This article covers the Canon version of this subject.  Click here for Wookieepedia's article on the Legends version of this subject. 

OnACanonArticleGoToLegends

"Luke, you switched off your targeting computer! What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm all right."
―Yavin Base controller and Luke Skywalker, the former not anticipating the latter's Force abilities during the Battle of Yavin[1]
An  targeting computer

An X-wing targeting computer

A targeting computer, sometimes called target computer, targeting synchronizer, or a fire-control system,[2] was a device used aboard starfighters to aid pilots in targeting their weapons. A target was considered vulnerable when it was aligned with the electronic crosshairs of a targeting computer's gun-sights. During the Galactic Civil War, the targeting computers used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic indicated the distance in meters.[1] Imperial targeting computers used aboard Imperial I-class Star Destroyers were made by LeGrange.[3]

Targeting computers were necessary in a dogfight as all combat craft were equipped with some form of sensor jammer to avoid being hit. The more sophisticated the targeting computer, the quicker it could achieve a "target lock" on the enemy.[4]

A targeting computer was also necessary in order to shoot down missiles, particularly very fast ones.[5] Even with a targeting computer, some targets could be very difficult to hit: during the Great Hyperspace Disaster, Galactic Republic Longbeam cruisers had a one-in-three chance of hitting debris from the Legacy Run traveling at close to light speed.[6]

Appearances

Non-canon appearances

Sources

Notes and references