Elite Imperial Navy Forces
Name : | 128th TIE Interceptor Squadron
Commander : | (Formally) Lieutenant Kasan Moor
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE Interceptor
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | The commander of this squadron moved up from being a top TIE Fighter pilot to being in command of the 128th. This squadron was defeated by Rogue Squadron on the planet of Gerrard V, many months after the Battle of Yavin. This squadron's status remains unknown, after its commander defected to the Rebellion.
Sources: RS-3D (Instruction Booklet***Pg 33), (Liberation of Gerrard V)
Name : | 181st Imperial Fighter Group
Commander : | Colonel Derricote, later Colonel Baron Soontir Fel (Saber 1)
Members : | Major Phennir (Saber 2), "Fel's Wrath" [DS-181-3] (Saber 3)
Fighter Employed : | TIE Fighter, then later TIE Interceptor
Breakdown : | 3 Squadrons (Saber Squadron, others unknown)
Brief History : | Originally known as the One-Eighty-Worst, commanded by Colonel Derricote; Captain Fel was re-assigned to command the second squadron as punishment for the Rand Ecliptic incident. The captain spent his time training and drilling the 2/181st back into fighting trim. On the day of the Battle of Yavin, his squadron (2/181st) was sent to retake Ord Biniir which was lost to the Rebels, who had destroyed the 233rd Wing assigned to defend that planet. It had been the intention of whoever gave that order for Captain Fel to die, however, from that battle, the 2/181st emerged victorious and more important politically it was the only Imperial victory that day. After that battle, the now famed 181st under the guiding hand of the now Major Soontir Fel was transformed into an Imperial Fighter Group with thirty-six pilots. Only those who were good enough and whose only desire was that to serve the Empire were selected during the testing processes. The next two years were spent on training the 181st for a variety of combat missions. Because of the 181st participation in the Battle of Derra IV, Major Fel was promoted to Colonel and was given its command. Also after that battle the 181st shed its TIE Fighters and adopted TIE Interceptors. The bloodstripes on the wings denote the pilot has no less than ten kills to his name. This unit also participated in the Battles of Hoth and Endor. This quote from Colonel Fel sums up the 181st, "this is the 181st there is no next time".
Sources: XWRSBAH (Scene with Rand Ecliptic), (Scene where Fell talks to Derricote in the glass house), (Scene where Rebels surrender on Ord Biniir), (Scene where Fell is promoted to Major), (Scene where Fell builds up the 181st pilots), (Scene about the next 2 years for the 181st), (Scene where the Emperor awards the 181st) / XWRSITES (Scene where Rogue Squadron pilots talk about 181st battle exploits) / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Saber 1 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Saber 2 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+DS-181-3
Name : | Avenger Squadron
Commander : | Commander? E.C. "Easy" Nerwal
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | Modified TIE Interceptor, then later TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version]
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This elite squadron based onboard the ISD Rage boasts some of the best pilots in the Imperial Fleet. Nerwal modified the squadron's TIE Interceptors by fitting shields and Jamming Beam Weapons to them. This squadron served and distinguished itself in the Imperial campaign that took place in the Airam Sector after the Battle of Hoth. Throughout that campaign, Avenger Squadron worked in tandem with Talon Squadron. During that campaign, Avenger Squadron had several engagements against Rogue Squadron. Eventually, Avenger Squadron replaced its modified TIE Interceptors with the TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version] (and had them equipped with the Jamming Beam Weapon) to replace the losses that the squadron had sustained during the campaign. Along with Talon Squadron, Avenger Squadron played a critical role in the Empire's success at the Battle of Nocto.
