The Lancer-class pursuit craft, alternatively referred to as the Lancer Pursuit Craft, represented a type of patrol ship manufactured by MandalMotors specifically for the Black Sun criminal organization. During the Clone Wars, the bounty hunter Asajj Ventress piloted a Lancer-class ship known as the _Banshee_, whereas Ketsu Onyo, another hunter, operated the Lancer-class vessel Shadow Caster throughout the Galactic Empire's rule. Furthermore, the Nebular Kelpie, another Lancer-class ship, was observed participating in the Battle of Exegol on the side of the Resistance.
The Lancer blurred the distinctions between a common freighter and a dedicated warship, functioning more as an interdiction and patrol vessel compared to a standard cargo transport. MandalMotors developed the Lancer as a specialized order for Black Sun, and the design focused on intercepting escaping cargo ships while also being faster than other patrol ships. The design took inspiration from light freighters produced by the SoroSuub Corporation.
The Lancer was renowned for its speed, durability, and resilience to heavy usage with minimal upkeep, enabling it to operate, engage in combat, and endure within the most hazardous and isolated regions of the galaxy. This was achieved through the incorporation of multiple backup systems and a design that facilitated ease of maintenance. Its highly adaptable nature also allowed for a wide range of modifications to cater to the specific requirements of different users. These attributes rendered it exceptionally appealing to smugglers, bounty hunters, and numerous underdeveloped planets seeking a swift, economical, and heavily armed patrol vessel.
The Lancer-class, which was approximately the same size as a YT-1300, possessed a slender, saucer-shaped primary hull reminiscent of many of the more well-known ships produced by CEC. A streamlined cockpit with two seats arranged in tandem extended from the leading edge of the saucer, providing a confined but efficiently designed space for a pilot and co-pilot. This configuration could be altered to accommodate a single pilot's seat.
A collection of potent sublight engines positioned at the rear supplied the main propulsive force, while advanced ion engines installed on midship sponsons offered supplemental linear velocity – sufficient to overtake almost any vessel in its category. Although not as maneuverable as a starfighter, the Lancer's velocity and streamlined form made it a challenging target to acquire and strike during combat. The ship's basic weaponry was relatively modest, but a cutting-edge targeting system – the MK.IV Fire Control System – significantly enhanced its effectiveness. Furthermore, the vessel featured several hardpoints that allowed for customization, facilitating system and weapon upgrades.
During the Clone Wars, ships belonging to this class were put into service, most notably by Asajj Ventress, who piloted the Banshee while working as a bounty hunter during her time.
In 9 BBY, a Lancer-class ship was located in the Aldera spaceport on Alderaan.
A Lancer-class ship was part of Zorby's Western Shiplot, which was a starship lot situated on the planet Ferrix. Years later, Ketsu Onyo, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, utilized the Shadow Caster to provide support to the Phoenix rebel cell.
Around 9 ABY, a single Lancer-class vessel was present in Borgo Prime, a shadowport located within the Outer Rim Territories.
During the First Order-Resistance War, Tara Rashin of the Guavian Death Gang employed the Salathera to assault and seize a cargo vessel transporting components to the Droid Depot.
Another ship, the Nebular Kelpie, was used by a young Shungbeek named Kid Malmash to assist war refugees in reaching safe havens. Later, the ship was observed engaging in combat on the planet Exegol during the battle of Exegol between the Resistance and the Sith Eternal.
The Lancer-class pursuit craft made its initial appearance in the form of the Banshee, which was unveiled at Celebration Anaheim during "The Untold Clone Wars Panel." Originally intended for inclusion in uncompleted episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, these episodes were adapted into a novel titled Dark Disciple, authored by Christie Golden, following the show's cancellation. The panel showcased concept art of the Banshee, drawing inspiration from Doug Chiang's work on the Republic gunship. The final design was reworked into the Shadow Caster, which was featured in the Star Wars Rebels episode "Blood Sisters." The production asset for the Banshee was made available in the episode's trivia section on Starwars.com.