Imperial Fighter Basics

Welcome to Imperial Fighter Basics, this tutorial will give you a brief introduction to the craft you will be using and/or encountering during your travels. In the majority of cases, the starfighters listed below will be piloted by you allies who are accompanying you on a mission. However, given the current state of the galaxy, they could very well be piloted by enemies too.

For more information, check out the State of the Galaxy thread.

TIE/In Interceptor

This is the main craft you will fly whilst part of a squadron. At the time of writing, all active starfighter squadrons are using this craft.

In the current timeframe, The TIE Inteceptor is quickly replacing the older TIE Fighter as the staple of the Imperial Navy. Emperor Palpatine, knowing the superior abilities of the TIE Interceptor, as well as its relatively low cost, had planned to replace all standard TIE Fighters with Interceptors. By the Battle of Endor, TIE Interceptors filled twenty percent of the total Imperial starfighter complement, and overwhelmed many Rebel fighters.

At the moment, it is one of the fastest starfighters in the Galaxy, and like its predecessor, is designed to inspire both awe and fear into its opponents. During the the days of the Empire, TIE Inteceptors were as lightly armed as most other TIE series fighters, lacking shields, hyperdrives, and heavy armaments. A pilot in the 'glory days' could only rely on his or her piloting skills, and the 4 laser canons fitted about the craft. They were designed to be cheap and expendable, and so their pilots were treated as such.

However, times have now changed. Here in the Vast Empire, we value the lives of our pilots more highly, and a VE-standard TIE Inteceptor is equipped as follows:

• The usual quartet of single, twin-linked, or quad-linked laser cannons fitted in the gaps of the wings.
• Deflector Shields
• Light Missiles

These modifications mean that our Interceptors are not as fast or maneuverable as the original version, but they are still a formidable starfighter. For more general information on the TIE Interceptor, read this article. Also, please note that VE Interceptors are NOT equipped with hyperdrives as a part of their standard upgrade package.

TIE Avenger

A more advanced vessel, the TIE Avenger is not currently being used by any squadrons. Nazgul Squadron, who recieved this as an award for winning the Winter 2008 Navy Competition, was the mosst recent unit to fly this craft for the Vast Empire. Even during the height of the Empire, this was a rare vessel. Historically, this starfighter was the culmination of a series of projects that started with Darth Vader's personal fighter, and it did not see much widespread use until after the Battle of Hoth.

The Avenger's hull assembly was elliptical in shape in order to promote smoother bodylines, as opposed to those of its spherical TIE relatives, but the succeeding TIE Defender returned to the traditional spherical cockpit.

The TIE Avenger's primary weapon system was four enhanced laser cannons, which were more powerful than those of the standard TIE Fighter, capable of destroying an asteroid in a single burst. The Avenger's cannons could be fired in single, dual, or quad modes depending on the pilot's preference.

Warhead launchers were another weapon system that TIE Avengers took to the battlefield, forming the Avenger's secondary weapon system. It possesses a magazine capacity of four concussion missiles each; however, they can also be loaded with proton torpedoes, heavy rockets, or proton bombs. This standard feature was yet another improvement over the older TIE models, and the beginning of a major shift in Imperial doctrine leaning towards quality over quantity. Since these fighters also possessed shields and a hyperdrive, the Vast Empire technicians have seen no reason to alter the design.

For more information, check out this article.

TIE/ln Fighter

The workhorse of the starfighter corps, the classic TIE Fighter was one of the most common starfighter classes in the Imperial Navy, despite advances in technology. TIEs would be used in massive numbers throughout the Galactic Civil War due their cheap production cost and would be regarded by many as a symbol of the Imperial Navy. Some TIEs fell into the hands of the Rebellion, who would sometimes use them to infiltrate Imperial facilities.

Like many Imperial-era fighters, these vehicles and their pilots were considered expendable, and followed a draconian 'Quantity vs Quality' doctrine, which relied on masses of TIE Fighters to overwhelm an enemy. Like the TIE Inteceptor however, the VE has taken a more quality-based approach to the aging model. Whilst the VE prefers to use the more advanced fighters available, necessity requires that some of the old fighters remain. These have all been retrofitted with deflector shields and sometimes missiles.

The basic TIE starfighter inspired a number of other Imperial starfighters manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems, which became collectively known as the TIE series. The TIE Line fighter was one of them, and replaced the original model as the standard fleet fighter in the Empire. While the original TIE had performance parity with heavier-built X-wings, the newer TIE/ln boasted improved engines and more powerful weapons, surpassing contemporary Rebel fighters.

At this time, no VE squadron that you are entitled to be placed in flies the TIE starfighter. Your only encounters with these models are likely to be part of a system defence force, or being used by an enemy splinter faction. However, these starfighter's will also be equipped with shields and possible warheads, as the VE's counter policy is universal. Venom Squadron, the VENA Training Squadron, makes use of TIE/ln Fighters in its exercises.

Other Common TIE Models

TIE Bomber - Another fighter derived from the TIE Advanded program, these craft were to serve as the Empire's heavy arms fighters. These vessels would carry load outs of both heavy missiles and proton bombs and would be able to take on even a capital class vessel. However, they were slow, and naturally lacked shields like their cousins, and so needed protection.

TIE Defender - This fighter represented the ultimate shift in Imperial Doctrine. Designed to be an all purpose fighter, the TIE Defender quickly surpassed both the TIE Bomber and the TIE Fighter in both capability and armament. A hyperdrive also allowed it to operate independently of capital ships, making it a force to be reckoned with. Only Elite pilots would get to fly such an advanced weapon.

TIE Phantom - These stealth ships were initially an experiment in recreating old Sith cloaking technology, before Darth Vader ordered that the fighers go into full scale production. Their stealth capabilities made them suitable for raids behind enemy lines, and as advanced scouts. In a standard dogfight however, they're not a pilot's first choice.

Pilot Basics

Obviously, there's more to flying than what craft you're in. While writing about your experiences in the VE, you may need to draw upon other material in order to help you portray a more interesting account of events. Some things to consider are:

• The Cockpit - There's no need to go into too much detail here, but if relevent you may want to talk about the cockpit in general, even if it's just you flicking a switch. Some common cockpit interactions are:
  • The Yoke - This is pretty important, as it steers the ship!
  • Targeting Computer - Not entirely useful in a close up dogfight, but necessary if you're using missiles.
  • Sensors/Coms - Checking one's environment or talking to your squad mates is a common occurance.
  • The Viewport - It's not all about equipment however, why not take in the view once in a while?
  • Switching Armaments - Whether it's switching to missiles, or simply linking your blasters, dealing with armaments needs to become second nature.

• Going EVA - Even in the olden days, fighters had ejector seats. Should you need to eject from your fighter, you will need to use the resources you have on hand to get rescued. VE Standard-Issue EVA gear consists of:
  • A Weapon - This is either your own personal weapon or the standard issue pistol - your choice.
  • Emergency Rations - At least a day's worth of food to help you last until rescue.
  • An S.O.S Beacon - In order to alert friendly forces to your location.
  • First Aid Kit - In case you are injured.
  • Utility Belt - For orientation and survival.

That's it for the first tutorial. Don't worry, you don't need to memorize all of the information laid out here - this is simply meant to provide you with an overview of life as a Navy pilot. It also helps to have things to talk about in your post. Please return to the main orientation page and proceed onto Part II.