T-65B X-wing starfighter/Legends
The T-65B X-wing starfighter was a modified version of the standard X-wing starfighter produced by Incom Corporation. They were faster, more updated fighters compared to their predecessors.
Characteristics
The T-65B was considered an excellent all-round starfighter requiring very little adjustment for most mission profiles. The craft supported many advanced technologies including modest shields, heavy weaponry, and a hyperdrive unit. In spite of this, the X-wing was still very easy to fly.[7] The controls were designed to mimic civilian ships already on the market. This made the switch for new pilots much easier.[8] Flown by one pilot, the T-65B carried four KX9 laser cannons and two proton torpedo launchers. The engines were four Incom 4L4 fusial thrust engines.[7] A craft with this sturdy a design and ease of use was essential to the survival of Rebel Alliance pilots.[7] The starfighter had a transparisteel canopy, titanium armor, and a Chempat shield generator. The craft was also equipped with sensors in the nose cone.[9] The X-wing was still slower than and not as heavily armed as the Imperial TIE Defender.[6]
Each T-65B was equipped with an astromech droid. The droid was used in place of a navicomputer for calculating hyperspace jumps. In addition to its primary function, the droid could also be used for inflight repairs, enhancing the durability of an already rugged design.[7] The X-wing carried four S-foils which deployed into an "X"-shape, giving the craft its name. The laser cannons were mounted on the tips of the wings. The proton torpedo launchers could be replaced by ion cannons.[9]
History

The T-65B was the primary T-65 X-wing starfighter of the Alliance Fleet.[10][11][12] Its development began in secret when the Incom Corporation first started sympathizing with the Rebellion's cause.[13] It was present early in the rebellion and later became a symbol for Alliance tactics. "Hit fast and hard, and take advantage of all opportunities presented to you." The Alliance later developed the T-65C-A2, but these ships were rare. Most Rebel X-wing pilots flew the B model.[11][12] The Rebels liberated Incom storehouses to acquire the starfighters, then shared the plans with other shipbuilders. As a result of the low numbers, the Alliance limited the craft's use. 70% of sorties were on reconnaissance missions, although the X-wings earned its reputation on strikes against Imperial projects.[14] Luke Skywalker flew the T-65B at the Battle of Yavin.[15] Rogue Squadron flew the T-65B in their strikes against the Empire.[9]
Turncoat technician Ral Shawgrim attempted to deliver a near-complete set of plans for the starfighter to Sienar Fleet Systems some time after the Battle of Hoth. However, despite his escape, the plans were retrieved.[16]
At least some members of Rogue Squadron were piloting the starfighter during the campaign against Lord Shadowspawn. Rogue Squadron's T-65B fighters were used to deploy flechette torpedoes at the Battle of the Corellian Queen.[6]
Appearances
- Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (First appearance)
- Star Wars: A Storybook
- Super Star Wars
"New Recruits and Rebel Guns" – Instant Adventures
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
- Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
- Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor
- Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
"Starter's Tale" – Star Wars Adventure Journal 4
"Vengeance Strike" – Star Wars Adventure Journal 5
- Heir to the Empire
- Specter of the Past
- Specter of the Past unabridged audiobook
- Vision of the Future
- Vision of the Future unabridged audiobook
"The Crystal"—Star Wars Gamer 5
Sources
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Starships of the Galaxy, Saga Edition
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Star Wars: Behind the Magic
- ↑ Star Wars: X-Wing
- ↑ Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide
- ↑ Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Starships of the Galaxy (Saga Edition)
- ↑ Rebellion Era Sourcebook
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide
- ↑ StarWars.com Databank: X-Wing Entry
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Star Wars Trilogy Sourcebook, Special Edition
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition
- ↑ Star Wars Roleplaying Game Saga Edition Core Rulebook
- ↑ The Essential Guide to Warfare
- ↑ Kenner Character Bio: Luke Skywalker in X-Wing Pilot Gear (1995, POTF)
- ↑ Wanted by Cracken (Star Wars Adventure Journal)