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- gtp_jimprower
TO MODS: If this is the wrong section, move this thread.
WARNING: Some of the language gets a bit technical. Keep that in mind.
SPECIAL THANKS: to Wikipedia, who gave me the specs on each fighter.
Flight test: Star Wars Universe Incom T-65 "X-Wing" Starfighter Vs. Star Fox Universe Space Dynamics R64 "Arwing" Starfighter
Two starfighter icons: the X-Wing and Arwing Starfighters. Perhaps, in the back of your mind, you've wondered to yourself, which of these fighters would be the better?
today, we bring together the most iconic versions of these fighters, the standard-version Incom T-65 X-Wing, as flown at the Battle of Yavin by Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars Ep. IV, A New Hope", and the Space Dynamics R64 (My own designation) Arwing, as flown by Fox McCloud in "Starfox 64".
Measuring at around 40 ft long, The T-65 looks imposing next to the smaller, approximately 22ft Arwing (around 18ft if you leave off the raked-back wings) Pushing the X-wing are four Incom Fusial Thrust engines, giving the comparably chunky craft a respectable top atmospheric speed of 1,050 kph...just shy of Mach 1.
The ARWING, on the other hand, Is much more suited during atmospheric flight. the ship's single NTD-FX1 Plasma Jet engine only makes about the thrust of two of the X-Wing's units, but the ship's sleeker shape results in a manufacturer-claimed top speed of Mach 4.5, or an amazing 5512.5 KM/H! Space considerations on out limited test range means we only got it up to Mach 2.
The X-wing is a considerably large craft, but one that could compete with a MIG-29 Fulcrum or F-16 Viper in a contest of handling. the repulsorlifts and thrust-vectorting engines conspire to give the hefty craft, comparable to an F-14 in mass, the kind of maneuverability that puts most modern single seaters to shame.
It the X-wing embarrasses F-16s, the Arwing blows their canopies off. It's G-Diffuser system and rotating wings, along with thrust vectoring and FAR lighter weight, comparable to two prop-driven stunt planes, give this craft even better maneuverability than the T-65. some say this could be the only craft to compete with the X-wing's main rival, the TIE Interceptor.
If the X-wing has an advantage, it's armor and weaponry. The X-wing's four laser cannons are superior to the Arwing's two in power and range. It's shields and physical armor are a bit better, too. It can carry six Proton torpedoes, which can be turned against fighters. The Arwing's Nova Bombs can also be turned against fighters, however, but the Arwing Carries nine, giving it it's only advantage in this department.
THe verdict? Dogfighting is about the pilot, but, after that, most often, the most important factor is performance. the Arwing's sparkling top speeds and maneuverability give it the edge. Sorry, Lucas. Looks like Nintendo wins the day.
WARNING: Some of the language gets a bit technical. Keep that in mind.
SPECIAL THANKS: to Wikipedia, who gave me the specs on each fighter.
Flight test: Star Wars Universe Incom T-65 "X-Wing" Starfighter Vs. Star Fox Universe Space Dynamics R64 "Arwing" Starfighter
Two starfighter icons: the X-Wing and Arwing Starfighters. Perhaps, in the back of your mind, you've wondered to yourself, which of these fighters would be the better?
today, we bring together the most iconic versions of these fighters, the standard-version Incom T-65 X-Wing, as flown at the Battle of Yavin by Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars Ep. IV, A New Hope", and the Space Dynamics R64 (My own designation) Arwing, as flown by Fox McCloud in "Starfox 64".
Measuring at around 40 ft long, The T-65 looks imposing next to the smaller, approximately 22ft Arwing (around 18ft if you leave off the raked-back wings) Pushing the X-wing are four Incom Fusial Thrust engines, giving the comparably chunky craft a respectable top atmospheric speed of 1,050 kph...just shy of Mach 1.
The ARWING, on the other hand, Is much more suited during atmospheric flight. the ship's single NTD-FX1 Plasma Jet engine only makes about the thrust of two of the X-Wing's units, but the ship's sleeker shape results in a manufacturer-claimed top speed of Mach 4.5, or an amazing 5512.5 KM/H! Space considerations on out limited test range means we only got it up to Mach 2.
The X-wing is a considerably large craft, but one that could compete with a MIG-29 Fulcrum or F-16 Viper in a contest of handling. the repulsorlifts and thrust-vectorting engines conspire to give the hefty craft, comparable to an F-14 in mass, the kind of maneuverability that puts most modern single seaters to shame.
It the X-wing embarrasses F-16s, the Arwing blows their canopies off. It's G-Diffuser system and rotating wings, along with thrust vectoring and FAR lighter weight, comparable to two prop-driven stunt planes, give this craft even better maneuverability than the T-65. some say this could be the only craft to compete with the X-wing's main rival, the TIE Interceptor.
If the X-wing has an advantage, it's armor and weaponry. The X-wing's four laser cannons are superior to the Arwing's two in power and range. It's shields and physical armor are a bit better, too. It can carry six Proton torpedoes, which can be turned against fighters. The Arwing's Nova Bombs can also be turned against fighters, however, but the Arwing Carries nine, giving it it's only advantage in this department.
THe verdict? Dogfighting is about the pilot, but, after that, most often, the most important factor is performance. the Arwing's sparkling top speeds and maneuverability give it the edge. Sorry, Lucas. Looks like Nintendo wins the day.
