The N-1 starfighter, also called the Naboo starfighter, was a single-seat patrol craft developed by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps and used by the Royal Naboo Security Forces for duties such as defense, patrol, and escorting.
The N-1 starfighter was a sleek single-pilot craft used by the Naboo and demonstrated the marriage of art and function present in Naboo technology. Buffed chromium finishes on the craft’s forward surfaces glinted in the sun for fly-bys and parades, and represented the royalty of Naboo, complementing the Royal Starship. The N-1’s chromium stood in stark contrast to its overall yellow finish.
The craft carried two J-type engines and a Nubian Monarc C-4 hyperdrive engine, and had a single on-board astromech droid which was mounted from the bottom of the craft. It featured an autopilot system and shielding, along with offensive weaponry that consisted of two blaster cannons and proton torpedo launchers. It could attain a maximum speed of 1,100 kph and was eleven meters in length. The ships central rat-tail acted as a power charger collector, and received energy from onboard generators when it was not in use. The ships two outer finials served as heat sinks for the engines.
The N-1 starfighter first appeared in the prequel trilogy, but was added to Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi as part of the ending montage in the DVD release.
The full-size N-1 Starfighter prop used by Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, was on display in Boston’s Museum of Science as part of the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit in 2005, and remained on display in the museum’s Blue Wing for several years afterward, hanging above guest’s heads with several large wires. It was ultimately taken down several years later, having accumulated large amounts of dust in the process.