TIE/vn space superiority fighter

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TIE/vn space superiority fighter

Production information

Manufacturer

Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems^[1]

Line

TIE fighter series^[1]

Model

TIE/vn space superiority fighter^[1]

Type

Starfighter^[1]

Cost

310,000 credits^[2]

Technical specifications

Length

17.43 meters (57.190 ft)^[1]

Width

7.62 meters (25 ft)^[1]

Height/depth

3.76 meters (12.34 ft)^[1]

Maximum acceleration

4,500 g^[2]

MGLT

155 Megalight per hour^[2]

Maximum atmospheric speed

1,850 kph^[2]

Hull

Armored cockpit canopy^[3]

Sensor systems

2 sensor arrays^[2]

Targeting systems

4 targeting sensors^[2]

Navigation system

Torplex flight computer^[2]

Armament

Medium SJFS L-s9.6 laser cannons (4)^[2]
SJFS L-7.5 heavy laser cannons (2)^[1]
Missile launchers (2)^[1]

Escape craft

Ejector seat^[2]

Crew

Pilot (1)^[1]

Consumables

5 days^[2]

Life support

Equipped^[2]

Other systems

Advanced stealth field generator^[1]

Usage

Role(s)

Space superiority fighter^[2]

Affiliation

First Order^[2]
Knights of Ren^[1]
Resistance (stolen)^[4]
- J-Squadron (stolen)^[4]

The TIE/vn space superiority fighter,^[1] formally known as the TIE vendetta space superiority fighter^[2] and nicknamed the TIE silencer, was an angular variant of the TIE fighter series starfighters used by the First Order. A product of Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, its aggressive design and equally impressive firepower was specifically crafted for use among the most elite members of the First Order.^[5] As such, the fighter was engineered for speed and handling, though lesser pilots were still often overwhelmed and unable to maintain control of the nimble ship.^[6]

Characteristics

"I can't believe how quiet she runs. And how cool. Any other ship'd be burning up hot."

―Dec Hansen^[4]

As an advanced prototype starfighter, the TIE/vn incorporated the latest First Order military innovations, including experimental stealth gear meant to foil sensors and tracking. It featured a hyperdrive and a deflector shield generator and projector, and was powered by a starboard reactor. Twin ion thrust arrays at the rear of the ship acted as its engines. Along its wings were solar collector arrays, which featured a corrugated surface to maximize energy absorption. The ship featured a flight computer and could be modified to include customized flight controls for a single pilot, who entered the ship through a cabin access hatch at the top of the vessel.^[1]

Working at hidden Sienar-Jaemus facilities, First Order designers reconfigured the weapons package of the TIE/sf to incorporate advances in power storage and energy conversion. For the TIE/vn, the TIE/sf's power cell spokes were replaced by a next-generation array protected beneath the hull, with shorter runs for trunk lines and converter coils. Rather than replicate the TIE/sf's ventral turret, the silencer relocated its missiles and heavy cannons to the wing apertures, giving the pilot superior targeting and a wider field of fire.^[1] Targeting sensors were also located in the wing aperture.^[1] Laser bolts were contained in a magnetic field bubble.^[1]

History

"Oh, my gosh, a silencer!"

―Cost Niktur^[4]

The pedigree of the TIE silencer traced back to the Galactic Empire's TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter, a hybrid fighter-bomber that never saw widespread use in the Galactic Civil War. The ship was revived by First Order technicians who saw it as a versatile attack craft to throw at New Republic forces. The TIE/sf space superiority fighter was an early attempt to bring heavier weapons to the battlefield along with the next-generation power capabilities needed to support them—improvements later incorporated into the silencer.^[1] It featured other design similarities to the Empire's TIE/IN interceptor and TIE Advanced x1.^[7]

The TIE/vn was test piloted by an ill-fated individual codenamed ""Blackout", who flew the starfighter and fired its weaponry in a volcanic area.^[8] Kylo Ren also utilized his own TIE silencer. His detailed post-flight reports allowed Sienar-Jaemus techs to refine the onboard systems, with an eye towards the day when shipyards were to begin mass-producing silencers for the regime's frontline units.^[1] Klimo, a Resistance pilot who was a member of J-Squadron, hijacked a TIE silencer just as it was getting primed for refueling. It was then used to aid J-Squadron in getting into Starkiller Base, which was shortly thereafter destroyed in a Resistance attack.^[4]

Shortly after the loss of Starkiller Base but with the Resistance on the run, Ren flew his silencer in the Battle of Oetchi at the head of^[9] his personal TIE squadron.^[10] Upon sensing his mother, General Leia Organa, aboard the Resistance flagship Raddus, Ren found himself unable to fire upon the enemy vessel, only for his wingmen to complete the attack run and destroy the bridge. All the same, Organa was able to use the Force to pull herself to safety upon being sucked into space.^[9] Ren continued to use his TIE/vn during his reign as Supreme Leader^[11] but also utilized a TIE whisper.^[12]

Behind the scenes

The TIE/vn space superiority fighter was created and developed for Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi,^[13] the eighth film in the Star Wars saga, which was released on December 15, 2017.^[14] The ship was officially revealed on The Star Wars Show on July 19, 2017.^[15] The TIE silencer was named by the Lucasfilm Story Group's Pablo Hidalgo. Although Hidalgo considered the name "TIE vendetta," he eventually decided on "TIE silencer," but hinted at the old name ("/vn") in the full technical name.^[16]