Throughout the galaxy, peoples often go beyond pure utilitarianism in their Royal spacecraft designs, and express the values of their native culture through their ships - a custom which explains the striking look of the Naboo Royal N-1 Starfighter. This handcrafted space fighter embodies the Naboo love of elegant design, and includes all the necessary equipment within a custom-designed spaceframe, making the ship a work of art.
Created for the purpose of planetary defense sorties, patrols, and formal diplomatic escort missions, the N-1 sports galactic standard sublight engine components in a vectored J-type (twin radial) configuration, allowing the lightweight ship to maneuver with quickness and precision. In accordance with the Naboo philosophy of harmony, the engines were modified for cleaner operation, which results in fewer atmospheric emissions during launch and landing cycles. The N-1 pilot is assisted by a galactic standard astromech unit, loaded through a hatch in the underside of the ship. The cockpit is equipped with complete life support systems, while a compact hyperdrive provides the spacecraft with deep-space autonomy, especially useful when N-1 fighters serve as the Queen's Honor Guard on visits to other planets.
As the galaxy edges into increasing unrest, the symbolic purpose of noble fighter corps like Naboo's N-1 squadrons begins to fade before the threats and actions of great powers. The dreadful weapons and ships now being amassed by certain organizations are dedicated to nothing but destruction, and there is little that comparatively fragile 'artwork spacecraft' could do against such savage war machines.
Design variations for the N-1 Starfighter ranged from early concepts of a raw, angular craft, to a flying-wing style, to a bizarre ship with long, glider-type wings that pivoted from horizontal to vertical position. Finally, George Lucas and Doug Chiang decided the starfighter should be a smaller, fighter craft version of the Naboo Royal Starship.