Scimitar Assault Bomber

One of the first new starfighters commissioned by the Empire after the Battle of Endor, the Scimitar Assault Bomber was developed by Captain Tomax Bren of the infamous Scimitar Assault Wing, hence the fighter's name. It has maneuverability somewhere between that of a TIE Interceptor and an X-Wing, more armament than a TIE Bomber, and the ability to fly well in an atmosphere.

It has a long, central tube for a hull, and was the first TIE-like craft to be a two-man ship. The pilot and bomber sit in the forward section of the hull, which can be jettisoned in emergencies. This forward section is situated in front of the wings, providing enhanced visibility over most TIE designs. The middle section of the hull contains the power generators, sensors, and targetting computers. The rear section contains the bomb bays and engine.

It is armed with two laser cannons and two racks of eight weapons bays that are usually armed with concussion missiles. Proton grenades and free-falling thermal detonators can also be carried for deployment via the bomb bays. The Scimitar is protected by additional hull plating and the introduction of shields.

The Scimitar bomber has been rated at speeds of 1,150 kilometers per hour in atmospheric conditions. By introducing thrust from the repulsorlift engines, speeds of 1,250 kilometers per hour can be sustained during bombing runs.

The Scimitar is different from the TIE Bomber in that it has only a single ion engine - paired with two interlocked repuslorlift engines - to propel it. This single engine is the reason why the ubiquitous “TIE” designation was not given to the Scimitar despite its similarities to other TIE-series designs. Some pilots have nicknamed it the TIE Scimitar anyway, based simply on its looks.

Although intended mainly for ground assaults, the Scimitar can be easily outfitted for space-based missions.

Some canon information courtesy of CUSWE.