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I may never come back, and I just want someone to know. This article contains text from a former Shadow Academy course. It is no longer in use, and is preserved here for historical purposes only and should not be used/referenced.
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Course Notes
Imperial Starfighter Engineering and Technology
To a Sith Pilot, two of the most important aspects of flying are knowledge of tactical maneuvers and situational awareness. However, having an intimate knowledge of your starfighter is equally important but often overlooked. The Imperial Starfighter Engineering and Technology course is designed to test a Sith Pilot’s ability to forge a new bond with his fighter. This course will specialize in informing you about the primary units in use by the Empire as well as its enemies. The mission of this course is to help you, the next generation of Sith Pilots, to reach new levels of excellence in combat. The following will help you achieve this mission.
The TIE Series Starfighter
For decades, the TIE Series of Starfighters had been the backbone of the Imperial Navy’s Starfighter Corps. Older model TIE Series Fighters such as the TIE Fighter, TIE Bomber, and the TIE Interceptor were mass-produced by Sienar Fleet Systems and lacked both a Shield System and Hyperdrive. However, the cost of these small fighters was well below budget, and they were very easy to mass-produce. Because of these features, they would become so popular that they would be reinvented for a short period of time as a quick ground assault vehicle in the façade of the TIE Crawler. Later, with the growing popularity of mothership-independent fighters, the TIE Series Starfighter would evolve to create a new breed of fighter fully equipped to handle any onslaught.
Propulsion
The term TIE is derived from its propulsion system: the Twin Ion Engine. The TIE engine uses micro-particle accelerators to excite ionized gasses to high speeds. Then, these gasses are released through rear vents thrusting the craft forward at high speeds with exceptional maneuverability. This engine system was a great advancement simply because it has made it difficult to chase, hit, and outrun these TIE Starfighters.
Laser System
The first major difference between the TIE Series fighters and the rest of the line of craft is the Laser system, specifically, the SFS L-s Series. Their actual power varies between different TIE models. For the most part TIE Fighters and Bombers still carry a SFS L-s1 set of lasers, while more advanced quad-cannon designs carry the SFS L-s9.3 Series. Sienar Fleet Systems designed these lasers to quickly recharge and fire far more rapidly. However, the drawback is that this system deals less damage for the higher frequency of laser blasts. Forunately, this is acceptable considering the high recharge rate of the Lasers. With these systems, TIE Pilots have a considerable advantage since they are generally deployed in vast numbers. TIE onslaughts do not need the high power laser systems since they do not need to destroy an opponent in one attack run. Wingman combinations and Flight Group combinations can use their faster weapons and greater numbers to swarm an enemy fighter, quickly subduing him.
Warhead System
The only factory TIE models that were designed to have warheads were the TIE Bomber and TIE Defender. Fortunately, the TIE design is unique in that it is easily retrofitted with warhead launchers. They are generally placed right onto their ball cockpit hulls. Additionally, Sienar Fleet Systems developed a variable payload system that would allow for greater variety in choice of warhead. This allowed for more diversity in tactical planning. The new technology also gave individual pilots the ability to develop their own mission tactics around which warhead they felt better suited to use. A pilot who is skilled in using slower warheads such as Heavy Rockets or Space Bombs may wish to carry that payload if he has the confidence of precisely landing the warheads. However, other pilots may wish to carry a load of quicker moving Proton Torpedoes instead.
Shield System
Sienar Fleet Systems would come to realize the faults of not having an efficient Shield system on their mass-produced TIE Starfighters. Rebel Starfighter technology had developed on the principle of making an independent-minded Starfighter. A starfighter that would be available for deploying to furthest reaches of space and intercepting multiple targets before reentering hyperspace. This allowed the starfighter to be excellent at Hit and Fade attacks while keeping main headquarters secret. But, Sienar developed a starfighter shield generator with an extremely fast recharge rate for the next generation of TIEs. The TIE Advanced was the first TIE to integrate this shield system. The combination of exceptional maneuverability and speed from the Twin Ion Engine propulsion system with its superior shield system created an almost invincible enemy Rebel pilots were untrained to defeat. Although the shield itself was only designed to stop small amounts of laser fire, its quick recharge rate would allow a pilot to recover before his opponent could land a second strike.
TIE Fighter
In its time, the original TIE Fighter was a great Space Superiority Fighter. It was developed to be used in large numbers against the slower, less maneuverable opponents like the Cloakshape Fighter and the Z-95 Headhunter. However, it lacked a shield generator and a hyperdrive. Only until greater numbers of X-Wings, A-Wings, and other advanced Rebel Righter were produced were the flaws of the original TIE Fighter design realized.
Statistics:
- Speed: 100 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 96 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS L-s1 Lasers
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 9 RU
- Missions: Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
TIE Bomber
The TIE Bomber was designed shortly after the TIE Fighter. The TIE Fighter simply was not capable of posing a threat to light capital ships due to its thin hull and lack of warhead launchers. Although the TIE Bomber was slower than the TIE Fighter, it had a strong hull and an impressive warhead capacity that made it the Empire’s primary bomber until the Rebel Alliance deployed more heavily armed, large capital ships - like the Mon Calamari Cruisers.
Statistics:
- Speed: 80 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 86 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS L-s1 Lasers
- Warhead: 2 SFS T-s5 (8 Warheads)
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 28 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support
TIE Interceptor
The TIE Interceptor, like the TIE Bomber, was another natural development for the TIE series. Although it could not be used to replace the vast numbers of TIE Fighters, small numbers of TIE Interceptors began to appear, providing a quicker, more powerful attack force for the Imperial Navy. The Interceptor’s primary use was for catching fleeing enemy forces with its greater speed and superior lasers. Even though its hull was slightly stronger than a TIE Fighter, it still followed the status quo of a shieldless, mothership-dependent vessel.
Statistics:
- Speed: 110 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 104 DPF
- Laser: 4 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 16 RU
- Missions: Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
TIE Advanced
The TIE Advanced was a huge development in TIE technology. It was a direct reaction to the development of the Rebellion’s superior, shielded starfighters. Because of it’s high cost, it was not mass-produced to replace the TIE Interceptor or TIE Fighter, but it was produced to compliment the Imperial contingent of unshielded fighters. Originally lacking a hyperdrive system, the TIE Advanced was later refitted to become mothership-independent strike Starfighter. Although the TIE Advanced had a weak shield system compared to the Rebel Fighters, it recharged nearly twice as fast.
Statistics:
- Speed: 133 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 104 DPF
- Laser: 4 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (8 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (40 SBD)
- Hull: 14 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
TIE Defender
The TIE Defender was the apex of TIE design. Developed only for Elite Starfighter wings, the TIE Defender was a powerful, yet extremely expensive answer to all of the threats posed by the Rebellion. Complete with Shields, Hyperdrive, Warhead Launchers, and the only TIE developed with an Ion Cannon System, the TIE Defender was the ultimate Space Superiority fighter. It could handle multiple Rebel targets, outrun them, out maneuver them, and outgun them. Its production was extremely limited, but those pilots who were assigned to TIE Defender Squadrons were very appreciative of its immense power.
Statistics:
- Speed: 144 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 104 DPF
- Laser: 4 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (8 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (100 SBD)
- Hull: 14 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Interdiction, Escort
Experimental TIE Models
The Imperial Research and Technology Division set out to create relatively inexpensive but more powerful versions of the original production Model TIE Fighters. However, most of these models only saw a brief production life due to the upcoming sophistication of the TIE Advanced and the TIE Defender. These models did, however, create a platform of intense firepower and maneuverability while still maintaining the traditional unshielded mothership-dependent design. One such model, that will not be covered, is the T/e4, which was an unpiloted kamikaze weapon used against capital ships.
TIE Experimental Mark 1
The Mark 1 was the first of a generation of Starfighters to employ the use of a Heavy Turbolaser on a Starfighter. The Mark 1 featured one solar panel with two braces extending from it, one with a Ball Cockpit and the other with a ball Heavy Turbolaser. The Mark 1 was faster, more maneuverable, more fortified, and better armed than the original Model TIE. However, as with the TIE Fighter, the T/e1 lacked shields and a Hyperdrive. Moreover, its Turbolaser had a slow firing rate compared to the status quo quick fire TIE, and it was unacceptable to many Pilots who had come to depend on the quick reaction of their lasers.
Statistics:
- Speed: 104 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 91 DPF
- Laser: 1 Taim & Bak XX9 Heavy Turbolaser
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 11 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
TIE Experimental Mark 2
The Mark 2 was an alternative development to the Mark 1 as it carried two slightly less powerful Turbolasers but with a higher rate of fire/recharge. The Mark 2 was your basic TIE Fighter with fixed turret Turbolasers often found on Imperial Shuttles and Transports. Once again, however, the metamorphosis into Hyperdrive-capable, shielded craft hurt the production life of the Mark 2.
Statistics:
- Speed: 100 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 91 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS Turbolasers
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 10 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
TIE Experimental Mark 3
The Mark 3 was an experiment to develop a new warhead deployment platform. Its lack of lasers gave more power to its engines which was needed to maintain more engine power for its large warhead payload. The construction of the Mark 3 was a production model TIE Interceptor with multiple warhead launchers mounted to the its solar panels. However, the lack of lasers made the Mark 3 relatively useless without escorts in an intense battle.
Statistics:
- Speed: 102 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 100 DPF
- Laser: N/A
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (16 Warheads)
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 16 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support
TIE Experimental Mark 5
The Mark 5 was developed as an alternative to the TIE Interceptor. Faster but less maneuverable, the Mark 5 was relatively ineffective. The Mark 5 was, simply put, a production model TIE Fighter with a conventional Ion Engine retrofitted onto its hull for greater speeds. Considering the TIE interceptor was still more maneuverable and better armed, the Mark 5 project was considerably unsuccessful.
Statistics:
- Speed: 133 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 86 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS L-s1 Lasers
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 11 RU
- Missions: Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort
Conventional Ion Drive Starfighters
Although the primary fighting force of the Imperial Navy had always been based from the TIE design, there was always a small but constant contingent of conventional drive Starfighters. Conventional Drives are better suited for heavier craft which need more power to compete with their opponent Starfighters. The Conventional Drive fighters tend to have better armaments including standard Ion Cannons and/or Multiple Warhead Launchers with the complement of stronger shield systems. Needless to say, these fighters require extensive power resources and therefore need more expensive and more powerful generators. However, this was at a cost to the Starfighter’s top speed, maneuverability, and acceleration even though they shared the same Laser, Warhead launcher, and Shields technologies as the TIE design. Although these drawbacks may seem to make these fighters obsolete, like many of the Experimental designs, this is far from the truth and on the contrary, these Starfighters are essential in battle.
Assault Gunboat
The Assault Gunboat was one of the first traditional Starfighters in the Imperial Navy to be equipped with a Hyperdrive and a Shield System. The Assault Gunboat is often compared to the Rebel Y-Wing since it has a similar armament of Lasers and Ions. Gunboats are perfect for Interdiction and Patrolling missions. Gunboat Reconnaissance became popular with the Starfighter's deployment as it was a vastly untapped resource for Intelligence.
Statistics:
- Speed: 90 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 78 DPF
- Laser: 2 Taim & Bak KX5 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (16 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (100 SBD)
- Hull: 28 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Interdiction, Reconnaissance, Escort, Deep Strike
Missile Boat
The Imperial Missile Boat is exactly as it is described. It is nothing more than a warhead platform even though it carries one Laser Cannon in the event it runs out of warheads and is trapped in a dogfight. With 4 Warhead Launchers that can carry multiple types of warheads, the Missile Boat can be sent to complete multiple missions all in one territory. It is the paragon of Heavy Assault or Convoy Assault. One feature that is not employed in newer models is the SLAM engine. This system drains power from the Laser system at a rapid rate and relocates it into the engines giving a short but dramatic increase in speed. This system wears down the Starfighter, is extremely expensive, and is often not used enough to make it economical.
Statistics:
- Speed: 122 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 91 DPF
- Laser: 1 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (40 Warheads), 2 SFS M-s5 (40 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (120 SBD)
- Hull: 19 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support, Strike, Deep Strike
Skipray Blastboat
Often considered a patrol craft more than a Starfighter, the Skipray Blastboat is very large and very powerful, carrying much of the same armament as the Assault Gunboat. It has an added pair of warhead launchers and the unique feature of having more Ion Cannons than Lasers. This feature makes it invaluable in interdiction and capture operations.
Statistics:
- Speed: 91 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 64 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers, 3 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (6 Warheads), 2 SFS M-s5 (6 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (102 SBD)
- Hull: 61 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support, Strike, Interdiction, Deep Strike
Toscan Fighter
The Toscan Fighter is a Heavy Assault Starfighter with excellent interdiction skills all for a relatively cheap price. Its four Lasers and two Ion Cannons used together can easily disable small targets very quickly - especially escaping Transports and Shuttles from a doomed Capital Ship. However, its mission can easily be completed by starfighters similar to it.
Statistics:
- Speed: 87 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 72 DPF
- Laser: 4 Taim & Bak KX5 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (8 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (68 SBD)
- Hull: 23 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Interdiction, Escort
Emperor’s Hammer Prototype Starfighters
Since the death of the Emperor and dwindling economic stability of the Galactic Empire, research and development has come to halt. Fortunately, within the Emperor’s Hammer Strike Fleet, we have not been so destitute and have continued research with the Corporate Dvision. Expense has been put at the wayside in favor of developing the most effective and most powerful weaponry in the Galaxy. Due to their immense cost, these fighters are for the most part constructed only for specific Starfighter squadrons on a ship by ship basis.
TIE Protector
The TIE Protector is a byproduct of the TIE Guardian Project. The main difference between the two craft is the implementation of Turbolasers and a secondary warhead launch system. This craft is the epitome of technological design and cost. It has been restricted to one production model for strict use by the Fleet Commander ONLY.
Statistics:
- Speed: 178 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 104 DPF
- Laser: 6 SFS Turbolasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (4 Warheads), 2 SFS M-s5 (20 Advanced Missiles)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (220 SBD)
- Hull: 33 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Interdiction, Escort
TIE Guardian
Commonly referred to as the Mark 2 TIE Defender, the TIE Guardian is one of the most advanced combat vehicles in service. It differs from other TIE models as it uses the slower, more powerful Lasers often employed by Rebel Fighters. Improvements to the engine and shield systems have made the TIE Guardian unstoppable in combat. However, it is limited in use ONLY to the Fleet Commander’s personal escort - Omega Squadron. This is due to its great cost and ability of Omega’s pilots to handle the Starfighter efficiently.
Statistics:
- Speed: 170 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 104 DPF
- Laser: 6 Taim & Bak IX9 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (4 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (220 SBD)
- Hull: 33 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Interdiction, Escort, VIP Escort, Assassination
TIE Dragon
The TIE Dragon is a modification on the original TIE Bomber. The TIE Dragon has replaced the warhead launcher hull with an immensely powerful Vulcan Plasma Pulse Cannon, which is rechargeable. Its speed has been slightly increased, but the rest of the body has remained unchanged. The main drawback to the TIE Dragon is the fact that the Vulcan Cannon damages the internal mechanisms of the Starfighter, forcing repair downtime after every mission. Currently, only one flight of TIE Dragons is in use by Butcher Squadron, a member of the Avenger Task Force.
