BTL Y-wing starfighter

In the early years of the Clone Wars, the Galactic Republic tasked Koensayr with designing a dual-purpose starfighter and long-range bomber. The resulting BTL-B model was so effective that it led to the development of further versions, including the BTL-S3 and BTL-A4. Despite variations in their cockpit and gunner configurations, they all shared fundamental characteristics.

The BTL-B Y-wing featured a cockpit module connected by a reinforced central spar and cross-wing structure to a pair of large Koensayr ion engines. The pressurized cockpit accommodated a pilot (and in some versions, a gunner) and was protected by a transparisteel canopy. Certain cockpit modules were engineered to be fully enclosed, repulsor-powered escape pods, but most Y-wings were equipped with standard ejector seats.

Each engine incorporated four sturdy pylons extending rearward to support a long engine nacelle. At the end of these were disk-ventrals that changed thrust direction for enhanced maneuverability. Thrust control jets were located in the aft central spar to increase the Y-wing's agility. Repulsorlifts in the neck and wings enabled atmospheric flight. A fuel recycling system provided the Y-wing with exceptional efficiency for extended missions. In the event of an emergency landing, the pilot could jettison fuel from the engines.

For offensive capabilities, the Y-wing was armed with two forward-firing laser cannons, either the KX5 or IX4 models. These cannons, designed to breach battle cruiser hulls, could inflict severe damage on smaller targets, leveling a five-story stone structure with just a few shots. Complementing these were twin SW-4 or SW-5 ion cannons, mounted on a rotating turret that was controlled either by a dedicated gunner or by the pilot, depending on the specific model. Finally, there were two MG7 proton torpedo launchers, each containing a six-round magazine. Aside from proton torpedoes, these launchers could deploy other ordnance, including concussion missiles, proton bombs, and cluster missiles. The starfighter possessed significant firepower, especially when deployed in groups. A squadron of Y-wings could carry enough explosives to obliterate an entire city, blanketing the battlefield with intense white blasts that disrupted sensors. The Y-wing was also capable of carrying external ordnance attached directly to its hull, such as an electro-proton bomb.

The Y-wing featured substantial armor, consisting of a titanium-reinforced alusteel hull and a Chempat deflector shield generator. The generator, powered by the ion engines, connected to shield projectors positioned across the Y-wing's hull. This allowed the pilot to adjust the shields for maximum protection or to reinforce damaged areas of the ship. The Y-wing could also use its cannons to intercept incoming enemy missiles, provided the targeting computer was still operational.

For flight management, the Y-wing incorporated a Sublights Products Corporation NH-7 flight control avionics package and photonics communication system, along with an ANc 2.7 tracking computer linked to an SI 5g7 "Quickscan" vector imaging system, an ANs-5d "lock track" full-spectrum transceiver, PA-9r long-range phased tachyon detection array and PG-7u short-range primary threat analysis grid. A composite sensor dome was mounted on the front of each engine, while a rear-facing sensor was located on the cross-wing. The Y-wing's sensors were sensitive enough to detect an escape pod-sized object via its metallurgical signature within a five-kilometer radius when operating at low altitudes. An R2 series astromech droid, housed in a dedicated socket behind the cockpit, contained hyperspace data for the R300-H hyperdrive motivator and could autonomously manage all other systems. The Y-wings were highly dependent on a functioning astromech, as hyperspace travel was impossible without one.

The original Y-wing included a variety of additional equipment tailored for its long-range strike missions. This included backup batteries, a secondary life support system, fresh water tanks, and an emergency flotation system. Due to the Y-wing's tendency to generate significant heat, a complex cooling system was integrated throughout the entire starfighter.

The Rebel Alliance aimed to acquire as many Y-wings as possible, either through purchase or theft, to establish their emerging rebellion. However, they soon discovered that the cooling system required extensive maintenance after each flight, necessitating the removal of the armor panels for access. To alleviate this issue, they decided to remove the armor plating, which was then used to upgrade other vehicles (such as the T-47 airspeeder). Additional shielding was added to compensate for the decreased protection.

