Y-wing

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Koensayr BTL Y-wing starfighter
Star Wars vehicle
First appearanceStar Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker (1976 novel)
Star Wars (theatrical appearance)
Last appearanceStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Created byColin Cantwell
Information
Affiliation
LaunchedDuring or Prior to 22 BBY[1]
Auxiliary vehiclesGuidenhauser ejector seat
General characteristics
ClassAssault starfighter/bomber
Armaments
  • Taim & Bak IX4 or KX5 laser cannons (2)
  • ArMek SW-4 or SW-5 ion cannons (2)
  • Arakyd Flex Tube proton torpedo launchers (2)
    • Proton bombs & torpedoes
Defenses
  • Chempat deflector shield generator
  • Titanium-reinforced alusteel hull
Maximum speed
  • 2,750 G (maximum acceleration)
  • 1,000 km/h (621 mph; maximum atmospheric speed)
  • 80 MGLT (megalight per hour; subluminal speed)
  • 1.0 HCR (hyperdrive class rating; superluminal speed)
Propulsion
  • Koensayr R200 ion jet engines (2)
  • Class 1 Koensayr R300-h hyperdrive motivator (1)
Length
  • 23.04 meters (Original)
  • 16.24 meters (Rebel-modified)
Width8.54 meters
Height2.44 meters
Population volume
  • 1 pilot
  • 1 gunner (optional)
  • 1
    astromech droid

The Koensayr series Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber are a series of fictional spacecraft from the

Star Wars expanded universe
's books, comics, and games.

Origin and design

Colin Cantwell, who also designed the saga's TIE fighters, initially designed the Y-wing with a large bubble turret for a gunner.[2] However, the dome did not appear properly when filmed against bluescreen and subsequent designs omitted the turret.[2]

Depiction

Based on Star Wars supplemental reference material, the Galactic Republic commissioned Koensayr Manufacturing to produce the BTL-B Y-wing during the early part of the

astromech droid (which served as the fighter's navigation system) fits into a dedicated socket behind them. The module contains the starfighter's armaments: two forward-firing laser cannons, twin ion cannons in the turret, and a pair of torpedo launchers with six-round magazines capable of launching bombs, cluster missiles and other ordnance. The module connects to two powerful ion engines via reinforced central spar and cross wing, all encased in heavy armor plating. Modified and retrofitted versions of the original Y-wing (BTL-B) include the BTL-S3, which replaces the bubble turret with a remote-controlled turret and seats the gunner behind the pilot in the cockpit, and the BTL-A4, which removes the gunner altogether and gives the pilot control of the ion cannons.[3]

Reference material states that the Y-wings were prized for their durability and long-range striking capability during the Clone Wars. However, when the war concluded and the Galactic Empire came to power, Y-wings were decommissioned and relegated to

Galactic Civil War.[3]

Y-wings make a theatrical appearance in

Disney[6]). Luke Skywalker pilots a Y-wing in the animated segment of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. Y-wings made a brief appearance at the end of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) when the heroes are reunited with the Rebel fleet, and feature alongside other Rebel starfighters during the climatic space battle of Return of the Jedi
(1983).

Background material further describes that, after the defeat of the Empire, Koensayr introduced a new version of the Y-wing to capitalize on the fighter's popularity. This BTA-NR2 model emulates the look of the Rebel-modified Y-wings both because the public was more familiar with this version and because it allowed for greater customization. While outwardly mimicking the "classic" Y-wing design, the BTA-NR2 features various upgrades including stronger shields and more sophisticated sensors.

Emperor Palpatine
.

Analysis

In 2018, various Star Wars starfighters had their aerodynamic abilities tested using the

repulsorlifts and deflector shields to give themselves better flight profiles.[7]

Cultural impact

X-wing and other starfighters. Admitting that it is a slower and bulkier design, he nevertheless points out the critical role it played in the Rogue One movie proved its worth as a vital Rebel asset for softening Imperial defenses. He also highlights a larger point that such fun and often silly debates about little details in the Star Wars saga are what attract many fans to the series.[8]

In July 2024, a miniature of the Y-wing, used in the filming of the original Star Wars movie and identified as the model flown by Gold Leader, was sold at auction for $1.55 million USD. It was one of only two "hero" miniatures that were created for filming close-up shots. The auction was held by Heritage Auctions, which began the bidding at $300,000.[9][10][11]

Lego has released multiple Y-wing sets starting with their first one in 1999, which was part of a combo pack along with a TIE Fighter. Two of these were part of the Ultimate Collector Series (UCS), one in 2004 and again in 2018, which have high piece counts and meticulous detailing.[12] The second UCS Y-wing set consisted of 1,967 pieces and when fully constructed measured 2 inches high by 24 inches long and 11 inches wide. It also came with a display stand and sold at retail for $199.99 USD.[13]

References

  1. ^ Star Wars: Galactic Atlas
  2. ^ a b "Y-wing starfighter (Behind the Scenes)". Star Wars Databank. Lucasfilm. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
  3. ^
    ISBN 978-1683839361
    .
  4. ^ "Steps Into Shadow". Star Wars Rebels. Season 3. Episode 301–302. 24 September 2016. Disney XD.
  5. ^ "Before Rogue One: When Games Were Filling in the History of Star Wars". VG247.com. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  6. ^ Evaan Verlaine on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki
  7. ^ Pockross, Adam. "Testing the Aerodynamics of Star Wars Ships in a Virtual Wind Tunnel". SyFy Wire. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  8. ISBN 9781642500011
    .
  9. ^ "$1M 'Star Wars' Y-wing starfighter, Princess Leia bikini up for auction". AOL.com. 6 July 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  10. ^ "Star Wars: Original Y-wing model and Leia Bikini go up for auction". Film Stores. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  11. ^ "'Star Wars' Starfighter Miniature Sells for $1.55 Million, Princess Leia Bikini Goes for $175K at Auction". Variety. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  12. ^ "Every LEGO Star Wars Y-Wing Set Ever Released". Brick Bucks. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  13. ^ "The New Star Wars LEGO Y-Wing Looks Awesome". ScreenRant. 4 April 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
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