The TIE starfighter was the first upgraded model of the T.I.E. starfighter produced by the Galactic Empire.[4]
Characteristics[]
A modest upgrade of the T.I.E. starfighter used by the Galactic Republic, the TIE starfighter had a centralized power generator running both the engine and the weapons, unlike the later TIE Line starfighter, which had separate generators.[4] It was tougher than the final TIE/LN version, but also cost more. It featured weak shields, a small hyperdrive and two one-shot concussion missile launchers, which allowed it to serve as a light bomber, long-assault craft or snubfighter. Unfortunately some of these systems were incompatible with the Twin Ion Engine and required a secondary power supply to operate. The TIE model was slower than the TIE/LN, and its laser cannons were not as powerful.[5]
History[]
The newly formed Galactic Empire required a cheap and efficient starfighter that could be mass-produced. Sienar Fleet Systems especially impressed Emperor Palpatine with TIE starfighters, which cost only a fraction compared to other proposals. The Empire decided to reduce the cost even further by removing secondary energy generators and respective systems, leading to the enormously mass-produced TIE/LN starfighter. The original model still saw some use during the first years of the New Order, but became less common later. By 0 ABY, the Line model had become the standard TIE fighter in the Imperial Navy, and most of the original TIE starfighters were replaced or scrapped.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide features an entry for a previously unmentioned TIE Series starfighter called TIE Prototype, which was said to be the predecessor of the standard TIE/LN starfighter. A closer inspection of the entry reveals that this starfighter's description is almost identical to that of the previously established TIE starfighter, and therefore it is simply another designation thereof.[1]
Sources[]
- The Star Wars Sourcebook
- Star Wars Campaign Pack
- The Star Wars Sourcebook, Second Edition
- Platt's Starport Guide
- The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
"Alliance Intelligence Report: TIE Fighters" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 10
"Imperial Garrisons" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 12- The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
- TIE fighter in the Databank (content now obsolete; backup link)
