Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle
The Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle, simply known as the escort shuttle, was an armed personnel transport manufactured by Cygnus Spaceworks.[1]
Characteristics
A derivative of the Lambda-class family, the JV-7 was designed to correct some weaknesses in the original Lambda design. The craft boasted a higher top speed, and maneuverability was also improved. It had 20% more shield power and a significantly stronger hull than the Lambda-class.
The aft firing arc was covered by a dual turbolaser turret, making it extremely dangerous to pursue this ship. The JV-7 was also equipped with a pair of concussion missile launchers, like the related Sentinel-class landing craft.
History
The class was first seen in use sometime around the Battle of Hoth.[5]
Important Imperial officers tended to prefer the JV-7 over the Lambda-class, especially for transport through contested space. In addition to its personnel transport duties, the JV-7 was regularly employed in escort duties, earning it the classification of "escort shuttle."[1]
As with many craft of the Imperial Navy, the JV-7 eventually fell into the hands of the Rebels and some pirate groups. They were used by the Mugaari, and by both combatants in the Sepan Civil War.[5] Even the Duskhan League used these during their reign of terror.
At least one escort shuttle fell into the hands of the Imperial splinter faction known as the "hard-liners" stationed on the planetoid RZ7-6113-23. The shuttle was stolen by the bounty hunter Kir Kanos during his escape from the hard-liners' ship storehouse.[4]
In 23 ABY, ex-Imperial Delta-class shuttles were being scrapped by the New Republic. Han Solo acquired the hyperdrive from a ship of this class on Coruscant, and gave it as a present to his daughter Jaina at the Jedi Praxeum. It was later used by marooned Imperial pilot Qorl to escape Yavin 4 aboard his TIE/LN starfighter.[6]
Behind the scenes
In the games that feature the Delta-class, the Lambda-class was toned down. It lacks the potently deadly rear turret, has less armor and shields, and a slower speed than the Delta. The Delta, however, has made few appearances outside of the games.
Kir Kanos uses a Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle in Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost 3 but it appears as a Nu-class attack shuttle in Empire Lost 4.
Appearances
- The Stele Chronicles
- Star Wars: TIE Fighter (First appearance)
- Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
- Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
- Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost 3
- Tyrant's Test
- Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (Mentioned only)
Sources
- TIE Fighter: The Official Strategy Guide
- TIE Fighter: Defender of the Empire: Official Secrets & Solutions
- The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
- TIE Fighter Collector's CD-ROM: The Official Strategy Guide
- Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- The Official Star Wars Fact File 39 (SEN1, Imperial Landing Craft)
- The Official Star Wars Fact File 46 (LAM2, Lambda-Class Imperial Shuttle)
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia (As "JV-7 Delta-class escort shuttle")
The Written Word on Hyperspace (article) (content removed from StarWars.com; backup link)- Endless Vigil