"Onderon Campus: Starfighter Studies"
I-Introduction
A wide variety of fighters exist in the galaxy. This course aims to introduce you to the essentials of starfighter philosophy as well as the various types of fighters. At the end, you will be asked to take an exam that will cover these topics. You will also need to review the fighters listed in the ACC Compendium, as you may be tested on that information as well.
Upon completion of the instructional portion, you will take an exam designed to test your knowledge of the ships, their uses, and you will have to justify your answers. This is not a cut and paste test. The final question will deal with your own design of a starfighter and you will have to justify its stated mission. So, without further ado, let us commence with the instruction.
II-Starfighter Basics
Despite the numerous types of fighters in the galaxy, there are some basic principles that affect all fighters.
Throughout the course of history, there is a sort of pendulum that swings slowly between fast/lightly armed and slow/heavily armed. The current philosophy seems to lean towards more slower and more heavily armed fighters, most likely because of the Rebel Alliance’s (which became the New Republic) success with such designs. But, through the Clone Wars and the Galactic Empire, faster, more lightly armed fighters dominated. It should be noted that this is not a strict rule. There will always be fighters that lean the other direction or sit in the middle.
All starfighters come armed with at least one of three possible weapons: laser cannons, ion cannons, and warhead launchers. Some fighters may have all three types of weapons. Some experimental fighters have had turbolasers installed, but these are fairly impractical, given the size and the recharge rate of turbolasers. The power of lasers on fighters varies from design to design.
- Mission- Some fighters are designed with a single role in mind; others are designed to fulfill multiple roles. As a general rule, large powerful entities, such as the Galactic Empire, have single purpose craft, at least on the front lines. Smaller, less powerful entities, such as the Rebel Alliance, typically have multi-purpose fighters. A similar philosophy can be observed in capital starships.
- Balance- In all cases, a designer must choose how to balance three things: speed, armament, and protection. Very fast fighters tend to have weaker armaments and protection, the goal of course being to make up for these short comings with speed and maneuverability. Likewise, a fighter with a heavy armament and protection often must sacrifice speed. It must be noted that sacrificing one aspect to increase another is a common practice and, generally speaking, not due to oversight or poor planning. From time to time, a well balanced fighter comes along, but finding that right combination of factors at a decent cost can be difficult.
- Operational Limits- All fighters have operational limits and thus can only go so far for so long; pilot capability plays a large role in determining a craft’s operational limit, but design limitations are far more important than pilot capability. For example, TIE fighters have no hyperdrive, which means they can only go where a larger ship takes them. In contrast, the X-wing has a hyperdrive as well as a storage compartment for short term supplies, so the fighter can go further and longer than the TIE fighter. Fuel and maintenance needs can impact a fighter’s operational limit.
Throughout the course of history, there is a sort of pendulum that swings slowly between fast/lightly armed and slow/heavily armed. The current philosophy seems to lean towards more slower and more heavily armed fighters, most likely because of the Rebel Alliance’s (which became the New Republic) success with such designs. But, through the Clone Wars and the Galactic Empire, faster, more lightly armed fighters dominated. It should be noted that this is not a strict rule. There will always be fighters that lean the other direction or sit in the middle.
All starfighters come armed with at least one of three possible weapons: laser cannons, ion cannons, and warhead launchers. Some fighters may have all three types of weapons. Some experimental fighters have had turbolasers installed, but these are fairly impractical, given the size and the recharge rate of turbolasers. The power of lasers on fighters varies from design to design.
III-Organization
In professional militaries, there is a fairly simple organization for fighters. The basic unit is the squadron. A squadron typically consists of twelve fighters and the pilots often become a close knit group of friends. A squadron can also be sub-divided into flight elements, 
typically of three fighters (one leader with two wingmen, as pictured to the left), but elements can vary in size depending upon the mission. In well equipped militaries, squadrons always have fighters of the same type. Lesser equipped groups may throw together hodgepodge squadrons. Depending on the mission, two or more flight elements of different starfighters will be paired up. For example, the Rebellion would frequently pair up flight elements of Y-wings and either X-wings or A-wings. The Y-wings would conduct their mission while the other craft protected them, or were striking another part of the same target.
Squadrons are led by a squadron leader who almost always takes on the call sign of “one” or “leader.” So, the leader of Black Squadron would be called Black 1 or Black leader. Typically, the person with the call sign of “two” is the second in command, but this may not always be the case. Squadron names are almost always selected by the founding members of the squadron: colors and animals are common motifs, though large militaries (like the Galactic Empire) may use a standard naming scheme for most fighter squadrons, leaving specialized names only for elite units. For example, TIE fighter squadrons were often called Alpha or Beta; however, Obsidian Squadron was a special squadron of TIE fighters designed for atmospheric combat.
