The CR92a Assassin-class corvette, more commonly known as the modified corvette, was a compact warship that first came into production before the Battle of Hoth. Its primary users were the forces of the Imperial Navy.
This Assassin-class vessel was conceived as a more combat-oriented evolution of the well-known CR90 corvette. While it retained the distinctive "hammerhead" shape, its design was more streamlined, enhancing the hull's structural integrity.
Beyond its reinforced hull, the Assassin boasted more durable shields and a greater capacity for offensive firepower.
While maintaining a similar 4-3-4 engine configuration, the Assassin employed eight larger outboard engines and three smaller inboard engines, a departure from the CR90's eleven engines of near-identical size.
The Assassin-class worked in tandem with the CR90, forming system patrol squadrons to defend against pirates and Rebel assaults on convoys and space stations. Rebels also employed it for swift hit-and-run tactics, and various factions utilized it to transport valuable cargo and personnel.
In 0 ABY, Darth Vader commandeered the Archer, piloted by Ensign Nanda, for a personal vendetta mission.
The disloyal Imperial Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin frequently deployed Assassin-class corvettes in attacks against Imperial forces still loyal to the Emperor. During his betrayal, he commanded at least twenty-five of these corvettes.
During 41 ABY, several Assassin corvettes saw action as part of Daala's Maw Irregular Fleet in the Second Battle of Fondor.
The Assassin-class corvette made its debut in the Star Wars: X-Wing game. In tactical displays and the ship database, it was simply labeled as "Modified Corvette". Although named and mentioned, the actual in-game model for the mission was a standard CR90 corvette. However, the sequels presented a genuinely original design. While fandom often refers to the Assassin-class corvette as the CR90a, Suns of Fortune later officially designated it as the CR92a.
Furthermore, the Archer featured in Brian Wood's Star Wars comics utilizes the standard CR90 model.