Shadow Squadron (Galactic Empire)

This Imperial starfighter squadron, known as Shadow Squadron, was established following the conclusion of the Galactic Republic. Its membership was comprised of former, honorable clone trooper pilots who, with the rise of the Galactic Empire, transformed into merciless enforcers. To align with the Emperor's more sinister agenda, Shadow Squadron modified their V-wing and ARC-170 starfighters, and they were specifically assigned to pursue pro-Republic holdouts after the Clone Wars.

The pilots of Shadow Squadron operated Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters and ARC-170 starfighter/bombers that displayed a color scheme of light-gray with dark-gray markings and stripes. Complementing their vessels' aesthetics, the squadron's pilots donned armor that mirrored the dark color palette.

Shadow Squadron pilots typically carried DC-15Ss and were generally supported by astromech droids specifically programmed to provide navigational assistance and starfighter maintenance. R4-series astromech droids were utilized by ARC-170 pilots, while V-wing pilots were accompanied by spherical Q7-series astromechs for navigation and in-flight repairs.

With the introduction of Phase II pilot armor in 19 BBY, Shadow Squadron pilots utilized helmets that were open-faced in design. Their flight suits were primarily black, and the helmets were black with a silver stripe, bearing the new Imperial insignia in place of the Republic symbol. Their chest plates were equipped with forced-ox rebreathers for emergencies involving critical damage to their ships.

Following the establishment of the Galactic Empire, war planners decided that a fresh approach was needed for naval fighter designs. The emphasis shifted away from slow, heavily armored starfighters towards faster, more numerous single-seat strike craft. The V-wing, already in limited production, was prioritized, resulting in the rapid production of a large quantity of these dangerous vehicles. The V-wings of Shadow Squadron possessed the speed, firepower, and maneuverability to make them formidable weapons. Furthermore, they were painted light-gray with dark-gray markings and stripes, and the cockpit canopies were specially tinted to reduce combat glare, thus allowing for open-faced helmets that were clear for ease of instrument viewing.

Originally conceived and developed by the Republic for assault and reconnaissance missions against Separatist forces, ARC-170s were designed for endurance rather than speed and maneuverability. As the Galactic Empire rose to power, these heavy combat fighter/bombers were being replaced by more agile starfighters. Shadow Squadron continued to employ these heavy craft in their Imperial role, modifying and customizing them beyond the standard laser cannons and proton torpedoes to aid in the pursuit of Imperial dissidents and pro-Republic sympathizers. Similarly, Shadow Squadron's ARC-170s were repainted and redesigned with light-gray paint, dark-gray markings, and tinted canopies, mirroring the aesthetic of the squadron's V-wings.

In 2009, Hasbro launched their Shadow Squadron 3-3/4" ARC-170 and V-wing starfighter vehicles, along with action figures inspired by the Star Wars: Dark Times comic book story arc Star Wars: Dark Times: The Path to Nowhere, specifically issues 1 and 2.

A V-wing fighter reminiscent of those used by Shadow Squadron was released as a LEGO set in 2011 under the title "Imperial V-wing Starfighter." This set included an Imperial pilot figure with unique black and grey printing, as well as R2-Q2. The fighter itself featured Imperial roundels and a black-and-gray color scheme.