Statistics:
- Speed: 90 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 86 DPF
- Laser: 1 Vulcan Plasma Pulse Cannon
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 28 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support
TIE Phantom
The TIE Phantom was a unique development in the line of Starfighters. Exceptionally fast and maneuverable, the Phantom also includes a pair of Tacyon Laser cannons which are comparable in power to Light Turbolasers. The TIE Phantom also includes the Phantom Drive - a small but powerful cloaking device. When active, the cloak of the TIE Phantom is virtually unstoppable. However, because of its extreme cost, it is limited to service in Phantom, Asp, Cobra, Slayer, Talon, and Nemesis Squadrons.
Statistics:
- Speed: 130 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 123 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS Tacyon Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (4 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (50 SBD)
- Hull: 20 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort, Infiltration
Scimitar Assault Bomber
The Scimitar Assault Bomber was originally designed as an atmospheric assault-bomber, but it has been applied to space bombing as well. Its large warhead capacity is excellent for engaging large capital ships as well as space platforms and facilities. The Scimitar’s main drawback is its high cost, which has restricted its use. Currently, only Ravager Squadron has been given a flight of Scimitar Assault Bombers.
Statistics:
- Speed: 114 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 86 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers
- Warhead: 8 SFS M-g-2 (32 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (60 SBD)
- Hull: 21 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support, Strike, Deep Strike
A-9b Vigilance Interceptor
The A-9b Vigilance Interceptor is a step backward towards the older designs. It lacks Shields and Hyperdrive, giving substantial power to its weapons and engines systems. The A-9b is armed with two Turbolasers and two normal Laser cannons. The engine system makes the A-9b the third fastest fighter in the Imperial Navy, behind the TIE Protector and TIE Guardian. Its high maneuverability compliments its speed nicely and makes it an extremely difficult craft to keep targeted. Equipped with Force Vents, the Dark Jedi pilots of the A-9b can vent their aggression upon their enemies. The A-9b is restricted in use to the Grand Master’s Escort, Tau Squadron.
Statistics:
- Speed: 156 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 114 DPF
- Laser: 2 SFS Turbolasers, 2 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers
- Warhead: N/A
- Shields: N/A
- Hull: 20 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, Close Support, Strike, Escort, VIP Escort, Assassination
Spectre Missile Boat
The Spectre Missile Boat is nothing more than an upgrade to the original Missile Boat. Like its predecessor it is a warhead deployment platform, except now the Missile Boat has the added strength of dual Ion Cannons. These cannons make it considerably easier to dispatch targets by first disabling them and then following up with volley of heavy warheads.
Statistics:
- Speed: 122 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 91 DPF
- Laser: 1 SFS L-s9.3 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (40 Warheads), 2 SFS M-s5 (40 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (120 SBD)
- Hull: 19 RU
- Missions: Assault, Heavy Assault, LR Support, Strike, Interdiction, Deep Strike
Phalanx Interceptor Gunboat
The Phalanx Gunboat was developed to compliment special operations missions. The original Assault Gunboat was a superior advance for gathering Intelligence. Starfighter Reconnaissance would only improve with the deployment of a camouflaged Phalanx. The Phalanx was designed to impersonate an Imperial Shuttle. It comes equipped with a Transponder Morph to further supplement its role in deep infiltration missions. In the event it is discovered, I can quickly turn into a fast, maneuverable attack Starfighter with exceptional weaponry. However, due to its very specific mission goals, the Phalanx is seldom used.
Statistics:
- Speed:177 MGLT
- Maneuverability: 78 DPF
- Laser: 4 Taim & Bak KX5 Lasers, 2 Borstel NK-3 Ion Cannons
- Warhead: 2 SFS M-g-2 (16 Warheads)
- Shields: Novaldex Shields (100 SBD)
- Hull: 60 RU
- Missions: Reconnaissance, Infiltration, Special Insertion/Extraction