The YX-1980 space transport achieved widespread popularity as a transport circa 137 ABY. Notorious smugglers Chak and Kee piloted a YX-1980, which they called the Grinning Liar, as their primary spacecraft.
The YX-1980 was a resilient cargo freighter, capable of transporting goods throughout the galaxy with relative ease. While not the fastest transport available, it possessed exceptional durability. Its shields were significantly stronger than those found on most transports, and it featured a set of medium blaster cannons for defensive purposes.
The vessel incorporated an exposed platform, enabling the distribution of cargo across a greater surface area. This design choice lessened the stress on the repulsorlifts and artificial gravity mechanisms. It also aided in mitigating damage to other onboard systems in the event of a malfunction. Some owners found this separation beneficial, while others expressed concerns regarding operational challenges and difficulties encountered during modification attempts.
As with the majority of Corellian Engineering Corporation (CEC) designs, customization was straightforward. The vessel offered ample space for alterations and the integration of new systems. This feature contributed to its popularity among captains who favored personalizing their starships.