Further modifications included removing or reconfiguring various components to reduce weight. This involved eliminating the fuel reclamation system from all but a few BTL-S3 models (which were used as couriers) and replacing the torpedo launchers' six-round magazine with a four-round variant. The engine-supporting pylons were also shortened to improve maneuverability during close combat. Although the resulting fighter appeared fragile, the overall structural integrity of the Y-wing remained intact, resulting in a faster and more deadly starfighter than the original. While the speed and maneuverability of some models, particularly the two-seat BTL-S3, were still considered lacking, they were nonetheless regarded as reliable and heavily armed.

For decades after the Clone Wars, various Y-wing models were utilized in military conflicts, spanning from the Galactic Civil War to the First Order-Resistance conflict. The Alliance modified their Y-wings by stripping off the hull and nacelle plating to simplify maintenance on the aging craft, a feature that would become iconic. Aside from differences in cockpit design, all ships in the BTL series shared a similar basic construction.

The BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber represented the original model commissioned by the Republic Navy early in the Clone Wars. It was designed as a combined starfighter and long-range bomber to replace the V-19 Torrent and Jedi interceptors. A key feature of this model was its 360-degree swivel bubble turret, offering gunners a clear view of the surrounding space. As a mainstay of the Republic Navy, it participated in numerous major battles throughout the war, although most BTL-Bs were scrapped by the Empire after the conflict.

The BTL-A4 LP variant was used as a long-range reconnaissance craft.

Following the success of the BTL-B, the BTL-A4 Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber variant was designed as a single-seat tactical strike spacecraft, lacking the gunner's position found in other versions. After the Empire discontinued the BLT-A4, this variant was extensively used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic and New Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Its resilience, reliability, and heavy armament made it a core component of the rebel fleet, seeing action in significant battles like Scarif, Yavin, Endor, and Jakku.

The BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter maintained the tailgunner position of the BTL-B but eliminated the elevated bubble turret by seating the pilot and gunner in a back-to-back configuration within the cockpit. Like the BTL-A4, it would later serve with the Rebel Alliance, and even by the time of the Cold War three decades later, it was still valued for its durability, despite being considered outdated.

The BTA-NR2 Y-wing starfighter restarted the Y-wing line following the Galactic Civil War, which had popularized the design as "the starfighter that broke the Empire's back." It was largely based on the BTL-A4 single-seat version and mirrored the customizability and lack of armor plating that customers associated with the "rebel Y-wing." However, it included optional plating and enhanced sensors, deflector shields, controls, and engines. This variant served as a planetary defense craft with the New Republic Defense Fleet, as well as with the Resistance in their struggle against the First Order.

During the Clone War, Y-wings developed under the Y-wing project demonstrated their value to the Republic, participating in several crucial battles against the Separatists. Despite their size, the two-seat starfighters were remarkably maneuverable, with clone trooper pilots routinely executing quick rolls while maintaining formation. Their turrets and fixed guns allowed them to engage and destroy multiple targets simultaneously, proving effective in combat missions against enemy starfighters. This adaptability made them suitable for a range of mission profiles, from attacking enemy capital ships to bombing ground targets. However, they were considered "buggy" in atmospheric operations.

Y-wings were deployed in the Battle of Corvair alongside V-19 Torrent starfighters under the command of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker. Shadow Squadron, a unit of clone trooper pilots, flew Y-wing bombers in the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula under Skywalker's leadership. At that time, Y-wings were still undergoing testing. Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano served as the gunner in Skywalker's Y-wing, and Jedi General Plo Koon provided fighter escort. The Y-wings successfully destroyed the Malevolence's ion cannon during the engagement. Out of an initial force of 12 Y-wing bombers, six were lost in the assault.

