The J-type star skiff, alternatively known as the Naboo star skiff, represented a starship yacht designed by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps specifically for the Royal House of Naboo. Given its main function of transporting passengers, it gained the designation of "star skiff," mirroring the role frequently held by the terrestrial repulsorlift vehicles commonly known as skiffs.
The J-type star skiff became a symbol of the evolving landscape of the galaxy during the waning years of the Galactic Republic.
While the star skiff maintained the streamlined, teardrop-shaped hull and expansive wings characteristic of earlier royal cruisers, it also featured a more muted finish, exposed access panels, and discolored Sossen-7 sublight engines. These features suggested that the star skiff was a product of more troubled times. Perhaps most surprising for a royal vessel from Naboo was the inclusion of a pair of laser cannons mounted on top. The J-type star skiff measured 29 meters in length, with a wingspan of 49.3 meters. Despite its relatively compact size, the interior was surprisingly spacious and featured a remarkably quick 0.5 hyperdrive. In addition to standard cabins and compartments, the Naboo star skiff included lockers and a medical bay, and it could accommodate up to 6 passengers.
The star skiff was not intended for direct combat situations; however, its exceptional speed and maneuverability allowed for swift escapes, enabling the ship to recover from potential damage. Although its high cost prevented mass production, the J-type could serve as a refueling asset for the N-1 starfighter when necessary.
Originally intended for Queen Apailana, the reigning monarch upheld Naboo's tradition of honoring former Queen Amidala by granting her access to the star skiff.
While typically only the planet's current ruler could possess a vessel adorned with chromium, Padmé's widespread popularity and unwavering loyalty to Naboo superseded this custom. Although Padmé was fully capable of piloting the star skiff herself, she often delegated the task to Captain Gregar Typho or C-3PO. Other prominent figures in the Republic also utilized J-type star skiffs during this era.
Padmé Amidala employed this vessel to engage in negotiations with Ziro Desilijic Tiure regarding his potential allegiance to the Republic; however, Ziro showed no interest in her proposals. She also piloted this ship to Cato Neimoidia with Rush Clovis, who was acting as a spy for the Jedi Council to investigate whether he was in negotiations with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. In 19 BBY, she utilized this ship to journey to Mustafar in an attempt to locate her husband, Anakin Skywalker, shortly after the conclusion of the Clone Wars. Unbeknownst to her, Obi-Wan Kenobi had secretly boarded the ship, which ultimately led to a fateful duel.
Obi-Wan Kenobi also transported Padmé Amidala in the yacht to the medical facilities located at Polis Massa Base, after Anakin had used a Force choke against her.
Following Amidala's death, the Naboo people retired the star skiff, as it served as a painful reminder of the events that had befallen their former Queen. However, other Senators continued to acquire these ships to enhance their own prestige.
The Naboo star skiff shares visual similarities with the RQ-3 Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle and the Northrop YB-49 bomber aircraft.
Concept Design Supervisor Ryan Church's sketches depicted the skiff with added and modified features, implying that it had been "supercharged" for combat purposes.
During the primary filming phase, only a small portion of the ship was actually constructed – specifically, the boarding ramp was built to full scale. The interior cockpit setting was digitally assembled using background plates from the Naboo yacht interior featured in Episode II, combined with new footage of actors seated in the yacht's chairs against a greenscreen backdrop. During subsequent pickup shots, new scenes set deeper within the ship necessitated the construction of a fully enclosed set that included the ship's locker bay and medical suite.