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TIE/ln space superiority starfighter
Production information
Designer
Manufacturer
Model
Type
Technical specifications
Width
Height/depth
Engine unit(s)
Hyperdrive system
Power plant
Shielding
Hull
Targeting systems
Navigation system
Armament
Escape craft
Other systems
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Role(s)
Affiliation
- "You always hear them first. Twin ion engines make TIE fighters howl as they fly by on patrols."
- ―Ezra Bridger[34]
TheTIE/ln space superiority starfighter, also called theTIE/ln or simply theTIE fighter, was the signaturestarfighter of theGalactic Empire and symbol of itsspace superiority. Instantly recognizable from the roar of itsengines as well as its unique design, the TIE/ln exuded Imperial power and prestige acrossthe galaxy, seeing use throughout the Empire'sreign. They were nicknamedEvil-Eyes[12] orEye-balls[35] by members of theNew Republic.[12]
Characteristics[]
- "The standard TIE fighter is fast but flawed. No shields, no hyperdrive, and no life-support system reduces its mass for greater maneuverability. Has a pair of laser cannons mounted at the base of the cockpit."
- ―Antoc Merrick[36]

Technical drawing of a TIE/ln starfighter
The TIE/ln starfighter was a small, short-range fighter developed, manufactured, and mass produced by Sienar Fleet Systems (SFS). Developed by SFS company headRaith Sienar,[1] the basis for the TIE fighter could be traced back toKuat Systems Engineering'sAlpha-3 Nimbus starfighter, along with several other outmoded models from the Old Republic.[4] Like their predecessors, TIE's employed two vertical wings similar in appearance to V-wing starfighters; however, theEta-2Actis-class light interceptor bore even more similarities with its central cockpit pod, twin ion engines, and common weapons technology.[3] Its official production name was theTwin Ion Engine "line edition" space superiority starfighter.[4]
The fighter's name is derived from its propulsion system, which was specifically designed to create a distinct noise so as to inspire fear in those who opposed the Empire.[6] These were originally twoP-s3 ion engines, which would be replaced by twinP-s4 ion engines by approximately14 BBY.[9] 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 easier to maintain: Imperial records indicated less than five percent of all TIE fighters lost were as a result of field attrition.[6] Fuel for the engines consisted of a radioactive gas kept in pressurized fuel tankage located on the underside of the cockpit.[4][6][37]
A TIE fighter's twin ion engines, combined withW-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 ahyperdrive and resultant navigational systems alongside extended life support and fuel combined to cut down the TIE's total mass.[4][6]

A Rebel T-65B X-wing starfighter in the sights of a TIE fighter's targeting computer
In order to reduce cost, mass and energy consumption while improving maneuverability, the TIE fighter lackeddeflector shields. It was armored withquadanium steel plating which was proof against hand-heldblasters[6] (except in exposed areas such as the stabilizers[38]) but could be penetrated by direct hits from military-gradelaser cannons, heavyblaster cannons, and micrometeor impacts. However the cockpit's spherical shape meant that glancing blows would be deflected away.[6] TIE fighters were equipped with sensor jamming capabilities and could be retrofitted with additionalelectronic countermeasures.[37][39][40]
The fighter's black "wings" were in fact an array of twelvesolar collectors, framed by rigid quadanium steel foil braces, that featured a micro-crenulated solar absorption surface.[4][6] From there, power would be pooled to the fighter's solar energy collection hub[4] and then to its twin ion engines. Originally the wings also powered the fighter's armaments, but this was found to quickly drain the fighter of energy and negatively affected its maneuverability. These early fighters were later retrofitted with a dedicated generator to power the lasers, a feature that became standard on allTIE fighters.[6] These wings also served asstabilizers.[41]
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 easily, the system was also equipped with smalltractor beam projectors to assist with landing operations.[6][37]
One drawback to the wing design was that it did obscure 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.[6] Due to its importance as a stabilizer, if part of the wing were to be removed to increase sight it would cost the fighter stability, which would then hamper the ship's ability to engage in dog fights.[41] 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.[6]

