NovaSword Space Superiority Fighter

Compared to the older Z-95 Headhunter, the NovaSword was a more agile and potent spacecraft, boasting numerous enhancements. Sporting adequate shielding, impressive speed and handling, and an internal hyperdrive, the NovaSword was a highly adaptable and effective vehicle, suitable for roles such as an interceptor, scout, or even a light bomber. As a sizable starfighter, the NovaSword featured a spacious and comfortable cockpit. Access to the cockpit was achieved via a ramp situated on the ship's underside, rather than a traditional opening canopy. Furthermore, the pilot and passenger seats, along with their respective controls, were positioned side-by-side and offered ample room, separated by a central control panel.

This arrangement aligned with the NovaSword's intended operational concept: while designed for a single pilot, the second seat could accommodate a co-pilot, commander, systems specialist, or engineer, depending on the mission's specific requirements. This allowed smaller organizations to deploy a single skilled pilot with enhanced capabilities, or larger groups to assign two crew members per vessel for increased versatility.

The NovaSword represented Sublight Products Corporations's endeavor to penetrate the broader galactic market. Despite having conceived some of the most successful starfighters of its time (like the Z-95 Headhunter), its remote location relative to the Core regions led to its perception as a second-tier designer. Moreover, although it contributed to numerous designs manufactured by the Incom Corporation, Subpro never received its due share of the profits generated, nor the widespread recognition for its contribution to these designs.

Ultimately, Subpro developed the NovaSword to address this issue, and the design was initially projected to be successful. However, Subpro's reputation hindered the Republic (and later, the Empire) from procuring the craft. Its elevated price point restricted sales to wealthier entities. Sales remained sluggish, and production numbers were relatively low. Consequently, the NovaSword was frequently sold to private individuals, typically mercenaries and bounty hunters, with only a handful of small fleets acquired by planetary security forces.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems acquired several dozen NovaSwords for their distinguished fleet commanders. Durge notably employed one as his personal fighter throughout much of the Clone Wars. However, with the introduction of the X-wing starfighter some years later, the NovaSword largely faded into obscurity.