TIE Fighter Pilot - Imperial (Printed Legs)
sw0617 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 4/5/6 · 2015 (First appeared in 75095 UCS TIE Fighter)
Figure ID
sw0617
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2015 (First appeared in 75095 UCS TIE Fighter)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare; while the character is iconic, this specific high-detail version appeared in the Ultimate Collector Series and later high-end sets.
Head
Standard Light Flesh head with angry/determined Imperial expression, hidden beneath an intricate TIE Pilot helmet featuring silver Galactic Empire logos (hexagons) and molded breathing tubes.
Torso
Black torso with detailed life support pack printing, including blue and red button indicators, grey straps, and a silver belt buckle on the waist. Back printing includes continuation of the harness.
Legs
Black legs with sophisticated grey line printing representing flight suit folds and knee protection; standard black hip piece.
Accessories
Typically paired with a small black blaster pistol (SE-14C style), though the figure in the image is shown without it.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black with accents of silver, light grey, and small touches of red and blue on the chest control box.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the helmet, torso, and legs. This version was a significant upgrade over previous pilots due to the inclusion of leg printing and higher fidelity on the chest plate.
Variants
Variants include the 'plain legs' version (sw0543), Rebels version with different helmet markings, and the newer 2021 version (sw1150) which features a different head and torso design.
Condition Notes
Prone to scratches on the glossy black plastic. Inspect the silver Imperial logos on the helmet for fading or rubbing, and check the neck for hairline cracks in the torso.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00 USD; New: $22.00 - $30.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the specific set it originated from and current Star Wars market demand.
Price (New)
Contained in sets ranging from $39.99 (75101) to $199.99 (75095 UCS), making the individual figure value moderate relative to the set price.
Compatible Sets
75095 TIE Fighter - UCS (2015), 75101 First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter (2015), 75106 Imperial Assault Carrier (2015).
Character Background
The elite pilots of the Galactic Empire, trained to fly fragile but fast TIE starfighters. They are recognized by their black vacuum-sealed flight suits and specialized life-support helmets.
Design Notes
The 2015 update introduced the newer helmet mold which includes more accurate proportions and better integration of the breathing canisters compared to the 2000s era molds.
Similar Minifigures
Imperial Ground Crew (sw0785), TIE Pilot - Rebels Version (sw0621), First Order TIE Pilot (sw0671).
Collectibility
High; every Star Wars collector wants an army of these. The 'printed legs' variant is the preferred version for display in dioramas or UCS stands.
History
First introduced in 1999/2000 with very simple printing and a shared stormtrooper helmet; this sw0617 variant represents the peak of 'Classic Trilogy' pilot accuracy mid-2010s.
Interesting Facts
Despite their elite status, LEGO TIE Pilots did not receive leg printing for nearly 15 years, with sw0617 being one of the first widely available versions to feature it.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside a TIE Fighter cockpit or standing on a grey Imperial walkway. Pair with Darth Vader and standard Stormtroopers for an iconic 'boarding party' look.
Modification Potential
The legs are highly sought after for customizing other Imperial officers or black-clad bounty hunters due to the neutral but detailed flight suit aesthetic.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier troop builder figure. While black-on-black printing can be hard to see in low light, the silver accents and leg printing make this one of the definitive Imperial pilot minifigures.