Sources: XvsT (Balance of Power Campaigns User's Manual)***Pg 5, (Imperial Task Force Vengeance: Cover Imperial Starfighter Replenishment at Essebra), (Spreading the Rebellion: Capture Interdictor Compellor), (Imperial Task Force Vengeance: Retaliation Strike on Airam Repair Yard at Hinda), (Balance of Power in the Airam Sector: Imperial Strike Ull vs. Alliance Dread Karei), (Spreading the Rebellion Campaign: Destroy the SSD Vengeance), (Imperial Task Force Vengeance Campaign: Destroy Rebel Starship Factory near Nocto)
Name : | Black Squadron
Commander : | Lord Darth Vader
Members : | "Mauler's Mithel" [DS-61-2] (Black 2), "Backstabber" [DS-61-3] (Black 3), "Dark Curse" [DS-61-4] (Black 4), "Wampa" (Black 11)
Fighter Employed : | TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron which boasts the latest in Imperial weaponry was hand picked by Lord Vader himself. Each starfighter and its pilot is at the paramount of readiness. Due to its participation in the assaults on Ralltiir and Mon Calamari, the notoriety gained makes this the most feared squadron in the Empire. Black Two is legendary among TIE Fighters and is reserved for high-profile missions. This squadron composed the sole Imperial fighters that participated in the Battle of Yavin. After the debacle at the Battle of Yavin, Lord Vader rebuilt the squadron which was then stationed aboard the SSD Executor. This squadron would later fight at the Battle of Endor.
Sources: CCG=A New Hope Expansion Set+DarkSide+DS-61-4 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Black 11 / CCG=Jedi Knights-Premiere+Black Two / CCG=Official Tournament Sealed Deck Premium Cards+Dark Side+Black Squadron TIE / CCG=Premiere Set+Dark Side+DS-61-2 / CCG=Premiere Set+Dark Side+DS-61-3 / CCG=Special Edition Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+Death Star Assault Squadron
Name : | Emperor's Eagles
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | Both Assault Gunboats and TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version]
Breakdown : | Squadron?
Brief History : | Unknown
Sources: XvsT (Clean Sweep: Frigate Duel-Malevolent vs. Endeavor)
Name : | Emperor's Shield
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron is composed of top Outer Rim pilots who were personally chosen by Admiral Thrawn. This squadron accompanied the Emperor to protect him during his inspection of the Death Star II. This squadron would later fight at the Battle of Endor.
Sources: CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+The Emperor's Shield
Name : | Emperor's Sword
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron is stationed at Coruscant, however it always accompanies the Emperor. This squadron is equipped with the TIE/Ln due to the years of experience the pilots have with those fighters. The pilots who compose this squadron have pledged to protect the Emperor to the death. This squadron would later fight at the Battle of Endor.
Sources: CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+The Emperor's Sword
Name : | Fate's Judges Squadron
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE Interceptor and Skipray Blastboat
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron is assigned to defend the Sevarcos System from pirates and smugglers who would otherwise attempt to transport spice out of the system. The Fate's Judges operate in the massive asteroid field between the sixth and seventh planetary orbits in the system, and are based onboard barges (in the asteroid field). This squadron was given its own special squadron designation (Fate's Judges), since the pilots of this squadron have trained exclusively for asteroid navigation and due to their piloting skills reputation. Admittance into the squadron obliges one to fly through the asteroid field with no instruments and under certain stresses. It is known that there is a pattern to their patrols, and that their TIE Interceptors operate in pairs, while their Skiprays operate solo.
Sources: AJ2***Pg 65, 91, 92
Name : | Obsidian Squadron
Commander : | Civé Rashon "Howlrunner" [OS-72-1] (Obsidian 1)
Members : | Dodson Makraven "Night Beast" [OS-72-2] (Obsidian 2), "Winged Gundark" (Obsidian 7), OS-72-10 (Obsidian 10)
Fighter Employed : | Modified TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | Obsidian Squadrons' TIE/Lns have been specially modified for atmospheric engagements (upper atmospheric manoeuvres). Some of this squadron's fighters have been equipped with high-output solar panels to support improved weaponry. After the Battle of Hoth, this squadron was most likely stationed at Cloud City, on the planet of Bespin. This squadron was recalled to defend the second Death Star, and as a result it participated in the Battle of Endor. During its tenure at Endor this squadron was stationed onboard the ISD Thunderflare.
Sources: CCG=Cloud City Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+Atmospheric Assault / CCG=Cloud City Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+Obsidian 7 / CCG=Cloud City Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+Obsidian 8 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+DarkSide+Obsidian 10 / CCG=Official Tournament Sealed Deck Premium Cards+Dark Side+Obsidian Squadron TIE / CCG=Special Edition Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+OS-71-1 In Obsidian 1 / CCG=Special Edition Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+OS-71-2 In Obsidian 2 / CCG=Special Edition Limited Expansion Set+Dark Side+OS-71-10
Name : | Onyx Squadron
Commander : | Colonel Jendon (Onyx 1)
Members : | Captain Yorr (Onyx 2?)
