Vehicle TIE/SK "TIE Striker" Airspeeder

[AutoFox]

TIE/SK "TIE STRIKER" AIRSPEEDER

AFFILIATION
Open market.

MANUFACTURER
Sienar Fleet Systems.

CLASS
Airspeeder.

ROLE
Combat airspeeder.

COMPOSITION
Quadanium and transparisteel.

DIMENSIONS
Length - 17.18 meters.CREW
1-2.

PASSENGER CAPACITY
N/A.

CARGO CAPACITY
110 kilograms.

HANGAR CAPACITY
N/A.

CONSUMABLES
1 standard day.

SPEED/MANEUVERABILITY
The TIE/SK has a top speed of 1,500 kph and has excellent maneuvering characteristics.

ARMAMENT

• 2x medium laser cannon.
• 2x heavy laser cannon.
• 1x proton bomb chute.
  • 6x projectile in magazine.

EQUIPMENT

• 2x ejection seat.

DESCRIPTION​

The TIE/SK, more commonly known as the TIE Striker, is an unusual atmospheric vehicle which was manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems for the Galactic Empire. Designed in response to the relatively poor in-atmosphere performance of the standard TIE/LN, the Striker received improved aerodynamics and heavier weapons, including heavy laser cannons and the ability to carry proton bombs. It was one of the deadliest atmospheric fighters of its era, capable of going toe-to-toe with high-performance starfighters in a nekfight, combined with a potent ground strike capability.

The TIE/SK has a unique profile among TIEs, with long, pointed solar collectors laid semi-horizontally rather than vertically. The Striker's cockpit/engine pod is elongated as well, with cleaner surfaces than the typical TIE. These adaptations give the TIE/SK superior in-atmosphere speed and maneuverability to the TIE/LN and most of its offshoots, putting it on at least even footing with any starfighters that drop down to engage them. Armament is quite heavy for a TIE; the main weapons are a pair of heavy laser cannons located in a pod under the main fuselage, plus a pair of medium laser cannons in the wings. Located just behind the cockpit is a proton bomb chute with a magazine of 6 bombs; these give the Striker a potent ground attack capability, allowing it to deliver close air support to ground troops and attack hardened fortifications where a standard TIE Bomber would dare not go.

Notably, although the TIE/SK is classified as an airspeeder, its air-independent Twin Ion Engine propulsion system does technically allow it to operate in space. Unfortunately, as the Striker's maneuvering capability is optimized for a planetary atmosphere rather than vacuum, its turning ability becomes barely functional, restricting it to wide arcs; nekfighting in a spaceborne Striker is considered tantamount to suicide, and the capability is typically reserved for crossing the distance between an orbiting carrier and a planet's upper atmosphere.

TIE Strikers had entered the advanced prototype stage just prior to the destruction of the first Death Star, with a number of early examples taking part in the planet-side portion of the Battle of Scarif. Despite the Imperial defeat at Scarif, the Striker was considered a success, and would go on to be mass produced. Although not typically used by the Imperial Navy's Starfighter Corps, the Striker saw more prominent adoption by the Army Air Corps, which used it alongside more traditional TIE variants in their various ground campaigns. The type was well liked by its pilots, however it was arguably under-utilized; TIE/SK pilots tended to be fresh recruits straight out of the academy, who would cut their teeth on Strikers in combat before "graduating" to the TIE/LN. This limited the effectiveness of the type, and consequently very few aces were ever minted in Strikers.

In the present day, TIE Strikers are relative scarce, as are many of the more specialized Imperial vehicles. They are still recognized as potent fighters, however, and are highly prized.

LEGALITY​

Restricted. TIE Strikers are combat vehicles, and are subject to extra licensing requirements and increased scrutiny by authorities.

INTENT​

To bring a vehicle from Legends canon into our site's fanon.