A/SF-01 B-Wing Starfighter

The Slayn & Korpil A/SF-01 Heavy Assault Fighter, colloquially known as the "B-Wing", was an assault fighter/fighter-bomber in use by the Rebel Alliance and New Republic. Though no longer in New Republic service, the B-Wing remains in limited use among Planetary Defence Forces, Private Military Groups, and the Infiltrator Wing of the TIE Corps.

Overview

Designed by the Mon Calamari engineer Quarrie in 4BBY as an advanced heavy starfighter for engaging capital ships, the A/SF-01 went into full production in the shipyards of the Verpine manufacturers Slayn & Korpil. Rarely seen during the early days of the Rebellion or the Galactic Civil War, the craft rose to prominence during and immediately following the Battle of Endor.

Armed with a mixture of heavy weapons, including Heavy Laser Cannons, Ion Cannons, and various ordnance launchers, the B-Wing served to engage and destroy enemy capital ships. Though capable of engaging lighter combatants and starfighters, the B-Wing was slower and less agile than even the venerable Y-Wings it was meant to replace, and thus required escort to and from its targets.

The unique and advanced gyroscopic cockpit pod allowed the pilot to concentrate on piloting and target acquisition while engaging in maneuvers during a battle, while also decreasing the G-Forces placed upon the pilot during such maneuvers. The system was temperamental, however, and could jam in a single position.

In Infiltrator Wing Service

Much like its use within the Rebel Alliance and New Republic, the B-Wing filled the heavy assault role in Infiltrator Wing units. In many instances, the gyroscopic cockpit system was altered to lock into place when S-Foils were opened or closed, lessening maintenance demands and allowing for a higher serviceability rate than its New Republic counterparts.