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Published: 2023-10-26 15:45:56 +0000 UTC; Views: 3087; Favourites: 36; Downloads: 24
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Description The TIE/ln space superiority starfighter, also known as the TIE/LN starfighter or TIE/ln starfighter and commonly called the TIE fighter or simply the TIE/ln, was the signature starfighter of the Galactic Empire and de facto symbol of its space superiority. Its official production name was the Twin Ion Engine "line edition" space superiority starfighter. Instantly recognizable from the roar of its engines and its unique design, the TIE/ln exuded Imperial power and prestige across the galaxy, seeing use throughout the Empire's political existence. They were nicknamed Evil-Eyes or Eye-balls by members of the New Republic.

The TIE/ln starfighter was a small, short-range fighter developed, manufactured, and mass-produced by Sienar Fleet Systems (SFS). Developed by SFS company head Raith Sienar, the basis for the TIE fighter can be traced back to Kuat Systems Engineering's Alpha-3 Nimbus starfighter, along with several other outmoded models from the Old Republic. Like their predecessors, TIEs employed two vertical wings similar in appearance to V-wing starfighters; however, the Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor bore even more similarities with its central cockpit pod, twin ion engines, and common weapons technology.

The fighter's name is derived from its propulsion system, which was specifically designed to create a distinct noise to inspire fear in those who opposed the Empire. These were originally two P-s3 ion engines, which would be replaced by twin P-s4 ion engines by approximately 14 BBY. These engines could expel charged particles along almost any vector, providing the TIE fighter with incredible maneuverability, and their lack of moving parts or high-temperature components made them more accessible to maintain: Imperial records indicated less than five percent of all TIE fighters lost were as a result of field attrition. Fuel for the engines consisted of radioactive gas kept in a pressurized fuel tankage located on the underside of the cockpit.

A TIE fighter's twin ion engines, combined with W-401 maneuvering jets, provided thrust and boosters capable of quickly adjusting the ship's direction. The TIE/ln featured vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities owing to repulsorlift cyclers in its wing struts—reducing its already small mass to negligible weight—and micropositioning thrusts from the twin ion engines. Furthermore, the lack of a hyperdrive and resultant navigational systems alongside extended life support and fuel were combined to cut down the TIE's total mass.

In order to reduce cost, mass, and energy consumption while improving maneuverability, the TIE fighter lacked deflector shields. It was armored with quadanium steel plating, which was proof against hand-held blasters (except in exposed areas such as the stabilizers) but could be penetrated by direct hits from military-grade laser cannons, heavy blaster cannons, and micrometeor impacts. However, the cockpit's spherical shape meant glancing blows would be deflected away. TIE fighters were equipped with sensor jamming capabilities and could be retrofitted with additional electronic countermeasures.

The fighter's black "wings" were, in fact, an array of twelve solar collectors framed by rigid quadanium steel foil braces that featured a micro-crenulated solar absorption surface. From there, power would be pooled into the fighter's solar energy collection hub and then to its twin ion engines. Initially, the wings also powered the fighter's armaments, but this was found to drain the fighter's energy quickly and negatively affected its maneuverability. These early fighters were later retrofitted with a dedicated generator to power the lasers, a standard feature for all TIE fighters. These wings also served as stabilizers.

The wings were sturdy enough to double as landing gear, further reducing overall mass. However, TIE fighters were designed to be deployed and retrieved using special cycling racks. Standard on Star Destroyers and other Imperial facilities, each rack system had a maximum capacity of 72 fighters. Beyond allowing pilots and technicians to access the craft more efficiently, the system was also equipped with small tractor-beam projectors to assist with landing operations.

One drawback to the wing design was that it obscured the pilot's field of vision. Yet, Imperial authorities considered this an acceptable motivation for pilots to concentrate on the targets in front of them. Due to its importance as a stabilizer, if part of the wing was removed to increase sight, it would cost the fighter stability, hampering the ship's ability to engage in dog fights. The wings did provide some measure of additional protection for the cockpit, and the fighter's sensor array compensated for the blind spots by augmenting and expanding the pilot's visual range.

