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The Deep Space Manufacturing Facility, otherwise known as the X7 Factory or X-7 factory station, was a spaceborne manufacturing plant of standardized design produced by both Kost & Ko Factories and the Telgorn Corporation.
Use
Because of its versatility, the X7 Factory was used for many different manufacturing processes. It was often used in the production of goods requiring microgravity in order to achieve high purity, such as specialized crystals or biotech products. Other uses included starfighter assembly and weapons fabrication.[source?] Crew quarters and labs topped the station's central spire, from which emanated four modules for storage and additional lab space.[3]
Defenses
Due to the high value nature of many of these products, the X7's designers saw fit to equip it with a significant armament in order to deter raiders. A total of 8 turbolaser turrets defended the station from almost every direction, plus a warhead launcher typically loaded with 8 proton torpedoes or 10 concussion missiles was able to discourage starfighter attack.
X7 Factories were equipped with an anti-warhead defensive system, which launched missiles to take out incoming ordnance. It took a few salvos of enemy missiles to overwhelm such a system. This system was so successful that some crucial XQ Platforms were fitted with it as well, such as Demetrius Zaarin's TIE Defender research facility in the Parmel system.
When destroyed, the X7's four modules would split up from the central hub, in a similar manner to the XQ Platform's landing pads/docking arms.
History
During Admiral Zaarin's short-lived insurrection, when his coup against Emperor Palpatine failed, his strategy shifted to the destruction of X7 Factories located in the Omar system. These were involved in the manufacture of the TIE Avenger starfighter. The renegade Imperial officer used a mixture of TIE/IN interceptors, TIE/sa bombers, and assault transports, supported by a EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate (according to the cutscene, though it was a Nebulon-B2 frigate in the mission). Zaarin's strike caught the loyalists off guard, fortunately loyalist Imperials led by Maarek Stele managed to evacuate the personnel and inflicted significant losses to the attackers before the three Avenger facilities were destroyed.
ZA-13 which manufactured the Avenger's hyperdrive was successfully recaptured from Zaarin's control. With equipment delivered by a supply convoy, it was converted to full Avenger production. However, it was soon afterwards destroyed by a strike from the traitor Admiral. This killed off any hope of widespread adoption of the TIE Avenger. [1]
Ali Tarrak had her Nami species construct a facility to manufacture TIE Defenders. It was well protected by a minefield of Type Cs and Defender starfighters. From his flagship Grey Wolf, Admiral Thrawn launched a two-pronged assault on Tarrak's facility. A lone Missile Boat piloted by Maarek Stele was instrumental in taking out the mines, Defenders, and the station's anti-warhead launcher, allowing TIE/sa bombers to destroy the factory itself.
Known stations
Interdictor-class cruiser Compellor alongside an Airam X7 Factory.
Behind the scenes
- The Kost & Ko company is referenced in the Tech-room stats for both TIE Fighter and X-wing vs. TIE Fighter as the producer of the X7 Factory, however, in X-wing Alliance the manufacturer was listed as the Telgorn Corporation.
- While Star Wars: TIE Fighter had pioneered the XQ Platform space station, the X7 Factory was not yet available until the Defender of the Empire expansion. For Tour of Duty 3 Mission 1, a combination of cargo containers was used to represent the abandoned manufacturing facility at Argoon.
Appearances
- Star Wars: TIE Fighter: Defender of the Empire (First appearance)
- Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
- Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
Sources
- Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia (First identified as X-7 factory station)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
- ↑ The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia lists the length as 500 meters.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, Vol. III, p. 339