Difference between revisions of "Challenger Air Wing"

Revision as of 03:35, 28 August 2011

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Designation

Challenger Air Group

Leader(s)

Commodore Vansen Tyree
Colonel Conrad Pressly

Ships

RZ-1 A-Wing Interceptor
RZ-2 A-Wing Interceptor
T-65B X-Wing Starfighter
B-Wing Assault Fighter
ARC-170 Starfighter

Base

Challenger

The Challenger Air Group officially consists of six squadrons of Alliance Starfighters, all of which are deployed from the Star Destroyer Challenger. However, it unofficially refers to a number of other units also based on the Challenger as well, including Rogue Squadron.

Squadrons

Thunderbolt Squadron

An elite unit of A-Wing pilots, operating the new RZ-2 model. They have an ongoing rivalry with Valkyrie Squadron aboard the Valiant, who also fly the RZ-2; and they regularly butt heads with pilots from Rogue Squadron, as part of the animosity between A-Wing and X-Wing pilots.

Viper Squadron

Another of the A-Wing units aboard the Challenger, Viper Squadron was previously deployed aboard the Horizon with Commodore Tyree. Due to his familiarity with the unit and it's pilots, the Commodore regularly selects pilots from Viper Squadron to intercept and challenge unidentified craft. They fly the original RZ-1 A-Wing Interceptor.

Prowler Squadron

The third A-Wing squadron based on the Challenger, Prowler Squadron was originally a Z-95 Headhunter unit. After Valkyrie Squadron was issued with the new RZ-2 A-Wing, their former RZ-1 fighters were used to upgrade Prowler Squadron's compliment.

Hammerhead Squadron

Equipped with the B-Wing Assault Fighter, Hammerhead Squadron provides the Challenger with the ability to engage enemy starships. Because the Challenger is currently deployed to protect the Wheel, the squadron is rarely used offensively: it can however provide an effective distraction to cover the convoy's escape, and can also be useful in protecting the Wheel from enemy corvettes and small gunships.

Perigrine Squadron

One of the earliest squadrons in the Alliance, Perigrine Squadron began as a unit flying CloakShape Fighters, though they are currently equipped with T-65B X-Wing Starfighters. On missions when the Valiant is deployed away from the Wheel, Peregrine Squadron is often selected to provide space superiority support for Valkyrie Squadron.

Raptor Squadron

Another X-Wing squadron based on the Challenger, Raptor Squadron differs from the others. In addition to flying the standard T-65B, the squadron also has access to a number of Recon-X fighters. These "Snoopscoots" are often left behind by the Wheel after a hyperspace jump to monitor for Imperial pursuit.

Additional Units

Rogue Squadron

The Rebel Alliance's elite fighter unit, Rogue Squadron is currently on an extended deployment aboard the Challenger to aid in the defense of the Wheel. While they do not officially fall under the Air Group's chain of command, they are generally regarded as being operationally part of the Group. They currently fly the T-65B.

Valkyrie Squadron

Though based on the Valiant rather than the Challenger, the A-Wing unit Valkyrie Squadron regularly participates in combat air patrols and other joint operations, leading to the squadron being the unofficial eighth squadron of the Air Group. Like Thunderbolt Squadron, their rivals, they fly the RZ-2 A-Wing.

Knight Flight

While the involvement of non-Alliance personnel in military operations is generally avoided by the Air Group, several of the civilians inhabiting the Wheel have begun to volunteer to aid in combat air patrols and other defense-critical operations: especially after the Wheel was able to source a number of Eta-2 interceptors for use by the Jedi. To identify Jedi pilots during those operations, the Air Group has reserved the callsign designation "Knight".

Recon Flight

Not only was the Wheel able to recently source a number of Eta-2 interceptors: they also obtained several ARC-170 Starfighters. Designed for both reconnaissance and heavy assault purposes, the handful of ARC-170s have begun to be used to provide ECM and ECW support to other squadrons, as well as augmenting Raptor Squadron's Snoopscoots.