TIE crawler

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Star Wars craft
TIE crawler
Manufacturer Santhe/Sienar Technologies
Specification {{{Specification}}}
Type Compact assault vehicle
Length 6.7 meters
Weapons Two medium blaster cannons, light turbolaser cannon
Shield none
Hull Unknown
Crew 1 pilot
Top Speed 90 kilometers per hour
Troop Capacity 1
Affiliation Galactic Empire
Cargo Capacity N/A
Passengers 0

In the fictional Star Wars Expanded Universe, the TIE Crawler (also known as the Century Tank) was a strange fusion of two vastly different vehicle types- the TIE Fighter, and the A5 Juggernaut. The TIE crawler was a cheap, mass-produced ground combat vehicle that saw some popularity during the Imperial Civil War that left Coruscant in ruins prior to the Emperor's resurrection in Dark Empire.

The TIE crawler was the first new design to roll out of the newly liberated Santhe/Sienar Technologies in the uncertain times after the Battle of Endor; it saw action primarily during the Imperial Mutiny, as depicted in Dark Empire I. The independent-minded Santhe family, owners of Sienar Fleet Systems, had long bristled under the restrictive contracts of the Empire, and saw the opportunity of independence following the Empire's defeat. Santhe tried to remain neutral in the drawn out fighting between the shrinking Empire and the growing New Republic. Sienar Fleet Systems still produced TIE fighters for the Imperial warlords, but did so on their terms.

In an attempt to break into new markets, the TIE crawler was conceived as a relatively inexpensive way to produce a compact assault vehicle. Its use of recycled componentry and designs helped cut costs and training time.

[edit] Description

The TIE crawler -- or century tank, as it is officially known -- looks like a TIE fighter cockpit suspended between two massive tank treads. It can hold only a single person, who acts as pilot and gunner. Driving the tank treads at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour are twin Santhe SSct power generators. The pilot uses foot controls to adjust the angle of steering and speed, while the hand controls are tied into fire control systems.

The TIE crawler has a pair of medium blaster cannons in the familiar "chin" mounts found on most TIE cockpits. Suspended below the cockpit ball is a retractable light turbolaser that provides the tank with respectable firepower.

Many TIE crawlers saw action in the Imperial Civil War on Coruscant, as squabbling warlords sought to take control of the former Imperial capital. After the fighting in the skies finished and the would-be Imperial conquerors sought to hold the land, many used the inexpensive TIE crawlers in wasteful ground campaigns.

[edit] Reference

  • The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels (Star Wars), 1st printing, 1996. Bill Smith, ISBN 0-590-02361-6
  • The Tie Crawler is the first Expanded Universe vehicle to be made into a stand alone Lego Set, and the second Expanded Universe Official lego vehicle to date(the first being the TIE/D). It it due to be released 2007.

[edit] External links


Vehicles of the Galactic Empire
Entries in italics denote vehicles from the Expanded Universe
Ground vehicles
AT-ST | AT-AT | AT-TE | 74-Z Speeder Bike | Juggernaut | AT-PT | TIE crawler
Starfighters
TIE Fighter | TIE Interceptor | TIE Bomber | TIE Advanced x1 | TIE Avenger | TIE Defender | TIE/D fighter

TIE Hunter | TIE Phantom | Assault Gunboat | Missile Boat | Skipray Blastboat | A-9 Vigilance
Capital ships
Star Destroyer | Super Star Destroyer | Executor | Nebulon-B Frigate | Corellian Corvette

Lancer-Class Frigate | Interdictor Cruiser | Carrack-Class Light Cruiser
Other
Lambda-class shuttle | Death Star | Walker Dropship | World Devastator | Sun Crusher
See also
Star Wars air vehicles | Star Wars aquatic vehicles | Star Wars ground vehicles | Star Wars starfighters | Star Wars support craft

List of vehicles | List of minor vehicles
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