The N-1 starfighter, known by various names including the Royal Naboo N-1 starfighter, Naboo N-1 starfighter, Naboo starfighter, N-1 fighter, or simply the N-1, represented a single-seat patrol craft. It was engineered by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps and operated by the Royal Naboo Security Forces.
This starfighter, the N-1, was a streamlined, single-pilot vehicle utilized by the Naboo, embodying the fusion of artistic design and practical function characteristic of Naboo's technology. Its polished chromium surfaces, especially on the front, reflected sunlight during fly-bys and parades, symbolizing Naboo's royal status and complementing the Royal Starship. This chromium finish provided a striking contrast against the primarily yellow color scheme of the N-1.
Propelled by twin J-type engines, the starfighter boasted remarkable agility. It also included a Nubian Monarc C-4 hyperdrive and a single, top-mounted astromech droid. Equipped with an autopilot system and protective shielding, its offensive capabilities comprised two blaster cannons and integrated proton torpedo launchers. The launchers held a double proton torpedo magazine capable of carrying ten torpedoes. The N-1 could reach a maximum velocity of 1,100 kph and measured eleven meters in length. The ship's distinctive rear "rat-tail" served as a power charger collector, drawing energy from onboard generators when inactive. The two outer finials on the craft acted as heat dissipation units for the engines.
The Naboo originally constructed the N-1 starfighter, which was in service from at least the days of the High Republic Era. Its most notable deployment occurred during the Trade Federation's invasion of their planet. Although few pilots within Naboo's Space Fighter Corps possessed actual combat experience, their intensive training prepared them for confronting the Trade Federation. During the invasion, Bravo Squadron pilots flew N-1s during the final push against the Vuutun Palaa, the Droid Control Ship. A young Anakin Skywalker launched a pair of torpedoes into the starboard main reactor, resulting in its internal destruction. Subsequently, they joined the celebrations on Naboo, flying over the capital city of Theed.
A decade later, three N-1s were used to escort Senator Padmé Amidala to Coruscant for a vote on the Military Creation Act. While their Royal Starship carried a decoy senator, Amidala traveled in one of the starfighters. They landed uneventfully, but shortly after, the bounty hunter Zam Wesell attacked the ship, destroying it and killing the senator's double. One of the three N-1s was also dislodged from the landing platform by debris. N-1s remained in service with Naboo throughout the Clone Wars, with some stored in Theed Hangar during this period. During the war, Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano provided starfighter combat training to Amidala, who flew an all-chrome N-1.
In the years following the pivotal Battle of Endor, N-1 starfighters participated in celebrations after the Galactic Empire's second Death Star was obliterated. Soon after, Imperial agents received posthumous directives from Emperor Palpatine to initiate Naboo's destruction via weather manipulation as part of Operation: Cinder. Rebel leader Leia Organa, skilled pilot Shara Bey, and Naboo's Queen Soruna piloted three long-dormant N-1 fighters from the Theed Hangar into space to destroy the Imperial satellites causing the extreme weather.
The Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin obtained a modified N-1 starfighter after his previous ship, the Razor Crest, was destroyed. Djarin and the engineer Peli Motto rebuilt the ship at Hangar 3-5 in Mos Eisley, Tatooine.
During the Cold War era, an N-1 starfighter was used by Jinata Security officer Leema Kai, modified with seismic charges instead of proton torpedoes. It was destroyed in a dogfight against Iden Versio.
In 35 ABY, N-1 starfighters formed part of a fleet assembled by Lando Calrissian to aid the Resistance during the battle against the Sith Eternal forces above Exegol.
The N-1 starfighter made its debut in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, the initial entry in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Several physical models of the ship were constructed for the prequel trilogy. N-1 starfighters were later incorporated into Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi as part of the celebration sequence on Naboo in the concluding montage of the DVD release.
Artist Doug Chiang designed the N-1 starfighter, considering it one of his preferred designs. Initially, the ship's design reflected the angular aesthetic prevalent in the original trilogy. However, Chiang opted for an aquatic feel for Naboo's ships, inspired by the planet's abundance of water. Envisioning the ship landing on water, he designed it with a boat-like hull and omitted landing pads, favoring a sleek boat-like form. Chiang recognized George Lucas's fondness for F1 cars and boats, finding the lines of F1 cars particularly striking. He decided to adapt the appearance of an F1 boat into a ship, initiating the ship's design evolution.
Chiang aimed for a design that was both functionally practical and aesthetically elegant, aligning with Lucas's vision. In his design, he transformed the two pontoons of F1 boats into jet engines, incorporating a long spike to emulate a fish's tail, imbuing the ship with a fish-like quality. Chiang meticulously refined all details to finalize the design.
Chiang was uncertain about the ship's inclusion in The Phantom Menace due to its unconventional design. Ultimately, it was included because it was iconic, easily recognizable, innovative, and allowed the audience to understand its function. Lucas appreciated the design and wanted to further enhance it with a bold color.
During the production of The Phantom Menace, Visual Effects Supervisor John Knoll and the crew encountered a problem: the N-1 starfighters' tails extended through the walls of the Theed hangar to fit in their bays. The crew of Star Wars: The Clone Wars faced the same issue during the production of the episode "Blue Shadow Virus." Supervising director Dave Filoni consulted with Knoll, who confirmed that they had experienced the same problem during the making of The Phantom Menace.
The full-scale N-1 Starfighter prop used by Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace was displayed at Boston's Museum of Science as part of the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit in 2005. It remained suspended above visitors' heads in the museum's Blue Wing for several years, supported by large wires. It was eventually removed after accumulating significant dust.