Nova flare

A nova flare, as deployed by Rogue Squadron in conjunction with Aggressor Wing. The anti-capital ship strategy known as the Nova flare was conceived, in part, by Commander Wedge Antilles from Rogue Squadron. The core concept of the nova flare, which was initially implemented at some point during the Galactic Civil War (possibly shortly after the Battle of Endor), was to unleash concentrated volleys of either proton torpedoes or concussion missiles from numerous starfighters, targeting specific weak points on the enemy capital ship's shields. The first recorded instance of this tactic being employed was during a skirmish over Ciutric IV by Rogue Squadron pilots, working alongside Y-wings from Aggressor Wing, which was under the leadership of Colonel Horton Salm.

During the events of the Bacta War, pilots who formerly served the New Republic found significant success using this tactic to destroy the Victory II-class Star Destroyer named Corrupter. Later, during the Battle of Thyferra, the ex-Rogues utilized a slightly modified version of the same tactic, achieving even greater destructive power, to inflict severe damage upon the Super Star Destroyer Lusankya. In this particular engagement, the Rogues enhanced the tactic's effectiveness by linking the targeting data of proton torpedoes launched from freighters to the targeting computers of their starfighters, resulting in a much more widespread and devastating impact.

However, a captain commanding the targeted capital ship could potentially nullify the effectiveness of this tactic by ordering the vessel to rotate, thereby presenting undamaged shields to the attacking fighters, allowing the crew time to repair and reinforce the weakened areas. Conversely, the starfighter pilots executing the nova flare could adapt by maneuvering to redirect their attacks towards the compromised or completely breached shield sections. Generally, a capital ship's chances of survival decreased with the increasing size and frequency of torpedo and missile barrages, irrespective of its own size relative to the attacking force.