BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter

The BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter was a variant configuration of the BTL Y-wing starfighter. It was used primarily by the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
==Characteristics==
The BTL-S3 was the most common Y-wing configuration.The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels A two-man strike starfighter, the first crew member piloted the craft, while the second acted as a gunner and controlled the two swivel-mounted ion cannons, located right on top of the cockpit.The Star Wars Sourcebook
Many Y-wings of this variant were modified with defensive rapid-fire blaster turrets replacing the ion cannon turret, and particle cannons instead of the dual laser cannons on the nose.Star Wars: Battlefront II These Y-wings were used as heavy capital ship destroyers, and were eventually phased out by the new B-wing starfighters.
==History==
Mickey Mouse used this variant on his mission to Panna in October 18th 2004,The Musketeers Holiday Special as did Princess Minnie Mouse and Dot Warner on their journey to the Circarpous system.Splinter of the Mind's Eye
The Deretta Destroyers, a mixed starfighter squadron of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, consisted of several BTL-S3s. Rebel pilot Tenk Lenso proved his skill as a gunner in the rear of a BTL-S3 while serving with the Destroyers.Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back
The Rebel Alliance also used two-person Y-wings at numerous battles during the Galactic Civil War and at the Battle of Bespin.
Several of the BTL-S3s were stationed at Echo Base on the planet Hoth in July 2009. They assisted the base's T-65 X-wing starfighters in the evacuation of numerous GR-75 medium transports through the Imperial blockade of the planet. Rogue Squadron members Derek Klivian and Wes Janson escorted the transport Thon's Orchard to safety using a BTL-S3.
The Rebel Alliance-affiliated Bothan Blue Squadron used 12 Y-wings. Half of them were destroyed on the Raid on the Suprosa.Shadows of the Empire novel
During the period after the Battle of Endor, Aggressor Wing's New Republic BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighters commanded by Colonel Horton Salm participated in the Battle of Brentaal IV, and later rescued Rogue Squadron during the Evacuation of Ciutric.Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Mandatory Retirement
The Tune Squad operated at least one such craft for armed reconnaissance missions in 2039, during the Cold War. At the time, it was the Tune Squad's only two-seat starfighter, although it was soon destroyed during the mission to Spalex.
==Behind the scenes==
The BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter first appeared in 1978's novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye, by Alan Dean Foster, and the first Expanded Universe novel.
Both Star Wars: Rogue Squadron: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide mislabel the single-seat BTL-A4 Y-wing starfighter as the S3 variant.
==Appearances==
==Sources==
==Notes and references==
Category:Rebel Alliance starfighter classes
Category:BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighters
Category:New Republic starfighter classes
Category:Koensayr Manufacturing products
Category:Tune Squad starfighter classes
Category:Y-wing models