The Tallon split represented a high-stakes and precarious tactical move.
While theoretically straightforward, the execution of this maneuver demanded exceptional skill, unwavering precision, and intense concentration. When successfully implemented, the Tallon split enabled two starfighters to inflict substantial damage upon an unsuspecting capital ship. The strategy involved two starfighters flying in extremely close proximity as they approached a capital ship; they flew so close that the larger ship's targeting computer would register them as a single approaching vessel. Upon reaching very close range, the two fighters would separate: one would proceed with a strafing run on the capital ship, while the other would divert enemy fire. The attacking fighter would have approximately five seconds to inflict damage on the capital ship before being identified as a separate entity. However, even this brief window of opportunity was sufficient to inflict significant damage on the larger vessel.
Remarkably, this tactic achieved considerable success during the evacuation of Hoth in 3 ABY. Rebel starfighters, acting as escorts for GR-75 medium transports attempting to evade the Imperial blockade of the planet, employed it. Most notably, Rogue Squadron pilots Wedge Antilles, Derek Klivian, Wes Janson, and Luke Skywalker utilized this maneuver to assist the transport Thon's Orchard in reaching hyperspace safely. Antilles, piloting his T-65 X-wing starfighter, flew in close formation with Klivian and Janson in their BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighter, appearing as "one target" while attacking an Imperial-class Star Destroyer that was obstructing the transport's escape route. Simultaneously, Skywalker, concealed beneath the transport, launched a surprise attack. The Star Destroyer, sufficiently distracted and damaged, allowed the Thon's Orchard to escape to safety.
The name of this tactical maneuver is derived from Adar Tallon, a tactician for starfighters in the Rebel Alliance. Nevertheless, no official source explicitly credits Tallon with its conception.
- Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back
- The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook
- The Essential Guide to Characters
- Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back, Second Edition