Empire of the Hand Starfighter Pilots, also known as TIE fighter pilots, TIE pilots, or Imperial Starfighter Pilots were an elite class within the military of the Empire of the Hand. They piloted the TIE line series of starfighters, a line that included the TIE/ln space superiority starfighter, which was one of the Galactic Empire and Imperial Remnant's most recognizable symbols of power, the TIE/sa bomber and TIE/IN interceptor. In the Empire of the Hand, the TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter was a very common sight within the naval forces of the faction, and was often the go to fighter for many engagements due to its superior equipment and armament over the standard TIE. Unlike their Imperial counterparts, the pilots of the Empire of the Hand had a tight nit community that treated all with respect amongst their ranks. Pilots held a mutual respect for their fellow pilots and the Naval Corps. was very much like a union.

The precision and streamlined design of the TIE line of fighters was a source of pride for these pilots, who believed in Imperial grandeur. Since TIE fighters were identical and interchangeable, TIE pilots might never fly the same ship twice and, as a result, rarely developed emotional ties to their craft. Nonetheless, they tended to be very protective of their vessel of the day, and loved to push around lower-ranked soldiers. Very dedicated, TIE pilots were willing to surrender their lives for the greater glory of the Imperial order. For this reason most TIE pilots had a life expectancy of less than a year during periods of great conflict.

TIE fighter pilots could also engage in surface combat, with Squad Five participating in a skirmish on Nar Shaddaa. Some served as engineers on the ground and aided in armored divisions of the Empire of the Hand's ground forces.


Equipment:



Empire of the Hand fighter pilots wore a self-contained, insulated black flight suit with pockets and zip-front, a reinforced helmet reminiscent of the Phase-II clone pilots helmets of the Galactic Republic, and chest armor featuring an emergency atmospheric unit and a life support pack. The flight suit was pressurized and constructed of energy-shielded frabric. The atmospheric control box on their flight suit was attached to two flexible gas transfer tubes that plugged into their vacuum-sealed helmet. The helmet was equipped with a heads up display that displayed information such as distance from a target. On TIE pilot belts, to their right of their belt-buckle was a comlink/transponder in a shockproof case. TIE pilots also wore positive-gravity pressure boots and insulated gauntlets. On the back of their flightsuit was the insignia of the Empire of the Hand.

TIE pilots could be equipped with an E-11 blaster rifle, an F-11 blaster rifle, or a blaster pistol. Some were known to carry Charric blasters, and a few had experimental carbonite rifles.