Virago

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Size:
  21 meters long

• Weapon:
  Two double heavy laser cannons, proton torpedo launchers

• Affiliation:
  Black Sun

• Type:
  StarViper assault fighter

• Manufacturer:
  MandalMotors

• 

From the Movies

From the Expanded Universe

Some would expect the leader of the largest criminal empire the galaxy has known to travel in an opulent space yacht filled with luxury, but Prince Xizor was often one to surprise. His conveyance of choice was no less expensive, but it was far more deadly.

The Virago was a prized possession, a heavily modified MandalMoters StarViper built to his exacting specifications. The vessel had two flight modes. In passive mode, its body armor and weapons systems are folded flush to the primary hull. In combat mode, the vessel blossoms like a deadly metallic flower, its armored wings spreading out and its pair of double cannons swinging forward to bracket the cockpit module.

The S-foil wings were each tipped with Koensayr N2-f microthrusters that provided the Virago with exceptional maneuverability. Though larger and more massive, the Virago had agility comparable to that of a TIE interceptor. The ship's advanced Quadex IGt engines provided speed to match.

In addition to the side-slung Ht-12 heavy double laser cannons, the Virago had two forward-firing Borstel proton torpedo launchers each with a magazine of three torpedoes.

The Virago's greatest drawback was its voracious power requirements. Four heavy grade power generators were tucked behind each wing. Though expensive to maintain, such considerations were paltry to someone as wealthy as the head of Black Sun.

Behind the Scenes

Early in the development phase of Shadows of the Empire it was decided that Xizor would forego a large vessel, opting for the stealth and speed offered by a starfighter. Based on recommendations to style the craft after a stealth fighter, Doug Chiang developed the clamshell design after being inspired by the shape of some cast-iron pulley castings.