Manufacturer: MandalMotors
Designation: StarViper-class Assault Platform
Role: Heavy Assault/Space Superiority Starfighter
Hull Size: Lancer
Length: 21 meters
Crew: 1
Cargo: 1 metric ton
Life Support: 2 month
Hyperdrive: Class 1
Hyperdrive Backup: Class 10
Atmospheric Speed: 880 kph
Sublight Acceleration: 125 MGLT
Armor: Heavy
Shields: Moderate
Equipment: 4 Laser Cannons, 2 Proton Torpedo Launchers (3 torpedoes ea.), Advanced Targeting System (linked to laser cannons and proton torpedo launchers)

680,348 credits

When Prince Xizor contacted MandalMotors, he asked for a military craft capable of matching the speed and agility of a TIE Interceptor, but with more protection and firepower. The end result was the Virago, a StarViper-class Assault Platform. The design pleased him so much that he purchased all rights to the line, but when he died MandalMotors regained the production rights and began to produce StarViper Assault Platforms as elite fighter units for the very wealthy.

The StarViper has four adjustable S-foilesque wings that are monitored by a very intelligent manoeuvring computer constantly and are always shifting and making minor adjustments in flight, sometimes giving the disturbing impression that the StarViper is a living creature. When in normal flight and in the atmosphere, the wings fold back agains the cockpit for high speed and agility due to the paired microthrusters mounted on each arm, but when entering combat the arms fold out and speed is reduced to around 110 MGLT, though the maneuvering capabilities are greatly enhanced in this state, akin to a TIE Defender. Each of these wings is heavily armoured and contains its own independent power generator.

The StarViper is unique as a fighter because it is constructed around an advanced targeting system and an experimental laser sighting system, instead of the actual weapons. This means that any weapons installed on a StarViper can be linked to the advanced targeting system and will perform at far better than the manufacturing standard, without suspect, unreliable or illegal systems. The StarViper has a pair of twin laser cannons between the two nacelle/S-foils on each side of the cockpit, and twin proton torpedo launchers under the cockpit itself.

Finally, the StarViper is a customizer’s dream, with a full ton of cargo space within its spacious hull. Far greater carrying capacity than any other fighter around means the StarViper is ripe for modification, as long as you have the money.