| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
 Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 1:04 am Post subject: EC Henry Original Ships |
 |
|
So, because of the nature of his projects, the Mystery Ships in the Original Trilogy became the defacto EC Henry thread. This created something of a problem when I found an EC Henry ship I wanted to do that wasn't in the Original Trilogy. Thus, new topic.
For some time, I've been idly wondering about a Y-Wing successor for the New Republic. A key part of the Y-Wing's background is that it's old and outdated, and is mainly in service because they don't have anything better. It'd make sense for the New Republic to be in the market for a medium strike starfighter that isn't as heavy or manpower intensive as the K-Wing. I've wanted to do a ship like this for a while, but never could find the muse I was looking for. A while back, I reimagined the E-Wing as an attack starfighter, but then Disney did a pretty decent reimagining of the E-Wing for Ahsoka (I still hate the low-slung, unbalanced thrusting engines), and I found myself rethinking.
Then, someone suggested EC Henry's rework of the Tri-Wing S-91x Pegasus starfighter, as seen in this video. I agree with him that the original version doesn't really feel like a Star Wars ship, and the name doesn't exactly fit with Star Wars naming conventions, either (I mean, why call it a Tri-Wing when it doesn't have three wings? Why not pick a letter-wing designation?)
And so, I'm strongly considering poaching the EC Henry version, giving it a pair of Multi-Warhead Launchers and calling it the I-Wing.
Just wanted to get the ball rolling on this topic, so let me know what you think.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
FVBonura
Commander
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 278
Location: Central PA
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
In the novel "Young Jedi Knights: Darkest Knight" (23 ABY) Wookiees have advanced in these later years of the saga, and have factories that build high tech goods. The Wookiee "CFF” on Kashyyyk is implementing a Service Life Extension Program for the old outdated Y-wing that is now in its fifth or maybe sixth decade of service. Y-wings are upgraded with cutting-edge fighter systems to compete with newer enemy assets.
Considering there are American assets of similar age, the A-10, and B-52 for example, the galaxy may just retool older Y-wings. Remaining shortages can be shored up with newer fighters like the Hornet Interceptor, and/or Preybird Fighter. Both of these could be reconfigured to replace the turbolasers on the Hornet or use the 21 meter wings on the Preybird with missile/torpedo systems.
_________________
Star Wars Deckplans Alliance
Star Wars Prequel Commentary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2025 8:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Canonically, Preybird never got picked up by the NR (which seems odd for a pretty decent fighter), and ultimately ended up in Imperial service. Personally, if I could go back in time and put a bug in Tim Zahn’s ear, I’d tell him to go with Scimitars, but that’s water under the bridge.
I like the idea of a Y-Wing SLEP to keep them in service longer, but with SW being such a visual setting, something that looks more modern and capable is more appealing to me. YMMV.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FVBonura
Commander
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 278
Location: Central PA
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You can blame the squeaky clean Admiral Akbar for that. Preybird production was being handled by the Cavrilhu Pirates (see: "Vision of the Future", chapter 22) and I suspect other less-than-legal shipyards. Likewise the Hornet Interceptor was designed by former imperials and manufactured by the Tenloss Syndicate. If Han Solo was running the New Republic navy we might have seen a different supplier of fighter craft.
_________________
Star Wars Deckplans Alliance
Star Wars Prequel Commentary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2025 11:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
But it was originally a SoroSuub design. Cavrilhu didn’t start up their production line until decades later. Considering Sullust was a major member of the Alliance, they should’ve been in a decent bargain position re/ new starfighter contracts.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FVBonura
Commander
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 278
Location: Central PA
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2025 11:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I address that issue here.
https://www.rancorpit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=217012#217012
Black Sun stole the plans so there was no project to be given to the New Republic.
There is no date mentioned when the Cavrilhu Pirates started production. We just know from, "Vision of the Future", they were providing the Imperial Remnant fighters in 19 ABY.
"Preybird-class fighters that SoroSuub attempted to market nearly a decade ago." -- "The last Command Sourcebook", page 132
Preybird production halted around 0 BBY if "The Last Command" occurred in 9ABY. If the plans were stolen shortly after, the Cavrilhu Pirates and possibly other nefarious groups may have been building these fighters for at least 6-7 years if we compare tooling and preproduction to Earth manufacturing.
_________________
Star Wars Deckplans Alliance
Star Wars Prequel Commentary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 1:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
But wouldn’t that background be an argument as to why the Preybird wouldn’t be an option for NR service?
There’s still plenty of room for both Y-Wings and a successor platform, since any replacement ship isn’t going to be fielded all at once.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FVBonura
Commander
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 278
Location: Central PA
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 9:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yes, Akbar was a roadblock to anything made by pirates or the syndicate for the New Republic Navy. Even after the end of the war with the empire, he would never trust these organizations to build NR fighters.
_________________
Star Wars Deckplans Alliance
Star Wars Prequel Commentary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Impaler
Ensign
Joined: 25 Jan 2025
Posts: 25
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 1:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
Certainly this ship should have been named the P-wing, how dose Porsche miss such obvious branding, maybe Disney simply denied them the honor of a letter wing name.
In any case the starfighter in both its original form and in EC Henry's fix dose not look like it would fufill the Y-wings role of bomber/strike fighter. It looks much more like it wants to be an X-wing replacement as a snub fighter or to even push into an interceptor territory.
If your looking to stat it my recomendation would be to give it X-wing tier laser cannons, shielding, and manuverability, with the speed and light missile armament of an A-wing.
