Star Wars: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Imperial TIE Fighter
6. The Engine Exhaust Nozzle Is Not Where You Think It Is
The technology of ion propulsion is the most common form of sublight propulsion in the Star Wars universe, fitted to everything from the Death Star, to the Millennium Falcon, to the X-wing. The TIE Fighter utilizes a configuration of two engines functioning as part of a single system, collectively the Twin Ion Engine.
The name, however, can be confusing. Most fans would assume that the black hexagonal shape at the rear of the central pod is the nozzle and it is here where the exhaust is expelled. But, they would be justifiably puzzled by the fact that, unlike all other Star Wars engines, there is no visible glow.
That is because what you are looking at is not the engine nozzle but the Exhaust Neutralizer Grid (the lore is sparse on what this actually does). Instead, the two glowing red points to either side, easily confused for navigation or formation lights, are in fact the nozzles you’re looking for.
Dinky as they appear, combine them with a lightweight frame and an advanced engine design and these are what give the TIE Fighter its impressive speed.