Six squadrons make up a standard starfighter wing, which is led by a Wing Commander. A wing does not necessarily have to consist of the same fighters. For example, an Imperial Star Destroyer carries an entire fighter wing, but the official Order of Battle called for four squadrons of TIE fighters, one squadron of TIE bombers, and one squadron of TIE interceptors. The squadron configuration, such as adding extra bombers in lieu of regular TIE fighters, could change depending upon the mission.
typically of three fighters (one leader with two wingmen, as pictured to the left), but elements can vary in size depending upon the mission. In well equipped militaries, squadrons always have fighters of the same type. Lesser equipped groups may throw together hodgepodge squadrons. Depending on the mission, two or more flight elements of different starfighters will be paired up. For example, the Rebellion would frequently pair up flight elements of Y-wings and either X-wings or A-wings. The Y-wings would conduct their mission while the other craft protected them, or were striking another part of the same target.Squadrons are led by a squadron leader who almost always takes on the call sign of “one” or “leader.” So, the leader of Black Squadron would be called Black 1 or Black leader. Typically, the person with the call sign of “two” is the second in command, but this may not always be the case. Squadron names are almost always selected by the founding members of the squadron: colors and animals are common motifs, though large militaries (like the Galactic Empire) may use a standard naming scheme for most fighter squadrons, leaving specialized names only for elite units. For example, TIE fighter squadrons were often called Alpha or Beta; however, Obsidian Squadron was a special squadron of TIE fighters designed for atmospheric combat.
Six squadrons make up a standard starfighter wing, which is led by a Wing Commander. A wing does not necessarily have to consist of the same fighters. For example, an Imperial Star Destroyer carries an entire fighter wing, but the official Order of Battle called for four squadrons of TIE fighters, one squadron of TIE bombers, and one squadron of TIE interceptors. The squadron configuration, such as adding extra bombers in lieu of regular TIE fighters, could change depending upon the mission.
IV-Types of Fighters
Unlike capital starships, there are not always clear cut categories of fighters. Many fighters, especially those of the Rebel Alliance, could easily fall into multiple categories. However, there are four major categories of fighters and any fighter will fit into at least one.
4.A—Space Superiority
Space superiority fighters are meant to achieve dominion over enemy fighter forces. Most often, they are the primary fighters of a well funded military. In terms of weaponry, space superiority fighters are often reasonably armed, but not overburdened with weapons. Likewise, they are not the fastest or the best protected fighters, but they have good speed and, in several cases, decent shielding and armor. One prominent exception to these general qualities is the TIE fighter. Unshielded and armed only with two laser cannons, a lone TIE fighter is laughable. What is not laughable is the sheer numbers the Empire threw into battle, which is how the TIE fighter achieves space superiority. Space superiority fighters are also quite adept at handling other missions like escort, defense, and patrol. Some prominent examples of space superiority fighters are:
- Z-95 Headhunter: an older starfighter, the Z-95 is the forerunner to such designs as the ARC-170 and the famous X-wing. Due to its length of service, many variants of the Z-95 can be found, but the most common come armed with two laser cannons (one on each wing) and a pair of concussion missile launchers (with two missiles per launcher). Z-95s may or may not have hyperdrives and they are commonly found in pirate, smuggling, and mercenary groups. The Z-95 makes an excellent training ship, but it is severely outclassed by modern starfighters.
- TIE Fighter: the primary fighter of the Galactic Empire, the TIE fighter was just as synonymous with Imperial power as was the Star Destroyer. TIE fighters are extremely cheap: just about anything that could be cut from the fighters was, including life support (pilots must wear fully sealed environmental suits). However, TIE fighters could be modified to carry warheads if the need arose.
- X-wing: Made famous by Luke Skywalker, the X-wing marked a return to the emphasis on well balanced fighters. With decent speed, shielding, and armament, as well as hyperdrive capability, the X-wing could undertake a variety of missions. The Rebel Alliance, which introduced the fighter, could not afford to throw away ships, so the X-wing was designed to last in a fight and provide flexibility for a variety of missions.
