This is a list of fictional spacecraft, starships and exo-atmospheric vessels that have been identified by name in notable published works of fiction. The term " spacecraft " is mainly used to refer to spacecraft that are real or conceived using present technology. The terms " spaceship " and " starship " are generally applied only to fictional space vehicles, usually those capable of transporting people.
97-782: The TIE fighter or Twin Ion Engine fighter is a series of fictional starfighters featured in the Star Wars universe. TIE fighters are depicted as fast, agile, yet fragile starfighters produced by Sienar Fleet Systems for the Galactic Empire and by Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems for the First Order and the Sith Eternal . TIE fighters and other TIE craft appear in Star Wars films, television shows, and throughout
194-537: A hyperdrive , not only to save on weight and cost but to discourage defection. Although the TIE fighter's cockpit is pressurized and equipped with oxygen scrubbers to prevent corrosion, it lacks life-support systems, requiring pilots to wear special flight suits. TIE fighters are equipped with ejection seats, though in older Legends sources there was disagreement on this issue. Star Wars literature also holds that TIE fighter pilots are considered an elite group within
291-473: A 16-foot-by-20-foot, 1,000-pound TIE fighter float to commemorate Star Wars ' thirtieth anniversary as part of the 2007 Gala Parade in Crystal Lake, Illinois . A Wired editor's creation of a TIE fighter model out of Starbucks cups and stirrers prompted the magazine to create a contest for its readers to submit their own art out of similar Starbucks material. io9 mocked the variety of TIE fighters in
388-710: A 2018 a test was conducted using the Autodesk Flow Design virtual wind tunnel program to look at the aerodynamic properties of several Star Wars starfighter models. Of those models which were tested, the N-1 was found to be the most aerodynamic of all with a drag coefficient of .1, which while somewhat poor compared to the real-life .02 rating of the F-4E Phantom was significantly better than all other starfighters tested. The Porax-38 appears in Revenge of
485-561: A Naboo N-1 starfighter and pilots it into the Droid Control Ship's docking bay, destroying the vessel from the inside. N-1 starfighters also appear in the beginning of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones escorting senator Padmé Amidala 's ( Natalie Portman ) Naboo Royal Cruiser upon its arrival to Coruscant. The N-1 also appears at the end of the edited and remastered 2004 "Special Edition" DVD version of Return of
582-471: A central command ship , but were later given a limited degree of independence. A variant of the vulture droid is the Hyena Bomber Droid, with a larger, sturdier hull and larger wings. It also has a second hull with downward-facing photoreceptors for precision bomb dropping. The Hyena Bomber Droid made its first appearance in the 2008 Clone Wars television series . An improved successor to
679-602: A larger force, the E-wing filled a versatile mid-range multirole combat aircraft or light torpedo bomber . A Gauntlet Fighter, or Kom'rk -class fighter, is a Mandalorian class of ship. Larger than most starfighters, it can carry a larger crew and accommodate passengers. They were introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars being used by the Mandalorian splinter group Death Watch. Another one known as
776-445: A pair of laser cannons tied to a secondary generator and mated with an advanced targeting computer which assists the pilot in hitting other fast-moving starfighters. The fighter does not possess deflector shields , and while its light armoring is proof against small arms and glancing micrometeoroids a direct hit from a laser cannon will destroy it, encouraging pilots to shoot first and make their shots count. The TIE fighter also lacks
873-472: A pressurized suit, as TIE fighters also lack life support systems. Heavier and more advanced TIE craft appear throughout the Expanded Universe, often including shields and hyperdrives as well as heavier armor and weapons; the higher costs for these craft often relegate them to limited deployment. The X-wing starfighter , named for the distinctive shape made when its S-Foils are in attack position,
970-582: A set of glass panels that much resemble to the two hexagonal solar energy-collecting wings of TIE Fighter, position themselves and slide down a track to reach the safety platform at the other side. Due to the expiration of the license before the 36th competition, the TIE Fighter was renamed the Wing Slider ( Japanese : ウィングスライダー), and was redesigned to reflect this. In 2018, a number of Star Wars starfighters had their aerodynamic abilities tested using
1067-481: A stick with a ball-shaped cockpit, but Cantwell's concept had few details. Joe Johnston created additional details, such as the cockpit window and the attachment points between the solar panels and the hull. Initially given a blue color scheme, the TIE fighter models for the first film were grey to film better against a bluescreen ; TIE fighters in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of
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#17327832082211164-581: A tricky starfighter to fly. It had three S-foils that functioned like those on the X-wing and was equipped with two laser cannons and twin concussion missile launchers. At the beginning of the Clone Wars, V-19 starfighters did not have hyperdrives for faster-than-light travel , instead relying on external hyperspace transport rings to which they would attached. Later models were modified to be equipped with an internal hyperdrive. The Z-95 Headhunter
