Inspired by Ian's Red 5 Skystriker I set out to create its twin in the Star Wars universe. Using the TRU exclusive X-Wing and some 30th Anniversary Skystriker stickers I came up with this.
"The Incom T65 XP-14F X-Wing, codenamed 'Skystriker', is a modified version of the XJ series. Built strictly as a dogfighter with enhanced atmospheric capabilities, the 'Skystriker' is an air-to-air strategic combat starfighter. Its third proton torpedo launcher has been replaced with a rapid fire pulse ion cannon. Due to its very specific mission profile a new type of astromech unit was built. The R10 series (or RIO) has an enhanced sensor suite and upgraded astrogation software and piloting capabilities. The RIO droid controls the electronic countermeasures and defensive equipment including deflector shields so the pilot can concentrate on navigation and attack. 'Skystriker' pilots and their RIO astromechs work as closely together as organic teams due in part to pilots not allowing their RIOs to be memory wiped. In other X-Wing versions this is a detriment but in the XP-14F this bonding of the droid and starfighter along with their pilot makes for a deadly team. Led by Captain Brad 'Ace' Armbruster the 'Skystriker' squadrons have the highest air-to-air dogfight kill count of any current Alliance units, including the infamous Rogue Squadron."
I took the basic unassembled X-Wing and gave it a simple coat of Tamiya primer. I considered painting the ship white to match the original Skystriker but felt the gray better matched the 30th Anniversary version better. The stickers took a little work to fit the less than smooth surface of the X-Wing but with a little cutting and creative placement I think they came out well. Although its not shown, I did place the wing stripes and symbols on both top and bottom of the wings, opposite configuration so they are on the same side when viewed from the top and bottom. And I threw the "Aces High" on the nose as an homage to WWII aircraft nose art.
The pilot is a simple Star Wars pilot figure (one of the Sullustan pilots) with a Jake Farrel head and helmet to give the figure that v.1 ARAH Ace look. The R10 droid, (which I named RIO after the second seat flyers in Tomcats, the Skystrikers real world inspiration) is a Build-A-Droid R9 with the sensor eye from a Build-A-Droid head, I forget which.
All in all this didn't come out
exactly as I'd pictured it but I'm really happy with the end result. Now I just need to find a place to display it.
