Delta-7 Aethersprite
Jedi Starfighter, Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor
History of Delta-7 Aethersprite
The Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor, also known as the Delta-7 Aethersprite-class Jedi starfighter, Delta-7 Jedi starfighter, or Delta-7 Jedi Interceptor, and commonly referred to as the Jedi starfighter, was a starfighter model designed by Kuat Systems Engineering and used by the Jedi Order before and during the Clone Wars. The variant Delta-7B Aethersprite-class light interceptor was also used by the Jedi during the Clone Wars. The Delta-7 would also be used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic in their early campaigns against the Galactic Empire. The Delta-7 entered service with the Jedi Order prior to or during 32 BBY. Qui-Gon Jinn operated a Delta-7, as did his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yoda operated his own customized version, and flew it on a mission to the Vagadarr system. Four years later, Master Depa Billaba flew a Delta-7 as part of Hazard Squadron as escort for a relief convoy heading to Bromlarch. She provided interference between the convoy starships and the attacking pirates. In 22 BBY, Kenobi flew his interceptor on a mission to Kamino, during which he discovered the existence of a clone army being produced without the approval of the Galactic Senate. The bounty hunter Jango Fett served as the cloning template, and was also a suspect in a plot to assassinate Senator Amidala. The Jedi High Council ordered Kenobi to apprehend Fett and bring him to Coruscant for interrogation. Fett evaded arrest, but Kenobi managed to follow him to Geonosis. Once Fett became aware of Kenobi's presence, the two engaged in a drawn-out dogfight over Geonosis, during which Kenobi jettisoned his starfighter's spare parts canisters to feign his own death. Kenobi eventually made his way to the surface of the planet, but was arrested by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padmé Amidala attempted to stage a rescue, but were also apprehended and sentenced to death in the Petranaki Arena. A Jedi assault team deployed to rescue the trio, but were severely depleted and on the verge of defeat when Yoda arrived with the Grand Army of the Republic. The ensuing First Battle of Geonosis resulted in the end of the Separatist Crisis and the beginning of the Clone War. At least one Delta-7, belonging to Jedi Master Plo Koon at the end of the Clone War in 19 BBY, was destroyed in the capture of Cato Neimoidia during the execution of Order 66. The early Alliance would begin to use rebuilt Delta-7 interceptors for local engagements, along with other aging Clone Wars-era equipment and other system patrol craft.
Delta-7 Aethersprite is also known as; Jedi Starfighter, Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor
