Can't believe I never thought to ask this before - why are the ships called things like X-Wings? X isn't a character in Aurebesh. Xesh is, but it's not remotely similar in shape to an X-Wing.
Obviously I know the real world answer, I'm asking for the in-fiction explanation, if there is one (hell, there could be many contradictory ones from different EU sources).
short answer: George Lucas said so.
The X-wing's called an X-wing because it's an X shape. The TIE fighter's a TIE fighter because it looks like a bow tie.
In universe, High Galactic is English lettering.
In universe, High Galactic is English lettering.
Aah, I wondered if that might be the case. Is that just in EU, or can you catch some glimpses in t' films?
In that case, I can read TWO Star Wars alphabets! [super cool face]
Every "wing" is thus named because its shape resembles a letter
Except the bwing which is more of a t or f wing depending on how the wings are
Apparently it was designed "design b" in the original concept art (Lucas wanted other fighter types for rotj) and that's how it got its name. Design A is more true to form, though.
Edited by ficklegreendiceTwin Ion Engine
Twin Ion Engine
Got it, so Vader's TIE is not actually a TIE, but a QIE.
Twin Ion Engine
Got it, so Vader's TIE is not actually a TIE, but a QIE.
TIE² (paired TIEs) 
Twin Ion Engine
Backronym. The original name was because someone noticed they looked a bit like little bow ties, and TIE stuck.
TIE = Twin/Triple Ion Engine.
X wing is the shape of the S foils (when opened) when viewed from the back
Y wing is the shape of the craft when viewed from the top backwards
A wing is the shape of the craft (though one could argue V wing would be more representative) when viewed from the top
B wing stands for "blade" wing. This is also why it's Dagger Squadron.
K wing is the shape of the wings when viewed from the back
E wing is ?????????
SOMEONE please tell me why it's called an E wing!
Edited by KhyrosTIE = Twin/Triple Ion Engine.
X wing is the shape of the S foils (when opened) when viewed from the back
Y wing is the shape of the craft when viewed from the top backwards
A wing is the shape of the craft (though one could argue V wing would be more representative) when viewed from the top
B wing stands for "blade" wing. This is also why it's Dagger Squadron.
K wing is the shape of the wings when viewed from the back
E wing is ?????????
SOMEONE please tell me why it's called an E wing!
Top-down. The nacelles.
The B-Wing is by far the weakest reasoning though.
Edited by Captain LackwitOk, seriously. Did none of you people saying "because it looks like an X" actually READ his opening post?
I know the real world answer, I'm asking for the in-fiction explanation,
9 replies and only a single person actually even attempted to answer the question, and even he had to put in a "because it looks like an X" first.
Frankly, I have no clue. I don't question it.
I asked this one in the OT forum a while back and didn't get a great answer
Ok, seriously. Did none of you people saying "because it looks like an X" actually READ his opening post?
I know the real world answer, I'm asking for the in-fiction explanation,
9 replies and only a single person actually even attempted to answer the question, and even he had to put in a "because it looks like an X" first.
Actually, that was already answered right... HERE:
In universe, High Galactic is English lettering.
And thank you Lackwit, that makes total sense, I don't know why I never saw it myself. I guess because I tend to ignore the cannons and look at the hull of the ship.
Ok, seriously. Did none of you people saying "because it looks like an X" actually READ his opening post?
I know the real world answer, I'm asking for the in-fiction explanation,
9 replies and only a single person actually even attempted to answer the question, and even he had to put in a "because it looks like an X" first.
Actually, that was already answered right... HERE:
In universe, High Galactic is English lettering.
And thank you Lackwit, that makes total sense, I don't know why I never saw it myself. I guess because I tend to ignore the cannons and look at the hull of the ship.
Any time, though the engines are what I'm talkin' about.
B wing stands for "blade" wing. This is also why it's Dagger Squadron.
Actually, the B-Wing is shaped like a B, just like the A, X, and Y. Ignore all three wings and look at it from the right side.
Edited by TurtleFreakActually, that was already answered right... HERE:
Ohhhh. You mean I was correct when I said there was 1 person who actually answered his question. Or did you not read where I said that? Let me repeat myself
only a single person actually even attempted to answer the question, and even he had to put in a "because it looks like an X" first.