The Manta-class assault starfighter, a product of the Tapani Starship Cooperative during the Galactic Empire era, was constructed at the Tallaani Shipyards. In the Tapani sector, this starfighter was the preferred choice for pilots.
Taking inspiration from the creature it was named after, the Manta-class starfighter showcased a smooth, organic aesthetic. It incorporated a trio of retractable landing struts, each equipped with magnetic clamps, alongside several magnetic pads located on its underside. These features enabled the starfighter to attach itself to the hull of a Tapani-class carrier or other starships for transportation, a necessity given the Manta-class starfighter's lack of an integrated hyperdrive.
This starfighter was created to protect vessels traversing the Shapani Bypass from pirate attacks. It could be configured in one of two ways, either as a high-speed interceptor or as an attack craft. When configured for interception, the wings were positioned parallel to the main body, maximizing speed but resulting in only moderate maneuverability. While few vessels could outpace a Manta in this configuration, its offensive capabilities were limited because most of its power was automatically directed to the engines, leaving only the ion cannons operational.
Conversely, when configured for attack, the wings rotated downward by 90 degrees, allowing the deployment of the fighter's two heavy laser cannons, thus significantly enhancing its offensive potential. In this mode, the fighter's maneuverability was greatly increased, although this came at the expense of reduced speed during maneuvering.
The standard factory price for a Manta-class starfighter was approximately 95,000 credits.