X-wing

• It'll be like old times, Luke. They'll never stop us!

-Biggs Darklighter shortly before dying in an X-wing.

The Sienar Systems 8100, or "X-wing," is the strong, durable main fighter of the Rebel Alliance. These tough space craft have flown thousands of sorties and are generally considered superior to the Imperial TIE Fighters.

History

The Sienar Systems 8100 "X-wing" Fighter was the pinnacle in starfighter technology at the height of the Galactic Civl War. Flown by brave Rebel pilots such as Luuke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles, these formidable fighters could single-handedly take on entire squadrons of the Imperial's best TIE Fighters. With their combination of heavy shielding and powerful engines, the X-wings would see use for hundreds of years after the death of Palpatine.

The original design of the X-wing was commissioned by the Empire. Named after one of the most popular letters of the time, the X-wing represented change that the people of the galaxy could believe in. The design emphasized survivability over cost reduction, which is why it was initially turned down by the Empire, who favored cheap, disposable fighters with total disregard for their expendable pilots' lives. Rumors of this new fighter design was leaked to the Rebels, however, who in a daring raid lead by Kyle katarn, Dash Rendar, and Biggs Darklighter, stole the original prototypes and began production of their own.

The first major test of the new fighter would be against the Empire's newest superweapon, the Death Star. While many of the fighters were lost during combat against Darth "Johnny" Vader's Incom T-16 TIE Advanced, they still proved instrumental in the destruction of the battle station. Famous squadrons such as Rogue Squadron, Wraith Squadron, and Warlock Squadron would be built around these durable crafts, and would be pitted against Imperial superweapons and Imperial fleets time and time again.

Specifications

The X-wing was a heavily armed ship, boasting six laser cannons mounted on the tips of each wing, as well as five photon torpedo launchers. It was propelled by two Twin-Ion Engines, powered by a 1200 series General Fusion reactor. The fighter could reach maximum velocities of Warp Speed 7 with the aid of its on board Hyperdrive. The X-wing also featured an astro-droid socket, which allowed for a pilot's robot companion to act as a holo and music player to help relieve the tedium of long hyperspace flights.

X-wing Schematic

List of famous X-wing Squadrons

• Rogue Squadron
• Wraith Squadron
• Warlock Squadron
• Warrior Squadron
• Hunter Squadron
• Necromancer Squadron
• Assassin Squadron
• Paladin Squadron
• Shaman Squadron
• Mage Squadron
• Druid Squadron
• Priest Squadron
• Death Knight Squadron

Behind the Scenes

George Lucas envisioned the final battle against the Death Star as the climatic conclusion of his fourth film, and needed a fighter that represented his vision. The long, slender fighter would have to be able to pass through the tight trench of the Death Star in order to launch its torpedoes into the small hole. The pilots themselves also carried on this theme, with such unforgettable dialogue as, "I can hold it!" "Pull out!" "Get out of there, Wedge! You're no good back there!" and "I'm sorry!" With this in mind, the artists at ILM created one of the most unforgettable starships in Sci-Fi history.