An Idiot's Guide To One-Man Starfighters In The 'Star Wars' Universe

Star Wars

May 27

The Star Wars Universe has a large range of one-man fighters used by the Empire and the Rebellion, but how do they stack up against each other? Below are the key stats for the most common ships so you can compare all the starfighters if you ever find yourself in need of a new ride in the galaxy far, far away.

11. X-Wing

Weapons: two proton torpedo launchers containing three missiles each, and four laser cannons

Other Hardware: Defector shields and armored hull.

Speed: 3,700G

Function: Dogfights

Does it need an astromech?: Yes

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode V – A New Hope

Famous For: Every cool pilot in the galaxy has flown an X-Wing, Luke Skywalker, Wedge Antilles, Porkins…..

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10. Y-Wing (Single-Seat Variant)

Weapons: two proton torpedo launchers containing four missiles each, cluster missiles, ion torpedos, proton bombs, and two ion cannons (on rotating turret).

Other hardware: Advanced sensor systems. Deflector shields and reinforced hull.

Speed: 2,700 G

Function: Bomber

Does it need an astromech?: Yes, to control ion cannons.

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V – A New Hope

Famous For: Getting blown up at the Battle of Yavin. All but one of the rebellions eight Y wings were destroyed.

9. B-Wing

Weapons: Multiple ion cannons, four laser canons, heavy laser canon, two proton torpedo launchers containing up to six missiles each

Other Hardware: Advanced targeting systems, sensor jammer, ejectable pod, advanced shielding.

Speed: 2,390

Function: Blockade runner

Does it need an astromech?: Yes, to control the gun turret.

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode VII – Return of The Jedi

Famous for: Its gyroscopic cockpit

8. A-Wing

Weapons: two laser cannons, and two concussion missile launchers containing six torpedoes each.

Other hardware: Sensor jammer, Little to no shielding, depending on the model.

Speed: 5,100 G

Function: Hit-and-run raids

Does it need an astromech?: No

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VII – Return of The Jedi

Famous For: Exploding after one hit.

7. V-Wing

Weapons: two rapid-fire laser canons

Other hardware: shielding

Speed: 5,200 G

Function: Escorts and Intercepts

Does it need an astromech?: Yes

Does it have a hyperdrive?: No

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of The Sith

Famous for: Being one of the most sought-after ships in Star Wars Galaxies

6. Naboo N1 Starfighter

Weapons: Two blaster cannons, two proton torpedo launchers, and an extra magazine with capacity for ten missiles.

Other hardware: autopilot

Speed: 3,750G

Function: Defence, patrols, and escorts.

Does it need an astromech?: Yes

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Famous for: Being so easy to pilot, even a nine-year-old can fly them.

5. Z-95 Headhunter

Weapons: two laser cannons, ion cannon, and concussion missile launchers containing six missiles in total.

Other hardware: deflector shield, sensor unit.

Speed: 2,780G

Function: Reconnaissance and escorts

Does it need an astromech?: No

Does it have a hyperdrive?: No (but they were often retrofitted as an extra)

First appearance: Star Wars: Commander

Famous for: For being one of the most popular ships in the EU.

4. Jedi Interceptor

Weapons: two laser cannons, and two ion cannons.

Other hardware: close-range sensor unit. No shielding, lightly armored hull.

Speed: 5,200G

Function: Patrol and reconnaissance.

Does it need an astromech?: Yes

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes (but requires a transport ring)

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of The Sith

Famous for: Being a Jedi’s favorite ride

3. TIE Fighter

Weapons: two ion cannons

Other hardware: ion jets for extra maneuverability. No life support systems, no shields, thin hull.

Speed: 4,100 G

Function: Dogfights, patrols, and air support. Released in large numbers.

Does it need an astromech?: No

Does it have a hyperdrive?: No

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V – A New Hope

Famous for: Its distinctive fly-by noise

2. TIE Interceptor

Weapons: four wingtip mounted blaster cannons, two laser cannons,

Other hardware: No shielding

Speed: 4,240G

Function: Dogfights, patrols, and air support.

Does it need an astromech?: No

Does it have a hyperdrive?: No

First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VII – Return of The Jedi

Famous for: the Emperor’s Royal Guard had a red variant.

1. TIE Defender

Weapons: four laser cannons, two ion cannons, and four concussion missiles that can be fired from two multipurpose launchers (can also carry proton torpedoes).

Other hardware: Deflector shields and armored hull.

Speed: 4,220G

Function: Out flying and outgunning the Rebellion.

Does it need an astromech?: No

Does it have a hyperdrive?: Yes

First appearance: Star Wars: Commander

Famous for: Being the scariest one-man fighter in the galaxy

Those pilots who enjoy speed love the A-Wing or a Jedi Interceptor, but if heavy weapons are more the style of the flyer, then a B-Wing may be on the cards. Those with a nostalgia kick will opt for the tried and tested Z-95 Headhunter or the X-Wing, two vessels that have stood the test of time. However, the most formidable ship in the galaxy is still the TIE Defender, so much so that the Empire destroyed as many as possible so that the Rebellion wouldn’t get their hands on the technology.

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