ARC-170

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File:4664340arc170.jpg
ARC-170 with S-foils deployed

The Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter, also known as the ARC-170 starfighter, Advanced Recon fighter or the RAS-170, was a heavy starfighter/bomber that saw widespread use by the Republic Navy in the later days of the Clone Wars. It was an ancestor of the T-65 X-wing starfighter, the trademark fighter of the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Design

The ARC-170 was jointly produced by Incom and Subpro Corporations. Like their other starfighter designs of its time, such as the lighter Z-95, and the heavier PTB-625, and NTB-630, the ARC-170 had a narrow spaceframe flanked by large engines. The ARC-170 also possessed an S-foil system, which helped to radiate heat, something that aided the fighter's shielding. This also provided additional stability during atmospheric flight. Using its front deflector shield projectors to disperse heat generated from air resistance, the ARC-170 could reach supersonic speeds in atmospheric flight.

The ARC-170 was a departure from other starfighter designs of the Clone Wars era. Fighters such as the Alpha-3 Nimbus and the Eta-2 Actis were built to be small, fast, and maneuverable, at the cost of heavy weapons, shields, and hyperdrives. On the other hand, the ARC-170 was large, rugged, and capable of long independent operations.

Military role

File:ARC-170onRivetCity.png
Coruscanti ARC-170 docked at Rivet City during the Battle of Washington D.C.

The ARC-170 was often sent on dangerous scout missions and raids deep in enemy territory. To allow the ARC-170 to perform these missions, the fighter was equipped with a Class 1.5 hyperdrive, and its nose was filled with powerful sensors, scanners, and jammers.

The ARC-170 carried enough consumables for five days of operation. However, the supplies and additional equipment had a price and the ARC-170 was quite slow. Durable armor and shielding, as well as two tail guns, helped the ARC-170 to survive when surrounded by swarms of smaller, faster enemy fighters, although it remained vulnerable to enemy anti-fighter guns.

Despite its antiquated design, the ARC-170 has enjoyed a resurgence under the Republic of Coruscant for its versatility and survivability. It was earliest seen restored to action during the Battle of Earth in DRAW Your Own Story 10. It is utilized as an atmospheric fighter-bomber in heavy combat zones and escort for bombers and airborne transports, notably during the Coruscanti mission to Arrakis, and more recently the war against the Enclave.

Armament

The ARC-170 possesses powerful weaponry. It carries six proton torpedoes, and its wingtip-mounted medium laser cannons are unusually large for a starfighter. ARC-170s were often used as the heavy-hitters in strike forces, escorted by V-wings and Eta-2s.

The ARC-170 is crewed by three clones personnel: a pilot, a forward gunner who operates the wingtip-mounted lasers, and a tail gunner who operates the rear-mounted cannons. The fighter also carries an astromech droid to perform onboard repairs and navigation. It is also possible for the pilot to operate the wingtip laser cannons if a co-pilot isn't available.

See also