V-19 Torrent starfighter

Key Features

A distinctive element of the V-19 was its dual pairs of folding wings, known as S-foils, which enhanced its agility in combat and facilitated convenient pilot access to the cockpit via a sliding canopy. The combination of the lower, hinged S-foils and improved repulsorlift engines enabled the V-19 to execute vertical take-offs and landings (VTOL) with exceptional ease.

Offensive Capabilities

The V-19 was armed with a pair of laser cannons, one mounted on each wingtip, along with two concussion missile launchers. It could carry a minimum of six concussion missiles. During the Muunilinst campaign, these missiles demonstrated the ability to independently lock onto and track multiple targets. Anakin Skywalker exploited this capability to eliminate a squadron of Nantex-class starfighters and a gun platform.

Historical Information

Accelerated Production

Following the successful performance of prototypes in the First Battle of Geonosis, the Republic initiated a rapid, large-scale manufacturing effort to integrate V-19s into the expanding arsenal of the clone army. This was done to address the vulnerability of LAAT gunships against enemy starfighters. However, due to the extensive training period of several months required for clone trooper pilots to master the V-19, its widespread deployment was delayed in the early stages of the war. The V-19 made a significant impact at the Battle of Muunilinst, where 156 units were deployed from the Nevoota Bee, an Acclamator-class assault ship that had been modified into a carrier.

Operational History

V-19 fighters participated in the Battle of Teth, where Obi-Wan Kenobi's reinforcements aided General Skywalker. Kenobi, supported by Odd Ball, led the squadron against Separatist Vulture droids. As Skywalker attempted to land, Vulture droids initiated a suicide attack, crashing into the hangar and destroying all V-19s present, preventing Skywalker's landing.

They also formed a substantial part of Skywalker's starfighter complement aboard his flagship, the Resolute, notably during the Malevolence crisis.

These fighters were also involved in the Battle of Kiros, where Skywalker and his Padawan liberated the Togruta colony from Separatist control.

When the neutral planet of Nexus Ortai was drawn into the conflict, the V-19 served as the primary defensive fighter against Separatist forces during the space combat phase of the resulting battle.

Shortly thereafter, V-19 fighters saw action in the Battle of Ryloth, where Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano led a squadron against the Separatist blockade. They were ambushed and overwhelmed, and after Axe, Tano's second-in-command, was lost, the squadron was ordered to retreat, with only 2 fighters remaining out of the 15 that participated.

Later, V-19s were present during the Sky Battle of Quell, defending the flagship of Jedi Aayla Secura as she awaited reinforcements from Anakin Skywalker.

V-19s also saw service during the Battle of Rendili under the command of generals Saesee Tiin and Plo Koon, and were deployed during the Battle of Tirahnn.

Design Improvements

Originally conceived as a short-range fighter, Republic engineers later integrated a Class 1 hyperdrive to enable escort missions. Some were further modified to utilize Syluire-31 hyperspace docking rings. Nevertheless, many of the original hyperdrive-less variants remained in service. Venator-class Star Destroyers sometimes carried V-19s instead of V-wings, with a full complement of 192. When a Venator opened its dorsal hangar, V-19s were often deployed as a picket line to protect the exposed hangar. The Acclamator-class assault ship also deployed V-19s. While the exact number of fighters these ships could carry is unknown, the _Acclamator_s that transported the strike force to Muunilinst each carried at least 156 V-19s.

The Torrent starfighters were eventually supplemented and partially superseded by ARC-170 starfighters and V-wings as the Republic's primary fighter craft towards the end of the Clone Wars. Despite this, V-19s remained in service with the Republic until the end of the Clone Wars, participating in the task force sent to defend Kashyyyk shortly before the execution of Order 66.

Following the execution of Order 66, HOB-147, an unconscious clone trooper from the Light Brigade Division, was rescued from the wreckage of his V-19 Torrent starfighter by Hurd Coyle, after being lost in space. This clone trooper befriended young Padawans transported in Coyle's salvage ship, and protected them from Imperial troopers.

The Galactic Empire continued to operate Torrents after the Clone Wars, often assigning them to older carriers and facilities in the Outer Rim.

A few months after the Declaration of a New Order, followers of the renegade clone trooper Kaddak flew them during the Shrouded Offensive. The separatists ambushed Green Squadron before disappearing.

Behind the Curtain

The V-19 Torrent's design was conceived by LucasArts' Art Director Chris Williams and Concept Artist Greg Knight for the 2-D Clone Wars micro-series. The fighter's folding wings were inspired by the real-world F4U Corsair. Thang Le created the concept art for the Torrent in the 3-D Star Wars: The Clone Wars film. The novel Jedi Trial mistakenly referred to the class as T-19, attributing its manufacture to "Torpil".

A LEGO model of the fighter (LEGO STAR WARS - 7674 V-19 Torrent) was released in 2008, and it is also a playable vehicle in LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars.