Star Wars: 10 Expanded Universe Starships You Didn't Know Were Canon Again

The Star Wars: X-wing Miniatures Game is the domain of hardcore fans, people willing to spend thousands of dollars on overpriced plastic model kits and even more overpriced display cabinets. And among those players there was no ship more requested than the Assault Gunboat.

Leaping to prominence in the now legendary Star Wars: TIE Fighter space combat simulator, the Gunboat’s speed, maneuverability and laser armament were nothing special, but it was shielded and, best of all, mounted a big, stonking get bent missile load-out, and when you’d spent the early hours of the game playing dodge-the-laser, that long-range rain of death was worth its weight in gold.

But what really made it special was its drop dead gorgeous looks. In a universe full of blocky, industrial designs, the Gunboat’s graceful wings and sleek airframe, combined with the bristling menace of its twin missile pods, made it prime poster material.

It makes a brief appearance in the 2017 canon reference book Star Wars: The Rebel Files, and while not the most auspicious appearance the door is now open and fans can only hope that a more prominent role is soon to follow.