The X-wing must execute a near-impossible maneuver to destroy the Death Star. It must approach at maximum speed, perform a perfect full-power turn around the Death Star, and come to a complete stop at the exhaust port while firing. The torpedo must fly directly down the port without hitting the walls. Only by stopping inside the trench surrounding the port can the pilot avoid being vulnerable to the Death Star's defenses during this maneuver.

1. The X-Wing attack on the Death
Star according to
“Newtonian” game physics
A description of why star wars is just so cool for days.

2. The X-wing approaches the Death Star

3. The X-wing has four engines.

4. Using Thrust Vectoring, the X-wing is able to
control its rotation.

5. There are no additional engines on the X-wing.
Only four engines are used for all motions the
vehicle has access to. The pilots are highly skilled.

6. The pilot must fire down the Exhaust Port.

7. The Death Star is well defended.
• It is not possible to hit the exhaust port from far away. The Death Star
is well shielded. Only an object fired from zero range will be able to
penetrate the port.
• The object will fly down the exhaust port, not merely explode on the
surface, and will not detonate until deep within the Death Star.
• It will be nearly impossible to approach the Death Star,, Only a
surprise attack at high speed will leave the pilot enough time to
approach and then fire the torpedoes.

8. To make the shot with Newtonian physics applied,
the X-wing must be sitting perfectly still. Although
it would be possible to fire in a straight line while
moving only forward….

9. This may not be available as a maneuver.

10. The fighter will approach at maximum velocity. It
will be assumed that only the maximum possible
velocity will offer a tiny chance of success.

11. The fighter must execute a full power turn around
the Death Star to approach the exhaust port.

12. The maneuver will need to be executed perfectly,
with no room for error, to bring the fighter around
the Death Star….

13. …and to a complete stop at the proper orientation
to fire straight down the exhaust port. The
torpedo must not crash into the walls of the port
before reaching its target.

14. The fighter will need to cancel its momentum to
come to a complete stop. (flying backwards) This
will leave the pilot vulnerable to attack.

15. There is a trench encircling the Death Star,
approaching the exhaust port.

16. If the pilot is able to execute the maneuver while
inside of the trench, they will be safe from the
weapon emplacements around the Death Star.