redline248 said:
This is from wiki, which doesn't really address the reason for ever closing them, just the advantage of opening
Quote:
The T-65B X-wing's distinctive strike foils or "S-foils" are opened and closed by powerful servo motors in the spacecraft. When in the open or 'attack' position, they provided a greater range of fire to the laser cannons mounted on the end of each wing. They also serve to distribute energy to enlarge the deflector shield, shed waste heat, and function as stabilizer surfaces during air travel
A 4 year old reddit thread discusses this very question and suggests that the closed position is to easier route energy to the engines when the weapons don't need it.
When TPM came out (pre-booking seats), my ex-wife and I were standing in line for a couple of hours waiting to get into the theater. Two nerds behind us debated almost the entirety of that time if an F-16 could take an X-Wing in a dogfight. Like, seriously getting into it to the point of getting a little testy with another.
Also, my ex-wife was 6'0 tall and was pretty much the only woman in line with me and a bunch of straight dorks. She was basically a unicorn and every dork in there was practically drooling over her because she stood out so much.
Funny damn day and was probably more entertaining than the actual movie.
#starwarsmemories