Re TIE Defenders:
As mentioned, it sounds like this is debuting as a prototype model.
It's likely not in production yet.
As for why Black Squadron is flying TIE fighters instead of TIE interceptors or some other fighter type, its real simple. They probably know the generic TIE the best. It's what they've trained in and are most experienced with.
You don't want to be flying into battle in a brand new TIE interceptor when you've been using a TIE fighter for years.
That was the line of reasoning in Legends, where the X-Wing flight simulator had TIE Interceptors pitted against the Rebellion. I think the official line was that they were too few in number, and perhaps too recent.
But TIE Interceptors are at least two years old by Yavin. That's more than enough time to learn the new craft is it? They certainly have more firepower than the standard TIE/LN... in every way they are an improvement except in cost.
*shrug*
We're not going to get official answers, at least on Black Squad on TIE/LN. The Defender will probably be a delayed one-off, any production ships will probably be sent to the Core where other Interdictors are likely deployed. The DS, while strong, isn't as important as the capital. Maybe Vader wasn't allowed to pick the composition of his squadron. There are plenty of reasons to just brush this fridge question of the TIE/D under the rug. It still bugs me a little, since if I was an Imperial official I'd have more rational decisions.
since if I was an Imperial official I'd have more rational decisions.
That'd be completely dumped on by Imperial Bureaucracy....
My foremost question is why TIE/Ds are not at the Death Star. We see one flying... it could be the ace prototype TIE X7 that is defeated by the end of the episode... but this shows that the Empire can produce them. Why didn't they shred red and gold squadrons at Yavin?
The only problem with the tie defender is that it was added to the universe after A New Hope. When the movie was first released, the TIE fighter wasn't the swarming, dime a dozen, POS it is today. It was the equal or better of anything the rebels could muster. Example, the cannons were higher quality than those on the xwings, meaning fewer guns needed 2 rather than 4. Vader's Black Squadron fought a superior number and nearly came out on top ( right up until the death star radar operator missed a giant freighter on his screen.... really... you just missed the ONLY other thing in space nearby other than yourself?)
That was the line of reasoning in Legends, where the X-Wing flight simulator had TIE Interceptors pitted against the Rebellion. I think the official line was that they were too few in number, and perhaps too recent.
But TIE Interceptors are at least two years old by Yavin. That's more than enough time to learn the new craft is it? They certainly have more firepower than the standard TIE/LN... in every way they are an improvement except in cost.
*shrug*
We're not going to get official answers, at least on Black Squad on TIE/LN. The Defender will probably be a delayed one-off, any production ships will probably be sent to the Core where other Interdictors are likely deployed. The DS, while strong, isn't as important as the capital. Maybe Vader wasn't allowed to pick the composition of his squadron. There are plenty of reasons to just brush this fridge question of the TIE/D under the rug. It still bugs me a little, since if I was an Imperial official I'd have more rational decisions.
Good points, but some food for thought?
US Army took away the FN SCAR rifles from units that managed to get them for who-knows-why reasons, even though shinier and whatnot than an m4/m16.
US Navy seems likely to build more Arleigh Burkers instead of Zumwalts, due to cost/long lead time items issues. The two built plus one under construction are likely to remain the only in the fleet, although in this case also because they are inferior air defense platforms.
US Navy and Marines also seems likely to order more superhornets if the F-35B/C keep costing as much as they do.
US Airforce is having issues with the F22's stealthy paint that requires gobs of maintenance- F-15's may be up or purchase again soon due to the not-yet-solved issues with said maintenance.
In short, resorting to old, proven technology is nothing new once dollars and maintenance come into the picture- or in the case of the SCAR, for some completely untold, strange reason 
That was the line of reasoning in Legends, where the X-Wing flight simulator had TIE Interceptors pitted against the Rebellion. I think the official line was that they were too few in number, and perhaps too recent.
But TIE Interceptors are at least two years old by Yavin. That's more than enough time to learn the new craft is it? They certainly have more firepower than the standard TIE/LN... in every way they are an improvement except in cost.
*shrug*
We're not going to get official answers, at least on Black Squad on TIE/LN. The Defender will probably be a delayed one-off, any production ships will probably be sent to the Core where other Interdictors are likely deployed. The DS, while strong, isn't as important as the capital. Maybe Vader wasn't allowed to pick the composition of his squadron. There are plenty of reasons to just brush this fridge question of the TIE/D under the rug. It still bugs me a little, since if I was an Imperial official I'd have more rational decisions.
Are we forgetting that the Empire was so arrogant to assume that a squadron of X and Y wings couldn't destroy the Death Star at Yavin? They're not going to risk losing their best craft to destroy a few ships when a simple TIE/ln can do the job and still be expendable. The Interceptor was still pretty rare at this point as well (we've only seen 3 of 'em) and are typically piloted by the elite of the elite.
But then again, what do I know? I'm no military tactician.
Or simply we don't see the defender because of Thrawn's unfortunate, embarrassing defeat.
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
Or simply we don't see the defender because of Thrawn's unfortunate, embarrassing defeat.
As for his defeat, we saw an MC80, unless that's the home one, its lack of action in light of recent movies would indicate it may have been destroyed. Plus, the opening scrawl of A New Hope says that they just had their first real victory. I feel defeating a Grand Admiral of Thrawns ability would qualify as a pretty major victory.
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!
Edited by Gadgetron
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!
Or the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/c/ce/Tartan.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20061117031238Or the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
Over this gorgeous ship?
You must be insane sir!
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
I was thinking it'd be cool to have "Gunship Flotillas", which at least for Dorneans, would be a flotilla of a pair of them (Wookiepedia has them at GR75 length?), maybe with something like a Weapons Team slot instead of the current Fleet Support, and maybe a pair of dice out of the front.
I think that would be fun and play totally different than current flotillas.
The Imperials already have a dedicated Anti-Starfighter ship: The Raider. How many Anti-Starfighter ships do they need?
But the Rebels could use a dedicated Anti-Starfighter ship. The Broha'tok Gunship or DP-20 Corellian Gunship seem to be the obvious choices.
As for his defeat, we saw an MC80, unless that's the home one, its lack of action in light of recent movies would indicate it may have been destroyed. Plus, the opening scrawl of A New Hope says that they just had their first real victory. I feel defeating a Grand Admiral of Thrawns ability would qualify as a pretty major victory.
You know, it could also be a Technicality///
We don't know if the Mon-Mothma line about forming the Alliance is before or after that happens....
I mean, its its after the big battle... Then the Rebel Alliance has not had a victory, because the Rebel Alliance did not exist......
... Could be all it means, after all 
There's one thing I feel is missing from rebels that clone wars had that gave it that edge. The enemy, in the case of the clone wars the Separatists, actually won battles and caused massive casualties. In addition the heroes faced legitimate threats and named characters died. Right now outside of Vader, Tarkin and recently Thrawn, the rebels have no threats. Vader left, Tarkin has other things to deal with that leaves Thrawn. Even Vader and Tarkin didn't really do lasting or grave damage to them, and that makes the empire seem weak and not a real threat needing resistance.
The empire is portrayed more like bumbling idiots to often to really be seen as a threat. This is where I'm hoping Thrawn really changes things, make the empire something to be feared like the Separatists in the Clone Wars.
But that was also an advantage of the Genre... The Clone Wars... It was a War, both sides were at War, and everyone was doing what it takes to Win.
But Rebels - arguably, the War has not begun yet.... So there's no "Impetus"... Because the Empire is peace-time Lazy and Preoccupied, and the Rebels are still cell-based and thus, uncoordinated...
Season 3 does seem to be changing that attitude on multiple fronts - so who knows where it goes from here....
I'm definitely not trying to hate on the show, I love it! That aside, even in peace time, there needs to be some perceived threat from this big bad empire!
Season 3 does appear to be ramping that up!
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!
Or the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.
Star Wars Rebellion > Empire at Arcade
Lancer > Tartan
Or the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!
Star Wars Rebellion > Empire at Arcade
Lancer > Tartan
Ahh, the old which is better, dildo or buttplug?
The Raider is the superior ship.
Yeah, that is one hell of an ugly ship.
Or the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!
Star Wars Rebellion > Empire at Arcade
Lancer > Tartan
Ahh, the old which is better, dildo or buttplug?
The Raider is the superior ship.
Your reception speaks more about your mind than the design of the ship.
Seriouly guys, whats you problem that you see phalli everywhere?
Yea..... It's kinda hard NOT to see it in the design...
Edited by ForrestoYour reception speaks more about your mind than the design of the ship.Ahh, the old which is better, dildo or buttplug?Star Wars Rebellion > Empire at ArcadeOr the Tartan Cruiser. That's also designated as anti-starfighter.And Imps could get their Crusader Corvettes!So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
Lancer > Tartan
The Raider is the superior ship.
Seriouly guys, whats you problem that you see phalli everywhere?
I watch rebels with the nipper.
Sure, he's only 4 months old, but by the time he actually understands what's going on, there will be a lot of catching up to do, so we can watch it all again.
In the meantime, speaking of Rebels That trailer was awesome and my Pelta and 2 light cruisers just hit Chinese customs, I should have them by 'Happy Friday' tomorrow.
So back to the original topic. . .
Note that the Dornean Gunship is specifically an anti-fighter ship. So maybe we'll see a small ship with a heavy AS battery. That could lead to a resurgence in squadron-light or no-squadron builds.
I was thinking it'd be cool to have "Gunship Flotillas", which at least for Dorneans, would be a flotilla of a pair of them (Wookiepedia has them at GR75 length?), maybe with something like a Weapons Team slot instead of the current Fleet Support, and maybe a pair of dice out of the front.
I think that would be fun and play totally different than current flotillas.
Welcome to the club 
