Botajef Shipyards, a small shipbuilding concern based on the Outer Rim world of Botajef, conceived of the SS-54 assault ship as a gunship worthy of competing with other starship models on the military market such as the GAT-12 Skipray and the Firespray-31-class patrol craft. Despite this, it was erroneously classified as a light freighter by the Galactic Empire, an error which, due to the nature of Imperial bureaucracy, was never rectified.
With a bulbous and well-armored command deck and a hull tapering from the prow, the SS-54 was described as having an insect-like profile. Its high, squared-off stern was comparable to that of the Republic Military LAAT/c heavy vehicle carrier. Two adjustable spars protruded towards the aft of the ship (one on each side), with each spar connecting to the SS-54's powerful Incom . Given its military role, the craft's standard armament consisted of four fire-linked ZX7 medium laser cannons mounted forward in the prow and a twin light laser turret mounted dorsally, aft of the engine spars.
The SS-54 was introduced to the military market shortly after Botajef Shipyards gained prominence with their AA-9 Freighter-Liner. Despite its intended market, however, it instead gained a small but loyal following among mercenaries and bounty hunters, who grew to prize the model for its perceived simplicity, reliability, and versatility.
Among these users was Sugi, a Zabrak bounty hunter active during the Clone Wars. Sugi's SS-54, christened the Halo, would eventually fall into the hands of her niece Jas Emari during the Galactic Civil War, where it would take place in events such as the Liberation of Kashyyyk.
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