Nebulon-B2 frigate

Although it shared a similar design with the original, the Nebulon-B2 had several notable differences. The forward pod was redesigned into an inverted-V shape, providing more surface area for weapon emplacements. Additionally, the connecting spar was reinforced, making it more resistant to being split open by heavy fire, and the overall length of the ship was reduced by approximately 50 meters.

Its sublight speed was increased by 17%, and both shield power and hull resistance were improved. Furthermore, the Nebulon-B2 was equipped with a concussion missile launcher, a feature not typically found on the earlier model.

Like a number of vehicles first introduced in Star Wars: TIE Fighter, the Nebulon-B2 has not been featured in any official media outside of video games.

The Nebulon-B2 might appear somewhat under-gunned for a vessel supposedly superior to its predecessor and described in-game as having "exceptionally well armed for its size." This discrepancy is likely due to gameplay considerations, as a player piloting a single starfighter would stand little chance against a more realistically armed warship. In Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, the source of the ship's statistics, the original Nebulon-B is only armed with four turbolasers.

The Nebulon-B2 has undergone several revisions across different game releases. In Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter: Balance of Power, its shielding and hull strength matched that of a Dreadnaught. However, these stats were altered in X-wing Alliance, where it possessed weaker shields and armor than the original Nebulon-B, and was also shorter.

A destroyed Nebulon-B2 frigate is visible during the Ord Mantell Junkyard mission in the Shadows of the Empire video game.