The B-Wing is the Rebel Alliance's most powerful fighter, it is used to attack our mighty capital ships and convoys. This fighter can link its proton torpedo launchers and ion cannons for maximum damage on its target in a minimum amount of time. It features a range finding mode for its single laser cannon which allows for near perfect range and vector data for a target lock with a 97% chance of hitting the exact point targeted. However Rebel pilots don't often use it since it would only give away their position. In standard configuration, the auto-blasters are mounted on the chin of the command pod, while each wing has an ion cannon. The laser cannon is located at the base of the main wing. Above the base of the main wing is the Emission-Type Primary Proton Torpedo Launcher, and above the cooling intake is the Secondary Proton Torpedo Launcher. A popular alternative to this configuration is replacing the auto-blasters with three ion cannons and mounting a laser cannon on each wing. The B-Wing was deliberately designed with modular weapon mounting points.

    B-Wings generate a substantial amount of heat during combat operations, leading to a high percentage of failures over long battles. Though intermittent "rest periods" and large cooling intakes usually prevent overheating. Even though equipped with four cooling vents on each side of the splitter plate which dissipates engine and exhaust heat, the B-Wing still gives off a strong infrared image. Due to the swing wing configuration of the B-Wing it creates minimal sensor reflection. The B-Wing's radically designed Gryo-Stabilization system allows the cockpit to remain stable while the rest of the fighter rotates around it, significantly reducing stresses that result from sudden manoeuvres. As an added bonus it creating a flexible firing platform while the pilot experiences none of the effects of rapid spins, twists or turns. This system is complex, but fragile and thus frequently breaks down. This causes the fighter spend more time in maintenance than most of the Rebellion's craft. The B-Wing's stabilization system fails when the B-Wing suffers heavy damage. Once this happens, the B-Wing's weapons' accuracy decreases since the fighter is no longer a stable weapons platform. Since the wing assembly is locked into position, it makes it almost impossible to turn the fighter without severely straining the spaceframe, it also affects the B-Wing's speed.

    The command pod contains life support systems, flight computer, comlink transceivers and sensors. The B-Wing's sensor array is located just below where the secondary wings connect to the B-Wing's body. The slit on the main wing is where the navigation sensor is located. This fighter is very difficult to pilot so only a few Rebel pilots are qualified to fly this fighter. B-Wing pilots tend to become very attached to their fighters and they personally like to supervise every repair and modification. The B-Wing is not terribly maneuverable and can be outflown by a skilled TIE Pilot. The Rebel Alliance has very few B-Wings.

    Prior to the Battle of Yavin, Rebel starfighters had suffered considerable losses in dogfights against Imperial warships such as Escort Frigates and Corvettes. In responce to the growing success of Imperial escort warships, then Commander Ackbar conceived and headed the Shantipole Project. With the aid of the Verpine colonies of Slayn and Korpil, Commander Ackbar designed the B-Wing. With its combination of speed, armour and weapons, the B-Wing was designed to be used against anything up to a frigate-sized vessel. Most patrol craft carry less raw fire power than the B-Wing. The B-Wing originally had no hyperdrive capability and hyperdrives were later added to the design. The Rebel Alliance is constantly testing new upgrades to the B-Wing, however, Admiral Ackbar hopes that the B-Wing will one day live up to its design specs.