1261-516: A twin ion engine (TIE) system that accelerates ionized gases at a substantial fraction of lightspeed along almost any vector, affording the ships tremendous speed and maneuverability albeit with limited fuel reserves. These wings are also structurally sound enough to double as landing gear and feature repulsorlifts for take-off and landing, though TIE fighters are designed to be launched and recovered by cycling storage racks used by Imperial starships and garrisons. The TIE fighter's primary weapons are
1358-510: A unique engine mount (also magnetically suspended), few of these fighters are exported as they are designed specifically around Geonosian senses and dexterity to operate. The Delta-7 Aethersprite -class light interceptors (better known as "Jedi starfighters" ) appear in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), when Obi-Wan Kenobi ( Ewan McGregor ) travels via Jedi starfighter to Kamino to investigate
1455-468: A variety of toys and models. It is commonly depicted as an aerospace superiority fighter with a secondary capability as strike fighter. The Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber are depicted as the primary fighter-bombers of the Galactic Republic , Rebel Alliance (stripped-down and heavily modified version of the former Galactic Republic Y-Wing), New Republic , and the newer Y-Wing model for
1552-548: A versatile snub-fighter despite being outdated at the time of the Clone Wars. Incom Corporation originally designed the Z-95 for planetary defense forces, and while lacking many features like a hyperdrive or astromech droid it was appreciated for its armaments and internal environmental controls. The Republic commissioned upgraded models of the Z-95 for their clone pilots which featured more powerful weaponry and deflector shields , as well as superior endurance and adaptability. At
1649-597: Is a class of starfighter which was first described in the Brian Daley 's 1979 novel Han Solo at Stars' End as having swing-wings and a bubble cockpit. In the 1980–81 comic strip adaptation, they are depicted like triangular, twin-tailed airplanes. It was next depicted in Tatooine Manhunt (1988), an adventure book for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game , with artwork based on an early Joe Johnston production sketch. At least as early as A Guide to
1746-559: Is a fictional Rebel Alliance and New Republic starfighter. They first appear in Return of the Jedi (1983) and subsequently in the Star Wars expanded universe 's books, comics, and games. It is commonly depicted as a heavy strike fighter. A variety of B-wing merchandise has been released by toy companies. Although initial plans called for B-wings to appear in several scenes, its narrow appearance from some angles made it difficult to see against
1843-427: Is a list of science-fictional Star Wars starfighters. Within the Star Wars setting, a starfighter is defined as a "small, fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed starship used in direct confrontations between opposing forces." In addition to appearing in the saga's movies and TV series, several LucasArts games depict the player as a starfighter pilot. In the Star Wars universe, starfighters are equipped with
1940-861: The Star Wars universe, a " starfighter " is a blanket term for all small combat space craft, regardless of shields, hyperspace capability, weaponry (unless it carries none), armor, maneuverability and crew. "Snubfighter" (a term first used in Star Wars ), though no concise definition has been given, often refers to a fighter carrying shielding, secondary weapons systems such as proton torpedoes or concussion missiles, and being hyperspace capable. Starfighters sometimes bear mission designations similar to modern fighter aircraft, such as " strike fighter " and " space superiority fighter ". Galactic Republic Rebel Alliance and New Republic Galactic Empire and First Order Confederacy of Independent Systems Andromeda Halo Marvel Cinematic Universe Jedi interceptor The following
2037-456: The Star Wars expanded universe . Several TIE fighter replicas and toys, as well as a TIE flight simulator, have been produced and sold by many companies. Colin Cantwell created the concept model that established the TIE fighter's ball-cockpit and hexagonal panels design for Star Wars (1977). Star Wars creator George Lucas liked the basic design consisting of two panels connected by
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#17327832082212134-566: The X-Wing flight simulator, B-Wing , introduces the B-wing as a playable starfighter; several other LucasArts products also depict B-wings. TIE fighters—and variants such as TIE interceptors and TIE bombers—appear throughout the original trilogy. They are usually not equipped with shields or a hyperdrive, which makes them mass-producible and allows for considerable weapon payloads, or alternatively, for high speed and agility. The pilot has to wear
2231-536: The 2003 Clone Wars animated series , Anakin Skywalker is seen flying a customized Delta-7, called the Azure Angel , of which a Lego model was later made. The Jedi starfighter's triangular shape stems from the shape of Imperial Star Destroyers in the original Star Wars trilogy. Industrial Light & Magic designer Doug Chiang identified the Jedi starfighter as one of the first designs that bridges
2328-454: The ARC-170 , making it perfect for combating swarms of Tri-fighters and Vulture droids, while a pair of powerful ion engines can propel the fighter to a top atmospheric speed of 52,000 km/h (32,000 mph). In order to save on weight to make the fighter so fast and maneuverable, it does not feature a hyperdrive or pressurized cockpit . Additionally, folding wings on either side of
2425-523: The Autodesk Flow Design virtual wind tunnel program. Of those studied, the TIE Fighter scored the worst with a drag coefficient of .98, which is only slightly better than a brick. Of the other TIE variants tested, the TIE interceptor was slightly better with a coefficient of .78, while the TIE Striker had the best at .48, though this did not compare favorably to the .02 drag coefficient of an F-4E Phantom . These poor results were rationalized with
2522-540: The Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars . They first appear in the opening battle sequence of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and have featured in the 2008 Clone Wars television series . The fighter's name stems from "ART 170", the file name of the art that established the ship's appearance; during scripting it was simply referred to as the "Clone Fighter." According to background material,
2619-524: The Nightbrother later served as Darth Maul 's personal craft in Star Wars Rebels . Kom'rk -class fighter/transports are equipped with four laser cannons, a Class 1 hyperdrive , and space to carry up to 24 soldiers. Two versions of the starfighter model exist, one 68 m (223 ft) long and a smaller variant 52.3 m (172 ft) long. Asajj Ventress flies the fanblade in
2716-546: The Resistance ; being ideally suited for anti-shipping , close air support , and ground attack missions . They made their theatrical appearance in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) and have featured in movies, television shows, and the Star Wars expanded universe 's books, comics, and games. The ARC-170 starfighter or Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter were flown by clone pilots of
2813-420: The Revenge of the Sith (2005), as the Galactic Republic is formally transformed into the Galactic Empire . Originally, animation director Rob Coleman proposed that TIE Fighters be featured to signify this transition, but George Lucas pointed out that (in the film's chronology) there were nineteen years between the events of Revenge of the Sith and the original Star Wars . Allowing additional time for
2910-530: The cloaking TIE Phantom starfighter, and a campaign in X-Wing Alliance centers on destroying experimental remote-controlled TIE fighters. Star Wars literature also introduces TIE varieties. TIE raptors attack Rogue Squadron in Solo Command . TYE wings – TIE fighter and Y-wing hybrids – appear both in I, Jedi and Rogue Squadron: Masquerade . Dark Horse's Dark Empire introduces both
3007-564: The ARC-170 can operate deep behind enemy lines, where the variety of scanners and sensor jammers in its heavy nose help it conduct dangerous scouting missions. Its weaponry includes a pair of forward-facing medium laser cannons, mated with targeting rangefinders, which are powerful enough to punch through capital ship armor plating; two aft-facing laser cannons for staving off pursuing starfighters; and six proton torpedoes which allow it to conduct bombing missions. Deflector shielding protects
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3104-409: The ARC-170 features S-foils, which open during combat to shed waste heat, enlarge the starfighter's deflector shields, and function as stabilizer surfaces during atmospheric flight. Droid Tri-fighters are droid starfighters used by Separatist forces during the Clone Wars. They made their first theatrical appearance in the opening battle of Revenge of the Sith (2005). Original plans to equip
3201-529: The ARC-170 is a rugged and versatile starfighter that can fulfill a variety of roles. A joint venture between the Incom and Subpro corporations, the ARC-170 measures 14.5 m (48 ft) long, with a wingspan of 22.6 m (74 ft) and height of 4.78 m (15.7 ft). Its crew includes a pilot, a co-pilot/forward gunner, a tail gunner, and an astromech droid to act as navigator and make repairs. With its hyperdrive and five day's worth of supplies,
3298-706: The Blade Wing to be a blockade buster for the Rebel Alliance, combining aspects of previous ships built by the Verpine Slayne & Korpil corporation including the V-19 Torrent starfighter , H-60 Tempest bomber and T-6 shuttle. While Quarrie's Blade Wing helped the crew of the Ghost escape an Imperial blockade, the prototype was plagued with a number of technical challenges. Senator Bail Organa
3395-419: The Clone Wars, the compact V-wing is just 7.9 m (26 ft) long and 3.8 m (12 ft) wide, with its height expanding to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) when the wings are deployed. An astromech droid assists the pilot with in-flight navigation and maintenance. Two pairs of laser cannons on swivel mounts in the wing struts provide a rapid-fire offensive punch. The V-wing is far more maneuverable than
3492-602: The Coast published various TIE starfighter and TIE-related cards for the Star Wars Customizable Card Game and Star Wars Trading Card Game , respectively. In 2012, Fantasy Flight Games released Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game , a miniatures game with pre-painted and to scale miniature X-wings and TIE fighters. In 1994, LucasArts released the TIE Fighter flight simulator, which casts
3589-720: The Colicoids, the same species which produced Droideka . They are more dangerous than Vulture droids thanks to an advanced heuristic droid brain which better learns from enemy tactics and can be linked to coordinate multi-fighter attacks. While not as fast as a Jedi interceptor , the tri-fighter has three independent thrusters to give it impressive agility. Four laser cannons, one light cannon on each arm and one nose-mounted medium cannon, can fire together or independently. It can also carry between two and six missiles, including proton torpedoes , concussion missiles and buzz droids . Geonosian Nantex-class Starfighters appear in
