The Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter, often shortened to ARC-170 starfighter, represented a cutting-edge, robust starfighter design utilized by the Galactic Republic throughout the Clone Wars. This advanced fighter technology was the product of a joint venture between Incom Corporation and Subpro. While it remained in service during the Imperial Era under the Galactic Empire, it was eventually superseded by the more modern TIE fighter series. Nevertheless, some examples ended up in the hands of the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
The Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter was a versatile starship with dimensions of 12.71 meters in length and a 20-meter wingspan. Its design catered to both intense combat situations and extended deep-space operations. For faster-than-light travel, it incorporated a hyperdrive. Within realspace, propulsion was achieved via two powerful IGP-440a ion turbine engines, each housed within its two wings and powered by a system of rear-mounted power generators. These engines featured retro-thrusters, which, when combined with a forward repulsorlift, enhanced the ship's already impressive maneuverability, allowing it to reach a maximum velocity of 1,050 kph. To further enhance acceleration within planetary atmospheres, the ARC-170 utilized its deflector shields to dissipate heat generated by air resistance, enabling it to achieve hypersonic speeds.
The ARC-170's primary offensive capability consisted of two unusually large and potent forward-facing medium laser cannons positioned on the underside of its outer wings. These cannons possessed sufficient power to penetrate the armor of a capital ship, including reinforced durasteel plating. Each cannon was equipped with a targeting rangefinder, and their muzzle could subtly adjust the laser beam's angle internally, allowing for highly accurate targeting. Furthermore, the starfighter included two rear-mounted twin blaster cannons that provided defensive fire to the rear, as well as proton torpedo launchers, enhancing its effectiveness in ship-to-ship engagements and augmenting its capabilities as a bomber. During combat, the craft's twin S-foils would deploy to expose heat sinks and active cooling radiator panels, which aided in cooling the ship and improving the effectiveness of its deflector shields.
The ship's robust nose section contained a sophisticated sensor suite, encompassing both active and passive scanner modules, a gamma ray imaging spectro-photometer, and a dedicated energy receptor. This energy receptor could scan for any electromagnetic emissions within its operational range, from comlink transmissions to laser light, allowing the ARC-170 to function as a long-range scout. The ship also featured a long-wave communication antenna and a jamming device.
The ARC-170 required a crew of three individuals: a pilot, a co-pilot, and a tail gunner. An astromech droid also served as a navigator. The co-pilot primarily operated the forward weapons, though control could be transferred to the pilot. The ship carried enough supplies to sustain the crew for five days, enabling them to undertake independent missions deep within enemy territory and extending the Republic's operational reach beyond carrier ships and fleets.
The ARC-170 starfighter, a collaborative creation of Incom/Subpro for the Galactic Republic, was designed as a versatile starship and entered service shortly before the Clone Wars. It was deployed rapidly and saw action in numerous Clone Wars battles, including the mission to Quarmendy, an early conflict in the war. A wartime modernization program led to its widespread adoption throughout the Galactic Republic Navy, where it quickly supplanted the V-19 Torrent starfighter as the navy's primary dogfight platform. During the Battle of Malastare, ARC-170s provided escort for a BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber equipped with the experimental electro-proton bomb, while others engaged Separatist ground forces. They also participated in the Battle of Kamino and the Battle of Sullust. ARC-170 Starfighters were also involved in the Battle of Lola Sayu, led by Jedi Masters Saesee Tiin, Adi Gallia, and Kit Fisto. In this battle, they engaged vulture droids and droid tri-fighters in space to break the blockade and allow Plo Koon and the Wolfpack to rescue Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka Tano, and Wilhuff Tarkin, who were under attack by Osi Sobeck and his droid escorts.
Later on, several Wolfpack ARC-170 Starfighters were stationed in Wolffe's Acclamator-class assault ship prior to the Wolfpack's mission to deliver supplies to the people of Aleen following a series of groundquakes, although the fighters did not participate in that specific mission. ARC-170 Starfighters and BTL-B Y-wing bombers also took part in a mission to rescue Adi Gallia, who was being held captive by Grievous. The fighters attacked the dreadnoughts defenses, allowing Plo Koon and his rescue team to board the ship and rescue Adi Gallia, along with C-3PO and R2-D2, who were about to be destroyed by the Separatists. Several ARC-170s also participated in the Battle of Umbara, where they were instrumental in breaking through the Separatist blockade to allow General Kenobi, General Skywalker, and their clone forces to retake the planet.
The ARC-170 saw action during the campaign against the supposed "Admiral Enigma," who was actually the undercover Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, and as part of the second battle of Christophsis. They also played a significant role in the Outer Rim Sieges. During the Battle of Coruscant, Clone Commander "Davijaan, or "Odd Ball," led Clone Flight Squad Seven to protect Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi on their mission to rescue the Supreme Chancellor. Several participated in the capture of Cato Neimoidia and, after the battle, shot down Jedi General Plo Koon when Sheev Palpatine issued Order 66.
With the conclusion of the Clone Wars and the Republic's transformation into the Galactic Empire, ARC-170s were integrated into the Imperial Navy, mirroring the transition of clone troopers into stormtroopers within the Imperial Military. In the immediate aftermath of the war, several ARC-170s were deployed to maintain Imperial control over a former Jedi outpost known as the Brighthome while clones sorted through its inventory. When Darth Vader arrived at the station, he refused to provide Imperial access codes and instead cut down the soldiers aboard. This prompted the ARC-170s to engage Vader's starship under the orders of one clone pilot. However, Vader swiftly outmaneuvered and destroyed the ARC-170s, leading the clones aboard the station to mistakenly believe he was a Jedi. Vader then boarded the station and eliminated all the clones who opposed him.
ARC-170s remained in service within the Imperial Navy for at least five years following the proclamation of the New Order, as the newer TIE fighter series entered production. Squadrons of ARC-170s were launched from an older-generation Venator-class Star Destroyer to support Governor Wilhuff Tarkin and the Executrix during the Campaign at Salient. Later, several ARC-170s ambushed Kanan Jarrus when he attempted to return to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, despite Master Kenobi's warning against it. It also served as a predecessor of the T-65B X-wing starfighter.
The Alliance to Restore the Republic also managed to acquire a number of ARC-170s during the Galactic Civil War, which they then retrofitted to meet Alliance standards. Notable pilots such as Shara Bey, Thane Kyrell, Braylen Stramm, and Norra Wexley all flew the ARC-170 at some point during the war. Shortly after the Battle of Hoth, an ARC-170 was utilized by the Harlok Gang. An Amidalan rebel cell also obtained several ARC-170s and deployed them against Darth Vader during the battle on Polis Massa. Jinata Security was known to operate Clone Wars-era starfighters in its fleet as of 34 ABY. The ARC-170, V-Wing, and N-1 starfighter were among the fighters it deployed.
Between 32 ABY and 34 ABY, one ARC-170 was flown by Jessika Pava of the Resistance's Black Squadron during a mission to retrieve a data archive containing the remnants of the Royal Library of Alderaan.
The name "ARC-170" originated from "ART-170," the title of a conceptual artwork by Ryan Church that served as the inspiration for the final design. In the script for Revenge of the Sith, it was originally simply referred to as a "clone fighter".
The HUD visible in Odd Ball's ARC-170 cockpit during the Battle of Coruscant shares the same targeting display as Luke Skywalker's X-wing in A New Hope. An ARC-170 is featured on the cover of "Music Rainbow," a piece designed for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor but ultimately omitted from the final game. However, the album cover design was later included in The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.