Rya Kirsch
Biographical information
Homeworld	Naboo
Died	32 BBY, over Naboo
Physical description
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Hair color	Brown
Eye color	Brown
Chronological and political information
Era(s)	Rise of the Empire era
Affiliation	Bravo Squadron Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps Royal Naboo Security Forces

[Source]

Lieutenant Rya Kirsch was one of the fighters who led the assault on the Trade Federation Droid Control Ship.

BiographyEdit

Rya originally flew recon missions for the Royal Naboo Security Forces before joining Bravo Squadron under the command of Ric Olié. He later became an expert in starfighter defensive aviation tactics.

Kirsch flew as Bravo 4 during the Naboo Space Battle, and entered into combat against an attack fleet of Vulture droids. After joining Ric Olié in an attack run, Kirsch was killed after the Droid Control Ship's turbolasers fired on his starfighter.

Behind the scenesEdit

This character, played by ILM Visual Effects Supervisor John Knoll, continues the tradition of the in-cockpit death scene featured in all Star Wars space/air battles. Rya Kirsch is sometimes known as "Jet Porkins"—a reference to the pilot Jek Porkins, who had the first in-cockpit death during A New Hope.

Knoll also plays a Naboo flag bearer during the parade in The Phantom Menace and the roles of a firespeeder pilot and an opera house patron in Revenge of the Sith.

AppearancesEdit

• Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (First appearance)
• Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace PhotoComic

SourcesEdit

• Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Scrapbook (Indirect mention only)
• Star Wars Customizable Card Game – Theed Palace Limited (Card: Bravo 4)
• Star Wars Customizable Card Game – Theed Palace Limited (Card: Lieutenant Rya Kirsch)
• Star Wars Trading Card Game: Phantom Menace (as Naboo pilot)
• Star Wars: The Official Starships & Vehicles Collection 13
• "Immersive Menace!"—Star Wars Insider 131