War. They proved themselves to have superior firepower and durability compared to the Empire's TIE fighters and were used for a variety of missions, including escort, courier service, reconnaissance and surgical strikes. The BTL-A4 was the most common model, with most BTL-Bs having their bubble turrets removed in place of the remotely-controlled turret found on other variants.[35][36][2]
In 4 BBY, at least five Y-wings engaged Imperial TIE fighters while Jyn Erso mounted an escape attempt from Imperial Military forces on Skuhl. Crossfire from the dogfight destroyed the SC3000 freighter Ponta One, killing both civilians on board.[37]
Imperial cadets were trained to destroy Y-wing starfighters at Skystrike Academy on Montross. Sabine Wren and Wedge Antilles participated in one such training prior to their first attempt to escape from Skystrike Academy alongside Derek Klivian and Rake Gahree.[13]
The Chandrila Mistress had been tracked by Imperial forces, and shortly after arrival it was attacked by an Arquitens-class command cruiser, a Gozanti-class cruiser, and several TIE/ln space superiority starfighters. Although Gold Squadron was able to destroy the TIEs and cruisers, Mothma and her crew were forced to evacuate the Chandrila Mistress and transfer to the Ghost. The Rebels escaped into hyperspace and traveled to the Archeon Nebula, which the Spectres had hoped would help conceal their movements from the Empire. Grand Admiral Thrawn predicted that they would do this, and dispatched a force of Imperial-class Star Destroyers and TIEs to destroy them, including a TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter prototype piloted by Vult Skerris. The resulting Operation Handoff resulted in a decisive rebel victory, but cost Gold Squadron three of its Y-wings.[36]
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