TIE/rc Starfighter

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Production information
Manufacturer
Sienar Fleet Systems

Product line
TIE series

Model
Twin Ion Engine/reconnaissance starfighter

Class
Starfighter

Technical specifications
Length
6.3 meters

Hyperdrive rating
None

Hyperdrive system
None

Shielding
None

Hull
Titanium alloy hull (15 RU)

Sensor systems
Additional sensor and communications gear

Armament
SFS L-s1 laser cannon (1)

Crew
Pilot (1)

Passengers
None


The TIE/rc starfighter was a variant of the standard TIE/ln starfighter that was specialized for reconnaissance, used for scouting for both fleets and for starfighter wings.

One of the two laser cannons found on the TIE/ln was replaced with additional sensor and communications gear in the TIE/rc. Although the TIE/rc was not as well armed, it had upgraded thrusters which made it more maneuverable than the TIE/ln.

The TIE/rc lacked a hyperdrive, but it could still move beyond the detection area of capital ships; it carried enhanced sensors that allowed it to range ahead of the main force and relay pre-engagement reconnaissance data back with its improved communication equipment. These small ships were often deployed in crowded areas where larger vessels could not operate (e.g. asteroid fields), or were sent to scout ahead for starfighter forces.

There was an upgraded variant of the TIE/rc known as the TIE Vanguard. The Vanguard was equipped with shields, and its solar collectors were bent in order to increase sensor visibility.

Standard procedure for long-range TIE reconnaissance missions involved the carrying vessel dropping a TIE/rc squadron into a system, then jumping to hyperspace, ensuring its safety. The TIEs would race through the system, gathering data, before meeting the carrier at a rendezvous point elsewhere in the system.