The GAT-12 Skipray Blastboat from Sienar Fleet Systems represented the smallest hyperspace-capable combat starship utilized by the Imperial Navy during the early years of the Galactic Civil War.
Although compact enough to be deployed from capital ships as a starfighter, its substantial energy generation (courtesy of a ViX multi-flux reactor from Sarylcorp), powerful armaments, and robust shielding led some authorities to classify it as a capital ship in its own right.
The GAT-12h, the most well-known model in the GAT series, typically operated with a crew of four: a pilot, a copilot/ sensor operator, and two gunners. However, it could be flown solo. Standard equipment included a Class Two hyperdrive and a basic navigation computer capable of storing the coordinates for four hyperspace jumps. It also carried enough consumables for one month of independent operations. Two Siep-Irol "Omni-Vu" sensor pylons were mounted on short wings flanking the cockpit.
Extending from a rotating assembly at the rear of the craft were two forward-swept stabilizer fins, each housing a Dar-2 ion cannon manufactured by Mendarn Arms. These stabilizers remained vertical during flight, positioning the ion cannons above and below the main body. For landing, the fins rotated to a horizontal position, placing them on either side in a more conventional wing arrangement.
The ship's nose contained a third Dar-2 ion cannon, flanked by a concussion missile launcher on the starboard side and a proton torpedo tube on the port side. A turret on the dorsal fuselage held a linked pair of 5000x2 "Tru-Lok" laser cannons from Senko Systems.
Despite being designed for space, the vessel exhibited superior performance within an atmosphere, achieving a (reported) maximum speed of 1,200 km/h. Its aerodynamic design allowed for greater atmospheric maneuverability than most airspeeders, with the exception of high-performance models. Its space-based maneuverability was less impressive, often necessitating reliance on rapid initial strikes or coordinated attacks with other spacecraft.
Besides the GAT-12h, various other versions were produced, such as the GAT-12i, the GAT-12g (which replaced the concussion missile tube with a tractor beam), the GAT-12j (featuring an increased payload and a more balanced distribution of gunnery responsibilities), the GAT-12m (offering enhanced realspace and hyperspace capabilities, making it suitable for interceptor and courier roles), and the GAT-12p (equipped with an improved sensor array).
A more advanced version, the Skipray 24r Blastboat, was used by the Jedi Coalition during the Second Galactic Civil War.
Republic Sienar Systems developed this spacecraft prior to the Clone Wars, drawing inspiration from the earlier Turbostorm-class gunship. Many of its systems underwent testing on Toscan starfighters from Shobquix Yards, which Sienar modified to serve as testbed gunships.
Later, it was predominantly sold to the Empire. The initial GAT-12h Skipray Blastboats were introduced before the Battle of Yavin, becoming the smallest hyperspace-capable combat starship in active service with the Imperial Navy (excluding a few experimental models). The GAT-12h, along with its direct successor, the GAT-12i, exhibited superior capabilities compared to earlier, slower, and less combat-focused versions.
However, the Imperial Navy's tactical doctrines did not readily embrace the concept of a hyperspace-capable capital-starfighter hybrid, leading to a lukewarm reception for the craft. Consequently, SFS began selling the ship on the open market. Its reliable design led to widespread use in Outer Rim planetary patrol forces and smuggling operations for numerous years.
GAT-12 blastboats also saw service with Imperial Customs, Imperial Sector Rangers, and local security forces. Specialized sub-models, such as the GAT-12m and GAT-12p, were also employed by the Empire.
While those Imperial units that utilized Skiprays spoke highly of them, the Skipray Blastboat ultimately achieved its notoriety and prevalence as a mainstay of corporate, mercenary, pirate, and smuggler fleets. It was also used privately by individuals such as Kir Kanos, a former member of the Emperor's Royal Guard, who operated a modified GAT-12.
Despite being designed and marketed for the Empire, many of these vessels ended up in the hands of the Zann Consortium, who equipped them with sensor jamming technology to enhance their survivability in combat. During its time with the Consortium, its relatively low speed, combined with its heavy armor, made it a suitable fighter-bomber, fulfilling a role similar to the Imperial TIE Defender and the Rebel B-wing starfighters.
The GAT-12g variant was in service with the Imperial Navy sometime after the Battle of Yavin.
The GAT-12j upgrade entered production several months before the Battle of Endor and was released a few weeks after the Imperial defeat. By 9 ABY, the GAT-12j Skipray had become the most prevalent model in operation.
Talon Karrde utilized Skiprays for planetary defense. He lost two of these vessels on Myrkr during an incident in 9 ABY involving Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker.