The A-wing Slash was a starfighter maneuver invented by General Garm Bel Iblis and used by the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant.

Characteristics[]

The A-wing Slash incorporated two groups of starfighters directed by a base vessel, usually a capital ship. The first group of fighters, typically T-65 X-wing starfighters, moved to engage enemy fighters, but were then directed to alter course away from the incoming craft. As the X-wings veered off, the incoming Imperial fighters moved to intercept their course, allowing the second element, typically a unit of RZ-1 A-wing interceptors to attack the enemy vessels. The A-wings tore into the enemy flank at full speed, slashing through their formation.^[3]

The tactic confused the enemy starfighters, allowing the New Republic forces an advantage in combat. With the Imperial ships committed to following the X-wing group, they were easy targets for the superior speed and firepower of the A-wings. Once the A-wing pass had been completed, the X-wing group would then turn and finish off any enemy fighters since active. The A-wing Slash was best deployed against the fighter sentry line of an enemy capital ship. If the enemy fighters ignored the incoming A-wings, the A-wings could instead target the capital ship.^[3]

History[]

During the Battle of Qat Chrystac^[1] in 9 ABY,^[2] General Garm Bel Iblis first employed the tactic. With New Republic forces outmaneuvered during the engagement, General Bel Iblis used the tactic to relieve enemy pressure on the Mon Calamari Star Cruiser Orthavan.^[1]

During the Battle of Pesitiin, Imperial Admiral Gilad Pellaeon used it against pirate attackers masquerading as Bel Iblis, in the final days of the Galactic Civil War. Pellaeon was attempting to arrange peace talks, and by using the maneuver successfully with Preybird-class starfighters in the role of the X-wings, and proton torpedoes in place of the A-wings, he confirmed his attacker was not Bel Iblis, whom Pellaeon knew would never be fooled by his own maneuver. This observation allowed the peace talks to proceed and to eventually end the war between the Galactic Empire and the New Republic.^[4]

Appearances[]

• The Last Command (and unabridged audiobook) (First appearance, in book)
• Specter of the Past (and unabridged audiobook)
• The New Jedi Order: Destiny's Way

Sources[]

• The Last Command Sourcebook
• The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
• The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
• The Essential Guide to Warfare

Notes and references[]