HOME | DD

Description

The TIE/vb or “TIE Viper-Bat” was originally conceived as a TIE variant specifically designed to optimize performance in the atmospheres of volcanic worlds, such as Mustafar.

The intense heat, magma pools, ash clouds, and powerful thermal up-drafts common to volcanic environments create a unique set of challenges to flying and operating fighter craft. For example thermal-based imaging and targeting systems are generally rendered useless in such environments.

Since it was initially designed to defend a base on a volcanic world, this variant was officially designated the TIE/vb (Volcanic Base.) The finalized design featured large canted bat-like wings to slice through super-heated volcanic atmospheres. The canted wings reminded TIE Fighter pilots of Corellian viper-bats, and soon the nickname “TIE Viper-Bat” stuck.

In addition to its large canted wings, this variant also features three powerful ion engines. As a result, this craft is technically referred to as a “Triple-Ion-Engine” TIE fighter.

While initial testing proved the design to be highly effective in its intended environment, further testing proved the fighter to be remarkably successful outside of this role, in more traditional environments.

The variant’s triple engine format provided ample speed, and its combination of laser cannons, along with wingtip-mounted heavy laser cannons, (which double as ion cannons) gave this fighter the additional speed and firepower that many TIE Fighter pilots had been begging for.

Soon commanders were using the TIE/vb in roles as diverse as: interceptor, reconnaissance, night-fighter, and attack roles. The flexibility of this variant led to increased production and deployment.

Description

The TIE/vb or “TIE Viper-Bat” was originally conceived as a TIE variant specifically designed to optimize performance in the atmospheres of volcanic worlds, such as Mustafar.

The intense heat, magma pools, ash clouds, and powerful thermal up-drafts common to volcanic environments create a unique set of challenges to flying and operating fighter craft. For example thermal-based imaging and targeting systems are generally rendered useless in such environments.

Since it was initially designed to defend a base on a volcanic world, this variant was officially designated the TIE/vb (Volcanic Base.) The finalized design featured large canted bat-like wings to slice through super-heated volcanic atmospheres. The canted wings reminded TIE Fighter pilots of Corellian viper-bats, and soon the nickname “TIE Viper-Bat” stuck.

In addition to its large canted wings, this variant also features three powerful ion engines. As a result, this craft is technically referred to as a “Triple-Ion-Engine” TIE fighter.

While initial testing proved the design to be highly effective in its intended environment, further testing proved the fighter to be remarkably successful outside of this role, in more traditional environments.

The variant’s triple engine format provided ample speed, and its combination of laser cannons, along with wingtip-mounted heavy laser cannons, (which double as ion cannons) gave this fighter the additional speed and firepower that many TIE Fighter pilots had been begging for.

Soon commanders were using the TIE/vb in roles as diverse as: interceptor, reconnaissance, night-fighter, and attack roles. The flexibility of this variant led to increased production and deployment.