Y-wings played a key role in the Battle of Ryloth, where they breached the planetary blockade established by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. They also participated in atmospheric operations, and at least one crashed near the Syndulla residence. Hera Syndulla rescued "Chopper" from the wreckage, and Cham Syndulla decided to preserve the crash site as a memorial. Several of Skywalker's Y-wings destroyed Separatist Hyena-class Droid Bombers that were tasked with destroying Lessu after the Separatist withdrawal from the capital.

In 21 BBY, Y-wings participated in the Battle of Malastare, notably dropping an electro-proton bomb on the Separatist Droid Army, inadvertently awakening the last surviving Zillo Beast. The battle resulted in a joint Republic/Dug victory, with the Separatists being driven off the planet and the Dugs signing a treaty, granting the Republic access to its significant fuel reserves.

In 21 BBY, Republic Y-wings bombed Separatist anti-aircraft cannons during the Second Battle of Geonosis, enabling Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Ki-Adi-Mundi to land at Point Rain. Y-wings also defended Admiral Wullf Yularen's command ship from attacks by Geonosian Nantex-class territorial defense starfighters and supported the defense of Kenobi's position.

Republic Y-wings joined Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighters and V-19 Torrent starfighters in the Battle of Kamino, conducting bombing runs on Separatist transports in space. Unbeknownst to the clone pilots, these transports carried Trident-class assault ships, which landed in the ocean below and deployed aqua droids to Tipoca City. Separatist forces were eventually forced to retreat after the clone troopers—including the 501st Legion—on Kamino launched a counteroffensive against the battle droids.

Republic Y-wings saw action at the Battle of Sullust, engaging Separatist starfighters and conducting bombing runs on their capital ships. Darth Sidious ordered Count Dooku to assassinate Asajj Ventress during the battle, leading to a Separatist withdrawal and a Republic victory.

In 20 BBY, Republic Y-wings mounted an unsuccessful defense of Jedi General Adi Gallia's flagship at the Battle of Patitite Pattuna. Astromech droid R2-D2 and protocol droid C-3PO escaped the doomed Star Destroyer aboard a Y-wing and crashed on Patitite Pattuna's surface. After repairing their ship, the duo briefly traveled to Balnab in search of power, but were forced to abandon the ship. Shortly after the Battle of Patitite Pattuna, the Republic launched a rescue of Adi Gallia and recovered the droids, who had been captured by Weequay pirates and taken prisoner by the Separatists.

Y-wings participated in the Battle of Umbara, destroying Separatist frigates guarding the planet and dropping ordnance on Umbaran Militia personnel who had ambushed the 501st Legion. They also engaged in atmospheric combat operations, battling Vulture-class starfighters and droid tri-fighters in air-to-air engagements. The Battle of Umbara concluded with a Republic victory and the execution of the traitorous Jedi General Pong Krell.

Republic Y-wings mounted an unsuccessful defense of Kenobi's flagship, the Negotiator, after it came under attack by Separatist warships. The Separatist victory prevented the Republic's involvement in the rescue of Ahsoka Tano, who had been abducted by Weequay pirates in the Florrum system. Her rescue was instead undertaken by a group of six younglings.

In the year 19 BBY, during the Battle of Anaxes within the larger Outer Rim Sieges, Gold Squadron employed Y-wing bombers to strike at Separatist anti-aircraft weaponry positioned at the Anaxes assembly complex. The campaign concluded with a Republic triumph, the demise of Admiral Trench, and the complete rout of Separatist forces stationed on Anaxes. Following the Siege of Mandalore, a BTL model was undergoing repairs on board the Venator-class Star Destroyer Tribunal. Captain Rex and Ahsoka Tano utilized a Y-wing to make their escape from Order 66 and subsequently attend Padmé Amidala's funeral. Rex continued to operate the Y-wing throughout the early years of the Imperial Era.

Shortly after the formation of the Galactic Empire in 19 BBY, an early rebellion started to coalesce against Imperial authority. With covert support from influential Senators such as Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, the various rebel cells utilized any vehicles they could get their hands on. Y-wings, which had been relegated to roles in planetary defense, were popular choices for the rebels due to their integrated hyperdrive and robust construction. Rebels sought to acquire as many of these craft as possible, either through purchase from military surplus vendors or by stealing them from scrapyards; this made the Y-wing the most ubiquitous Rebel starfighter during the Galactic Civil War. They demonstrated exceptional firepower, resilience, and reliability compared to the TIE fighters of the Empire, and were deployed in diverse missions, including escort duties, courier runs, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The BTL-A4 was the most prevalent variant, with the majority of BTL-B models having their bubble turrets removed and replaced with the remotely operated turret found on other models.

In 4 BBY, a minimum of five Y-wings clashed with Imperial TIE fighters while Jyn Erso attempted to escape from Imperial Military forces stationed on Skuhl. The Ponta One, an SC3000 freighter, was destroyed by crossfire from the aerial combat, resulting in the deaths of both civilians aboard.

In 2 BBY, Phoenix Cell undertook a mission to retrieve decommissioned Republic Y-wings from Reklam Station, an aerial scrapyard situated within the atmosphere of the planet Yarma. The operation culminated in a Rebel victory, with five Y-wings successfully commandeered and Reklam Station destroyed. Two of the original seven ships were lost to Imperial fire; both were piloted remotely by Chopper. Despite Commander Jun Sato's initial plan to integrate the Y-wings into Phoenix Squadron, the vessels were instead reassigned to Jan Dodonna's unit on Yavin 4.

Imperial cadets received training at Skystrike Academy on Montross that was specifically designed to teach them how to destroy Y-wing starfighters. Sabine Wren and Wedge Antilles participated in this training prior to their initial attempt to escape from Skystrike Academy alongside Derek Klivian and Rake Gahree.

The Y-wings of Gold Squadron provided an escort for the Chandrila Mistress, which carried former Imperial Senator Mon Mothma, to a clandestine rendezvous point with the Spectres aboard the Ghost. The Ghost was intended to transport Mothma to Dantooine for a meeting of prominent Rebel leaders.

Imperial forces had been tracking the Chandrila Mistress, and it came under attack shortly after its arrival by an Arquitens-class command cruiser, a Gozanti-class cruiser, and multiple TIE/ln space superiority starfighters. Although Gold Squadron managed to eliminate the TIEs and cruisers, Mothma and her crew were compelled to abandon the Chandrila Mistress and transfer to the Ghost. The Rebels jumped into hyperspace and proceeded to the Archeon Nebula, which the Spectres believed would obscure their movements from the Empire. Grand Admiral Thrawn anticipated this maneuver and dispatched a force of Imperial-class Star Destroyers and TIEs to intercept them, including a TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter prototype piloted by Vult Skerris. Operation Handoff, which ensued, resulted in a decisive Rebel victory, but at the cost of three Y-wings from Gold Squadron.

During the Battle of Atollon, the Y-wings of Green Squadron engaged an Imperial-class Star Destroyer while RZ-1 A-wing interceptors from Phoenix Squadron fought Imperial TIEs. Despite strong Alliance resistance, the Rebels were forced to retreat to Chopper Base on the planet's surface; only the intervention of Clan Wren and the Bendu enabled the Alliance forces to escape from Atollon to Yavin. All but two Y-wings were destroyed during the assault.

Around 0 BBY, a group of Y-wings and X-wings were jointly led under the command of the newly-promoted General Hera Syndulla to assist in the liberation of the planet Lothal from the clutches of the Galactic Empire. The Y-wings and X-wings engaged Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Seventh Fleet in combat, targeting the fuel depot and Imperial Armory Complex in Capital City after breaching the blockade and defeating Skerris definitively. However, after penetrating the outer perimeter defenses in orbit around Lothal, the entire Rebel attack force of Y-wings and X-wings was shot down by Thrawn's second wave of TIE fighters. None of the Y-wing pilots or their astromech droids survived the crash landings in Capital City.