Fighter Employed : | TIE Defender
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | Participated at the Battle of Endor.
Sources: CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Captain Yorr / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Colonel Jendon / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Onyx 1 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Onyx 2 / starwars.com+Databank+Starship+TIE Defender
Name : | Scimitar Assault Wing OR White Death
Commander : | Captain Tomax Bren
Members : | Major Rhymer (Scimitar 1), Captain Jonus (Scimitar 2)
Fighter Employed : | Modified or Unmodified TIE Bomber, TIE Fighter, TIE/rc and MT/191 Drop-Ship
Breakdown : | 6 Squadrons (Scimitar Squadron, Special Unit Squadron, others unknown) [3 TIE Bomber, 2 TIE Fighter, and 1 special squadron]
Brief History : | The Scimitar Assault Wing is based onboard the ISD Retribution, which is part of the Qeimet Fleet, based in the Hook Nebula. This wing is named due to the colour of its TIE Bombers, which are difficult to spot by enemy ground observers until it is too late. Scimitar's primary mission is planetary assault and low-level atmospheric bombardment, where they support ground troops or conduct independent assaults. It is employed to conduct extensive bombardment and retaliation missions, while ensuring manufacturing facilities useful to the Empire remain untouched. The wing was first formed when TIE Bombers were first introduced into the Imperial Navy, and as such these TIE Bombers formed the first bomber-assault wing in the Qeimet Fleet. The TIE Bomber's precision capabilities allow for pin-point strikes to achieve tactical or strategic or psychological intimidation effects. This wing routinely sends one or more TIE Bomber squadrons to conduct tactical or strategic bombing, either from orbit or atmosphere, in support of ground missions. Meanwhile, single elements and flights deal with important targets in the war zone itself. The TIE Fighter squadrons when not needed as bomber escorts are deployed for strafing runs against enemy troops or convoys in order to harass them. Although unpopular with more veteran pilots, Captain Bren's radical changes in tactics, deployment, and assault priorities first demonstrated their effectiveness at the siege of Nulan IV. The deep-atmospheric precision bombing coerced the capitulation of the rebellious capital. In the assault of the Aturi Cluster, where the Rebels had deployed powerful anti-atmospheric defences, the wing's new "vertical swoop" tactics proved most effective. Captain Bren continues his tactical innovations, and as such much of the success of this wing is owed to this superb officer. Sporting superior tactics and performance, officers following the lead of their commander are more dedicated to the higher ideals of the New Order when compared to their follow officers. Since this wing's creation, it has and continues to set fleet standards for performance in orbital support and planetary assaults. Mission timing is planned down to the second and manoeuvres are precisely coordinated, those who consistently fail to carry out the mission as planned are demoted to drop ship duty. In combination of operating in unpredictable atmospheric conditions and requiring different techniques in the atmosphere than those of space combat; a high degree of discipline is required of Scimitar pilots. Pilots in this wing and those similar to it in mission function become more skilled in atmospheric flight than any other type of TIE pilot. After a pilot completes 50 combat missions, he is rotated into training duties, mission planning staff, and other critical support positions. Those pilots currently serving those duties are rotated back into combat. Pilots of this wing strive constantly to improved upon their already outstanding performance. Scimitar Squadron's TIE Bombers have either received advanced targeting systems to increase damage during planetary bombardment or the targeting systems have been calibrated to track fast moving Rebel starfighters. Scimitar Squadron was assigned to defend the Endor shield generator from any ground assault.
Sources: ISB***Pg 136, 137 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Captain Jonus / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Major Rhymer / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scimitar 1 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scimitar 2 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scimitar Squadron TIE
Name : | Scythe Squadron
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Lieutenant Hebsly (Scythe 3)
Fighter Employed : | Heavily Modified TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron was assigned to protect the Death Star II while it was under construction. The fighter modifications included P-w702 Manoeuvring Jets to allow for increased agility within the tight confines of the Death Star II. The pilots who make up this squadron fly frequent training missions within the Death Star II. Fought at the Battle of Endor.