The TIE/ln was first and foremost designed for space combat, and while capable of operating in a planetary atmosphere, it was at a distinct disadvantage versus other starfighters like the X-wing. The hexagonal wings made it harder to steer and more vulnerable to crosswinds. If it attempted to reverse its thrust too hard in order to decelerate, the fighter also risked causing severe structural damage to the wing spars and support pylons. However, depending on the circumstances, the TIE fighter could still give a good account for itself in atmospheric combat. When operating in tight urban confines and an oxygen-rich atmosphere, for example, a TIE fighter was equal to an X-wing in speed and maneuverability. At higher altitudes, it could also successfully engage in dogfights with X-wings at supersonic speeds.

The TIE fighter's primary armament was a pair of L-s1 low-temperature laser cannons capable of destroying a Taylander shuttle in a single shot. However, by the time of the Battle of Endor, these had been replaced with L-s7.2 laser cannons. The green blaster bolt these weapons fired resulted from the more expensive blaster gas used by the Empire and aided pilots in identifying their shots. Mated to the cannons was an advanced T-s8 targeting computer—later replaced by the T-s9a model—which was considered superior to the targeting computers on Rebel fighters as all combat craft were equipped with some form of sensor jammer equipment. The targeting computer cut down on the amount of time needed to obtain a "target lock," although for best performance, they required constant readjustment by the pilot. While TIE fighters lacked any secondary weaponry as standard, they could be retrofitted to carry additional armaments such as missiles or replace their regular laser cannons with other models or ion cannons.

Between the solar array and the craft's main body was a stabilizer crucial to the fighter. Exposed from the hull armor, it could be exploited by a well-placed blaster shot, causing the TIE to spiral off course and be set aflame, thus losing balance and lift if in atmosphere.

The lack of many essential systems, and therefore limited operational lifespan, doubled as theft prevention systems and deterrents for would-be defectors, but they were not the only countermeasures installed to prevent theft. Most TIEs were designed with a centrally controlled scuttling mechanism that would jettison the fighter's solar collector panels otherwise linked to the main body through a stabilizer, quickly disabling it.

Its central cockpit was tightly fitted, incorporating flight controls, viewscreens, targeting systems, tracking equipment—including a homing beacon in case the vessel was stolen—and room for a pilot all in the central pod. Despite being designed for a single occupant, several other passengers could fit inside the central cockpit, although the fit would be extremely tight. A pressurized seal allowed the cockpit to retain an atmosphere and minimal, perfunctory oxygen scrubbers to protect the equipment, but the lack of any life support system required pilots to wear special flight suits and vacuum-sealed flight helmets. The onboard data recorder, kept within an armored compartment beneath the pilot's seat, was designed to survive any event that would otherwise reduce the TIE fighter to scattered debris to allow for later retrieval and analysis.

Flight controls were considered intuitive and easy to learn, sometimes allowing rebel novices to fly and operate them after stealing them from Imperial airfields. TIEs were also outfitted with an ejector seat. Equipped with an antigrav unit and automated safety system, the seat was designed to guide the pilot away from debris and prevent serious injuries such as spinal fractures by determining when to release restraints or deploy the parachute. It was also equipped with a locator beacon to aid in pilot recovery.

During the Empire's reign, TIE fighters were favored for their versatility, if not for their durability. They were able to operate both in space as well as in planetary atmospheres, acting as fighters or scouts. They were more than capable of enforcing Imperial law against unarmed or lightly defended civilian transports. TIE/ln pilots were not afforded the independence enjoyed by equivalent pilots of the Rebel Alliance, as capital ships were preferred for tactical discussion among the Imperial Starfleet. In Imperial doctrine, individual TIE fighters were used for scouting, while a pair of fighters would be used to escort shuttles and other craft. A group of four TIE fighters called a sentry group, was deployed to patrol the area around an Imperial ship or facility. A typical attack squadron consisted of 12 TIE fighters and six squadrons, making up an entire attack wing of 72 fighters.

At least a month after the Battle of Jakku, all TIE/ln starfighters were upgraded with advanced weaponry invented by Ved Foslo, allowing them to punch through an enemy fighter's shields and hull, destroying them in a single hit.

Following the transformation of the Galactic Republic into the authoritarian Galactic Empire, Republic-era weapons and equipment would continue to be utilized throughout the Imperial sphere. As time went by, the Republic's Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor and ARC-170 starfighters began to be phased out roughly five years after the proclamation of the New Order. The Empire's regional Governor of the Outer Rim Territories, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, commissioned Sienar Fleet Systems to create a line of single-pilot, short-range starfighters for the Imperial Navy. Tarkin mandated that the weaponized fighters should be extremely fast and maneuverable, energy efficient, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Building off the advancements in starfighter engineering seen during the Clone Wars, Raith Sienar personally designed the fighters, basing them off designs from the Star Courier, Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter, and the Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor. The result was a central spherical pod positioned between two hexagonal solar energy-collecting wings. To minimize power drain and maximize maneuverability, Sienar eschewed typically standard systems such as deflector shields and a hyperdrive. After a series of test flights, the Empire approved Sienar's design and executed an exclusive contract with Sienar for the production of TIE fighters. TIE fighters began to roll off assembly lines, with the Imperial mechanic Willard Waylin working on the TIE line since the beginning of their deployment.

With TIE pilots instructed to ignore their own well-being in order to achieve their objectives, the fighters were extremely fragile, and their pilots were expendable. With the Imperial Navy's vast size and unchallenged reign over the galaxy, the use of swarm tactics and subsequent mass production and refreshment of the vessels barely put a dent into Imperial manpower and industrial capacity. The low cost of production also spurred the craft's use. As a result, many features were sacrificed to facilitate mass production by Sienar Fleet Systems factories. Wilhuff Tarkin, an excellent pilot in his own right, was known to think very poorly of the TIE fighter due to its cramped cockpit and seemingly disposable nature. Imperial fighters also acted as psychological deterrents to potential seditious activities, with their roaring engines inspiring fear in those who heard them, leading Imperial commanders to order their pilots to purposely fly low over areas that needed reminding of Imperial might.

Waylin would meet TIE pilots over his career as he worked on the ships and was always impressed by their refusal to back down, figuring that the ship design's drawbacks built character. As part of the five-year plan for the industrialization of the Outer Rim Territories, TIE fighters were produced on a number of planets, including Lothal. The Empire also gave some TIE fighters to loyalist companies to help secure its interests, leading to variants such as the Mining Guild TIE fighter.

While the Empire's rule was absolute for years, rebels had begun to arise as early as a year into its reign, and an early rebellion against the Galactic Empire was waged. The Spectres fought Imperial forces, including TIE fighters, on Lothal and later joined with the Phoenix Cell. In 2 BBY, Mon Mothma brought various rebel cells together as the Alliance to Restore the Republic. While TIE fighters could engage unarmed and lightly defended civilian transports, they faced a more formidable foe in the form of the Alliance's starfighters.

Following the destruction of the Death Star I, the classification between Army and Navy pilots—referred to as ground-hogs and vac-heads, respectively—was rescinded, and the Imperial Military was to undergo a mass reorganization.

After the Rebels hijacked the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Harbinger, Luke Skywalker and Sana Starros used the stolen TIE fighters to patrol.

Over time, a variety of other models arose from the TIE line, including notable vessels such as the TIE/in interceptor, TIE/sa bomber, TIE/sk x1 experimental air superiority fighter, TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter, and the TIE/rp Reaper attack lander, partly in direct response to faster and newer vessels manufactured by the Rebel Alliance. A variety of sub-models of the TIE line had arisen throughout Imperial history, with Sienar factories experimenting with localized improvements, producing advanced models suited to flying in local conditions, and incorporating secret technological breakthroughs. Ships such as the TIE Advanced v1 fighter would see use by flight barons and high-ranking members of the Inquisitorius; however, its extreme cost would later relegate its successor, the TIE Advanced x1, to be flown only by elite pilots and members of the Imperial hierarchy such as Lord Vader. By the time of the Battle of Endor, TIE/in Interceptors made up 20% of the Empire's starfighter fleet.

The legacy of the TIE fighter was not forgotten on the galactic stage, with Sienar Fleet System's successor, Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, producing the latest-generation TIE fighters utilized by the Empire's successor state, the First Order. The TIE/sf space superiority fighter and TIE/fo space superiority fighter were a direct continuance of the TIE fighter's imprint on galactic citizenry and featured advanced weapons systems and a two-seated arrangement for use by the Order's Special Forces.

The Ugnaught Kuiil, a former indentured servant of the Empire, used a workbench built out of an abandoned TIE cockpit. Future historians would argue that flaws inherent in the TIE fighter design were allowed to remain, if only to increase the Empire's dependency on Sienar Fleet Systems for continued production of the craft, along with increased dependence on Kuat Drive Yards capital-scale carrier ships.

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7image7 [2023-10-26 15:55:42 +0000 UTC]

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JediRhydon101st In reply to 7image7 [2023-10-26 17:31:01 +0000 UTC]

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