Nssis-class Clawcraft
In the fictional Star Wars Expanded Universe, the Nssis-class Clawcraft, or simply Clawcraft, is the primary starfighter of the Chiss Expeditionary Defense Fleet. Developed approximately fifteen years after the Battle of Endor, the Clawcraft is a hybrid of Imperial and Chiss technology.
The fuselage is based on the ubiquitous ball cockpit of the TIE series of Imperial starfighters. Stemming from the cockpit is two pair of curving wings that extend beyond the ship for a total length of 7.65 meters. At the tip of each wing is a Sienar Fleet Systems L-s7.2 laser cannon.
With modest deflector shields and thicker hull armor, Clawcraft are slower at sublight speeds than their TIE Fighter progenitors. A standard pair of Imperial ion engines allow the ship to achieve a sublight speed of 1,000 kilometers per hour. Clawcraft make up for their lower sublight speed by greater maneuverability. Each curved wing can make minor position adjustments and is paired with a mounted control jet to allow a Clawcrafts pilot to throw the ship into sharp turns and complex maneuvers.
A unique hyperspace beacon system allows a Clawcraft to travel anywhere in Chiss territory sans navigation computer. Hyperspace anchor points broadcast navigational data to the starfighter, allowing it to patrol Chiss space more effectively. Some Clawcraft were used in various engagements alongside the New Republic in the war against the Yuuzhan Vong.
Bibliography
- W. Haden Blackman (2003). Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels. Del Rey Books. 0345449029.
- Michael A. Stackpole (2000). Dark tide II: Ruin. Del Rey Books. 0345428560.
Categories: Star Wars starfighters