In 0 BBY during Operation Fracture, Y-wings belonging to the Massassi Group participated in a mission to Eadu, which resulted in the death of Galen Walton Erso and the destruction of an Imperial kyber crystal research facility.

Shortly thereafter, the Y-wings of Gold Squadron and Blue Squadron were deployed to take part in the Battle of Scarif, which marked the beginning of the Galactic Civil War. Blue Squadron, having been divided into two groups due to the closure of the field aperture, supported the other squadrons in defending the Alliance Fleet and attacking the Shield Gate. Gold Squadron spearheaded the attack on the Shield Gate, disabling a Star Destroyer using ion torpedos. The battle concluded with the Alliance successfully obtaining the Death Star plans, albeit at the expense of a significant portion of its forces.

Soon after the events at Scarif, a force of 30 starfighters (including 8 Y-wings from Gold Squadron) were deployed in a desperate effort to destroy the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin. Captain Jon Vander led Dex Tiree and Davish Krail down the battle station's meridian trench in the initial attack run, but all three were shot down by Darth Vader. The X-wing starfighters of Red Squadron conducted two additional attack runs, with the second proving successful. Luke Skywalker, a Force-sensitive Rebel pilot, harnessed the Force to launch a pair of proton torpedoes into the station's thermal exhaust port, triggering a chain reaction within the reactor core that resulted in the complete destruction of the station. Only one Y-wing, piloted by Evaan Verlaine, survived the Battle of Yavin.

Not long after the Battle of Yavin, Luke Skywalker piloted the BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter, designated Y 4, during his mission to recover Imperial communication logs. During the mission, the Rebel pilot utilized the starfighter against the Razor-class frigate known as Kreuge's Revenge within the Tertiary Usaita system.

In 0 ABY, Darth Vader and Inspector Thanoth embarked on a Mission to the Anthan system to identify those responsible for the Son-tuul Pride robbery and retrieve its cargo of credits. As part of an attempt to negotiate with the Imperials, an information broker known as the Ante revealed the location of the Plasma Devils base of operations on Anthan 1. Upon gaining this information and witnessing the death of the Ante, Vader and Thanoth abandoned the pursuit and attacked the Plasma Devils' base. As the Plasma Devils attempted to evacuate, Vader single-handedly disabled one of their Y-wings by hurling his lightsaber at its portside engine.

The Y-wings of Gray Squadron saw action during the Battle of Vrogas Vas, where they attempted to assassinate Darth Vader. The Sith Lord employed the Force to hurl debris from his crashed TIE at the bombers, destroying several of them and proving to be a formidable opponent for the squadron. Later in the battle, Leia Organa ordered the Y-wings of Amber Wing to bomb her position in an attempt to kill Vader, but Commander Karbin's forces decimated the wing.

Y-wing starfighters participated in the Mutiny on Mon Cala, a strategically significant victory for the Alliance. The successful mutiny led to the Mon Cala Mercantile Fleet joining the Alliance Fleet.

Y-wings were involved in the defense against an Imperial assault on the Rebellion's base known as the Mako-Ta Space Docks.

At some point between 0 ABY and 3 ABY, a squadron of X-wings and Y-wings patrolling the Arkanis sector located an Imperial listening station and requested target information from Saponza's Gang. The subsequent raid completely destroyed the base.

In 4 ABY, Y-wings took part in the Battle of Endor with numerous units including Gold Squadron, Gray Squadron, and Red Squadron. At least one Y-wing, piloted by Norra Wexley under the Gold Nine callsign, entered the superstructure of the DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station and drew Imperial TIEs away from the Millennium Falcon. The unexpected Rebel victory at Endor led to the death of Galactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine, the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, and the destruction of the Sith, the second Death Star, and the Super Star Destroyer Executor.

Seventeen standard days following the Battle of Endor, the Y-wings of Feral Group participated in the Battle of Cawa City on the planet Sterdic IV, dropping bombs on Imperial All Terrain Armored Transport walkers. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Alliance.

