KSE Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing

Manufacturer
Kuat Systems Engineering

Model
KSE Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing

Class
Starfighter

Cost
150,000 credits

Max Space Speed
100 MGLT

Hyperdrive rating
None

Armament
Twin laser cannon turret (1)
Concussion missile launcher (1)

Crew
1

Minimum crew
1

Passengers
0

Cargo capacity
0.5 tons

Role(s)
Interceptor
Patrol craft
Space Superiority

Background and History

V-wing fighters were often unleashed from warship hangars in large swarms, and were one of the most numerous starfighters in the Republic Navy late in the Clone Wars. They were most frequently deployed from Venator-class Star Destroyers and were typically the primary fighter aboard these vessels. While they lacked the power of the ARC-170 starfighter, they made up for it in raw speed and agility. There were produced in limited numbers until 19 BBY.

V-wings were speedy and evasive targets, even for the advanced droid tri-fighters used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems in the last days of the Clone Wars. Mass-produced for Loyalist forces, V-wings participated in large-scale fleet operations and assisted in the defense of Republic worlds during the Clone Wars. Eaw alpha3 V-wing

Three V-wings in service of pirates during the Galactic Civil War.

V-wing starfighters flew into battle alongside ARC-170s and Eta-2 interceptors during the Battle of Coruscant, fighting off droid tri-fighters, Vulture droids, and deadly buzz droids, with some even getting as far as the Separatist flagship, Invisible Hand, although many were lost to enemy fire.

Following the end of the Clone Wars, V-wing squadrons flew under the banner of the Galactic Empire. Three V-wings, flown by elite pilots, escorted the self-appointed Emperor Palpatine's shuttle during his voyage from Coruscant to Mustafar and again on the return trip, culminating at the Emperor Palpatine Surgical Reconstruction Center. These elite V-wings were modified for hyperspace travel and equipped with upgraded shields.

In the early stages of the New Order, new V-wing models were commissioned. These craft featured Imperial livery and lacked an astromech droid.

At least two V-wings were obtained by members of the Bellassan resistance that sprang up months after Palpatine became Emperor. These V-wings harassed an Imperial ship which Darth Vader himself was on. However, the V-wings were eventually destroyed.

Eventually, private organizations, such as the Hutt Cartel, used V-wings after salvaging them. They were also used by the Mandalorians around the Battle of Yavin during a skirmish with the Zann Consortium.

In 13 ABY, they were one of many Clone Wars-era vehicle used by the Restored Empire faction of the Empire.