Xizor has extravagant tastes, and nothing less than the best is good enough for him. Rather than purchase a "common" space yacht or fighter, Xizor contracted the entire MandalMotors design team to create a unique ship.

The design team produced the StarViper-class vessel, a heavy assault starfighter with incredible speed, armour, and weaponry. This performance came at a very high cost, but after a few moments contemplating "his" prize, Xizor announced that he was...satisfied.

The MandalMotors designers opted to make the StarViper a "mobile platform" ship. To enhance performance, the wings and thrust nacelles move in such a way that, to the casual ovserver, the ship appears to be "alive" as its wings constantly fold and adjust in flight. The Virago can match TIE interceptor for speed and maneuverability despite its far greater mass.In combat, the Virago's four wings fold out to give the maneuvering thrusters maximum effect. The wings also hold reserve fuel tanks and are extremely well armoured - even concentrated fire from an X-wing doesn't stand much chance of puncturing the armour plating. The rear of the vessel is not significantly armoured, but a trio of Torplex shield generators provide ample protection. A single shield generator is forward-mounted to supplement the forward armour plating.

The Virago's wings fold flush against the engines and pilot compartment for standard space flight. While the expanding wing arrangement is excellent for space combat, it severely hampers atmospheric flight, and the wings must remain retracted during planetary landings. MandalMotors produces additional vessels based on the StarViper design. While virtually identical in appearance, they are far less powerful.