The Rarified Air Cavalry was a starfighter squadron that served as the planetary defense force of Virujansi. It was led by Flight Leader Antoc Merrick. After the Galactic Empire occupied the planet and displaced the Virujansi council, the Air Cavalry was dissolved, and its pilots were extended invitations to join the Imperial Navy. However, many, such as Merrick and Garven Dreis, instead joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic.