Interceptor

An interceptor was a starfighter classification that would typically be applied to spacecraft that sacrificed heavy ordnance, armor, and deflector shields in favor of pure speed and agility in combat. Such craft typically lacked internal hyperdrives, although the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor was a notable exception. Others could hook up to an external hyperdrive ring, allowing interstellar travel. Other interceptors included the Jedi Order's Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor, Delta-7B Aethersprite-class light interceptor, Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor, and the Galactic Empire's TIE Interceptor. Although not typically labeled as such, spacecraft as diverse as the Galactic Republic's V-19 Torrent starfighter and the Firespray-31-class patrol and attack craft were also referred to as "interceptors" from time to time. By the time of the First Order–Resistance conflict, dedicated interceptors had been phased out of service in favor of more capable multi-role starfighters. The New Republic and the Resistance typically used T-85 X-wings and T-70 X-wing fighters, respectively, while the First Order used TIE/fo space superiority fighters and TIE/sf space superiority fighters. This had the advantage of reducing the number of types in service with any particular fleet, significantly simplifying supply logistics and maintenance.

Behind the scenes
In real life, the term "interceptor" has a slightly different meaning from that assigned to it in the Star Wars universe. A typical interceptor, like the Convair F-106 Delta Dagger, would be designed to combat enemy bombers, not fighters. As such, an interceptor would typically be designed to sacrifice maneuverability and range/endurance in favor of speed, rate of climb, and firepower. Prior to the introduction of guided missiles, interceptors such as the Messerschmitt Me 262 frequently used heavy autocannons or even air-to-air rockets to penetrate the increasingly thick armor of enemy bombers, although accuracy tended to be poor.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
 * Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV series)
 * Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars Rebels
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi