Wookieepedia

READ MORE

Wookieepedia
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Wookieepedia
In a galaxy far, far away....
190,480
pages
in: Legends articles, Pages needing citation, Infoboxes with missing parameters,
and 11 more

Changes: TIE/LN starfighter

< TIE
Back to page
Edit
m (Redirect fixes)
m (Bot: alphabeticizing categories and other fixes))
(25 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Eras|imp|reb|new|njo|leg|canon=TIE/ln space superiority starfighter}}
 +
{{Top|canon=TIE/ln space superiority starfighter}}
 
{{HideContentSub}}
  
{{HideContentSub}}
 
{{Citation}}
  
{{Citation}}
Line 92: Line 92:
   
 
<div style="float:right">[[File:TIEf xsect.jpg|thumb|left|180px|A TIE Fighter cross-section]]</div>
  
<div style="float:right">[[File:TIEf xsect.jpg|thumb|left|180px|A TIE Fighter cross-section]]</div>
−
Like [[Stormtrooper/Legends|stormtroopers]], TIE pilots had their own identification, such as [[Mithel|DS-61-2]] (the first two letters indicated the posting, the next two or three digits indicated the squadron number, and the last number indicated the pilot's ranking in the squadron). This procedure reduced them to being no more than anonymous and standardized operatives of the Imperial war machine. This attitude was further reflected by the lack of any sentimental attachment to particular TIEs by TIE pilots, unlike Rebel pilots who often grew attached to their craft. As far as they were concerned, every fighter, whether reconditioned or factory-fresh, was identical. They were considered as nothing more than tools, much in the same way the pilots were.
 +
Like [[Stormtrooper/Legends|stormtroopers]], TIE pilots had their own identification, such as [[Mithel/Legends|DS-61-2]] (the first two letters indicated the posting, the next two or three digits indicated the squadron number, and the last number indicated the pilot's ranking in the squadron). This procedure reduced them to being no more than anonymous and standardized operatives of the Imperial war machine. This attitude was further reflected by the lack of any sentimental attachment to particular TIEs by TIE pilots, unlike Rebel pilots who often grew attached to their craft. As far as they were concerned, every fighter, whether reconditioned or factory-fresh, was identical. They were considered as nothing more than tools, much in the same way the pilots were.
   
 
A disadvantage of the fighter was its lack of deflector shields. In combat, pilots had to rely on the TIE/Ln's maneuverability to avoid damage. The cockpit did incorporate crash webbing, a repulsorlift antigravity field, and a high-g shock seat to help protect the pilot, however these did next to nothing to help protect against enemy blaster fire.<ref name="TNEGtVaV" /> However, despite this lack of protection, the fighter was at least able to survive glancing hits, such as when the quad laser cannons on the ''Millennium Falcon'' were able to hit a TIE fighter without actually destroying it.
  
A disadvantage of the fighter was its lack of deflector shields. In combat, pilots had to rely on the TIE/Ln's maneuverability to avoid damage. The cockpit did incorporate crash webbing, a repulsorlift antigravity field, and a high-g shock seat to help protect the pilot, however these did next to nothing to help protect against enemy blaster fire.<ref name="TNEGtVaV" /> However, despite this lack of protection, the fighter was at least able to survive glancing hits, such as when the quad laser cannons on the ''Millennium Falcon'' were able to hit a TIE fighter without actually destroying it.
Line 102: Line 102:
 
==History==
  
==History==
 
[[File:TIEvsX-wing-SWSB.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A T-65 X-wing being fired on by a TIE fighter]]
  
[[File:TIEvsX-wing-SWSB.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A T-65 X-wing being fired on by a TIE fighter]]
−
{{Quote|For every TIE fighter you shoot down, a thousand more will take its place.|[[Baron/Legends|Baron]] [[Soontir Fel]]|The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels}}
 +
{{Quote|For every TIE fighter you shoot down, a thousand more will take its place.|[[Baron/Legends|Baron]] [[Soontir Fel/Legends|Soontir Fel]]|The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels}}
 
The basic TIE starfighter was designed at some point before 22 BBY and inspired a number of other Imperial starfighters manufactured by [[Sienar Fleet Systems/Legends|Sienar Fleet Systems]], which became collectively known as the TIE series. The TIE Line fighter was one of them, and replaced the original model as the standard fleet fighter in the Empire. While the original TIE had performance parity with heavier-built [[T-65 X-wing starfighter/Legends|X-wings]], the newer TIE/Ln boasted improved engines and more powerful weapons, surpassing contemporary Rebel fighters.
  
The basic TIE starfighter was designed at some point before 22 BBY and inspired a number of other Imperial starfighters manufactured by [[Sienar Fleet Systems/Legends|Sienar Fleet Systems]], which became collectively known as the TIE series. The TIE Line fighter was one of them, and replaced the original model as the standard fleet fighter in the Empire. While the original TIE had performance parity with heavier-built [[T-65 X-wing starfighter/Legends|X-wings]], the newer TIE/Ln boasted improved engines and more powerful weapons, surpassing contemporary Rebel fighters.
   
Line 118: Line 118:
 
The sound for TIE Fighters was created by combining an elephant's scream with the noise of a car driving on a wet road.
  
The sound for TIE Fighters was created by combining an elephant's scream with the noise of a car driving on a wet road.
   
−
[[Rob Coleman]] originally considered putting TIEs into the end of [[Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith|''Revenge of the Sith'']], but Lucas decided to show [[Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter/Legends|Alpha-3 ''Nimbus''-class V-wing starfighters]] instead, pointing out that the Empire would have nineteen years to build TIEs.{{Fact}}
 +
[[Rob Coleman]] originally considered putting TIEs into the end of [[Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith|''Revenge of the Sith'']], but [[George Lucas]] decided to show [[Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter/Legends|Alpha-3 ''Nimbus''-class V-wing starfighters]] instead, pointing out that the Empire would have nineteen years to build TIEs.{{Fact}}
   
−
Although [[Star Wars Legends|Expanded Universe]] material and a speed chart used by the film crew of ''Return of the Jedi'' shows the speed of the TIE fighter to be equal to that of an X-wing, ''A New Hope'' shows them overtaking X-wings despite the latter going "full throttle."
 +
Although [[Star Wars Legends|Expanded Universe]] material and a speed chart used by the film crew of ''Return of the Jedi'' shows the speed of the TIE fighter to be equal to that of an X-wing, ''A New Hope'' shows them overtaking X-wings despite the latter going "full throttle".
   
 
In the ''Rogue Squadron'' series of video games, a TIE fighter is used as the basis for the game's sound test to test the input of the stereo surround sound. It first flies toward the player and then flies around the screen.
  
In the ''Rogue Squadron'' series of video games, a TIE fighter is used as the basis for the game's sound test to test the input of the stereo surround sound. It first flies toward the player and then flies around the screen.
Line 126: Line 126:
 
In the [[2001]] [[video game]] ''[[Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds]]'', TIE fighters serve as the Galactic Empire's fighter unit and may be built at [[airbase]]s in single player or multiplayer. The [[2005]] video game ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]'' depicts TIE Fighters as having a proton-torpedo launcher in addition to two laser cannons. However this was most likely a [[Canon#Canon and games|game mechanic]], used to balance teams and gameplay.
  
In the [[2001]] [[video game]] ''[[Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds]]'', TIE fighters serve as the Galactic Empire's fighter unit and may be built at [[airbase]]s in single player or multiplayer. The [[2005]] video game ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]'' depicts TIE Fighters as having a proton-torpedo launcher in addition to two laser cannons. However this was most likely a [[Canon#Canon and games|game mechanic]], used to balance teams and gameplay.
   
−
The [[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|first edition of Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game]] (1987) states that the cargo capacity is 110 kg and the consumables last one day, but later sources [[retcon]]ned these numbers. A TIE fighter, alongside a T-65 X-wing starfighter, made a very brief cameo in [[Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|''Star Wars'': Episode II ''Attack of the Clones'']] during Anakin and Obi-Wan's chase against Zam Wesell, where the latter vessel was chasing the former.{{Fact}}
 +
The [[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|first edition of ''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']] (1987) states that the cargo capacity is 110 kg and the consumables last one day, but later sources [[retcon]]ned these numbers. A TIE fighter, alongside a T-65 X-wing starfighter, made a very brief cameo in [[Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|''Star Wars'': Episode II ''Attack of the Clones'']] during Anakin and Obi-Wan's chase against Zam Wesell, where the latter vessel was chasing the former.{{Fact}}
   
 
The ''[[Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike]]'' game gave the following description concerning the TIE fighter:
  
The ''[[Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike]]'' game gave the following description concerning the TIE fighter:
Line 194: Line 194:
 
*''[[Debts to Pay]]'' {{Co}}
  
*''[[Debts to Pay]]'' {{Co}}
 
*''[[Beyond the Rim]]''
  
*''[[Beyond the Rim]]''
  +
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook|text=''Star Wars: Age of Rebellion'' Core Rulebook|story=Perlemian Haul (adventure)|stext=Perlemian Haul}}
 
*''[[Rebel Force: Target]]''
  
*''[[Rebel Force: Target]]''
 
*''[[Rebel Force: Renegade]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Rebel Force: Renegade]]'' {{Mo}}
Line 638: Line 639:
 
*''[[Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook]]''
  
*''[[Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook]]''
 
*''[[The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire]]''
  
*''[[The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire]]''
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Leia Meets Dash Rendar|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC011.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/veRX}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Leia Meets Dash Rendar|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC011.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/veRX}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Luke Scores a TIE|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC015.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/ZCew}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Luke Scores a TIE|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC015.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/ZCew}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Boba Fett Escapes From Gall|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC017.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/uacOx}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Boba Fett Escapes From Gall|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC017.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/uacOx}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Narrow Escape|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC018.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/qFYw}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Narrow Escape|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC018.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/qFYw}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Vader Senses His Son|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC046.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/1LDB}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Vader Senses His Son|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC046.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/1LDB}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Hyperspace... At Last!|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC048.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/SXnD}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Hyperspace... At Last!|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC048.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/SXnD}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Battle Over Coruscant: Part I|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC066.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/tlgG}} {{Po}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Battle Over Coruscant: Part I|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC066.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/tlgG}} {{Po}}
−
*{{SOTE|cardname=Battle Over Coruscant: Part III|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC068.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/ACuI}}
 +
*{{SOTE|cardname=Battle Over Coruscant: Part III|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC068.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/ACuI}}
 
*''[[The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook]]''
  
*''[[The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook]]''
 
*[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back'', Second Edition]]
  
*[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back'', Second Edition]]
Line 663: Line 664:
 
*''[[Secrets of the Sisar Run]]''
  
*''[[Secrets of the Sisar Run]]''
 
*''[[Cracken's Threat Dossier]]''
  
*''[[Cracken's Threat Dossier]]''
  +
*''[[Lords of the Expanse]]''
⚫
*{{SOTEEMCC|cardname=ISSUE 2: Rescue Attempt on Gall|link=http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteMIcards2bk.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/sdl7X}}
  
  +
*''[[Player's Guide to Tapani]]''
  ⚫
*{{SOTEEMCC|cardname=ISSUE 2: Rescue Attempt on Gall|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteMIcards2bk.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/sdl7X}}
 
*''[[Star Wars: Chronicles]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Chronicles]]''
 
*{{StarWarsKidsCite|4|Meet Wedge!}}
  
*{{StarWarsKidsCite|4|Meet Wedge!}}
Line 672: Line 675:
 
*''[[Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
−
*''[[Handbook 1: X-Wing Rogue Squadron]]''
 +
*''[[Star Wars Handbook 1: X-Wing Rogue Squadron]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Behind the Magic]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Behind the Magic]]''
 
*''[[TIE Fighter: A Pocket Manual]]''
  
*''[[TIE Fighter: A Pocket Manual]]''
Line 709: Line 712:
 
*''[[Star Wars Fandex Deluxe Edition]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Fandex Deluxe Edition]]''
 
*''[[The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
  
*''[[The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
−
*{{SWGTCG|set=Squadrons Over Corellia|cardname=Black Two}}
 +
*{{SWGTCG|set=Squadrons Over Corellia|link=https://swg.fandom.com/wiki/Squadrons_Over_Corellia#Card_gallery|cardname=Black Two}}
 
<!--2009-->
  
<!--2009-->
 
*[[Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game]]: ''[[Galactic Hunters]]''
  
*[[Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game]]: ''[[Galactic Hunters]]''
−
*{{SWGTCG|set=Galactic Hunters|cardname=TIE Fighter}}
 +
*{{SWGTCG|set=Galactic Hunters|link=https://swg.fandom.com/wiki/Galactic_Hunters#Card_gallery|cardname=TIE Fighter}}
 
*{{Hyperspace|url=hyperspace/member/sourcearchive/news20090512.html|text=The Battle of Turak IV|int=The Battle of Turak IV}}
  
*{{Hyperspace|url=hyperspace/member/sourcearchive/news20090512.html|text=The Battle of Turak IV|int=The Battle of Turak IV}}
 
*''[[Rebellion Era Campaign Guide]]''
  
*''[[Rebellion Era Campaign Guide]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Spaceships]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Spaceships]]''
  +
<!--2010-->
 
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/Mesop5|text=Message to Spacers 5|int=Message to Spacers 5|archivedate=20100408135929}}
  
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/Mesop5|text=Message to Spacers 5|int=Message to Spacers 5|archivedate=20100408135929}}
 
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/Mesop7|text=Message to Spacers 7|int=Message to Spacers 7|archivedate=20100415034008}}
  
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/Mesop7|text=Message to Spacers 7|int=Message to Spacers 7|archivedate=20100415034008}}
  +
*''[[Star Wars ABC]]''
 
<!--2011-->
  
<!--2011-->
 
*{{DB|starship|tiefighter|TIE fighter|archivedate=20110609045356}}
  
*{{DB|starship|tiefighter|TIE fighter|archivedate=20110609045356}}
Line 791: Line 796:
 
*{{FFGXW|Imperial Aces Expansion Pack|cardname=Opportunist}}
  
*{{FFGXW|Imperial Aces Expansion Pack|cardname=Opportunist}}
 
*{{FFGXW|Imperial Aces Expansion Pack|cardname=Push the Limit}} {{Po}}
  
*{{FFGXW|Imperial Aces Expansion Pack|cardname=Push the Limit}} {{Po}}
  +
*[[Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Beginner Game|''Star Wars: Age of Rebellion'' Beginner Game]]
 
*{{FFGXW|Rebel Transport Expansion Pack|cardname=''Dutyfree''}} {{Po}}
  
*{{FFGXW|Rebel Transport Expansion Pack|cardname=''Dutyfree''}} {{Po}}
 
*{{FFGXW|Rebel Transport Expansion Pack|cardname=Jek Porkins&mdash;X-wing}} {{Po}}
  
*{{FFGXW|Rebel Transport Expansion Pack|cardname=Jek Porkins&mdash;X-wing}} {{Po}}
Line 806: Line 812:
 
*{{FFGXW|Most Wanted Expansion Pack|cardname=Emon Azzameen&mdash;Firespray-31}} {{Po}}
  
*{{FFGXW|Most Wanted Expansion Pack|cardname=Emon Azzameen&mdash;Firespray-31}} {{Po}}
 
*''[[Fly Casual]]'' {{Po}}
  
*''[[Fly Casual]]'' {{Po}}
  +
*{{Armada|Star Wars: Armada Core Set|Core Set|cardname="Howlrunner"|link=https://starwars-armada.fandom.com/wiki/%22Howlrunner%22_TIE_Fighter_Squadron}}
  +
*{{Armada|Star Wars: Armada Core Set|Core Set|cardname=Nebulon-B Support Refit|link=https://starwars-armada.fandom.com/wiki/Nebulon-B_Support_Refit}} {{C|Reissued in ''[[Nebulon-B Frigate Expansion Pack]]''}} {{Po}}
  +
*{{Armada|Star Wars: Armada Core Set|Core Set|cardname=TIE Fighter Squadron|link=https://starwars-armada.fandom.com/wiki/TIE_Fighter_Squadron}} {{C|Reissued in ''[[Imperial Fighter Squadrons Expansion Pack]]''}}
  +
*{{Armada|Star Wars: Armada Core Set|Core Set|cardname=''Victory I''-class Star Destroyer|link=https://starwars-armada.fandom.com/wiki/Victory_I-class_Star_Destroyer}} {{C|Reissued in [[Victory-class Star Destroyer Expansion Pack|Victory''-class Star Destroyer Expansion Pack'']]}} {{Po}}
 
*{{Armada|Imperial Fighter Squadrons Expansion Pack}}
  
*{{Armada|Imperial Fighter Squadrons Expansion Pack}}
 
*''[[Strongholds of Resistance]]''
  
*''[[Strongholds of Resistance]]''
Line 852: Line 862:
 
[[Category:Confederation starfighter classes]]
  
[[Category:Confederation starfighter classes]]
 
[[Category:Galactic Alliance starfighter classes]]
  
[[Category:Galactic Alliance starfighter classes]]
  +
[[Category:Imperial starfighter classes]]
 
[[Category:New Republic starfighter classes]]
  
[[Category:New Republic starfighter classes]]
⚫
[[Category:TIE Series|ln]]
  
 
[[Category:TIE/LN starfighters| ]]
  
[[Category:TIE/LN starfighters| ]]
  ⚫
[[Category:TIE Series|ln]]

Revision as of 11:46, 11 April 2021

Click here for Wookieepedia's article on the Canon version of this subject.  This article covers the Legends version of this subject. 
Leia holo

Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

This article is in need of referencing per Wookieepedia's sourcing guidelines.

This article needs appropriate citations. Help us improve this article by referencing valid resource material. Remove this notice when finished.

This article is about the basic TIE Fighter. You may be looking for the LucasArts computer game Star Wars: TIE Fighter.

Warning: This infobox has missing parameters: type and unrecognized parameters: class


"…Sienar System's [sic] basic TIE fighter—a commodity which, after hydrogen and stupidity, was the most plentiful in the galaxy…"
―Corran Horn[src]

The TIE/LN starfighter,[22] or TIE/line starfighter, simply known as the TIE Fighter or T/F,[23] was the standard Imperial starfighter seen in massive numbers throughout most of the Galactic Civil War and onward. Colloquially, Rebel and New Republic pilots referred to the craft as "eyeballs."[24]

Characteristics

"The aging, outdated craft employed by the Rebels are no match for the power of the TIE, and even the prototype T-65 X-wing created by the traitors who escaped from Incom is clearly outclassed."
―Captain David West Reynolds[src]

The TIE Fighter is the original design for later upgraded TIE models such as TIE/sa bomber, TIE/IN interceptor, TIE/D Defender, TIE/D automated starfighter, and many more. The TIE Fighter was a descendant of the T.I.E. starfighter and the V-wing starfighter, both developed for the Galactic Republic, and was manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems. In addition to the T.I.E. and V-wing, it was also descended from the TIE starfighter, the first TIE model developed for the Galactic Empire. The namesake for the fighter and line was the Sienar Fleet Systems P-s4 twin ion engines that acted as its engines. However, it also to some degree was named after an item of clothing due to its overall shape resembling a bow-tie.[25]

TIE target FF7

A Rebel T-65 X-wing starfighter in the sights of a TIE Fighter's targeting computer

The TIE/Ln's engine was one of the most precisely manufactured propulsion systems in the galaxy and, with no moving parts, was low-maintenance. Unlike the TIE before it, the TIE/Ln sported independent generators for the engine and the weapons. The lack of combat shields, hyperdrive, and life-support systems, in concert with the advanced engine design, reduced the mass of the fighter and conferred exceptional maneuverability. This also made them both inexpensive and quick to replace.

Primary armament was a pair of L-s1 laser cannons, coupled with a powerful sensor suite.[16] The cannons were relatively powerful, and a well-placed hit on a starfighter or medium transport could damage or destroy it. It did not carry missile tubes, but such weapons could be added if necessary.

Due to the lack of life-support systems, each TIE pilot had a fully sealed flight suit superior to their Rebel counterparts. The absence of a hyperdrive also rendered the fighter totally dependent on carrier ships when deployed in enemy systems. TIE/Lns also lacked landing gear, another mass-reducing measure. While the ships were structurally capable of "sitting" on their wings, they were not designed to land or disembark their pilots without special support. On Imperial ships, TIEs were launched from racks in the hangar bays.

Power conduits were attached between the engine system and the solar arrays.[16]

TIEs were designed to attack in large numbers, overwhelming the enemy craft. Standard attack squadrons consisted of 12 fighters while full attack wings were made up of six squadrons.[26] The Imperials used so many that they came to be considered symbols of the Empire and its might. They were also very cheap to produce, reflecting the Imperial philosophy of quantity over quality.

Contrary to popular belief, the ships did possess ejection seats, but the nature of space warfare often resulted in pilots riding their craft down to a swift end rather than ejecting and risking slow death by heat loss and oxygen starvation in the vacuum of space. The ejection system was more a formality than anything else - given the delicacy of the craft, by the time enough damage was done to require the pilot ejecting, it would likely have already destroyed itself.[source?]

The design choices of the TIE/Ln could arguably be explained by Imperial military philosophy, which viewed the starfighters and their pilots as an expendable asset. Though Imperial pilots were of an elite stock, they were also expected to consider themselves expendable, in accordance with their ideological training.

Other Imperial pilots considered TIE Fighter pilots to be suicidal due to how expendable the starfighters were.[16]

TIEf xsect

A TIE Fighter cross-section

Like stormtroopers, TIE pilots had their own identification, such as DS-61-2 (the first two letters indicated the posting, the next two or three digits indicated the squadron number, and the last number indicated the pilot's ranking in the squadron). This procedure reduced them to being no more than anonymous and standardized operatives of the Imperial war machine. This attitude was further reflected by the lack of any sentimental attachment to particular TIEs by TIE pilots, unlike Rebel pilots who often grew attached to their craft. As far as they were concerned, every fighter, whether reconditioned or factory-fresh, was identical. They were considered as nothing more than tools, much in the same way the pilots were.

A disadvantage of the fighter was its lack of deflector shields. In combat, pilots had to rely on the TIE/Ln's maneuverability to avoid damage. The cockpit did incorporate crash webbing, a repulsorlift antigravity field, and a high-g shock seat to help protect the pilot, however these did next to nothing to help protect against enemy blaster fire.[7] However, despite this lack of protection, the fighter was at least able to survive glancing hits, such as when the quad laser cannons on the Millennium Falcon were able to hit a TIE fighter without actually destroying it.

The TIE/Ln starfighter's eponymous twin ion engines are also notoriously easy to sabotage; all it takes is moving an energizer out of alignment for a TIE's recharge systems for them to become time bombs.[27]

The side view of a TIE/Ln's radiator panels curiously resembles the emblem of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, but it is not clear if the similarity was intentional. The front/rear cross-section of the fighter was designed to be small to make it difficult to hit with blasters, but these side panels proved easy targets for flanking enemy pilots.[7] They also hampered the fighter's ability to maneuver while in the atmosphere. Due to their distinct shape, TIE/Ln came to be referred to occasionally as "eyeballs" by enemy pilots.[28]

History

TIEvsX-wing-SWSB

A T-65 X-wing being fired on by a TIE fighter

"For every TIE fighter you shoot down, a thousand more will take its place."
―Baron Soontir Fel[src]

The basic TIE starfighter was designed at some point before 22 BBY and inspired a number of other Imperial starfighters manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems, which became collectively known as the TIE series. The TIE Line fighter was one of them, and replaced the original model as the standard fleet fighter in the Empire. While the original TIE had performance parity with heavier-built X-wings, the newer TIE/Ln boasted improved engines and more powerful weapons, surpassing contemporary Rebel fighters.

TIEs would be used in massive numbers throughout the Galactic Civil War and would be regarded by many as a symbol of the Empire. Some TIEs fell into the hands of the Rebellion, who would sometimes use them to infiltrate Imperial facilities.

It had been intended that the TIE/Ln would be replaced by the TIE Interceptor, as a direct result of the T65 X-wing starfighter owned by the Lightspeed Panthers outperforming them in the Fei Hu campaign, resulting in 286 destroyed TIEs. Indeed, Interceptors began to see greater use around the time of the Battle of Endor, but the collapse of the Imperial government into sectionalism precluded this. As the Galactic Empire retreated, more and more factories found themselves behind New Republic lines and ceased production. The New Republic made limited use of captured TIEs, equipping them with shields and assigning them to sectors where they weren't considered a symbol of the Empire. Their most notable use in New Republic service was at the Battle of Adumar. Captured TIE fighters were also used for deceptive purposes, such as during the Mission to Prefsbelt IV.

By the time the peace treaty was signed, the Empire (now known as the Imperial Remnant) began to use export starfighters manufactured by other races (such as the Sullustan SoroSuub Corporation Preybird-class starfighter) because they lacked the manufacturing facilities to build new TIE Fighters.

Behind the scenes

TPMCGYoda

Master Qui-Gon, more to say, have you?

It is requested that this article, or a section of this article, be expanded.

See the request on the listing or on this article's talkpage. Once the improvements have been completed, you may remove this notice and the page's listing. No reason has been supplied; please provide a reason on the template or talkpage

TIEmodels btm

TIE fighter models under construction for A New Hope

Originally meant to have a blue hull, this was abandoned when blue-screen filming made the fighters transparent. The original TIE/Ln fighters seen in A New Hope were relatively white; the TIEs of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi were grayer, with a bluish hue added during post-production.

The sound for TIE Fighters was created by combining an elephant's scream with the noise of a car driving on a wet road.

Rob Coleman originally considered putting TIEs into the end of Revenge of the Sith, but George Lucas decided to show Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters instead, pointing out that the Empire would have nineteen years to build TIEs.[source?]

Although Expanded Universe material and a speed chart used by the film crew of Return of the Jedi shows the speed of the TIE fighter to be equal to that of an X-wing, A New Hope shows them overtaking X-wings despite the latter going "full throttle".

In the Rogue Squadron series of video games, a TIE fighter is used as the basis for the game's sound test to test the input of the stereo surround sound. It first flies toward the player and then flies around the screen.

In the 2001 video game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds, TIE fighters serve as the Galactic Empire's fighter unit and may be built at airbases in single player or multiplayer. The 2005 video game Star Wars: Battlefront II depicts TIE Fighters as having a proton-torpedo launcher in addition to two laser cannons. However this was most likely a game mechanic, used to balance teams and gameplay.

The first edition of Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (1987) states that the cargo capacity is 110 kg and the consumables last one day, but later sources retconned these numbers. A TIE fighter, alongside a T-65 X-wing starfighter, made a very brief cameo in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones during Anakin and Obi-Wan's chase against Zam Wesell, where the latter vessel was chasing the former.[source?]

The Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike game gave the following description concerning the TIE fighter:

The first in the series of advanced twin ion engine starfighters, the original TIE fighter was developed by Sienar Fleet Systems. The agile single-pilot craft has a titanium alloy hull, and quadanium steel armored solar panels, but lacks a deflector shield and primary life-support systems. The TIE Fighter was intended to be used as a short-range attack craft, launching from nearby Imperial installations. TIE Fighters typically attack in swarms to overwhelm their opponents.

In 2012 eFX Collectibles released a limited edition of 657 studio-scale TIE Fighter models.

Appearances

Wiki-shrinkable This in-universe list is incomplete. You can help Wookieepedia by expanding it.

Non-canon appearances

Wiki-shrinkable
Explore all of Wookieepedia's images for this article subject.

Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Imperial Sourcebook, p. 74
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, pp. 180-181
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 Starships of the Galaxy, Saga Edition, p. 142
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 The Star Wars Sourcebook, pp. 23-25
  5. ↑ The Essential Guide to Warfare
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook, p. 128
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, pp. 156-157
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 The Stele Chronicles
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Star Wars: Behind the Magic
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 The Official Star Wars Fact File 7
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar
  13. ↑ The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, Vol. I, p. 251 ("Fabritech")
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Swccglogolg Star Wars Customizable Card Game — Dagobah Limited (Card: Lost In Space) (backup link)
  15. ↑ Swccglogolg Star Wars Customizable Card Game — Dagobah Limited (Card: Lost Relay) (backup link)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide
  17. ↑ SWAJsmall "Mist Encounter" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 7
  18. ↑ DroidsLogoMini Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO — "The Pirates of Tarnoonga"
  19. ↑ Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire
  20. ↑ X-Wing: Solo Command
  21. ↑ Specter of the Past
  22. ↑ The Essential Guide to Warfare, pg. 135
  23. ↑ Star Wars: TIE Fighter
  24. ↑ The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, Vol. I, p. 246 ("Eyeballs")
  25. ↑ Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
  26. ↑ Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections; pg. 8-9
  27. ↑ Tatooine Sojourn
  28. ↑ X-Wing: Rogue Squadron

External links

TIE Series
Galactic Empire starfighters
T.I.E. starfighter · TIE starfighter · TIE/LN starfighter (Light Duty) · Super TIE · TIE/IN interceptor (Emperor's Royal Guard)
TIE Advanced prototype · TIE Advanced x1 (Modified) · TIE/x2 starfighter · TIE/x3 starfighter · TIE/ad starfighter
· TIE/fc starfighter · TIE/rc starfighter · TIE Vanguard · scout ship (TIE model) · TIE/sr starfighter
TIE/gt starfighter · TIE/sa bomber · TIE Heavy Bomber · TIE/IT Interdictor starfighter
TIE/sh VIP shuttle · TIE/br boarding shuttle · TIE lander · Shadow Squadron TIE starfighter
TIE/HU Hunter · TIE/AG Aggressor starfighter · TIE/ph phantom · TIE/D Defender (Prototype) · TIE/D automated starfighter
TIE Oppressor · TIE Sentinel
Experimental starfighters
TIE Experimental M1 · TIE Experimental M2 · TIE Experimental M3 · TIE Experimental M4 · TIE Experimental M5
Non-First Galactic Empire starfighters
Advanced Project ship · Aleph-class starfighter · Lone Scout-A · Lone Scout A-2 · Nssis-class Clawcraft
Scimitar assault bomber · TIE Reconnaissance Fighter · TIE/rpt starfighter · TIE stealth · Starhunter · Predator-class fighter · Neutralizer-class bomber
Non-starfighter models
Century tank · TIE ap-1 · TIE fighter boat · TIE Subfighter · Lancet Aerial Artillery
TIE Projects
TIE Experimental Project · TIE Mod Team · TIE Bomber Mark 2 proposal
[edit]
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms