Unreviewed Republic U-Wing

[Ar'kym]

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• Intent: Create a thematic transport for the High Republic design contest.
• Image Source:
  • Star Wars Battlefront
  • Rogue One Official Collector's Edition
  • The Art of Rogue One
• Canon Link: U-Wing Starfighter
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: N/A

• Manufacturer: Theed Palace Engineering Corps
• Affiliation: The High Republic
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: N-60 Royal U-Wing Transport
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material:
  • Durasteel
  • Solarium Glasteel

• Classification: Gunship/Transport
• Length: 26 meters
• Width: 9 meters
• Height: 4 meters
• Armament: High
  • 2 M.I. Light Laser Cannons
  • 2 M-45 Repeating Ion Blasters (pintel-mounted)
• Defenses: Very High
  • Chempat Deflector Shields
  • "Screamer" Sensor Jammer
  • MJU-9G Flare Dispensers
• Squadron Count: Very Low
• Maneuverability Rating: Low
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: Class 1

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• Standard
  • Docking Tube
  • Tractor Beam Projector
  • Life Support
  • Security Sensors
• Propulsion
  • GBk-585 Hyperdrive Generator
  • 4J.7 Fusial Thrust Engines
  • Maneuvering Jets
• Navigation
  • ANq 2.9 Tracking Computer
  • IN-344-B "Sightline" Holographic Imaging System
  • Sensor Array
  • HyD Modular Navicomputer
    • Gyrocomputer
• Communications
  • Transponder Code
  • Holotransceiver
  • Emergency Signal Beacon
  • External Speaker

• S-Foils
• Guidenhauser Ejector Seats
• Cryogenic Power Cells

• Combat Support - Flexible U-Wing design can serve multiple roles as both a troop transport and light gunship.
• Deep Space Ops - Enough cargo for bulk rations and additional power cell storage to go on long range voyages or extended missions. Can serve as a mobile outpost for special forces.

• Vulnerable Wings - When the s-foils are locked in attack position they are exposed to incoming fire. Necessary for heat distribution but if the wings are damaged navigation becomes erratic.
• Bunkerbuster - Not enough heavy ordnance to destroy heavily shielded ground emplacements. Requires bomber support to effectively handle any reinforced targets.

Theed Palace licensed the old U-Wing design schematics from Incom Corporation to be adapted for a new prototype gunship. Leaving the silhouette unchanged Naboo engineers scaled dimensions up just enough to make space for a full squad of Republic troopers. Primarily intended as a rapid insertion dropship but the royal line of U-Wings can also provide some limited close air support for planetside operations and even function as a forward operating base.

Heavy repeaters are standard issue for the side loading door gunners but in theory any infantry-based heavy weapon is compatible with the versatile pintel-mounts. These gun ports provide enough suppressing fire to pose a grave threat for hostile troops. Twin laser cannons are powerful enough to cause some damage against fortifications and armored walkers but the U-Wing depends on Republic bombers to take out the heavy targets.

The early New Republic era chassis was selected both as a symbolic choice and because the U-Wing can be used for more than just warfare. Not much more expensive to manufacture than a starfighter, without the military grade heavy weapons it can also serve other roles like patrol ship or search and rescue.