TIE fighter
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- This page is about the fictional TIE fighter starcraft. For information on the LucasArts computer game TIE Fighter, see X-wing computer game series.
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Origins
The TIE fighter, a fictional starfighter in the Star Wars universe, is the standard Imperial starfighter. TIE is an acronym standing for "Twin Ion Engine". The ship's appearance was inspired by bow ties. They are seen in massive numbers throughout the classic Star Wars trilogy (episodes IV-VI). The movies include very little technical information about the craft, but extensive details were subsequently created for the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Rebellion/New Republic pilots gave the TIEs the slang name "Eyeballs" because of their spherical cockpit with viewport.
Specifications
According to canon, the TIE fighter was manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems. Its design was based on the older Advanced Jedi starfighter and the Sith Infiltrator. While highly maneuverable, TIE fighters had minimal or no shielding and were easily destroyed. They did not carry missile tubes in standard configurations, but these were sometimes added as necessary. Life-support systems were not included, so each pilot has had a fully-sealed flight suit (of superior construction to that of his Rebel counterpart). Contrary to popular belief, the ships did possess ejection seats, as evidenced in Episode V. However, the nature of space warfare resulted in pilots preferring to ride their craft to a swift end rather than eject and risk slow death by oxygen starvation. The fighters, along with their pilots, were viewed as expendable by high ranking Imperial officers; even the pilots consider themselves expendable. Like stormtroopers, TIE pilots were addressed by a number, such as DS-61-2 (the first two letters indicates the posting, the next two or three digits indicates the squadron number, and the last number indicates the pilot's ranking in the squadron). Individual TIE fighters were weak on their own, although a direct hit on a starfighter or medium transport could damage or destroy it. TIE craft were intended for use in large numbers.
According to the TIE Fighter computer game, very few TIEs were equipped with torpedo launchers for a limited time, due to emergency reasons. Admiral Zaarin's TIE squadrons had been retrofitted with shielding.
History
The original TIE fighter was more maneuverable but less durable than the heavily built X-wings, but TIE fighters generally enjoyed numerical advantage. A newer variant, the TIE/ln "Line" Fighter boasted improved engines, surpassing contemporary Rebel fighters of the time. The TIE interceptor was the intended replacement for the TIE/ln, 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. By the time the peace treaty was signed (in Vision of the Future), the Empire was using export starfighters manufactured by other races (such as the Sullustan SoroSuub Preybird) due of a lack of TIE manufacturing facilities.
Computer games
In the X-Wing/TIE Fighter computer game series, the TIE fighter was not equipped with the rechargeable shield technology found on Rebel craft and more advanced Imperial fighters. The TIE fighter boasted superior maneuverability to partially compensate for this deficiency.
See also
- TIE interceptor
- TIE Bomber
- TIE Advanced
- TIE Defender
- TIE Avenger
- TIE Hunter
- Phantom TIE
- Droid TIE Fighter
External link
- Star Wars Databank | TIE fighter (http://www.starwars.com/databank/starship/tiefighter/index.html)ja:TIEファイター