 |  |
The TIE/gt (ground-targeting) starfighter was a ground-targeting bomber manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems.
Characteristics[]
The TIE/gt (ground-targeting) starfighter was part of the TIE Series of starfighters manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems.[1] Physically similar to the standard TIE/LN starfighter with a ball cockpit and hexagonal solar power panels, the TIE/gt had an enlarged[3] and reinforced hull, as well as an elongated cockpit to accommodate the starfighter's ordnance bay.[4]
The TIE/gt was armed with a single laser cannon, and a concussion missile launcher[3] which was designed to be modular[4] to handle variable mission payloads.[1] Standard TIE/gt fighter payloads consisted of twelve concussion missiles, but the launcher could handle other speciality payloads, including six proton torpedoes, eighteen air-deployed mines, two cluster bombs, or 20,000 plastic leaflets[2] for use during propaganda campaigns.[4]
TIE/gt fighters achieved precise targeting by operating alongside TIE/fc starfighters, which provided the bombers with pinpoint target information.[4] Larger targets, such as buildings[2] or capital ships[4] could be hit without external assistance.[2]
History[]
The TIE/gt fighter was a ground support bomber used by the Galactic Empire during its early years; its two-letter identification suffix came from its primary role as a ground-targeting starfighter/bomber.[4] Originally, TIE bomber squadrons were comprised of TIE/gt models, but following the introduction of the TIE/sa bomber, mixed model squadrons became common. The Imperial Navy began a program of transferring TIE/gts out of naval squadrons, and relegating them either to remote outposts, or to Imperial Army controlled ground support squadrons. However, the Imperial Army resisted the Navy's overtures due to the fighter's undesirability and the lack of genuine demand.[2]
Squadrons assigned to Star Destroyers largely purged TIE/gts from their flightlines,[2] although low-priority vessels still retained their TIE/gts.[5]
TIE/gts were deployed in the Nishr Suppression by Governor-General Vin Kollis, where they bombed three major cities on the continent of Feldt.[6]
Some gts, considered "newer models" in 5 ABY, were perhaps among the defenses of Purdy M. Trico's Star Destroyer, as Luke Skywalker thought he spotted one during the battle in the Milagro system.[7]
Appearances[]
- "The Farlander Papers" — Star Wars: X-Wing (Mentioned only)
- "The Stele Chronicles" — Star Wars: TIE Fighter (Mentioned only)
- Dark Forces: Jedi Knight
Sources[]
- The Star Wars Sourcebook (First mentioned)
- Star Wars Campaign Pack
- Imperial Sourcebook
- The Star Wars Sourcebook, Second Edition
- The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
"Alliance Intelligence Report: TIE Fighters" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 10- "Imperial Garrisons" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 12
- Rules of Engagement: The Rebel SpecForce Handbook
- "Special Military Unit Intelligence Update" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 15
- Star Wars Chronicles
TIE/gt fighter in the Databank (content now obsolete; backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Imperial Sourcebook
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 "Alliance Intelligence Report: TIE Fighters" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 10
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The Star Wars Sourcebook
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 TIE/gt fighter in the Databank (content now obsolete; backup link)
- ↑ The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
- ↑ Rules of Engagement: The Rebel SpecForce Handbook
- ↑ Dark Forces: Jedi Knight