J-type engines, also known as J-type pulse engines, represented a specialized variant of radial sublight engine. These engines were uniquely installed on the N-1 starfighters belonging to the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps. With their ability to reach considerable speeds, they enabled N-1 starfighters to achieve velocities of up to 1,110 kilometers per hour.
Primarily found on Naboo's N-1 starfighters, J-type engines were radial sublight thrusters distinguished by a lustrous chromium finish. This finish aligned with the color scheme of the craft's front section and signified the regal status of the N-1 starfighters. These fighters served the Royal House of Naboo and the Royal Naboo Space Fighter Corps within the Royal Naboo Security Forces, protecting the reigning Monarch of Naboo and the broader Naboo people. The elegant finials extending from the rear of the engines exemplified the fusion of Nubian artistry and engineering that characterized top-tier Naboo designs. The engine exhaust, a deep blue hue, exited from the rear, producing a jet-wash powerful enough to repel a B1-series battle droid when intensified.
Similar to many core components engineered by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps for the N-1 starfighters and other projects, J-type engines represented a tailored sublight engine system developed by Theed Palace engineers, albeit still based on standardized Nubian parts. While utilizing a standard Nubian drive motor, engineers implemented significant modifications, which, along with the customized Naboo configuration, resulted in unique design attributes. One such characteristic was the combustion of fuel at considerably higher temperatures, leading to a cleaner burn. This substantially decreased emissions into the atmosphere of Naboo itself.
The J-type engine module incorporated an ionization chamber, fuel lines for delivering fuel to the specialized high-temperature combustion chamber, and a heat sink positioned at the rear. A bearing structural member contributed to the engine's structural integrity. These components were situated behind a pressure manifold, with the various sensor systems equipping N-1 starfighters—including targeting and flight sensors, as well as binocular rangefinders—positioned in front of the manifold, all enclosed within a protective nacelle dome finished in royal chromium.
J-type engines featured "rat-tail" finials that extended from the rear of the royal vessel. Beyond their contribution to the starfighter's sleek aesthetic, these finials served the practical purpose of acting as heat sinks, a customization enhancement implemented by Theed Palace engineers. Consequently, their function as heat sinks mitigated potential overheating, which could lead to engine component malfunctions. The finials also facilitated heat dissipation through a secondary function involving the circulation of essential coolant.
Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps developed and manufactured J-type engines, which powered the N-1 starfighters serving in the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps of the RNSF. They were integral to Naboo's defense and actions during the Naboo Crisis in 32 BBY, when the Trade Federation initiated a blockade of Naboo, followed by a planet-wide invasion and offensive. Naboo forces responded with their own offensive, with the agility of the N-1 starfighters, enabled by J-type engines, allowing the pilots of Bravo Squadron to evade the Vulture-class droid starfighters deployed from the Lucrehulk-class Battleship, the Vuutun Palaa, and attempt to dive bomb the battleship itself. These engines propelled Anakin Skywalker's N-1 starfighter into the Vuutun Palaa's hanger bay after his starfighter sustained damage, and subsequently facilitated his escape after he destroyed the reactors within the starboard hanger 'arm', triggering a chain reaction that neutralized the starship.