3686-643: The Imperial Navy, relying on their quick reflexes and fearlessness to survive multiple tours of duty. Training involves hundreds of flight hours learning to coordinate as a team and intense psychological conditioning to put the accomplishment of their mission above other considerations. As such most TIE fighter pilots have a life expectancy of less than a year. TIE fighter pilots wear self-contained flight suits with life-support systems connected to reinforced vacuum-sealed flight helmets. These helmets feature ship-linked communications and displays . In addition to
3783-421: The Jedi (1983) shifted back to being a muted blue. Sound designer Ben Burtt created the distinctive sound of the TIE fighter in flight by combining an elephant call with a car driving on wet pavement. In the book The Sounds of Star Wars , the engine roar is likened to German Junker Ju 87 "Stuka" bombers , which used sirens to frighten civilians during air raids. This could have been a possible inspiration for
3880-641: The Jedi . A modified N-1 starfighter appears in the Disney + series The Book of Boba Fett (2022), built by Tatooine mechanic Peli Motto ( Amy Sedaris ) and used as a replacement for Din Djarin 's ( Pedro Pascal ) destroyed Razor Crest . Djarin's N-1 starfighter is heavily featured in the third season of The Mandalorian (2023). The fighter technically first appeared as an unlockable vehicle in Star Wars: Rogue Squadron , which
3977-401: The Jedi starfighter. For filming close-ups of the actors, a single full-scale model of the Jedi interceptor was created. Since Obi-Wan and Anakin's interceptors were individualized with their own color schemes, each actor would perform their scenes separately and switch out, allowing the model to be redressed in between. In-universe material states that this new starfighter was meant to expand
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4074-550: The Jedi were destroyed during Order 66 , the Eta-2 would serve as the inspiration for the Galactic Empire 's TIE Fighter. The Naboo N-1 starfighter made its theatrical appearance in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace . During the climactic Battle of Naboo, a squadron of the fighters attacked the orbiting Trade Federation Droid Control Ship Saak'ak . Anakin Skywalker ( Jake Lloyd ) accidentally steals
4171-558: The Jedi's abilities. This also makes the starfighter overwhelmingly difficult for a non-Jedi to pilot. When the Jedi were destroyed after Order 66 , Kuat Systems Engineering designed a new starfighter that would be more manageable for non-Jedi pilots: the A-wing . The Eta-2 Actis -class light interceptors , also known as "Jedi interceptors" , made their first theatrical in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of
4268-542: The Jedi's arsenal as they found themselves on the front lines of the Clone Wars , being smaller but possessing greater firepower than the earlier Delta-7 with twin laser cannons and twin ion cannons . Also built by Kuat Systems Engineering, the Eta-2 is even smaller than the Delta-7 at just 5.47 m (17.9 ft) long, 4.3 m (14 ft) wide and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) high with wings deployed, though with enough space for an astromech droid socket inside
4365-477: The Sith (2005). In the opening space battle, Obi-Wan Kenobi ( Ewan McGregor ) and Anakin Skywalker ( Hayden Christensen ) pilot Jedi interceptors on a mission to rescue Chancellor Palpatine ( Ian McDiarmid ) from General Grievous . The craft's design was purposefully meant to echo the earlier Jedi starfighter and the TIE fighter , while its opening wing panels were influenced by a feature on Hasbro 's toy model of
4462-596: The Sith as a starfighter piloted by the native Utapauns during the Battle of Utapau . Although featured in a full two-page spread in the Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections book, the fighter's role was significantly reduced in the final film. This was due to the fact that the P-38's digital model, being a late addition to the film, was not completed to the level originally planned, and so
4559-675: The Star Wars Universe (1994), it was established that the Z-95 was the precursor to the X-wing. The Z-95 is featured variously in the Expanded Universe, including the X-wing: Rogue Squadron comic series ( c. 1996–1997 ), as well as in 2008's The Clone Wars television series , in which it is used by the Galactic Republic . The Z-95 Headhunter is described in the Star Wars Databank as
4656-530: The TIE Interceptors featured in Return of the Jedi were designed to look fast, deadly, sleek and frightening. The Jedi starfighter , created for Revenge of the Sith (2005) , was designed to bridge the appearance of the Jedi starfighter in Attack of the Clones (2002) and the TIE fighter design from the original trilogy. The V-wing starfighter, seen at the end of Revenge of the Sith, also makes
4753-647: The TIE Mauler surface vehicle in Empire at War . The TIE/ad fighter (nicknamed "TIE Advanced" or "Avenger" in-game and derived from Vader's TIE Advanced x1 fighter) and TIE/D Defender — heavily upgraded derivatives of previous craft seen in the Star Wars universe — first appear in TIE Fighter as player-pilotable craft. The plot of Rebel Assault II revolves around destroying the Empire's ability to manufacture
