Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle

The Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle, simply known as the escort shuttle, was an armed personnel transport manufactured by Cygnus Spaceworks.
==Characteristics==
A derivative of the Lambda-class family, the JV-7 was designed to correct some weaknesses in the original Lambda design. The craft boasted a higher top speed, and maneuverability was also improved. It had 20% more shield power and a significantly stronger hull than the Lambda-class.
The aft firing arc was covered by a dual turbolaser turret, making it extremely dangerous to pursue this ship. The JV-7 was also equipped with a pair of concussion missile launchers, like the related Sentinel-class landing craft.
==History==
The class was first seen in use sometime around the Battle of Hoth.
Important Imperial officers tended to prefer the JV-7 over the Lambda-class, especially for transport through contested space. In addition to its personnel transport duties, the JV-7 was regularly employed in escort duties, earning it the classification of "escort shuttle."
As with many craft of the Imperial Navy, the JV-7 eventually fell into the hands of the Rebels and some pirate groups. They were used by the Mugaari, and by both combatants in the Sepan Civil War. Even the Duskhan League used these during their reign of terror.
At least one escort shuttle fell into the hands of the Imperial splinter faction known as the "hard-liners" stationed on the planetoid RZ7-6113-23. The shuttle was stolen by the bounty hunter Kir Kanos during his escape from the hard-liners' ship storehouse.
In 23 ABY, ex-Imperial Delta-class shuttles were being scrapped by the New Republic. Han Solo acquired the hyperdrive from a ship of this class on Coruscant, and gave it as a present to his daughter Jaina at the Jedi Praxeum. It was later used by marooned Imperial pilot Qorl to escape Yavin 4 aboard his TIE/LN starfighter.Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force
==Behind the scenes==
In the games that feature the Delta-class, the Lambda-class was toned down. It lacks the potently deadly rear turret, has less armor and shields, and a slower speed than the Delta. The Delta, however, has made few appearances outside of the games.
Kir Kanos uses a Delta-class JV-7 escort shuttle in Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost 3 but it appears as a Nu-class attack shuttle in Empire Lost 4.
==Appearances==
*Star Wars: TIE Fighter
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*Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
*Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter: Balance of Power Campaigns
*Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost 3
*Tyrant's Test
*Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force 
==Sources==
*TIE Fighter: The Official Strategy Guide
*TIE Fighter: Defender of the Empire: Official Secrets & Solutions
*The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
*TIE Fighter Collector's CD-ROM: The Official Strategy Guide
*Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
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*The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia 
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*Endless Vigil
==Notes and references==
Category:Cygnus Spaceworks products
Category:Shuttle classes
Category:Starship classes of the Galactic Empire