BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter

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BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter

Production information

Manufacturer

Koensayr Manufacturing^[1]

Line

BTL Y-wing starfighter

Model

BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter

Type

Assault starfighter

Cost

135,000 credits (new), 65,000 (used)^[1]

Technical specifications

Length

16 meters^[1]^[2]

Maximum acceleration

2,700 G

Maximum atmospheric speed

1000 km/h^[1]

Engine unit(s)

2 Koensayr R200 ion jet engines (rated 250 KTU)

Hyperdrive rating

Class 1.0

Hull

Titanium-reinforced Alusteel alloy (40 RU)

Sensor systems

Fabritech ANs-5d sensor unit with PA-9r long range phased tachyon detection array and PG-7u short range primary threat analysis grid

Targeting systems

Fabritech ANc 2.7 tracking computer with SI 5g7 "Quickscan" imaging system

Avionics

Subpro NH-7 flight control avionics

Armament

Taim & Bak IX4 or KX5 laser cannons (2)
ArMek turreted SW-4 ion cannon (1)
Aratech Flex Tube proton torpedo launchers (2)
- 10 torpedoes
- 20 proton bombs

Escape craft

0

Crew

Pilot (1)^[1]
Co-pilot/gunner (1)
Astromech droid (1)^[1]

Passengers

None

Cargo capacity

110 kilograms^[1]

Consumables

1 week^[1]

Other systems

Koensayr ballistic ejection seat
Detachable cockpit

Usage

Role(s)

Starfighter
Bomber^[3]
Escort
Scout
Courier
Shuttle

"The Koensayr BTL-S3 Y-wing attack starfighter, long the staple of the Alliance Fighter Corps. The all-purpose craft has proved its worth as a fighter and [...] a bomber noted for its precision."

―Soontir Fel^[8]

The BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter was a variant configuration of the BTL Y-wing starfighter. It was used primarily by the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Characteristics

"The BTL-S3 model's advantage is that the gunner seated behind the pilot is able to use the cockpit ion cannon to find his own targets."

―Soontir Fel^[8]

The BTL-S3 was the most common Y-wing configuration.^[11] A two-man strike starfighter, the first crew member piloted the craft, while the second acted as a gunner and controlled the two swivel-mounted ion cannons, located right on top of the cockpit.^[12]^[1]

Many Y-wings of this variant were modified with defensive rapid-fire blaster turrets replacing the ion cannon turret, and particle cannons instead of the dual laser cannons on the nose.^[13] These Y-wings were used as heavy capital ship destroyers, and were eventually phased out by the new B-wing starfighters.

History

An S3 cockpit module detaches from the main body.

Luke Skywalker used this variant on his mission to Panna in 0 ABY,^[14] as did Princess Leia Organa and C-3PO on their journey to the Circarpous system.^[15]

The Deretta Destroyers, a mixed starfighter squadron of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, consisted of several BTL-S3s. Rebel pilot Tenk Lenso proved his skill as a gunner in the rear of a BTL-S3 while serving with the Destroyers.^[16]

The Rebel Alliance also used two-person Y-wings at numerous battles during the Galactic Civil War^[13] and at the Battle of Bespin.^[5]

Several of the BTL-S3s were stationed at Echo Base on the planet Hoth in 3 ABY. They assisted the base's T-65 X-wing starfighters in the evacuation of numerous GR-75 medium transports through the Imperial blockade of the planet. Rogue Squadron members Derek Klivian and Wes Janson escorted the transport Thon's Orchard to safety using a BTL-S3.^[16]

The Rebel Alliance-affiliated Bothan Blue Squadron used 12 Y-wings. Half of them were destroyed on the Raid on the Suprosa.^[17]

During the period after the Battle of Endor, Aggressor Wing's New Republic BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighters commanded by Colonel Horton Salm participated in the Battle of Brentaal IV,^[8] and later rescued Rogue Squadron during the evacuation of Ciutric.^[18]