- E-wing: Designed by the same team that developed the X-wing, the E-wing became one of the more prominent fighters in the New Republic, replacing older model fighters like the X-wing.E-wings, officially designated as “escort fighters” have 3 laser cannons as well as a single torpedo launcher capable of holding an impressive 16 proton torpedoes (the original X-wing only carried 6 torpedoes). E-wings are perhaps one of the best balanced fighters designed, but they do require the use of the R7 astromech droids, rather than R2 or R5 units used other fighters.
4.B—Interceptors
Interceptors are fast, lightly armed fighters designed and used for stopping enemy craft, most often bombers, from reaching a target. Interceptors trade firepower, protection, and, in many cases, size, for their increased speed. The A-wing is a prime example of an interceptor. A-wings are small; they only have two laser cannons and a pair of concussion missile launchers. They have weak shielding and their size means that the fighter systems are crammed together. A well placed laser blast can cripple or destroy the ship, despite the fact that it has shields. On the other hand, hitting an A-wing is difficult. Interceptors, especially those with hyperdrives, have proven to be effective at reconnaissance and raiding missions as well. Some prominent examples of interceptors are:
- TIE Interceptor: Surpassing the original TIE fighter in weaponry and speed, the TIE Interceptor is considered by some to be the best Imperial starfighter to be produced in large quantities. Initially, the standard order of battle for the Empire called for 1 squadron of interceptors for every four squadrons of TIE fighters. However, the Emperor was impressed by the craft and plans were made to make the TIE Interceptor the frontline Imperial fighter. By the Battle of Endor, TIE interceptors made up roughly 20% of all Imperial starfighter forces, and many Rebels fell to the interceptors. Grand Admiral Thrawn had shields installed on the remaining TIE interceptors.
- A-wing: Often called a cockpit with engines, the RZ-1 A-wing was designed and built in response to the fact that only 3 Imperial fighters had nearly foiled the attack on the first Death Star. The RZ-1 was somewhat of a throwback to the Clone Wars era, since it lacked heavy shielding and armor, though it did have a hyperdrive and could be fitted with two concussion missile launchers. A-wings had two laser cannons, with one per each side of the ship. These cannons were unique in that they could rotate: though typically limited to 60 degrees up or down, some could swivel all the way around and fire backwards. However, the A-wing required skill pilots because of their speed and no droid was present in the craft to handle many of the flight functions.
- A-9 Vigilance: An attempt to steal some of the fighter market from Sienar, the Kuat Drive Yards A-9 Vigilance interceptor proved to be even faster than the TIE Interceptor and its laser cannons were stronger than the X-wings. However, the A-9 had a hull even weaker than the TIE Interceptor and it could not compete against the A-wing, as originally intended. Furthermore, the A-9 fell into New Republic hands before full production began. By the time the ships appeared, the New Republic was well aware of what the ship was capable of.
4.C—Bombers
Bombers are heavily armed, generally well protected, but slower craft designed to damage or destroy larger targets. Bombers carry large payloads of warheads and many have the capacity to alternate between various types of warheads. Bombers often receive escorts into battle because their slower speed makes them vulnerable to enemy craft. Even the Imperial Missile Boat, which carries an impressive payload and is incredibly fast, suffers from maneuverability problems. All bombers tend to have several variants, each outfitted for specific missions. Some prominent examples of bombers are:
- TIE Bomber: The TIE bomber was the Empire’s premiere bomber, providing serious firepower in contrast to the fairly weak TIE fighter. TIE bombers were, like their TIE fighter cousins, cheap and mass produced. Though slower than other Imperial fighters, the TIE bombers had stronger hulls.Though they came armed with two laser cannons, the primary weapon of the TIE bomber was the warhead launcher. It could hold and fire a variety of warheads and its targeting systems were top rate.
- Y-wing: An older craft, the Y-wing has proven to be a durable multiple-use craft. Y-wings come armed with two laser cannons, two ion cannons, and two proton torpedo launchers, giving it serious fire power. Y-wings are slow when compared to other fighters, but tend to have heavier shielding and armor to compensate. Though pirates, smugglers, rebels, and poor worlds will use the craft as frontline starfighters, Y-wings are primarily used as bombers.
- B-wing: Despite the arrival of the Mon Calamari cruisers in the Rebellion’s fleet, the Rebellion still lacked in fire power. Not having the monetary resources of the Empire, the Rebellion invested in the B-wing starfighter. As with all Rebellion fighters, it can easily fit into many roles, but it has commonly been used as a bomber. B-wings are faster, more heavily armed, and better protected than Y-wings, but they are also difficult to fly.
