.. why aren't they based on the TIE Interceptor? It seemed to be the logical replacement for the standard Imperial TIE late in the Civil War, assuming the Advanced was too expensive (since we never saw an Advanced after Star Wars ).

It was noted that after Endor, the interceptor was too expensive to get hold of a lot, so it makes sense that the First Order would rather upgrade the existing (likely substantial) stock of LN fighter with shields and an improved targeting computer (see recent leaks)

Because jarjar is crap and in charge.

Out of universe: it's much more iconic and likely to tick all the little nostalgia buttons in people.

In universe: See joewrightgm's response.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around "cost" as a factor in putting the TIE/LN over the interceptor.

For one thing, the cost can't be that much different. Labour is the most expensive expense and the Empire employs slave labour so it is saving on expenses. The next cost is materials and I can't see that being that big of a difference in cost. They are, after all, building huge star destroyers in comparison and those things can't be cheap.

I'm wondering if it is simply the availability. If interceptors are made in a certain area in space and the Empire lost access to it.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around "cost" as a factor in putting the TIE/LN over the interceptor.

For one thing, the cost can't be that much different. Labour is the most expensive expense and the Empire employs slave labour so it is saving on expenses. The next cost is materials and I can't see that being that big of a difference in cost. They are, after all, building huge star destroyers in comparison and those things can't be cheap.

I'm wondering if it is simply the availability. If interceptors are made in a certain area in space and the Empire lost access to it.

Star Destroyers and TIEs aren't held to the same rules. Star Destroyers are built to last, even the ones that get destroyed are designed to withstand lots of punishment and go down swinging. TIE fighters are meant to overwhelm the enemy in massive swarms because the Empire knows they can afford to do that. Interceptors are only cost effective in the hands of good pilots, but 72 idiots in TIEs can still win by weight of numbers.

Sort of like how the Soviets kept building T34s even after they had other proven tanks. It works and it's easy to build and use, so they can save the more expensive units for the elites and still have something functional to put everyone else in.

It is kind of lazy to just throw out an improved Tie or X-wing. I know why they did it, but I'd like to see some other fighters as well.

It is kind of lazy to just throw out an improved Tie or X-wing. I know why they did it, but I'd like to see some other fighters as well.

In that respect, the prequel trilogy really did something right. The droid fighters looked similar enough to TIEs that you understood they were the bad guys, but they were still quite distinct. And the ARC-70 Fighter looked a little like an X-wing, but not too much. At least not like these new ships.

I do like the fact that the picture s that shall not be named noted an improvement in durability. I'm imagining First Order strategists looking at the TIE/ln, then looking at the pool of available talent and cringed, going 'we really need to do something here, we can't just throw these guys against the resistance without (somewhat) protecting our investment,'

.. why aren't they based on the TIE Interceptor? It seemed to be the logical replacement for the standard Imperial TIE late in the Civil War, assuming the Advanced was too expensive (since we never saw an Advanced after Star Wars ).

We don't know if they are based of Interceptors or not. Dont forget the other internal components that separates Interceptors from other ties. These new TIE could be using newer versions of said equipment as their components. That being said it looks like their is an Interceptor in ep 7. Its in the lower left-hand corner in the scene where the elite tie is shooting stuff up in the hanger

I do like the fact that the picture s that shall not be named noted an improvement in durability. I'm imagining First Order strategists looking at the TIE/ln, then looking at the pool of available talent and cringed, going 'we really need to do something here, we can't just throw these guys against the resistance without (somewhat) protecting our investment,'

Elite TIE Interceptors could have anything mounted to them an Avenger could have, so I don't see why the couldn't just add shields, apparently be the time of ANH powerful shields may be more desired than more armor plating. I am basing this of the view of pilots that compare Y-Wing A4s with Y-Wings S3. Although nether ships defensive abilities mater when up against a TIE Interceptor since they can and do one shot kill Reb fights except maybe B-Wings, but if they cant they can always link the other 3 9.3 heavy laser cannons Interceptors carry.

It's possible nostalgia works for both in and out of universe explanations. If the First Order is dome radical splinter, then they might be choosing equipment with the most emotional resonance to their base.

Unless they explain it in the movie, anyone's explanation is just as good as anyone else's. I, personally, won't be worrying to much about logistics, especially when lasers start flying around the screen