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| TIE FIGHTER |
| [Watch it! You've got one on your tail!] |
| 19 AE | TIE 01 |
| Type: Twin Ion Engine space superiority starfighter Manufacturer: Sienar Fleet Systems Affiliation: Galactic Empire Weapons: Twin laser cannons Length: 6.3 meters Crew: 1 pilot |
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| The distinctive scream of the TIE fighter came from sound designer Ben Burtt mixing the sound of cars streaking by on a rain-slicked highway and the trumpeting cry of an elephant |
| Starships Main | TIE fighter - TIE Advanced X1 - TIE interceptor - TIE bomber - TIE Defender |
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| Links: TIE Fighter Org |
| As the TIE fighter was weak compared to other starfighters of the age, the Empire decided that their fighters would win by sheer numbers. The distinctive shape and twin engine screech became one of the most infamous symbols in the Empire. The Twin Ion Engine starfighter was developed by Sienar Fleet Systems as a cheap space superiority starfighter that could be produced in large quantities to fill up the Imperial Fleet. Because of this, the TIE fighter lacked what many would see as key starship components: it featured no shields, no astrodroid compatibility, no life-support systems for the pilot and no hyperdrive. However, the TIE fighters were highly maneuverable thanks to their small form. In order to compensate for the lack of hyperspace capability, TIE fighters were carried into battle by transports or capital ships. Every Star Destroyer carried a complement of 72 TIE's, which it launched into a fight then recalled before blasting into hyperspace. The only problem was if the Star Destroyer was destroyed or forced to flee, leaving the TIE pilots stranded in space. Apart from the Rebel A-wing, the TIE fighter was the fastest sublight combat vessel in service during the New Order, though their lack of shields against a more powerful X-wing often left the Empire with one less TIE. Not that such a loss mattered to the Imperials; one of the reasons why TIE's were not equipped with hyperdrives or deflector shields was because the Empire saw their pilots as expendable, and easily replaceable. Rebel pilots referred to the TIE fighters as 'eyeballs', thanks to the style of their cockpits. Some of the most notable Rebel pilots - such as Han Solo and Tycho Celchu - trained in TIE fighters during their time at the Imperial Academy. |
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