The Helix-class light interceptor, a creation of Arakyd Industries, was essentially an armed freighter that possessed the capabilities of a starfighter. A subsequent, upgraded version known as the "Model B" was also produced.
The original interceptor model was equipped with a Class 2 GBp-625 hyperdrive from Incom Corporation, whereas the Model B featured a Class 1 GBp-629 hyperdrive.
Both models of this starship included a LBE flight control computer, 4 H-L Block ion drives, a Class 12 backup hyperdrive system, 80 fuel cells, and the ability to operate within atmospheres at speeds reaching 750 kilometers per hour, alongside exceptional maneuverability.
Protection was afforded by a duranium-kathor composite hull augmented by shields. The ship's armaments consisted of 2 fire-linked Plasburst laser cannon belly turrets, 2 forward-mounted, fire-linked ion cannons, and a single forward-facing dorsal proton torpedo launcher with a capacity of 5 Mark V-rated torpedoes.
Production of this craft lasted only half a year before the Bureau of Ships and Services discovered that Arakyd was illegally manufacturing an armed "freighter." The Empire then issued a mandate to cease production, but Arakyd continued to sell the existing stock.
The Empire mandated that all owners disassemble the illegal armaments to comply with Safe Starship Regulations and register their ships with the ISB, but this was largely ignored, with many Imperial nobles keeping their ships in their original, armed configuration.