BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber
The BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber, also known by the designations BTL-B Y-wing starfighter and BTL-B Y-wing fighter-bomber, represented a starfighter-bomber model manufactured by Koensayr Manufacturing. It was the inaugural craft in the BTL-series Y-wing lineage. Serving as a primary asset for the Republic Navy during the Clone Wars, the BTL-B was flown by both clones and Jedi officers and played a crucial role in the conflict against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The majority were dismantled by the Galactic Empire following the war, but the BTL-B was generally well-regarded. Decades later, its successors, the BTL-A4 Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber, would see action with the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War.
Characteristics
The BTL-B Y-wing, a design from Koensayr Manufacturing, was conceived as a dual-purpose starfighter and long-range bomber. Its distinctive nacelles housed two substantial Koensayr ion jet engines, supported by a cross wing that connected to the cockpit module via a central spar. Unlike many other starfighters, BTL-Bs were equipped with hyperdrives. This feature, combined with the fuel recycling system common to all BTL models, made Y-wings resilient for extended missions. However, their propensity to overheat necessitated a complex cooling system extending throughout the entire vessel.
The wedge-shaped cockpit module accommodated a pilot and a tailgunner, the latter positioned in a rotating bubble turret. These stations were designed with clone pilots in mind, but mechanics could adjust them for other operators, including Jedi pilots. The module also incorporated an astromech socket situated directly behind the turret.
History
Clone Wars service
During the initial phases of the Clone Wars, the Republic Navy deployed the BTL-B Y-wing. Anakin Skywalker commanded Y-wings during the Battle of Corvair. Additionally, Y-wings participated in the attack against the Separatist heavy cruiser known as Malevolence.
While Koensayr Manufacturing was still conducting tests on their new BTL-B Y-wings, Jedi General Anakin Skywalker requested a squadron of these craft for use against the Malevolence. The Galactic Republic regarded the Y-wing project, overseen by Senator Ask Aak, as critical to securing victory in the war. However, Ask Aak harbored resentment towards the Jedi for their inability to prevent his predecessor from being assassinated, leading him to deny Skywalker the necessary ships. Instead of informing his superiors of this decision, Anakin Skywalker went directly to the Koensayr workshops in orbit around Bormus and commandeered the bombers he required. Under Skywalker's leadership, Shadow Squadron successfully destroyed the Malevolence's ion cannon, despite losing six of the initial twelve bombers. This initial triumph spurred Koensayr to develop additional Y-wing variants within the BTL-series for the Republic's war efforts, including the BTL-S3 and BTL-A4 models.
Throughout the war, Y-wings saw extensive action. Their effectiveness against enemy capital ships meant that Y-wing bombing runs contributed to Republic victories, such as breaking the blockade of Ryloth, destroying Separatist transports at Kamino, and engaging Asajj Ventress's fleet at Sullust.
Despite performing poorly in atmospheric environments, they were frequently used to support the Grand Army of the Republic during ground engagements. They prevented the destruction of Lessu, the capital of Ryloth, by Separatist Hyena-class Droid Bombers. They were also chosen to deploy an experimental electro-proton bomb against Separatist forces near the conclusion of the Battle of Malastare, which completely obliterated the droid army. During the Second Battle of Geonosis, BTL-Bs dropped ordnance on Confederate ground positions, as well as on insurgent formations on Umbara. Near the end of the war, they targeted Separatist anti-aircraft cannons surrounding the assembly complex during the Battle of Anaxes.
As the war progressed, Republic Y-wings also engaged in more conventional starfighter combat. While Y-wings occasionally struggled in defensive roles, as evidenced by the losses of Jedi General Adi Gallia's flagship at Patitite Pattuna and of Obi-Wan Kenobi's flagship, the Negotiator, they demonstrated dogfighting capabilities at Geonosis, engaging Geonosian Nantex-class starfighters, and at Umbara, engaging vulture droids and droid tri-fighters.
Following the execution of Order 66, former Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Clone Commander Rex, who had undergone removal of his control chip, managed to escape a skirmish against mind-controlled clone troopers on board the crashing Venator-class Star Destroyer Tribunal. They did so by using a Y-wing found in the repair bay. Rex retained this starfighter afterward, employing it in his efforts against the newly-formed Galactic Empire.
Legacy
The Y-wing gained recognition for its resilience and firepower, with veterans like Captain Rex recalling them as dependable in battle even years later. However, the conclusion of the war led the new Imperial Navy to move away from snub-fighters equipped with hyperdrives, instead adopting a space superiority strategy centered on capital ships. This shift resulted in Koensayr losing its government contract. While some Y-wings were sold to local planetary defense forces, Imperial intervention led to many unsold, repossessed, and surplus Y-wings being designated for reclamation. By 2 BBY, the Empire had dismantled the majority of BTL-Bs, although a number of decommissioned BTL-A4s were still awaiting reclamation.