Proton bomb / Legends The proton bomb , space bomb , or heavy space bomb , was a large energy explosive device used in space combat and orbital bombardment . They were most effective against fixed or slow moving targets such as fortifications , space stations , and capital ships . These energy weapons often emitted the signature blue " glow " of proton torpedoes . Handheld explosives were termed proton grenade s . Description . The proton bomb was at least twice as powerful as the heavy rocket , though its self - propulsion was very weak and relied upon the inertia of the fighter deploying it . As it took a long time to travel to its destination , many pilots chose to release them close to their target , though this tactic carried the risk of being exposed to enemy fire . The proton torpedo and concussion missile were significantly less powerful compared to the rocket and bomb . Proton bombs were capable of being upgraded to the advanced proton bomb . Similarly , there were also a variation of the proton bombs that acted as spread projectiles known as spread proton bomb s . In addition , there were also further upgraded versions of the spread model . History . In 3951 BBY , Canderous Ordo , the first Mandalore following the Mandalorian Wars , destroyed the " Ravager " with four proton core bombs after battling Darth Nihilus beside the Jedi Exile . Millennia later , NB - 1S Royal Bomber s used by the Royal Naboo Security Forces carried proton bombs . At the same time , Trade Federation droid bombers also carried the weapons for use in the Invasion of Naboo . During the Battle of Geonosis in 22 BBY , Galactic Republic frigates launched space bombs on droid surface emplacements and large orbital space stations . Later during the Clone Wars , Republic and Separatist starfighters — V - wing starfighters and Belbullab - 24 strike bomber s , respectively — carried proton bombs During the time of the Galactic Civil War , Rebel Alliance BTL Y - wing starfighter s could be armed with 20 proton bombs , and Imperial TIE / sa bombers also carried bombs . TIE bombers conducted numerous strikes against Rebel and civilian targets , while Y - wings were used in an assault on the Kile II spaceport and in a raid against a capacitor on Sullust . Rebel forces also used Y - wings with bombs during the Mission to the Maw and the Battle of Kothlis , as well as the Battle of Dubrillion . Many Imperial Navy starfighters with general purpose warhead launchers , such as the TIE / sa bomber , could carry proton bombs . Pilot Maarek Stele led a squadron of bomb - armed TIE Avengers to neutralize the EF76 Nebulon - B escort frigate " Akaga " , the latter which was sent on a mission by Admiral Harkov ' s forces to destroy the Interdictor " Harpax " . Imperial TIE / sa bombers conducted a strike using proton bombs against the Halanit colony ' s dome . Proton bombs were still carried by TIE bombers used by the Imperial Remnant as late as 14 ABY . The Jedi Jaden Korr and Jedi Master Kyle Katarn encountered two bombers on a mission to Vjun . Borsk Fey ' lya used a proton bomb kept in his office to destroy the Imperial Palace , taking the lives of twenty - five thousand Yuuzhan Vong warriors — and his own . Behind the scenes . Proton bombs were first depicted in . " In the " " video game series , players may upgrade proton bombs if they picked up the technology in certain missions . In " " , the V - wing starfighters were equipped with proton bombs , although other sources such as " " do not give them a secondary weapon .