The Series 24 represented an advanced evolution of the Skipray Blastboat, a vessel produced by Sienar Fleet Systems. These craft actively participated in the conflicts of the Second Galactic Civil War. A specialized variant, known as the Skipray 24r Blastboat, was specifically engineered for attacking large Capital ships, with a focus on swift hit-and-fade maneuvers against enemy fleet deployments.
Compared to the classic GAT-12 model of the Galactic Civil War, the Series 24 Skipray possessed a slightly larger frame and was regarded as a more formidable combatant. The 'r' variant was particularly notorious, featuring double the missile payload, enhanced targeting systems, and state-of-the-art sensor countermeasures. Furthermore, its twin ion engines were upgraded to deliver increased power. Despite their strengths, the r-series Skiprays were considered susceptible in close-range dogfights and typically operated with a starfighter escort during combat operations.
The Skipray 24r required a substantial crew complement. The flight deck accommodated a pilot, co-pilot, and a third crewmember responsible for managing the deflector shields, concussion missiles, and jamming systems. This crewmember was assisted by an astromech stationed at the adjacent communications console. Additionally, the vessel featured two gunner positions located in turrets on the upper and lower hull, accessible via hatches in the cabin's deck and ceiling. A small passenger area was situated behind the flight deck, and further aft was a compact airlock enabling spacewalks via an exit point on the hull's underside. The Jedi Coalition procured a contingent of r-series Skiprays to aid their struggle against the forces of Galactic Alliance Chief of State Darth Caedus and the Imperial Remnant during the Second Battle of Roche. Notably, many of the pilots operating these vessels were former members of the Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet who had defected upon recognizing the true nature of their supreme commander.