IRD-A starfighter
Production information
Manufacturer	Corporate Sector Authority
Model	IRD-A starfighter[1]
Class	Starfighter[1]
Cost	90,000[1]
Technical specifications
Length	8.5 meters
Maximum speed (atmosphere)	1,150 km/h[1]
Hyperdrive rating	None
Armament	Medium blaster cannons (2)[1] Concussion missile launchers (2)[1]
Crew	Pilot (1)[1]
Passengers	None[1]
Cargo capacity	40 kg[1]
Consumables	1 day[1]
Usage
Availability	Military[1]
Era(s)	Rise of the Empire era Rebellion era[1]
Affiliation	Corporate Sector Authority[1] Confederation

[Source]

The IRD-A starfighter, short for Intercept * Reconnaissance * Defense, was an upgraded version of the Corporate Sector's IRD starfighter.

CharacteristicsEdit

The original IRD featured powerful engines, twin laser cannons, and the best pilot ejection mechanism of any contemporary fighter, but lacked a hyperdrive. As a result, the Authority IRD had to be transported by larger vessels such as the Marauder-class corvette or the Victory-class Star Destroyer.

HistoryEdit

The Corporate Sector Authority designed the Authority IRD fighter for the various missions of the Picket Fleet. Early Authority IRD models were not aerodynamic and performed so badly in atmospheric combat that many pilots refused to engage targets in atmosphere; this led to the development of the Authority IRD-A starfighter, which was deployed during atmospheric battles. The IRD-A had a carefully molded fuselage that channeled air through a vector stabilizer, enhancing both maneuverability and speed; it also mounted concussion missiles, making it a tougher opponent than its predecessor.

During Han Solo's days in the Corporate Sector, Solo and a group of outlaw techs fought against the new Authority IRD-A fighters, defeating them in early model Z-95 Headhunters; this victory was anomalous, however, and other, more successful battles encouraged the Authority to begin a full production run of the IRD-A.

Several IRD-A's were present when Jahan Cross escaped from the Stark Compound on Etti IV. They gave chase as he fled the compound.^[2]

AppearancesEdit

• Star Wars: Agent of the Empire 2: Iron Eclipse, Part 2
• Star Wars: Agent of the Empire 3: Iron Eclipse, Part 3
• Han Solo at Stars' End (First appearance)
• Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
• Star Wars Missions 20: Total Destruction

SourcesEdit

• Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook
• The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
• Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook
• Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide
• Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Rebellion Era Campaign Guide

Notes and referencesEdit