Imperial TIE fighters
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.[6] However, depending on the circumstances the TIE fighter could still give a good account for itself in atmospheric combat. When operating down in tight urban confines and an oxygen-rich atmosphere for example, a TIE fighter was equal to an X-wing in speed and maneuverability.[40] At higher altitudes it could also successfully engage in dogfights with X-wings at supersonic speeds.[42]
The TIE fighter's primary armament was a pair ofL-s1 low-temperature laser cannons capable of destroying aTaylander shuttle in a single shot,[43][44] although by the time of theBattle of Endor these had been replaced withL-s7.2 laser cannons. The green blaster bolt these weapons fired was the result of the more expensiveblaster gas used by the Empire and aided pilots in identifying their shots. Mated to the cannons was an advancedT-s8 targeting computer—later replaced by theT-s9a model—which was considered superior to thetargeting computers on Rebel fighters.[6] As all combat craft were equipped with some form ofsensor 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.[37] While TIE fighters lacked any secondary weaponry as standard, they could be retrofitted to carry additional armaments such asmissiles or replace their normal laser cannons with other models orion cannons.[39]
Its central cockpit was tightly fitted, incorporating flight controls, viewscreens, targeting systems, tracking equipment—including ahoming beacon in case the vessel was stolen—and room for apilot 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.[14] A pressurized seal allowed the cockpit to retain an atmosphere and minimal, perfunctory oxygen scrubbers to protect the equipment, but the lack of anylife support system required pilots to wear specialflight suits and vacum-sealedflight helmets. The onboarddata recorder, kept within an armored compartment beneath the pilot's seat, was designed to survive any event which would otherwise reduce the TIE fighter to scattered debris to allow for later retrieval and analysis.[6]
Flight controls were considered intuitive and easy to learn, in some cases allowing rebel novices to fly and operate them after having stolen them from Imperial airfields. TIEs were also outfitted with anejector seat.[3] Equipped with an antigrav unit and automated safety system, the seat was designed to guide the pilot away from debris and prevent any serious injury such as spinal fractures by determining when to release restrains or deploy the parachute. It was also equipped with a locator beacon to aid in pilot recovery.[6]
During the reign of the Empire, 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.[45] 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, ascapital ships were preferred for tactical discussion among the Imperial Starfleet.[4] 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 attacksquadron consisted to 12 TIE fighters, and six squadrons together made up a fullattack wing of 72 fighters.[37]
At least a month after theBattle of Jakku, all TIE/ln starfighters possessed by theQueluhan Nebula Imperial remnant were upgraded with advanced weaponry invented byVed Foslo, allowing them to punch through an enemy fighter's shields as well as hull, destroying them in a single hit.[27]
History[]
A day to come[]
In82 BBY,[46] thePadawanDooku faced down numerousvisions of possible futures thanks to thetorture he sustained at the hands of thePresagers of Hakotei during amission to Asusto. In one vision,[47] a TIE fighter swooped past before the vision shifted into a space battle between TIE fighters andX-wing starfighters,[48] which was only one of the many battles the young Dooku watched unfold. Later,Jedi MasterLene Kostana attempted to ease Dooku's worries about the futures he foresaw, letting him know nothing in them was a certainty.[47]
Era of the Empire[]
Development process[]
- "The Emperor insists that the Imperial starfighters should be economical for mass production, and designed to make pilots simultaneously dedicated and compliant. And above all, the Emperor wants our starfighters to incite fear."
- ―Grand Moff Tarkin, in a memorandum to Raith Sienar[6]
Following the transformation of the Galactic Republic into the authoritarian Galactic Empire[3] in19 BBY,[16] Republic era weapons and equipment would continue to be utilized throughout the Imperial sphere. As time went by, the Republic's Eta-2Actis-class light interceptor andARC-170 starfighters began to be phased out roughly five years after theproclamation of the New Order.[3] The Empire's regional Governor of theOuter Rim Territories,Grand MoffWilhuff Tarkin, commissionedSienar Fleet Systems to create a line of single-pilot, short-range starfighters for theImperial Navy. Tarkin mandated that the weaponized fighters should be extremely fast and maneuverable, energy efficient, and inexpensive to manufacture.[6]
Building off the advancements in starfighter engineering seen during theClone Wars,[13] Raith Sienar personally designed the fighters, basing them off designs from theStar Courier, Alpha-3Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter, and the Eta-2Actis-class light interceptor. The result was a central spherical pod positioned between two hexogonal solar energy-collecting wings. To minimize power drain and maximize maneuverability, Sienar eschewed typically standard systems such as deflector shields and a hyperdrive. TheTIE fighter prototype was created during the development process. 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.[6] First seeing use in18 BBY,[16] TIE fighters began to roll off assembly lines, with the Imperial mechanicWillard Waylin working on the TIE line since the beginning of their deployment,[39] and were ready for deployment by the time of theinvasion of Mon Cala, an event[49] in 18BBY[16] intended as a showcase of Imperial might, such as through the deployment of the Empire's new starfighters.[49]
Across the stars[]

