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X-Wing: How to Build the TIE/SF?

3 Minute Read
Jan 11 2016
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TIE-SFIf you saw The Force Awakens, you better bet FFG is going the bring the TIE/SF to the game – but HOW?

First of all, what the heck is the TIE/SF?

This is:

via Wookiepedia

The TIE/sf space superiority fighter was a starfighter model used by the First Order, a specialized version of the TIE/fo space superiority fighter. It was a two-seater unlike the previous TIE models, and was outfitted with enhanced weapons and sensor systems as well as hyperdrives, deflector shields and life support. The TIE/sf was reserved for members of the First Order’s elite Special Forces. On the lower side of the vehicle, directly below the primary fuel tank, was a turret containing a pair of laser cannons and a mag-pulse warhead launcher.

And the toys are already flowing (images via rebelscum.com):

TIE2 TIE4 TIE-episodeVII

So what exactly are we dealing with:

We have several differences fromthe standard TIE/FO:

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  • 2-seater
  • Gunner controlled turret underneath the crew capsule
  • Mag-pulse warhead launcher
  • Hyperdrive
  • Deflector Shields
  • Life support
  • Thicker support struts where the solar panels attach.

Remember that in the movie, when every other TIE/FO gets hit – it explodes – just like a TIE should, but Poe/Finn’s TIE/SF is merely damaged, but survives when hit and tumbled into Jakku’s atmosphere.

TIE-crash

Here is the new TIE/FO example card, maneuver chart and model from the new X-Wing The Force Awakens Starter Set:

Screen Shot 2015-12-27 at 2.13.55 PM

TIE_FO_Move

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tie-fo-600px

So what should we expect?

  • Clearly there will be a new model, as the differences are not cosmetic.
  • I would expect it to be just a tad less maneuverable
  • An extra shield or perhaps 1 extra hull may explain the enhanced durability.
  • A missile slot is probably a given.
  • A single crew slot could open up a lot of interesting possibilities.

The real question is how to represent the turret.

  • Do you try to shoehorn in a rear 90 degree secondary fire arc like the Firespray,
  • Do you give it a turret slot like the Y-Wing and the HWK?

Then of course you have the issue of trying to cram all that onto a small base.

Finally we end with the topic of cost.  I would expect it to clock in at 17-18 points based on how much gets added to it.

In any case, with FFG dropping hints about new movie ships coming, I bet this thing is only weeks away from an announcement.

~How would you design it?

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Author: Larry Vela
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