4850-454: The TIE fighter to be introduced, a new starfighter was created instead, purposefully similar in both design and sound to the TIE fighter while also resembling the Jedi's Delta-7 starfighter. According to Star Wars canon, the V-wing's design combines elements of the ARC-170, V-19 and Delta-7, making it an ideal escort fighter . Introduced by Kuat Systems Engineering during the final days of
4947-487: The TIE had to be fast, maneuverable, energy-efficient, and inexpensive; simply put they are meant to be easily mass-produced and engage in swarm tactics , with the expectation of being expendable assets that would be lost in combat. To meet these requirements, Sienar incorporated aspects of the V-wing and Jedi interceptor into the new starfighter. TIE fighters have two hexagonal wings fitted with solar panels which power
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#17327832082215044-540: The Trade Federation before later becoming a mainstay of Separatist fighter squadrons during the Clone Wars. At 3.5 m (11 ft) long when in flight mode, these droid starfighters are designed to engage the enemy in overwhelming swarms, partially to overcome their lack of cunning and resourcefulness. Electromagnetic thrust-vectoring makes vulture droids elusive targets to hit, powered by concentrated solid fuel slugs which provide tremendous power but with
5141-538: The Trade Federation, which sells its droid forces to the CIS, as established in Attack of the Clones ). Original designs depicted the droid starfighter not as a droid itself, but instead piloted by a battle droid . In order to demonstrate that it was both a robotic being as well as vehicle, it was decide to give the vulture droid a transformative element, allowing its wings to fold down and serve as legs. Two 18" maquettes of
5238-770: The UT-60 was the last starfighter design created by Incom Corporation before the company was nationalized by the Galactic Empire . Originally intended as a transport ship for couriers and planetary defense forces, the last of the UT-60D starfighters to be built were secured for the Rebel Alliance thanks to the efforts of Senator Bail Organa ( Jimmy Smits ). Rebel mechanics and technicians transformed their U-wings into sturdy gunships and troop transports for Rebel Alliance Special Forces (SpecForces) making dangerous insertions into Imperial territory. The U-wing's engine configuration
5335-576: The X-wing fighter. Both Kenner and Hasbro released B-wing toys, the B-wing is part of two Micro Machines three-packs, and Lego has made several B-wing sets. A Micro Machines Alpha Fleet package includes models both of the B-wing's film appearance and of an initial production design. Decipher and Wizards of the Coast published B-wing cards for the Star Wars Customizable Card Game and Star Wars Trading Card Game , respectively. The second expansion pack for
5432-618: The X-wing, the E-wing first appeared in Dark Horse Comics ' Dark Empire series. They are one of few Expanded Universe vehicles to be a part of Micro Machines ' Action Fleet line. Armed with three Taim & Bak IX9 Medium Laser Cannons and two proton torpedo launchers, the E-wing's aerodynamic frame made the fighter highly maneuverable and exceptional in atmospheric flight. Its Class 1 Hyperdrive allowed for extended reconnaissance missions and rapid strategic redeployment. As part of
5529-469: The aesthetic between the prequel and original trilogies. Chiang noted that viewers' familiarity with the Star Destroyer's appearance and Imperial affiliation gives added symbolism to the Jedi craft's appearance and foreshadows the Empire's rise to power. A full-scale model of the starfighter was also created for filming purposes. During scenes taking place on the rain-swept landing pads of Kamino,
5626-412: The animated Star Wars: Clone Wars series. Just as Ventress' appearance was inspired by a Samurai stance, the ship itself has Asian influences: its design is based on a sensu folding fan . Background literature refers to these as Ginivex -class fanblade starfighters, with only six built for Asajj's personal use. At 13.1 metres (43 ft) long, the starfighters' retractable solar sail helps make
5723-401: The attempted assassination of Padmé Amidala ( Natalie Portman ); he also flies a Jedi starfighter to Geonosis in an attempt to track down the bounty hunter Jango Fett ( Temuera Morrison ). Later, Plo Koon ( Matt Sloan ) flies a Jedi starfighter when he is shot down by clone troopers carrying out Emperor Palpatine 's ( Ian McDiarmid ) Order 66 in Revenge of the Sith (2005). In
5820-647: The backdrop of space. The ship's rotating cockpit stems from an initial design for the Millennium Falcon . The B-wing's canonical origin (as the Blade Wing ), as-designed by the Mon Calamari engineer Quarrie, is depicted in the Star Wars Rebels second season episode "Wings of the Master" (in the previous Legends continuity, Admiral Ackbar helped design the B-wing ). Quarrie designed
5917-859: The ceiling of the Blue Wing at the Boston Museum of Science , in Boston, Massachusetts. This 1:1 scale model was unveiled at the museum in April 2004, as a prelude to the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit. The model was previously used as a prop during the filming of The Phantom Menace . Based on in-universe background material, the N-1's sleek design exemplifies the philosophy of art and function in Naboo technology. At 11 m (36 ft) long,
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#17327832082216014-474: The climactic Battle of Geonosis in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones when they chase after a Republic attack gunship carrying Anakin Skywalker ( Hayden Christensen ), Obi-Wan Kenobi ( Ewan McGregor ) and Padmé Amidala ( Natalie Portman ). The craft was also set to appear in an air battle during which Republic attack gunships attack a Geonosian airstrip but the scenes were ultimately cut. The starfighter technically made its first appearance in
