The Essential Guide to Force Exile/Stiletto gunship

Description
Nimble and armed to the teeth, Stiletto gunships were the primary air support vehicle for the Yanibar Guard. They were used for combat support and patrol duties. Powered by high-thrust repulsorlifts, Stilettos were among the fastest atmospheric combat craft available to the Yanibar Guard. While not as maneuverable as some starfighters, they could hold their own in low-altitude dogfights under 5,000 meters at standard air pressure and composition against most types due to superior aerodynamic design. The elongated tail provided stability, shifting the center of gravity back and providing fixture for the control surfaces.

Stilettos were designed to be small and fast, relying on agility for survival. A very basic shielding unit derived from a droideka gave it some protection against light blaster rounds, but a thin quadanium plating on crucial sections was the primary form of defense. Additional plating was installed near the engines, power reactor, and cockpit.

For weaponry, Stilettos could be equipped with either a beamlaser or a mass driver cannon in the nose turret. Each wing sported a pair of double-blaster cannons and three rockets. While some members of the Yanibar Guard Army argued for more ordnance, adding more weight to the wing would have required structural reinforcement and reduced the performance.

History
The Stiletto gunship debuted in 8 BBY, wowing General Spectre Kraen and other onlookers with its performance in its test flight. The field trials were so successful that General Kraen immediately ordered 200 on the spot, which kept Kraechar Arms busy producing them that there was a general shortage of spare parts for the Stilettos. However, the airspeeders were robust and soon were flying patrols. Their long combat range of 800 kilometers and service ceiling of 5,000 meters gave them unparalleled mobility and they were less expensive to fly for ground patrols than Shoto starfighters, as well as equipped with better ground-looking sensors. YGF was happy to give up ground patrols with their precious starfighters and Stilettos took over the full ground patrol duties starting in 5 BBY once enough squadrons were available.

The Stilettos received several small upgrades over their first few years of service, mostly relating to improved sensors, weather-proofing, and communications capability. They were popular among Yanibar Guard Army personnel, though many infantrymen complained about the relatively comfort-filled life that the Stiletto pilots enjoyed at forward operating bases as compared to field missions, not to mention prestige.

When the Zann Consortium landed on Yanibar in 4 ABY, Stiletto gunships were key in picking off their artillery pieces and providing close-air support. However, their relatively light weapons were much less effective versus heavier armor and their survivability was questionable in a mass battle flying into the teeth of enemy guns. Many Stiletto pilots were lost, even though the Guard defeated the invasion. Two entire squadrons of Stilettos were eliminated and retired due to heavy casualties, which were not easy to replace due to a requirement that only officers flew the gunships.

Following the battle, the Stiletto received upgrades in the form of two more rockets added to its wing pylons, improved shielding and defensive electronics, and most importantly, an ejection seat for the pilots that had previously been nixed for weight concerns. They remained in Yanibar Guard Army service for years after that, keeping a vigilant watch over the borders of the refuge.

Appearances

 * Force Exile IV: Guardian
 * Yanibar Guard Sourcebook