TIE/sa tactical bomber

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TIE/sa tactical bomber

TheTIE/sa tactical bomber, also known as theTIE Surface Assault Bomber,TIE/sa bomber or simply theTIE bomber, was abombing variant of theTIE series used by theGalactic Empire. An evolution of theTIE/gt, the TIEbomber was their main source of anti-emplacement air-support. They were nicknamed "dupes" by theNew RepublicpilotWyl Lark and known asFirst Order bombers during their service in theFirst Order Navy.

Characteristics[]

The TIE/sabomber was specifically designed bySienar Fleet Systems for use in themilitary of theGalactic Empire. A model oflight bomber, it was part of theTIE series ofstarfighters,^[2] distinguished by theirtwin ion engines andsolar collector panels.^[1] The bomber measured 7.9meters long, 10.6 meters wide, and 5.4 meters high.^[2] In keeping with the Empire's preference for mutedcolors,^[18] it was painted a bluish gray.^[2]

Like theTIE Advanced x1 prototype, the TIE/sa bomber had inclined wings, which maximized its speed and maneuverability while carrying mass of heavy ordnance. Unlike the other models in the TIE line, the bomber had not one but two central pods: a starboardcockpit for the pilot and a portside ordnance bay for the munitions. The cockpit featured two forward-mountedlaser cannons, the standardtransparisteelviewport, and anejector seat in case apilot on a distant bombing run needed to abandonship.^[2]

The ordnance bay was divided into two sections. The forward ordnance bay carried either eightconcussion missiles or fourproton torpedoes. The main ordnance bay carried either four proton torpedoes and eight concussionmissiles, or eightproton bombs and sixty-fourthermal detonators, or sixspace mines, or evenstormtroopers. Located underneath the ordnance pod was abomb chute connected to the ship's targeting systems, aT-s7btargeting computer and a398X bomb sight. The pod also featured a missile port that allowed for front-launching and torpedoes.^[2] The ordnance bay could also be swapped for a passenger cabin with room for six.^[8]

They were described byPaige Tico asgray and bat-winged.^[15] For pilot survival, the bomber was equipped with a cockpit ejector seat. Pilots also had life support, but still wore flight suits in case of emergency.^[19]

Role[]

Evolving from theTIE/gt,^[20] TIE bombers were a main source of anti-emplacement, anti-trap air support for the Empire.^[21] They often served in the first line of attack, andStar Destroyercaptains liked to send them out to carpet bomb and weaken large targets likecapital ships inspace or buildings on the ground.^[2]

History[]

Imperial frontlines[]

Adecade after therise of the Empire, one was deployed by theImperial-class Star DestroyerUltimatum in order to attack the mobile refineryForager used by the corruptCountDenetrius Vidian.^[22]

Threeyears before theBattle of Yavin,^[23] TIE/sa bombers were being launched from aQuasar Fire-class cruiser-carrier aboveRyloth to attackCham Syndulla'srebel cell. Collaborating with theLothal rebel cell, Syndulla's rebels managed to steal a single TIE Bomber, which they used as a boarding shuttle, stagging afalse attack with twoRZ-1 A-wing interceptors fromPhoenix Squadron to land their TIE Bomber in one of thecarrier's hanger bays, from which the Specters and three members of Syndulla's cell including Cham himself stormed thevessel, seizing control of the Quasar and later defending it from a counterattack by a squad of TIE Bombers, all of which were destroyed by the rebels before retreating from Ryloth with the captured Quasar.^[8]

In2 BBY,^[24] an operative of Phoenix Squadron,Sabine Wren infiltrated theSkystrike Academy onMontross to aid two Imperial pilots in defecting to the growing rebellion, stealing a TIE/sa bomber from Skystrike to transport herself and defecting pilotsWedge Antilles andDerek Klivian to aCR90 corvette commanded by Phoenix Squadron, and retreat to rebel controlledAtollon.^[11]

At least one was present aboard theDeath Star during the Battle of Yavin.^[25] During theBattle for Tatooine, operatives of theAlliance to Restore the Republic from alocal rebel cell managed to steal TIE/sa bombers from the Empire and used them in their fight to liberateTatooine from thelocal Imperial garrison and the68th Legion, the later of which also used TIE/sa bombers to combat the rebel cell.^[10] After theBattle of Hoth, several TIE/sa bombers were deployed byDeath Squadron to flush theMillennium Falcon out from theasteroid field it was hidden in.^[9]

A contingent of TIE/sa bombers, consisting of a multitude of squadrons, assisted in carrying out theGreat Purge, during which, theyannihilated the surface of Mandalore^[26] and destroyed multiple cities^[27] during theNight of a Thousand Tears.^[26]

Six TIE bombers were deployed toput down aninsurrection on Bestine IV by bombing avillage where the insurgents made camp.^[28]

Collapse of the Empire[]

The bombers also participated in actions related toOperation: Cinder, 17days after theBattle of Endor, serving at theBattle of Cawa City, onSterdic IV in4 ABY.^[29]Gideon's Imperial remnant continued to use bombers up until his defeat.^[13]

Legacy[]

Over two decades after the establishment of theNew Republic and the time of theCold War, theFirst Order made use of the TIE/sa as the First Order bomber.^[15] The First Order also came to use theTIE/se Bomber,^[30] many of which would go on to participate in the First Order-Resistance conflict.^[31][30]

Appearances[]

Non-canon appearances[]

• Star Wars: Visions — "THE TWINS"
• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Sources[]

Notes and references[]

External links[]

• Every Starfighter in Star Wars Explained By Lucasfilm on the officialWIREDYouTube channel(backup link)