6111-430: The cockpit bubble). In addition to a magnetically suspended laser cannon turret, the fighter is equipped with 100 independently aiming narrow-beam tractor/repulsor projectors . These projectors are used not only to grapple with other spacrcraft but to help maneuver the fighter by pulling or pushing against surrounding objects. While these fighters are said to possess tremendous acceleration and maneuverability thanks to
6208-403: The distinctive TIE fighter sound when flying by a Star Destroyer . Dark Horse Comics ' Sean Cooke designed the TIE predator for Star Wars: Legacy (2006), set 130 years after the events of Star Wars , to appear both reminiscent of and more advanced than the original TIE fighter. Designers for The Force Awakens (2015) had numerous discussions about how much to "update" the TIE fighter for
6305-529: The drawback of limited range. For armament the droid carries a pair of twin blaster cannons in the wings while two energy torpedo launchers are mounted in the main body; when the wings retract they conceal the blasters and protect them from microparticle and atmospheric corrosion. When necessary, the droid can uses its repulsorlifts to land and transform into a four-legged walking configuration to occupy territory, angling its energy torpedo launchers for antipersonnel use. Originally, vulture droids were controlled by
6402-434: The droid-piloted TIE/D and the TIE crawler "century tank". West End Games ' roleplaying sourcebooks introduce varieties that include the TIE/fc fire-control support ship, the TIE/gt ground-attack fighter, the TIE/rc reconnaissance vessel, and the TIE scout. A TIE fighter model used in filming the climax of Star Wars sold at auction for $ 350,000, and another TIE fighter from the film sold at auction for $ 402,500. Fans built
6499-403: The fighter from enemy attack and allows it to achieve hypersonic speed in an atmosphere by dispersing the heat created from air friction . After the end of the Clone Wars, the ARC-170 would continue to serve under the Galactic Empire until replaced in favor of the TIE Fighter . It would also serve as the in-universe inspiration for Incom's next starfighter, the X-wing . Like the X-wing,
6596-406: The fighter is plugged in at the palace hangar, while the secondary finials contain engine heat sinks . Behind the pilot's cockpit, an astromech droid plugs in to perform in-flight navigation and maintenance, although the fighter is also equipped with a capable automatic pilot feature. Armament includes twin laser cannons and twin proton torpedo launchers with a capacity for 10 torpedoes. In
6693-508: The fighters with boosters were abandoned when Lucas decided they were an unnecessary distraction in the already chaotic scene. Its curved braces are deliberately reminiscent of the Trade Federation 's circular battleship . The tri-fighter is a compact and heavily armed starfighter with three arms surrounding a rotating gyroscopic core. Measuring 5.4 m (18 ft) long, with a 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) wingspan and 3.45 m (11.3 ft) width, its in-universe manufacturer are
6790-559: The film's heroes to travel around in, he wanted it to be akin to a "Huey" version of the X-wing . While experimenting with different models and names ("Z-wing, R-wing, Q-wing, etc."), the final design picked was in part because it looked like an inverted X-wing. For filming interior scenes, a full-size U-wing cockpit was built and mounted on a manually controlled gimbal in front of a wall of LED panels. The panels were used instead of traditional film lights so that more natural lighting could be simulated. In-universe material states that
6887-438: The first sequel film set 30 years after Return of the Jedi . They retained the starfighter's design but altered its aesthetic to suggest improvements to the vessel's manufacturing process and materials. Star Wars literature states that Grand Moff Tarkin commissioned Sienar Fleet Systems to design and manufacture the Twin Ion Engine line edition (TIE/ln) space superiority starfighter and most TIE variants. Tarkin specified that
6984-551: The franchise, listing four TIE models on its list of the eleven "silliest" Star Wars ships. Kenner released TIE fighter and TIE interceptor toys during the original Star Wars trilogy's theatrical release, and Kenner's die-cast TIE bomber is a rare collector's item. Hasbro also released TIE fighter, TIE bomber, and TIE interceptor toys. Both Kenner and Hasbro also manufactured TIE fighter pilot action figures. Lego manufactured TIE fighter, TIE bomber, TIE interceptor, TIE defender, and TIE advanced models. Decipher and Wizards of
7081-481: The hull contain radiator panels to manage heat levels during intense activity. The Vulture Droid or Variable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid is a droid starfighter that made its theatrical appearance in The Phantom Menace (1999) as part of the Trade Federation's space fleet and appeared again, slightly different, in Revenge of the Sith (2005), as a Separatist space unit (likely coming from
7178-514: The in-universe explanations that drag coefficient plays no role in space travel, and that Star Wars fighters can use repulsorlifts and deflector shields to give themselves better flight profiles. Starfighter (science fiction) Spaceships are often one of the key plot devices in science fiction . Numerous short stories and novels are built up around various ideas for spacecraft, and spacecraft have featured in many films and television series. Some hard science fiction books focus on
7275-581: The model had to be painted and specially prepared in order to resist any water damage. Star Wars expanded universe material states that the Delta-7 was designed specifically with the Jedi's Force -aided reflexes in mind by stripping them down and making their controls as responsive as possible. Manufactured for the Jedi by Kuat Systems Engineering, the starfighter measures just 8 m (26 ft) long, 3.92 m (12.9 ft) wide and 1.44 m (4 ft 9 in) high, making it difficult to detect. An astromech droid fits in an off-center socket on
7372-434: The most maintenance. The B-wing's gyrostabilized cockpit allowed the pilot to maintain a consistent horizon while the craft's body rotated around it, minimizing g-stresses on the pilot and letting them concentrate on flying and targeting. However, if the gyro-stabilization system was not kept in prime condition, it could fail under the tremendous pressure and lock up. The B-wing featured S-foils similar in function to those of
7469-513: The movie Rogue One , where they were pivotal in the transport and protection of the Rebel Alliance's ground forces during the Battle of Scarif . Director Gareth Edwards wanted Rogue One to be grounded in the aesthetics of the Korean or Vietnam War in order to contrast it with the more World War II look of the original Star Wars film. Thus when it came time to design a unique ship for
7566-483: The player as an Imperial pilot flying a variety of TIE starfighters. TIE starfighters and their variants are also playable in third- or first-person perspectives in several Star Wars titles. In Sasuke (also known as Ninja Warrior ), TIE Fighter ( Japanese : タイファイター) was a obstacle that introduced in the 32nd competition as the second obstacle in the First Stage. Competitors must prop their hands and feet against
7663-637: The port side of the Delta-7, but the tiny fighter's size requires the droid's body be modified in order to fit (later Delta-7B models place the socket in front of the cockpit to allow full-sized astromech units). A pair of laser cannons and deflector shielding allows the Jedi pilot to engage in combat, though ideally as a last resort. Lacking an internal hyperdrive , the Jedi starfighter uses an external hyperspace transport wing to which it can attach for faster-than-light travel. Its two Novaldex J-44 "Jetforce" sublight engines are equipped with electromagnetic thrust nozzles that focus and time engine bursts to match
7760-442: The port wing. It is also even more maneuverable with two ion engines that can deflect thrust up to 30 degrees. The Eta-2 has no deflector shields or bulky flight controls in order to save weight and maximize speed and agility, instead relying on the Jedi's Force abilities to compensate. In order to manage heat levels, the interceptor is fitted with S-foils on the tip of each wing which open to reveal radiator panels. After
7857-903: The same fictional technology found on other starships. Sublight drives propel starfighters at below lightspeed velocities, with the most common type being the ion engine . These engines are used to lift off from planetary surfaces, travel in deep space and engage other starships in space battles, while inertial dampeners protect the occupants from forceful accelerations. Repulsorlifts are carried as secondary drives for atmospheric flight and when docking or making planetary landings. Some starfighters are also equipped with an internal hyperdrive or connect to an external hyperdrive unit for faster-than-light travel. The primary weapon on most starfighters are laser cannons , with additional weapons like proton torpedoes boasting additional firepower. Some starfighters are also equipped with deflector shields which can be adjusted to protect specific areas of
7954-623: The ship extremely fast with a powerful deflector shield but also makes it easier to spot. It is also equipped with a Class 1 hyperdrive and a rotating laser cannon mounted on either end of the solar sail. The UT-60D U-wing starfighter/support craft is a Rebel troop transport / gunship model manufactured by Incom Corporation for the purpose of supporting special operations forces insertion and extraction into denied areas from strategic distances. Used to penetrate enemy zones to drop off Rebel infantry, provide close air support , and extract them upon mission completion. U-wings first appeared in
8051-576: The ship. The Kuat RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor is a class of starfighter, depicted as fast but fragile interceptors of the Rebel Alliance , conceived for high-speed surgical strikes, deep reconnaissance and escort fighter duty. A-wings first appear in Return of the Jedi (1983) during the climactic Battle of Endor. It gained popularity through its depiction in several video games, such as Battlefront II and 2015 Battlefront , and has been merchandised by several companies. The A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter
8148-437: The sound. Combat scenes between TIE fighters and the Millennium Falcon and Rebel Alliance X-wing fighters in Star Wars were meant to be reminiscent of World War II dogfight footage; editors used World War II air combat clips as placeholders while Industrial Light & Magic completed the movie's special effects. Darth Vader 's distinct TIE Advanced x1 in Star Wars was designed to make it instantly recognizable, and
8245-542: The standard TIE/ln fighter (also available as the TIE Light Duty training craft, as seen in the Jump to Lightspeed expansion pack to Star Wars Galaxies ), a variety of other TIE craft appear throughout the films. A number of different TIE designs made their appearance in what is now considered Star Wars Legends , a separate continuity that was split off after Disney acquired the Star Wars franchise. The TIE/sa
8342-505: The starfighters are built by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps using a number of standard components in a custom-built spaceframe. The chromium finish on the starfighter's forward surfaces indicate its royal status as an escort for Naboo's Queen. The "rat-tail" finial of the main body serves dual roles as a high-voltage charge collector and receiver of encrypted information when
8439-638: The subjects of flight simulators , movies and books. The following are some examples of notable space fighters from various media franchises : The Earth Alliance (Starfury fighters) The Minbari Federation The Narn Regime The Centauri Republic The Shadows The Vorlons The Twelve Colonies The Cylons The Earth Defense Directorate The Draconian Empire The United States Marine Corps The Chigs Terrestrial Extraterrestrial Tau'ri / Earth ( USAF fighters) The Goa'uld The Wraith The Ori In
8536-557: The technical details of the craft. Some fictional spaceships have been referenced in the real world, notably Starship Enterprise from Star Trek which gave its name to Space Shuttle Enterprise and to the VSS Enterprise . For other ships from Star Wars , Star Trek , Robotech , and other major franchises, see the separate lists linked below. (Planetary surface to orbit) "Space fighters" are fictional spacecraft analogous to fighter aircraft . They are popular as
8633-455: The vessel's life support systems. The U-wing's two laser cannons could be supplemented by a pair of infantry heavy weapons handled by dedicated door gunners . The V-19 Torrent starfighter first appeared in the 2003 Clone Wars animated series and have appeared in other media related to the Clone Wars . Background material states the V-19 had impressive speed and maneuverability, making it
8730-781: The video game Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter which was released prior to the movie. Within the Star Wars universe these craft were considered nimble fighters, working equally well in space or in an atmosphere, and afforded the pilot a 360° field of view. Formally known as the Nantex -class starfighter and produced by the Huppla Pasa Tisc Shipwrights Collective, the Geonosian fighter is 9.8 m (32 ft) long, 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (excluding
8827-502: The vulture droid were built - one in ship mode and one in walking mode - to help create the digital model. In order to represent the idea of three vulture droids sharing one "brain," animators purposefully linked the motion of each three-ship flight when creating the climactic battle of The Phantom Menace . As per Star Wars sources, vulture droids were originally produced by the Xi Char cathedral factories of Hoar Chall Engineering for
8924-670: Was a class of starfighter used by the Rebel Alliance in their conflict with the Galactic Empire . It made its theatrical debut, as the T-65B model, in Star Wars (1977) as the spacecraft piloted by Luke Skywalker and the Red Squadron when Luke destroyed the Death Star . The starfighter featured extensively in the Star Wars original trilogy and in the Expanded Universe that followed, and has been merchandised as
9021-489: Was inspired in part by the X-wing, and like the X-wing featured S-foils but in a variable-sweep wing format, opening them to improve atmospheric maneuverability and enlarge its deflector shield . However the ship was not designed for the tight turns necessary for dogfights , and while the U-wing did feature a hyperdrive for faster-than-light travel, extended operations with a full passenger complement would quickly deplete
9118-409: Was released approximately six months before The Phantom Menace , and was available as a playable vehicle in the video games Star Wars: Battle for Naboo and Star Wars: Starfighter . The N-1 initially had the same angular design as craft in the original Star Wars trilogy; only in later designs did it take on a streamlined appearance. A life-size model of a Naboo starfighter hangs suspended from
9215-577: Was relegated to a background craft. The Soulless One was General Grievous ' personal starfighter, a customized version of a Belbullab-22 starfighter, which made its first theatrical appearance in Revenge of the Sith (2005). After Obi-Wan Kenobi ( Ewan McGregor ) defeated General Grievous on Utapau, he used Grievous' starfighter to escape from his clone troopers attempting to carry out Order 66 and rendezvoused with Yoda and Senator Bail Organa ( Jimmy Smits ). The V-wing Fighter or Alpha-3 Nimbus -class V-Wing made its theatrical appearance in
9312-485: Was responsible for convincing Slayne & Korpil to work with Quarrie to fix these issues and create a production model, the A/SF-01, for the Rebel Alliance. The A/SF-01 was the most well-armed starfighter in the galaxy at the time it was introduced; a single B-wing was capable of attacking and destroying enemy capital ships . However it was also slower and less maneuverable than any other Rebel starfighter and required
9409-861: Was the inspiration for the triple-hulled TIE lander, featured in Star Wars No. 60 and in Star Wars: Complete Locations . Red-modified TIE interceptors are also used by the Emperor 's Royal Guards, as featured in Rage of the Wookiees , another expansion of Star Wars Galaxies . Additionally, LucasArts Star Wars video games introduce several TIE variants, such as the TIE Hunter starfighter in Rogue Squadron III and
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