TIE/sa tactical bomber
The TIE/sa tactical bomber, alternatively known as the TIE Surface Assault Bomber, TIE/sa bomber, or just TIE bomber, represented a bombing-focused variant within the TIE series utilized by the forces of the Galactic Empire. As an advancement over the TIE/gt model, the TIE bomber served as the primary source of aerial support against ground-based installations. New Republic pilot Wyl Lark gave them the derogatory nickname "dupes", and during their service with the First Order Navy, they were referred to as First Order bombers.
Characteristics
Sienar Fleet Systems designed the TIE/sa bomber with the specific intention of serving the military of the Galactic Empire. Classified as a light bomber model, it belonged to the TIE series of starfighters, recognizable by its signature twin ion engines and solar collector panels. The bomber's dimensions were 7.9 meters in length, 10.6 meters in width, and 5.4 meters in height. Adhering to the Empire's preference for understated colors, it was painted in a bluish-gray tone.
Similar to the TIE Advanced x1 prototype, the TIE/sa bomber featured angled wings, a design choice that optimized its speed and maneuverability while accommodating a substantial payload of heavy ordnance. Unlike other TIE models, this bomber incorporated two central pods instead of one: a cockpit on the starboard side for the pilot and an ordnance bay on the port side for carrying munitions. The cockpit was equipped with two forward-facing laser cannons, the standard transparisteel viewport, and an ejector seat to allow a pilot to abandon ship when necessary during long-range bombing missions.
The ordnance bay was divided into two distinct sections. The forward section could hold either eight concussion missiles or four proton torpedoes. The primary section could be configured to carry four proton torpedoes and eight concussion missiles, or eight proton bombs and sixty-four thermal detonators, or six space mines, or even stormtroopers. A bomb chute, linked to the ship's targeting systems, specifically a T-s7b targeting computer and a 398X bomb sight, was located beneath the ordnance pod. The pod also included a missile port for launching torpedoes and missiles forward. Alternatively, the ordnance bay could be replaced with a passenger cabin capable of accommodating six individuals.
Paige Tico described them as having a gray color scheme and bat-like wings. For pilot safety, an ejector seat was installed in the cockpit. Pilots were also provided with life support systems, but they still wore flight suits as a precaution.
Role
As an evolution of the TIE/gt, TIE bombers became a fundamental asset for the Empire, providing crucial air support against emplacements and traps. Frequently deployed as the vanguard in attacks, Star Destroyer captains favored their use in carpet bombing operations to weaken significant targets, such as capital ships in space or structures on planetary surfaces.
History
Imperial frontlines
One such bomber was launched from the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Ultimatum a decade following the rise of the Empire, with the mission to attack the mobile refinery Forager, operated by the corrupt Count Denetrius Vidian.
Three years before the Battle of Yavin, TIE/sa bombers were deployed from a Quasar Fire-class cruiser-carrier positioned above Ryloth to strike at Cham Syndulla's rebel cell. In collaboration with the Lothal rebel cell, Syndulla's rebels successfully commandeered a TIE Bomber, repurposing it as a boarding shuttle. They orchestrated a false attack involving two RZ-1 A-wing interceptors from Phoenix Squadron to facilitate the TIE Bomber's landing in one of the carrier's hangar bays. From there, the Specters and three members of Syndulla's cell, including Cham himself, stormed the vessel, gaining control of the Quasar. They subsequently defended it against a counterattack by a squadron of TIE Bombers, eliminating all of them before withdrawing from Ryloth with the captured Quasar.
In 2 BBY, Sabine Wren, an operative of Phoenix Squadron, infiltrated the Skystrike Academy on Montross to assist two Imperial pilots in defecting to the growing rebellion. She absconded with a TIE/sa bomber from Skystrike in order to transport herself and defecting pilots Wedge Antilles and Derek Klivian to a CR90 corvette commanded by Phoenix Squadron, and retreat to rebel controlled Atollon.
At least one TIE bomber was stationed aboard the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin. During the Battle for Tatooine, operatives from a local rebel cell of the Alliance to Restore the Republic managed to seize TIE/sa bombers from the Empire. They used them in their struggle to liberate Tatooine from the local Imperial garrison and the 68th Legion, which also deployed TIE/sa bombers to combat the rebel cell. Following the Battle of Hoth, Death Squadron deployed several TIE/sa bombers to force the Millennium Falcon out of its hiding place within the asteroid field.
A substantial number of TIE/sa bombers, comprising multiple squadrons, played a role in executing the Great Purge. During this event, they annihilated the surface of Mandalore and destroyed numerous cities during the Night of a Thousand Tears.
Six TIE bombers were dispatched to put down an insurrection on Bestine IV through the bombing of a village that served as a camp for the insurgents.
Collapse of the Empire
These bombers also saw action during Operation: Cinder, which commenced 17 days after the Battle of Endor. They were present at the Battle of Cawa City, on Sterdic IV in 4 ABY. Gideon's Imperial remnant persisted in utilizing these bombers until his eventual defeat.
Legacy
More than two decades after the establishment of the New Republic and during the era of the Cold War, the First Order adopted the TIE/sa, designating it as the First Order bomber. The First Order also introduced the TIE/se Bomber, with many of these participating in the First Order-Resistance conflict.