Summary
Following Order 66 and Palpatine’s plot against the Galactic Republic, theStar Warsgalaxy found itself under the yoke of Imperial domination.Star Wars' very own Sith Lord and Emperor,Palpatine’s Galactic Empiremistreated the numerous planets under its control while hunting down and exterminating those who chose to defy it.
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That the Empire was able to maintain a two-decade hold over the galaxy was due in part to its ruthless officers and deadly super weapons, like the planet-busting Death Star. Yet a vital factor in the Galactic Empire’s success was its wide array of starships, from massive Super Star Destroyers to single-pilot starfighters. These starfighters were more than Rebel cannon fodder—they represented the military strength of the Emperor and allowed his evil state to prosper.
8TIE Striker
The TIE Striker is a little-seen part of theStar Warsuniverse—and for good reason. The vast majority of engagements between the forces of the Empire andthe Rebel Alliancetook place in space, while the TIE Striker was primarily designed for combat within an atmosphere. This was reflected in the design of the craft, as its non-standard wings were designed to be aerodynamic, and allowed the starfighter to reach far greater speeds than other TIE models during planetary engagements.
The TIE Striker’s success as an atmospheric fighter (due in part to its heavy laser armament) demonstrated its value in the proper context. However, the TIE Striker was inevitably less effective in the vacuum of space, and it struggled to perform as a viable starfighter.
7V-wing
Although the V-wing is unlikely to be the first starfighter that springs to mind when considering the Galactic Empire, this holdover fromthe days of the Clone Warsserved as the precursor to the more iconic TIE Fighter. This can be seen in the closing moments ofRevenge of the Sith, as Darth Vader and Palpatine inspect the construction of the first Death Star.
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George Lucas chose to feature a flight of V-wings in this scene because he reasoned that the 19-year period betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hopegave the Empire plenty of time to develop TIEs. In-universe, the Empire’s shift from V-wings to TIE Fighters meant that many of these starfighters fell into the hands of security companies, although they still saw effective Imperial use as late as 2 BBY during an attack on the Rebel-held world of Namzor.
6TIE Bomber
The TIE Bomber, manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems, deviated from the standard TIE profile. While conventional TIE designs incorporated a single pod, the TIE Bomber supported two pods between its wings. This larger size allowed the starfighter to carry not only a pilot, but also a substantial payload: proton torpedoes, thermal detonators, proton bombs, or orbital mines, as dictated by the mission parameters.
The starfighter made a memorable appearance inThe Empire Strikes Back, when a squadron of TIE Bombers attacked an asteroid field in an attempt to destroythe fleeingMillennium Falcon. The Bomber also played a significant role in the devastation of Mandalore during the Night of a Thousand Tears, and would continue to see use by the Imperial Remnant following the Rebel victory in the Galactic Civil War.
5TIE Phantom
Originally introduced in 1995’s FMV-heavyStar Wars: Rebel Assault II, the angular TIE Phantom was devised following the loss of the first Death Star at the Battle of Yavin. Imperial scientists acquired a supply of stygium crystals, which served as the basis for the starfighter’sgroundbreaking cloaking device.
The new threat posed by the TIE Phantom soon became apparent to the Rebel Alliance, which embarked on a mission to vanquish the new starfighter. Insurgents were able to neutralize the facility where the Phantom was produced, although they were unable to secure a vessel for further study. Nonetheless, the infiltration was a blow to the project, and only a very small number of TIE Phantoms saw service.
4TIE Fighter
Like its classic rival, the X-wing, the TIE Fighter is one of science fiction’s most recognizable starfighters. In-universe, the single-seat vessel was symbolic of the Galactic Empire’s strength. Pilots were even encouraged to fly low overthe surface of planetsso that the screeching sound of the TIE Fighter would intimidate any inhabitants with rebellious tendencies.
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Despite its iconic status, the TIE Fighter was something of a disposable vessel, partly due to the low cost of manufacture. This throwaway nature was reflected in the design of the starfighter: it lacked a hyperdrive and shields and, while highly maneuverable, could only be deployed over a short range. These shortcomings became increasingly apparent as the Galactic Civil War continued to rage, necessitating the deployment of other starfighter variants.
3TIE Advanced X1
Although it was only a prototype, the bulky TIE Advanced X1 held a prestigious position in the Imperial Navy as one of Darth Vader’s personal vessels. Vader employed the starfighter to great effect while attempting to repel the Rebel assault on the first Death Star and, if not for a surprise intervention by Han Solo, would likely have saved the station from destruction.
The starfighter saved Vader’s life, as it carried him free of the exploding superweapon. Vader’s survival was no doubt facilitated by the TIE Advanced’s experimental shield. As well as featuring enhanced defensive capabilities, the X1 also packed a punch, thanks to itstwin laser cannonsand missile system. Although the starfighter never saw full-scale deployment, it represented a real threat to the Rebel Alliance even in limited numbers.
2TIE Defender
The TIE Defender was the pet project ofGrand Admiral Thrawn, a key player in the Galactic Empire. The Chiss strategist was committed to stamping out the Rebel Alliance and hoped that his starfighter project would accomplish this. Unlike standard TIE designs, the Defender came equipped with a hyperdrive and deflector shields, making it far better suited for space combat than its contemporaries. Indeed, the starfighter proved its lethal efficiency when a single Defender bested a squadron of Y-wings during a battle in the Archeon Nebula.
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Unfortunately for the Empire, behind-the-scenes tensions scuttled any hope of the TIE Defender’s extensive deployment. Funds needed to develop the starfighter’s design were reallocated to help construct the Death Star and tensions between Imperial heavyweights were exacerbated by delays in the project. However, the creation of the TIE Defender was not in vain, as the First Order was able to build on the design when creating its own fleet.
1TIE Interceptor
Once it became apparent to Sienar Fleet Systems that it was not possible to mass-produce the TIE Advanced X1, a new starfighter was designed: the TIE Interceptor. This devastating vessel added a new string to the Empire’s bow by offering speed, maneuverability, and firepower in a single starfighter.
Such a potent combination proved devastating during the Battle of Endor when the Rebel Alliance was lured into a trap near the second Death Star. Only the A-wings of the Rebel Starfighter Corps were really able to hold their own against the Imperial starfighter, and the TIE variant continued to see use as part of Moff Gideon’s Imperial Remnant. Elements of the Interceptor design were later reused inKylo Ren’s TIE Silencer, demonstrating the starfighter’s enduring appeal and effectiveness.
