The Empire's prime 'surgical strike' assault bomber,
the TIE bomber was slow but packed a powerful punch
in its proton bombs.
The TIE bomber was modified from the TIE/gt variant,
adding extra defensive weaponry, though it was actually
less maneuverable than its predecessor. Before the
TIE bomber, orbital bombardment was usually left to
Imperial Star Destroyers - as the TIE/gt concerned itself
with protecting ground troops - whose devastating
turbolasers were never very precise. In order to avoid unwanted colateral damage, the TIE bomber was introduced. Its surgical precision meant that the job was done far more effectively.
The main weapon of the TIE bomber was its proton bombs, but the ship's two bomb bays - located in the portside pod, across from the cockpit - could carry a variety of missiles and mines. Advanced sensors and targeting systems ensured the TIE bomber's accuracy, while two forward-facing laser cannons offered some protection from retaliation during bombing runs. However, the bomber was slow and sluggish, and though the craft featured advanced armour, they were easy pickings for Alliance pilots - who often nicknamed them 'dupes' in battle.
Luckily for the pilot, the TIE bomber was one of the few Imperial fighters to feature an ejection seat. As the vessel often operated within a planet's atmosphere, the pilot stood a good chance of survival...a luxury most TIE pilots were not afforded. |
