A cut-away view of a TX-130.
The TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank was equipped with twin laser cannons and a large payload of concussion missiles. Some models had a beam cannon turret on top. With a limited speed boost, Jedi pilots could remove themselves from tight combat situations, and then use the TX-130S's powerful optical zoom on the main turret to eliminate vehicles and personnel from a safe distance. Some were also equipped with an on-board R2 unit. The repulsorlift tank's armor was light enough to maintain its maneuverability, allowing the fighter tank to be used in an anti-vehicle and infantry support role.
Constructed by Rothana Heavy Engineering, the TX-130 was 8.2 meters in length with a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour. It had room for 2 passengers, 750 kilograms of cargo, and supplies for one day.
The top turret of the tank had an open-cockpit for the gunner, while the tank's rear door was also a weak spot, and if any heavy weaponry landed a hit there, the damage would be more severe than any other section of the vehicle.
The wreck of a Saber-class tank during the Siege of Saleucami.
The TX-130S was sometimes referred to as the "Jedi starfighter of the ground." During the Clone Wars, the versatile fighter tank saw action on planets such as Geonosis, Rhen Var, Raxus Prime, Thule, and Saleucami. Many notable Jedi piloted fighter tanks during the Clone Wars, including Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Luminara Unduli, and Ki-Adi-Mundi who used the Force and superior skills to get the best out of these maneuverable craft. In the hands of these Jedi, these tanks proved a match for many Separatist armored vehicles.
The tank was phased out of service shortly after the proclamation of the Galactic Empire, and was replaced by stronger variants, such as the TX-130T fighter tank and the 2-M Saber-class repulsor tank, both of which having a different paint and aesthetic to the Republic's variant. However, production continued in secret, with several hundred models being sold to the Rebel Alliance.
These vehicles were used by Rebel forces during the Battle of Turak IV.
The TX-130 first appeared as one of the usable vehicles in Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game.
A first LEGO version of the tank (LEGO STAR WARS - 7679 Republic Fighter Tank) was released in 2008 and a second version (LEGO STAR WARS - 75182 Republic Fighter Tank) was released in 2017. A third version (LEGO STAR WARS - 75342 Republic Fighter Tank) was released in 2023.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
- Star Wars Battlefront: Prima Official Game Guide
- Star Wars Battlefront II: Prima Official Game Guide
- Star Wars PocketModel TCG — Ground Assault
- LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- The Clone Wars Campaign Guide
- The Battle of Turak IV on Hyperspace