Apailana

Description:
The ship is named in honor of Queen Apailana (32 BBY – 18 BBY), a former ruler of Naboo. Queen Apailana was known for her continued support for the Jedi, even after Order 66 had been executed.

The custom designed ship was developed by the combined brainpower of Felix Alfero and Khelsea Vong while travelling together through the Mid Rim territories, made to fit the personal tastes and requirements of Khelsea. Some of these requirements are a non-lethal means to disable enemy vessels, as much speed as possible without sacrificing too much in terms of defense and offensive capabilities, and a distinctive look. The pair of designers tried to be as objective as possible in the design and combined style, practicality, and quality.

Upon reaching the Brak Sector and paying a visit to Bacrana Shipyards, it was decided after lengthy conversation with the administrative team that they were able to manufacture this custom ship after making a few changes. While Bacrana wasn’t the biggest or most popular manufacturer across the galaxy, they were agreeable, willing to compromise, and discuss any differences and disagreements. Several meetings with the engineering team led to several modifications to the original list of parts requested, upgrading the shield systems to match the shields of top starfighters currently available. Despite the extra price, it was necessary to improve the shields due to the relatively lightweight armor used in production in order to lighten the craft and allow for higher top speeds. The Anti-Missile defensive system was included to make up for the light armor, as well as a reflective coating over the paint which could temporarily blind enemies given the right circumstances.

Bacrana Shipyards were unable to match the power output quality of the J-15 Aethersprite's ion thruster. This was primarily due to the smaller size of the “Apailana”, making it unable to fit a fusion reactor the size of the Aethersprite’s. However, by modifying a smaller ion thrust engine which was engineered for smaller sized starfighters, the “Apailana” is very capable of moving at above average speeds. By taking the advantages of a dual S-foil system exemplified by the V-19 Torrent, the “Apailana” was able to maneuver exceptionally well at moderately high speeds. However, at top speeds, it was unable to match the maneuverability of the Torrent due to the differences between their engine systems. The V-19 Torrent had dual engines, and had the option of increasing or decreasing the thrust of the engines individually, which allowed for extremely sharp turns even at top speeds. The single more powerful engine boasted by the “Apailana” was unfortunately unable to perform such precise maneuvers, even with the addition of the rear stabilizers which were installed to make up for the difference caused by only having a single engine. Despite the decline in maneuverability as speed increased, the maneuverability of the “Apailana” at top speed was still comparable to the famous X-wing, while its top speed was slightly faster than the aforementioned X-wing. A Class 2.0 hyperdrive was deemed the best available option, only outclassed by Class 1.0 hyperdrives and was more than capable of matching the hyperspace travel speeds of most ships while eliminating the extra cost of a Class 1.0 hyperdrive.

After debating with Bacrana’s engineering team, one proton torpedo launcher with a standard load of ten torpedoes was installed rather than the original dual launcher setup with a standard load of 6 torpedoes each. The torpedo launcher was customized and included a rapid loading system in efforts to make up for the reduction in torpedoes launched caused by eliminating the second launcher. With the rapid loading system, the “Apailana” was able to launch torpedoes at 80% the rate of the initial dual torpedo launcher setup. Eliminating one of the launchers and a total of two torpedoes helped reach the ideal target curb weight to produce the best power-to-weight ratio possible. Since the “Apailana” only had two laser cannons, it was decided heavy laser cannons were a better choice. By using the X-wing as a comparable, the “Apailana” would have two heavy laser cannons to the T-97 X-wing's four heavy laser cannons and one torpedo launcher to the X-wing’s two. What made this custom ship potentially more versatile than the modernized X-wing was the inclusion of its light ion cannon, giving the pilot the ability to disable and disarm. When compared to the older T-65 models, the two heavy lasers were comparable in destructive power output to the standard four laser cannons found on the old T-65s. The dual heavy lasers, ion cannon, and torpedo launcher were linked to an automated targeting system which could be switched to manual targeting. The weapons system was also accessible from the second seat in the cockpit located behind the pilot’s seat, allowing a capable passenger to become a temporary gunner while the pilot could focus on flying.

The small space behind the cockpit was approximately four square meters and had two fold-up beds and a docking system for an astromech droid, allowing for a total of one pilot, one passenger, and the option of having one droid available. Living space was cramped and if a full load of cargo was on board, there would be minimal space to move around with the beds folded in the ‘down’ position.

The “Apailana” could be described as a cross between an interceptor and an all-purpose starfighter, possessing better than average speeds and between excellent and good maneuverability depending on the flight speed. With its speed and jamming systems, it could even act as a scouting ship. While it doesn’t possess the firepower of an assault starfighter or even the firepower of the T-97 X-wings, it comes fairly close and offers a lot more versatility both in and out of combat. This multi-role starfighter tries to be as well rounded as possible, and while it hasn’t been tried and tested by combat, Bacrana’s engineers boast that the “Apailana” will realize its potential; and after several test flights the engineering team claim it was one of their best custom projects in recent years.