Razor Squadron
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Razor Squadron was one of the Elite Galactic Republic squadrons that was active during the Clone Wars, and typically flew customized ARC-170 starfighters on special ops missions.
[edit] History
A small number of the Republic Starfleet's vessels were crewed by squads of elite clones, commissioned to go deep into enemy territory on the most dangerous scouting missions and raids. Razor Squadron itself was an Aggressive ReConnaissance Elite Squadron which included specially trained attack and recon vessel clone pilots, a crew of equally skilled clone troopers, and an on-board specialized astromech droid to handle in-flight operations. These squads underwent advanced "aggressive reconnaissance" training, as taught by Advanced Recon Commandos, to equip them with the skills necessary to survive the varied and treacherous mission profiles to which they were assigned. Elite Squads served with distinction during the Outer Rim Sieges, providing crucial intelligence and support during campaigns on major Separatist homeworlds.
During the later stages of the conflict, Razor Squadron itself flew ARC-170 starfighters with blue "tiger-stripe" wing designs and nose art, most likely derived from the Mandalorian shriek-hawk, thereby further displaying their distinction as having acquired their elite status. This decorative style was similar in appearance and color to the rancor designs on LAAT/i gunships during a mission led by Commander Fordo to extract Jedi from Hypori early on during the Clone Wars.
Pilots of Razor Squadron wore helmets with the same striping found on their ships to designate their elite squad affiliation. Razor Squadron Clone Troopers were also fitted with armor bearing the same blue striping, and helmets bearing Jaig eyes in the same stylization as their craft. This indicates that Razor troopers were chosen from clones who had distinguished themselves in battle and received awards for particular acts of bravery.
The pilots tended to fly their craft more aggressively than their standard clone counterparts in Red Squadron, Blue Squadron, and even Captain Davijaan's Squad Seven. As an elite surgical strike and recon force using advanced hit-and-run tactics against large enemy targets and facilities, Razor Squadron's focus was more on delivering greater and more intense fire-power and less on strengthening defensive systems. Similarly, their ships were configured to provide more power to their weapons. Another ARC Elite Squad, Bull's Eye Squadron, bore the same style squadron art (with the exception of it being red instead of blue) and used ARC-170 starfighters that were modified to provide more power to shields due to the fact that their infiltration/recon missions often lead them deeper into enemy territory.
[edit] Behind the scenes
Hasbro produced a Clone Wars edition of the ARC-170 Starfighter as a gunship toy and ARC-170 Elite Squad figures (two pilots, two troopers, and an astromech droid in one box called a Battle Pack) for the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars.
The Clone Wars version of the ARC-170 Starfighter and the ARC-170 Elite Squad are based on the appearance of the Republic ARC Gunships from episode 21 of the Clone Wars animated series that aired on Cartoon Network.
The WizKids' Imperial PowerUp Pack (a starter set for the Star Wars Pocketmodels TCG game sold at WalMart and Meijer) featured a coupon offering a Razor Squadron game piece. This is the first mention of the Squad's name, and is likely based on WalMart's store mascot - a yellow smiley dressed as Zorro who slashes prices.
[edit] Sources
- 2005 Hasbro's Titanium Series ARC-170 Starfighter 3" vehicle (First appearance)
- 2006 Hasbro's Transformers Series ARC-170/Clone Pilot Robot
- 2007 Star Wars PocketModel TCG: Imperial Power-Up Pack - WalMart/Meijer Promotion (First identified as the Razor Squadron)
- 2007 Hasbro's ARC-170 Starfighter scaled to 3-3/4" Star Wars action figures
- 2008 Hasbro's 3-3/4" ARC-170 Elite Squad Battle Pack
