The Nssis-class Clawcraft, a starfighter, is most often linked to the Chiss. However, it was actually a combined creation using established Imperial technologies.
The design of the main body took inspiration from the well-known "ball cockpit" found on the TIE Series starfighters used by the Empire. A Sienar ion drive unit was attached to the back. Emerging from where the cockpit met the drive unit were two pairs of curved wings. These wings resembled the X-wing's strike-foils, extending outward and then curving forward to create a claw-like shape around the cockpit. Each wingtip featured a L-s7.2 laser cannon manufactured by Sienar.
While equipped with basic deflector shields and enhanced hull plating, Clawcraft had reduced sublight speeds in comparison to the TIE/LN starfighter models they were derived from. Nevertheless, the ion engines provided an atmospheric speed of 1,000 kilometers per hour, along with a respectable sublight acceleration rate of nearly forty thousand meters per second squared.
Despite the slower sublight speeds, Clawcraft compensated with improved maneuverability. Each of the curved wings could make slight adjustments in position and was paired with a control jet. This allowed pilots to execute rapid turns and intricate maneuvers.
A specialized hyperspace beacon system allowed Clawcraft to jump to lightspeed without needing an on-board navigation computer. This allowed the craft to perform as a long-range vessel while greatly reducing the weight, size, and complexity of the non-combat equipment it carried.
Clawcraft fighters had been in production for some time before the Empire, under the rule of Galactic Emperor Palpatine, began sharing technology with the Chiss Ascendancy. This initiative was started by the Chiss Imperial Thrawn. Subsequently, Clawcraft designs began to integrate design elements from TIE fighters as part of the collaborative effort.
By 19 ABY, pilots from the Household Phalanx were operating long-range scout vessels that combined TIE cockpits and drive systems with alien technologies, similar to the Chiss-Imperial Clawcraft.
The broader galaxy became aware of the Nssis-class in 25 ABY, during the battles of Garqi and Ithor. At this time the force Spike, a group of Chiss pilots from the Household Phalanx led by Colonel Jagged Fel, which included Spike Squadron, was deployed. Some of this group continued fighting alongside Rogue Squadron until at least the battle of Kalarba, and after the fall of Coruscant.
The Chiss forces returned to their home territory until Colonel Jagged Fel persuaded Baron Fel to permit him to take a scout force to further evaluate the danger presented by the Yuuzhan Vong. This led to Colonel Fel and Shawnkyr Nuruodo deploying in a wing-pair of Household Phalanx Clawcraft where they took part in operations within the Hapes Cluster. Later, Colonel Fel's group was reinforced by several squadrons of combat pilots, forming Vanguard Squadron at the time. The two Clawcraft also fought with the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances alongside Twin Suns Squadron until the war's conclusion.
By 29 ABY, a small number of Nssis-class ships were observed in Chiss space. By this point, political developments in the Unknown Regions resulted in Baron Fel becoming the Assistant Syndic of the CEDF. However, it was only during the conflicts with the Killik Colony in 36 ABY and 38 ABY that the familiar Clawcraft definitively appeared in significant numbers within CEDF forces.