The B-Wing Expanded was designed shortly after the Battle of Yavin (and after the development of the original B-Wing), and in many aspects it was a more remarkable starfighter, however it was not widely accepted in the Rebel Alliance. A nearly successful attempt by Imperial operatives to capture the technical specifications for this starfighter from Research Station Shantipole in the Roche Asteroid Field were unfortunately thwarted by a group of Rebel agents. Compared to the B-Wing, the design's new weapon systems differed in configuration; its shields, survivability and speed were boosted at the expense of manoeuvrability. In addition to these design features which already made the B-Wing/E a real threat to Imperial vessels, the command pod was extended three metres to allow the addition of a gunner who sits behind the pilot. This philosophy has unfortunately resulted in a substantial increase in the number of combat kills because the gunner has taken over the gunnery duties from the pilot. Physically, the B-Wing/E is similar in appearance to the B-Wing, however mounted in the fighter's nose is its computer targeting system, while mounted on its chin were its targeting lasers (not weapons).