A minimum of three Y-wings participated in the Battle of Theed on Naboo during Operation: Cinder under the command of General Lando Calrissian. The fighters engaged Imperial TIEs that had swarmed Leia Organa, Shara Bey, and Queen Sosha Soruna who had made an attempt to knock out Imperial weather-control satellites. With the help of Shriv Suurgav's Danger Squadron-- now joined by former Imperial Special Forces Commandos Iden Versio and Del Meeko-- the Y-wings successfully bombed the Star Destroyer Torment's shield array. The battle concluded with a rebel victory and the failure of Operation: Cinder in the area.

Several standard months after the Battle of Endor, the New Republic deployed Y-wings to assist the rebellion on Akiva in overthrowing its local Imperial government. The operation led to the capture of at least two high-ranking Imperial officials, the rescue of Captain Wedge Antilles, and the liberation of Akiva from Imperial control.

In 5 ABY, New Republic Y-wings participated in an attack on the Hyborean Moon with the goal of destroying an Imperial Security Bureau prison situated there. The strike destroyed the prison, but also destroyed adjacent buildings and resulted in an unknown number of civilian casualties.

New Republic Y-wings saw action with Shepherd Squadron at the Battle of Fondor Shipyards, one of the final major engagements before the Empire's last stand on Jakku. The battle concluded with a New Republic victory.

Y-wings served with Phantom Squadron and the Tierfon Yellow Aces in the Battle of Jakku, the concluding battle of the Galactic Civil War.

By 28 ABY, Y-wings were largely phased out of military service due to their aging design. Despite this, the Amaxine warriors operated at least one Y-wing around this time, which attempted to thwart Organa's Mission to Sibensko. In addition, the New Republic utilized the more modern BTA-NR2 Y-wing starfighter. The Resistance also operated at least a single two-seat BTL-S3 in 34 ABY and deployed it on a Mission to Spalex, but it was noted that the fighter was very old and was dangerous because of this. The Resistance acquired BTA-NR2s as well and used them within the Resistance navy. Zorii Bliss piloted a BTA-NR2 in the Citizens' Fleet.

The Y-wing starfighter made its debut in the now Legends promotional novel Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker, the very first Star Wars product to be released. It was a novelization of the canon film, known at the time of its release as Star Wars.

In the novelization, the Y-wings that participated in the Battle of Yavin were part of Red Squadron, while the X-wings belonged to Blue Squadron. Due to the limitations of blue screen technology at the time, the Y-wing squadron was renamed Gold Squadron, and the X-wings were assigned to Red Squadron.

Y-wings have appeared in numerous other narrative media released between 1977 and 2014, most notably The Star Wars Holiday Special, the other two films of the original trilogy, and The Clone Wars.

In the original release of Star Wars, the Y-wing starfighters were represented by plastic models filmed against blue screens using computer-controlled cameras. In later versions of the film released to theaters and home media, some shots have been removed and replaced with computer-animated alternatives.

The original design included a transparent turret, but it was removed when it became apparent that blue screen technology was not yet capable of compositing it correctly. The turrets, along with significant portions of the body paneling and the gunner's station, were reintroduced into the Y-wing's design in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The appearance of the Clone Wars-era Y-wing bombers is directly derived from the design of the original Y-wing and Joe Johnston's speculation, who was the Visual Effects Art Director of A New Hope, that the Y-wing used by the Rebel Alliance was a "chopped" version of an older craft. The visual design of the Y-wings seen in the episode "Shadow of Malevolence" is intended to bridge the design aesthetics of the prequel and original trilogies.

On April 25, 2014, Lucasfilm announced that the former Expanded Universe would be discontinued and rebranded as "Legends," and that it would be replaced with a new single-level canonicity system in which new releases were declared either canon or non-canon from the outset. Since the rebranding, Y-wings have appeared in numerous narrative, promotional, and reference Star Wars products.

In "THE TWINS," an episode of Star Wars: Visions, Y-wings are used by Am's Galactic Empire.