This has always been a question that has been asked so many times. Since "Star Wars" is (more) science fantasy (then science fiction). So, the laws of physics are not followed (for the most part). Ships like the TIE Fighter do not have any kind of reaction control thrusters (which are used for changing directions in space). Where ships like the Colonial Viper MK-II have proper reaction control thrusters to make the ship change directions.
There are other ships from other Sci-Fi franchises that do follow the laws of Physics ("Babylon 5" and "The Expanse", just to name a couple more).
There are other ships from other Sci-Fi franchises that do follow the laws of Physics ("Babylon 5" and "The Expanse", just to name a couple more).
EXACTLY!!!Ahhh… the FORCE!
The funny thing is, George Lucas uses "REPULSER" systems for most of his vehicles.
TIE Fighter Physics
What is a TIE Fighter? It’s a star fighter in the Star Wars universe usually piloted by the Imperial forces. Wookiepedia has more information that you could possibly imagine about the TIE fighter. I’m pretty sure that the TIE in TIE fighter stands for Twin Ion Engine. That’s what makes it...
Some reading stuff.
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If they used real Ion Drives, it would take them about 50 years to get out of the hanger. The ones in Star Wars aren't even facing the right way. It's fantasy though. 
The real stuff is far more interesting.
The real stuff is far more interesting.
Thats a realy interesting link Zathros. Thanks for charing. I had no idea the ion engine is real.
The downside of real Ion Engins, very low specific impulse, the upside of real Ion drives, they allow Dawn, the NASA probe launched in 2007 to be the fastest spacecraft ever launched from Earth. After 5.5 years of thrusting, when its fuel was exhausted it had a change in velocity, from orbital exit of 38,620 kph, or 20,000 MPH add that to it's escape velocity of 19,000 MPH. so total speed of over 39,000 MPH
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The guy commenting on Tie Fighters getting power from the ships must not watch the movies. These things fly in the atmosphere, far to far to receive anything from anywhere, and we already know the Sun isn't enough, this is when we need to suspend reality, and have fun, and just watch the show.