Sources: CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Lieutenant Hebsly / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scythe 1 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scythe 3 / CCG=Death Star II Cards+Dark Side+Scythe Squadron TIE
Name : | Shadow Squadron
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE Defender
Breakdown : | Squadron
Brief History : | This squadron responded to the TIE Experimentals production facility distress call; located in orbit around the planet of Nomlis III in the Kurdin System. Just as the Rebel ATR Storm Unit was leaving the production facility, four TIE Defenders from Shadow Squadron dropped out of hyperspace to combat the Rebels. Unfortunately, Shadow Squadron arrived too late to change the outcome of the battle. However, Rebel pilot Ace Azzameen stayed behind to duel with the TIE Defenders after the rest of the Rebel attack force had escaped into hyperspace. Ultimately, the Rebel pilot was unable to destroy any of the TIE Defenders in his X-Wing before he too escaped. Later, this squadron was assigned to defend the TIE Experimental research platform Obsidian. Ultimately, the squadron was unfortunately unable to stop the Rebel attack and it, along with the platform were destroyed. The Rebel pilot Ace Azzameen managed to destroy one of Shadow's TIE Defenders in his B-Wing.
Sources: XA (Battle 2 Mission 4), (Battle 2 Mission 6)
Name : | Shadow Wing
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | "Mynock" [PS-29-2] (Shadow 2), "Hammer" [PS-29-3] (Shadow 3)
Fighter Employed : | TIE/Ln
Breakdown : | Wing
Brief History : | Wing has been employed to enforce blockades. Assigned to the first Death Star?
Sources: CCG=Jedi Knights-Premiere+PS-29-2 "Mynock" / CCG=Jedi Knights-Premiere+PS-29-3 "Hammer" / CCG=Jedi Knights-Premiere+Shadow 2 / CCG=Jedi Knights-Premiere+Shadow 3
Name : | Talon Squadron
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Fighter Employed : | TIE Bomber and TIE Fighter, then later Assault Gunboat, and later still TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version]
Breakdown : | Heavy Strike Squadron
Brief History : | Like Avenger Squadron, Talon Squadron is also based onboard the ISD Rage. However, it must be noted that originally Talon Squadron was once two separate squadrons, Beta Squadron which was composed of TIE Bombers and TIE Fighters from Gamma Squadron. Avenger Squadron's commander E.C. "Easy" Nerwal had modified Beta's TIE Bombers by doubling their warhead capacity and added concussion missile launchers to Gamma's TIE Fighters. This squadron served and distinguished itself in the Imperial campaign that took place in the Airam Sector after the Battle of Hoth. Due to combat losses, Beta and Gamma squadrons were reorganized into Talon Squadron and were equipped with Assault Gunboats armed with the Tractor Beam Weapon; at the same time Avenger Squadron received its new TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version]. Throughout that campaign, Talon Squadron worked in tandem with Avenger Squadron. During that campaign, Talon Squadron had several engagements against Rogue Squadron. In the Battle of Nocto, along with Avenger Squadron, Talon Squadron played a critical role in the Empire's success at that battle; it had also been re-equipped with the TIE Advanced [After Hoth Version] for that battle.
Sources: XvsT (Balance of Power Campaigns User's Manual)***Pg 5, (Balance of Power in the Airam Sector: Imperial Strike Ull vs. Alliance Dread Karei), (Balance of Power in the Airam Sector: Attack on Imperial Convoy near Mylok), (Imperial Task Force Vengeance: Cover Imperial Starfighter Replenishment at Essebra), (Imperial Task Force Vengeance: Retaliation Strike on Airam Repair Yard at Hinda), (Spreading the Rebellion Campaign: Destroy the SSD Vengeance), (Imperial Task Force Vengeance Campaign: Destroy Rebel Starship Factory near Nocto)
Name : | Death from Above
Commander : | Unknown
Members : | Unknown
Troop Type : | Spacetrooper
Breakdown : | Squad
Brief History : | This elite Spacetrooper unit participated in a fierce battle in the Kwymar Sector. During the battle, the troopers' assault shuttle took enormous damage while acquiring its target and was forced to land on the nearest planet in the system. The Rebels seeing an opportunity to capture the shuttle sent down a contingent of their troops to take the shuttle. Unbeknownst to them the shuttle took along five Spacetroopers who had returned to recharge their armour. The outcome of the ensuing engagement is unknown.
Sources: MB***Pg 82, 83
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