TIE fighters stationed at an Imperial airfield
The TIE fighter became a defining symbol of Imperial domination over its usage.[50] With TIE pilots instructed to ignore their own well-being in order to achieve their objectives, the fighters were extremely fragile and their pilots 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.[4] 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.[3][51] Imperial fighters also acted as psychological deterrents to potential seditious activities, with their roaring engines inspiring fear in those who heard them, leading to Imperial commanders to order their pilots to purposely fly low over areas that needed reminding of Imperial might.[27]
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.[39] As part of the five-year plan for the industrialization of theOuter Rim Territories, TIE fighters were produced on a number ofplanets, includingLothal.[52] The Empire also gave some of its TIE fighters to loyalist companies to help secure its interests, leading to variants such as theMining Guild TIE fighter.[43] TIE fighters were deployed to put down theMoraysi rebellion and succeeded, with one TIE pilot in the engagement the formerTK stormtrooperUbrik Adelhard. Adelhard would go onto rise through the Imperial ranks, reaching the position ofGrand Moff in time.[53]
Rise of the Rebellion[]
- "They're insanely quick. Maneuver like an angry wasp. And, oh yeah, they outnumber us ten to one."
- ―A Rebel pilot[54]

TIE fighters at theAldhani Garrison
While the Empire's rule was absolute for years,[55] rebels had begun to arise as early as a year into its reign[56] and anearly rebellion against the Galactic Empire was waged. TheSpectres fought Imperial forces, including TIE fighters, on Lothal[57] and later joined with thePhoenix Cell.[58] In2 BBY,[16]Mon Mothmabrought various rebel cells together as the Alliance to Restore the Republic.[59] While TIE fighters could engage unarmed and slightly defended civilian transports, they faced a more formidable foe in the form of the Alliance's starfighters.[4]
TIE fighters were stationed at a starfighter factory on theSupply moon while it was visited byDarth Vader and thethen incumbentMinister of War. As the factory was attacked by forces of theAlliance to Restore the Republic it engaged their fighters but was ultimately destroyed.[54]

TIE Fighters tried and failed to defend the first Death Star at the Battle of Yavin
Following the destruction of the firstDeath Star, the classification betweenArmy and Navy pilots—referred to as ground-hogs and vac-heads respectively—was rescinded, and the Imperial Military was to undergo a mass reorganization.[19] After the Rebelshijacked theImperial I-class Star DestroyerHarbinger,Luke Skywalker andSana Starros use the stolen TIE fighters to patrol as the disguise for sign of Rebels, even no sign of the Empire.[60]
Over time, a variety of other models arose from the TIE line, including notable vessels such as theTIE/IN interceptor,TIE/sa bomber,TIE/sk x1 experimental air superiority fighter,TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter, and theTIE/rp Reaper attack lander, partly in direct response to faster and newer vessels manufactured by the Rebel Alliance. A variety of sub-models of theTIE series 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 theTIE/ad v1 fighter would see use byflight barons and high-ranking members of theInquisitorius, however its extreme cost would later relegate its successor, theTIE Advanced x1, to be flown only by elite pilots and members of the Imperial hierarchy such as Lord Vader.[3] By the time of theBattle of Endor, TIE/IN Interceptors made up 20% of the Empire's starfighter fleet.[61]

TIE fighters on a Lothal airfield
Following the Battle of Endor, Imperial supply shortages would hinder the production and further development of TIE/ln starfighters, forcingImperial-class Star Destroyers to make do with an inadequate number of ships and inexperienced pilots.[12]
Production data was classified, but according to numerous estimates, Sienar manufactured a minimum of approximately 4.6 million Imperial TIE fighters forStar Destroyers, other Imperial Naval vessels, and Imperialgarrisons and defense stations. Most estimates maintain that more Imperial TIE fighters were operational at the same time than any other starfighter in history.[6]
Legacy[]

The First Order Special Forces TIE/sf was the evolution of the TIE/ln fighter.
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, theFirst Order. TheTIE/sf space superiority fighter andTIE/fo space superiority fighter were a direct continuance of the imprint the TIE fighter had on galactic citizenry, and featured advanced weapons systems and a two-seated arrangement for use by the Order'sSpecial Forces.[62]
TheUgnaughtKuiil, himself former indentured servant of the Empire,[63] used aworkbench built out of an abandoned TIE cockpit.[64] 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 dependency onKuat Drive Yards capital-scale carrier ships.[65]
Behind the scenes[]

TIE fighter models being constructed forA New Hope
Industrial Light & Magic's (ILM) Colin Cantwell created the concept model that established the TIE fighter's ball-cockpit and hexagonal-panels design forA New Hope.[66] Sound designerBen Burtt created the distinctive TIE fighter sound effect by combining an elephant call with a car driving on wet pavement.[67]
The original TIE/ln fighters seen inA New Hope were relatively white, but were originally meant to have a maroon hull. One of the benefits of a slightly reddish color would have been that the fighter models would not have been as prone to "blue spill" as gray models were during filming against a blue screen. However, film composition tests revealed that the maroon ships blended too quickly into the mostly black star field when moving away from the camera, so a light gray was used instead.[68] The TIE fighter models featured inThe Empire Strikes Back andReturn of the Jedi were blue-gray.
Combat scenes between TIE fighters and theMillennium Falcon and Rebel AllianceX-wing fighters inA New Hope were meant to be reminiscent ofWorld War II dogfight footage; editors used World War II air combat clips as placeholders while Industrial Light & Magic completed the movie's special effects.[69]
TIE/ln fighters are one of two starships available to Imperial players inStar Wars Battlefront, the other being the TIE/IN interceptor. Compared to the X-wings andA-wings, TIE fighters lack shields but instead possess good maneuverability and speed. However, their large wing panels make them very easy to hit in dogfights, giving Rebel fighters a slight advantage in ship-to-ship engagements.

A TIE/ln as depicted inRogue One: A Star Wars Story, which featured a transparisteel window that was noticeably smaller than those seen inA New Hope.
Ultimate Star Wars stated that TIE fighters built on Lothal had shorter wings, as explanation for stylistic choices made for the TIE/ln's design in the animated seriesStar Wars Rebels. However,
Rebels Recon: Inside "Always Two There Are" onStarWars.com(backup link) said that there is no difference. Since then,Pablo Hidalgo confirmed on Twitter thatUltimate Star Wars was incorrect.[70]
TIE fighters later appeared in the2016 anthology filmRogue One: A Star Wars Story. Their animation model in the film featured noticeably smaller transparisteel windows[4] that what was seen in priorStar Wars works, such asA New Hope.[17] The 2016 reference bookStar Wars: Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide by Pablo Hidalgo was the first reference book to identify the TIE fighter as the TIE/ln space superiority starfighter. It also defined the "ln" within the starfighter's name as standing for "line edition."[4]
Appearances[]
Non-canon appearances[]
Sources[]
Non-canon sources[]
- LEGO Star Wars 10(Free Gift)
- LEGO Star Wars 47(Free Gift)(Picture only)
- LEGO Star Wars 50(Free Gift)(Picture only)
- LEGO Star Wars 60(Free Gift)(Picture only)
- LEGO Star Wars 61(Free Gift)(Picture only)
- LEGO Star Wars 62(Free Gift)(Picture only)
Star Wars: Visions Filmmaker Focus — "THE TWINS"(Video clip only)- The Art of Star Wars: Visions
- LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Updated Edition
Strap in Starfighter, Star Wars is Taking Over in Fortnite: GALACTIC BATTLE! onFortnite'sofficial website(backup link)
Notes and references[]
External links[]
TIE fighter onWikipedia
Every Starfighter in Star Wars Explained By Lucasfilm on the officialWIREDYouTube channel(backup link)
STAR WARS™ Micro Galaxy Squadron Light Armor Class Collection (Series 6) onJazwares'official website(backup link)
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