4.D—Gunboat/Gunship/Heavy Starfighter
Gunboats and gunships, sometimes also called heavy fighters, are essentially enhanced versions of space superiority fighters. Gunboats are heavily armed, heavily shielded, yet maneuverable and they are far more capable of independent operations than other fighters. Gunboats typically have laser cannons, ion cannons, and warhead launchers, unlike many fighters. Gunboats serve well as escorts, police and interdiction craft, assault ships, and numerous other roles. For poor worlds, gunboats, especially larger ones like the Skipray Blasboat, may take on roles normally reserved for small capital starships. The term “gunship” is almost exclusive for non-starfighters (capital starships), but fighters can take on the role. It should be noted that the term “gunboat” is far more subjective than the other terms: it is based entirely on how the ship stands in comparison to other fighters of its time. Some prominent examples of gunboats are:
- ARC-170: The Aggressive ReConnaissance fighter is a Clone Wars era heavy starfighter and a forerunner to the X-wing. The ARC-170 was rare because so many other fighters at the time were small and fast, but without heavy armament or hyperdrives. The ARC-170 was large, had heavy shields, could undertake long range missions, and it came with four laser cannons: two pointed forward and two pointed backwards. It also carried a payload of six proton torpedoes. While this payload is comparable to the X-wing, the ARC-170 was a heavy starfighter when compared with the other fighters of the same generation.
- Xg-1 Star Wing (Assault Gunboat): The Xg-1 was an Imperial fighter that showed a drastic change from the TIE series. The “assault gunboat” was well armed with two laser cannons, two ion cannons, and two warhead launchers. It also had a hyperdrive and shields, but like the Y-wing, it traded speed for these other benefits. The Xg-1 served well in a variety of roles for the Empire, but faster Rebellion starfighters proved troublesome for the ships. The Xg-1 could provide escort, reconnaissance, patrol, and it could even function as a bomber.
- Skipray Blastboat: Initially built for the Empire, the Skipray blastboat did not mesh with the Imperial starfighter philosophy, which called for small, lightly armed fighters. Skiprays became widely used by smugglers, mercenaries, and other private interests. It came in many varieties and the armament changed from model to model; some even had turbolasers installed on them. Though they could be carried on capital starships as starfighters, they frequently were not. Surprisingly, the Skipray actually had better maneuverability in the atmosphere than it did in open space. It’s heavy shielding and armor and weapons (often involving a turret of some sort) protected it from enemy fighters.
V-Versatility and Variety
As mentioned previously, many fighters can fit into more than one of the above categories. A properly armed X-wing could be a bomber, and Y-wings are designed as multi-purpose ships. During the Galactic Civil War, especially in the early days, the Rebels were notorious for constantly using the same craft for different missions; it was not uncommon for Y-wings to attack a convoy one day, only to be given a heavier armament for an assault on an Imperial supply depot a few days later.
The simple fact of the matter is that many fighters are capable of doing more than one thing. This becomes more evident when a situation forces the use of a fighter in non-traditional role. When constructing space station NL-1, the Empire used TIE bombers as escorts and interceptors, something they were definitely not designed for. B-wings are closer to gunboats than bombers, but they are frequently used in traditional bombing roles.
There is a wide variety of fighters in the galaxy and it is impossible to identify all of them. Truly desperate groups even make their own fighters out of salvaged parts of other fighters, adding to the variety. Two famous examples of these “uglies” are the X-TIE, an X-wing body with TIE fighter wings, and the TYE-wing, a TIE fighter cockpit attached to Y-wing engines.
The simple fact of the matter is that many fighters are capable of doing more than one thing. This becomes more evident when a situation forces the use of a fighter in non-traditional role. When constructing space station NL-1, the Empire used TIE bombers as escorts and interceptors, something they were definitely not designed for. B-wings are closer to gunboats than bombers, but they are frequently used in traditional bombing roles.
There is a wide variety of fighters in the galaxy and it is impossible to identify all of them. Truly desperate groups even make their own fighters out of salvaged parts of other fighters, adding to the variety. Two famous examples of these “uglies” are the X-TIE, an X-wing body with TIE fighter wings, and the TYE-wing, a TIE fighter cockpit attached to Y-wing engines.
VI-Conclusion
This course is but a brief introduction to starfighters. This course is meant to talk about commonality, or lack thereof, among various fighters found in the universe. Use the link below to proceed to the exam, but be forewarned: it will require some thought and application, not just mindless repetition of facts. Remember: you may need to use the ACC Compendium to answer some of the questions on the exam. This course was written using The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, The Force.net, and Wookiepedia.
Take the Test:
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