"Best Science Fiction Space Fightercraft? X-Wing!" Topic

You were asked – TMP link

Best Science Fiction Space Fightercraft?

And in the final round of voting:

27% said "X-Wing"
17% said "Viper (BSG original series)"
14% said "TIE Fighter"

Ahhh…but which version of X-Wing? The original trilogy version (yes, please!) or the bulked-up sequel version (no, thank you)?

Pretty certain nobody here is thinking of the one from the Movies Which Shall Not Be Named.

When I was 10 I thought the X-wing was cool. Now the engineer and maintenance manager I have become doesn't understand it at all.

I saw a game once where toy X-wings were dogfighting using Check Your 6 rules.
No, there was no Snoopy, but there could (and should) have been.

I'm astounded that the X-Wing won. Except not.

Always thought the TIE Fighter was cooler, tho.

The TIE fighter certainly has a unique and original look, while somehow recalling the Fokker DR 1. (I think it's the round cockpit window, which resembles the Fokker engine cowl.)

On the other hand, the TIE design is possibly the worst configuration for a fighter craft— the pilot's view is entirely forward, side views are blocked by the massive panels, and there's no possible way to "check his six." And then the panels are like massive dart boards with lines leading to the exact center of the craft, which practically scream: "Aim here!"
One assumes that cameras/sensors gave the pilot an active 360° display, because otherwise he's an easy kill from any angle.

Still love the look, but I love the X-wing just a bit more… I guess my nostalgia from pretending I was Luke Skywalker wins out for me.

While not my favorite, I will point out that the Starfury's 13% put it at a near tie (almost a pun) for third.

Doug