P.S. Dosn't the H-wing fufill your original need? It's more intensive then the Y at 2 crew but a lot better then the K's 4. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FVBonura
Commander
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 278
Location: Central PA
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 1:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
Some additional thoughts came to me.
"Curich Engineering is a huge corporation dedicated to updating and refitting existing ships. In addition to planetary franchises, parts and systems are sold to independent engineers throughout the galaxy." -- "Mission to Liana", page 34
"Novoil Cluster StarGoods is making available completely remanufactured Sienar Fleet Systems TIE fighters. These ships are known for their excellent speed and maneuverability in short-range combat - perfect for planetary patrols or convoy guard.
Novoil has a complete line of remanufactured and rebuilt starship components and systems — they are guaranteed to be as reliable as new parts.
Order our datalog for complete listings. From fighters to freighters, we carry everything.
DISCOUNTS FOR LARGE QUANTITY ORDERS!
Buy a complete wing for planetary patrols - get 72 fighters for the price of only 70. Plus, for a small additional fee, maintenance and refurbishment contracts are available. Order today!" -- "Star Wars, The Roleplaying Game", 2nd Ed, page 108
"the main construction plant of Skyrung Manufacturing, a licensee builder of Lambda-class shuttles." -- "X-Wing: Iron Fist", Chapter 8
I am sure there are more but these three came to mind. There are many shipbuilders refurbishing, upgrading in mass-production and running knockoff assembly lines all over the galaxy. I suspect even the Corporate Sector is involved as well. There were all those high-performance Victory-class Star Destroyers in "Darksaber". Were those CSA refits similar to what the Pentastar Alignment was doing with Interdictor Cruisers???
My point is the galaxy is not yet finished with many of our traditional fighters and bombers.
_________________
Star Wars Deckplans Alliance
Star Wars Prequel Commentary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 11:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Impaler wrote: | | Certainly this ship should have been named the P-wing, how dose Porsche miss such obvious branding, maybe Disney simply denied them the honor of a letter wing name. |
-Wing designators usually have at least a passing visual resemblance to the letter being used, and I don't see much in the way of a "P" anywhere on this ship. Looking at it from head-on, it at least somewhat resembles an "I" tipped on its side. "I" is also phonetically similar to the official "Tri"-Wing, designation.
| Quote: | | It looks much more like it wants to be an X-wing replacement as a snub fighter or to even push into an interceptor territory. |
Its appearance is deceiving; it's actually larger than it looks. If you watch the video, EC shows the cockpit seating three, one pilot in front with side-by-side crew/passenger seats behind.
| Quote: | | If your looking to stat it my recommendation would be to give it X-wing tier laser cannons, shielding, and maneuverability, with the speed and light missile armament of an A-wing. |
I'm angling more toward X-Wing Space/Atmosphere, slightly less Maneuverability, tougher shields and upgraded Y-Wing armament (dual laser cannon, dual ion cannon, a pair of multi-warhead launchers and a heavy ordnance external hardpoint). I'd like to give it a tail-mounted blaster turret (to defend against fighters while it's on bombing runs), but that's not on the ship as depicted.
| Quote: | | Doesn't the H-wing fulfill your original need? It's more intensive than the Y at 2 crew but a lot better than the K's 4. |
The H-Wing is more a K-Wing predecessor and Y-Wing contemporary. I've also made some major changes to various fighter stats, so rather than going into my thoughts in detail, here are the pertinent links:These stats are heavily influenced by the Advanced Starfighter Combat and Ordnance rules, which can be found in my House Rule Index post.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CRMcNeill
Director of Engineering
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
Posts: 16386
Location: Redding System, California Sector, on the I-5 Hyperspace Route.
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 12:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| FVBonura wrote: | | There are many shipbuilders refurbishing, upgrading in mass-production and running knockoff assembly lines all over the galaxy. |
But that isn't stopping the NR from developing and fielding newer, better vessels (see the E-Wing, K-Wing, etc). An updated Y may still be a decent fighter, but it will be limited in other ways not necessarily represented in WEG stats. For instance, regarding the ongoing conversation on Venators and carriers, starfighters are going to have different "footprints" of required deck parking space. A Y-Wing is massive, taking up 1.5-2 times as much area as an X-Wing (never mind smaller craft like A's or TIE fighters) which in turn limits how many you can fit in a given area of hangar deck space aboard a warship. The I-Wing, however (as seen in the video), has folding wings, which greatly reduces its parking footprint. This in turn allows for either 1) packing more striking power into the space allotted for strike starfighters, or 2) using less space to park existing striking power, which in turn frees up room for other craft.
That's just one example. New models of starships are going to happen, because that's the nature of things. Sure, Y-Wings and the like may continue serving in various theatres, but newer, better, more efficient and capable craft will replace them.
| Quote: | | I suspect even the Corporate Sector is involved as well. There were all those high-performance Victory-class Star Destroyers in "Darksaber". Were those CSA refits similar to what the Pentastar Alignment was doing with Interdictor Cruisers??? |
I don't recall the specific reference, but IIRC, there was an article in one of the Adventure Journals that discussed the origins of the VSDs in Darksaber, specifically the red hulls.
As to the Pentastar's Enforcers, I have my own theory, with the Enforcer being a Vindicator Heavy Cruiser that swaps out heavy cannon for sensors and consumables, making it far better in the long-distance patrol role. WEG's use of an Interdictor profile without removing the gravity well projectors was just laziness.
_________________
"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.
The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
