DuracellEnergizer said:
SilverWook said:
the TIE is probably hard to improve on.
An internal air supply and hyperdrive should just about do it.
TIE's seem dependent on a base ship intentionally. You don't want anyone defecting to those Rebel scum, not that anyone would.
Can't recall if it's canon, but I once read the lack of niceties like ejection seats and hyperspace capabilities keep it a lean maneuverable fighter. Probably a flying death trap compared to Rebel ships, yet they're cheap and easy for the Empire to crank out in huge numbers.
A TIE pilot's independent life support is probably just an extra measure of protection if the hull is breached. Rebel pilots were going to have face masks as well in the original film, but it was nixed so the actor's faces could be easily seen.