The seed-shaped vessel bore a resemblance to the smaller Geonosian starfighter, though the sloop had room inside for two pilots, a bunk, and cargo space. Though unarmed, the solar sloop featured eighty-four miniature tractor beam projectors fitted to the forward prongs, which acted both as steering aids and emergency grapple weapons.
Count Dooku received an interstellar sloop as a gift from his Geonosian benefactors prior to the Clone Wars. To the Geonosian sloop, Dooku added a unique and ancient solar sail acquired in the Gree Enclave. Fitted to his vessel, the solar sail propelled the sailer through mysterious means; regular solar sailers used sails that unfurled to moon-like diameters, catching tachyon streams and ultraviolet lasers. An FA-4 pilot droid flew the sailer for Dooku, who was often found in the rear hold, perusing the onboard databook library.
A Punworcca 116-class interstellar sloop.
When war erupted on Geonosis, Dooku fled to his secret hangar in the desert, intent on fleeing the massive battle between Republic and Separatist forces. Dooku was waylaid by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Yoda, and barely managed to escape into the safety of his sailer. The solar sailer left Geonosis far behind, heading for a dark rendezvous with Dooku's Master, Darth Sidious, in The Works on Coruscant.
Dooku apparently had at least one decoy sloop, and Asajj Ventress also used a Punworcca 116 during her mission to Ruul and at the Battle of Rugosa, although she may simply have been using Dooku's own sloop. Some credence may be given to both explanations, as Dooku's later apprentice Savage Opress also utilized a solar sailer.
An example of this vessel was identified as a distinctive "Geonosian fantail" by Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker when they discovered it on Tythe, but it is unclear if this means the Punworcca 116 bore any relation to the Fantailwarships employed by the Corporate Alliance.
Dooku continued to use his sloop throughout the Clone Wars, and during the Battle of Coruscant, he met with GeneralGrievous onboard the Invisible Hand after departing Tythe—via Nelvaan—in his sloop. The solar sailer was presumably aboard the Invisible Hand at the time of its destruction over Coruscant.