This is the Best New TIE Fighter From the Disney ‘Star Wars’ Era – The TIE Striker Breakdown
Disney has made some new TIEs, and most of them are dumb, but this one is great. We break down the TIE Striker.
The TIE/sk x1 experimental air superiority fighter, or TIE Striker as it is more commonly known, may be among the best fighters the Empire ever built. Designed for air superiority, the TIE Striker is unique among the TIE line. This is both in terms of its overall design and its role as an in-atmosphere fighter.
Leading the way is a unique wing structure that gives the TIE/sk x1 an edge.
TIE Striker Design
The TIE Striker is built for speed. However, it is intended for atmospheric flight, unlike most TIE craft. The designers at Sienar Fleet Systems pulled out all the stops for this experimental project. The wings depart from the typical profile. Rather than the vertical solar array that gives the TIE/ln its distinct frame, the TIE/sk x1 boasts horizontal wings.
They can be levered into flight or attack positions. This positioning gives the Striker incredible speed – it can reach 1500 kph in-atmosphere. This TIE Striker is the fastest TIE in the Imperial Fleet.
The Striker carries a powerful complement of weapons as well. The standard equipment loadout for the TIE Striker includes four fire-linked SFS L-s9.3 laser cannons, two H-s1 heavy laser cannons, and a proton bomb chute.
This armament renders the TIE/sk x1 extremely suited to atmospheric missions. Because of this, both the Imperial Army and Navy deployed the TIE Striker, making it one of the few they shared.
From 18 BBY to the Skies Above Scarif
The Tie Striker first comes to prominence in 18 BBY. Sienar Fleet Systems commissioned The TIE Striker around the time of the second Empire Day. The Imperial engineers wanted a fast, impressive craft, while also being suitable for piloting by the first new batches of non-clone troopers.
By the time of the Galactic Civil War, the Empire had already deployed the craft to several high-value areas. They excelled at base defense, and no base was as important as the facility on Scarif.
During the Battle of Scarif, a squadron of TIE Strikers deployed against the Rebels’ assault to steal plans for the Death Star. They repelled Alliance aircraft and landers, even escorting the Empire’s own TIE/rp landers to rapidly deploy deathtroopers to the field.
The Striker earned a fearsome reputation in the Empire. It fought in the Battle of Jakku and through the end of the Galactic Civil War.
May the Force be with you!
