Y-Wing Bomber

Overview

The BTL Y-Wing is the oldest combat craft still in service with the Rebel Alliance — a heavy bomber that flew during the Clone Wars and was still contributing to victory at Endor three decades later.

Specifications

• Length: 16 m
• Max speed: 80 MGLT
• Armament: two forward laser cannons, two ion torpedoes, one swivel-mounted rear turret, bomb bays
• Crew: 1 pilot + 1 astromech (some variants carry a second crew member as gunner)

Clone Wars

The Y-Wing was introduced as the Republic’s standard bomber. Anakin Skywalker and his Shadow Squadron flew Y-Wings against the Malevolence in The Clone Wars.

Gold Squadron

At the Battle of Yavin, Gold Squadron flew Y-Wings on the first attack run against the Death Star. At Endor, Y-Wings flew the ion-torpedo strikes that crippled the defenders of the second Death Star.

Why it matters

The Y-Wing shows just how pragmatic the Rebellion was: it flew craft the Empire had long since retired — and won battles the Empire never saw coming.