TIE Escort

The TIE prototype is restricted to government sales only. It appears to be a standard pod except for the addition of a thin layer of plating and its slightly superior speed.
==Description==
The bulk of this vessel consists of a small ball-shaped cockpit dominated by two bulbous ion engines. A pair of small round solar panels, smaller than the cockpit in diameter, extend from the prototype's cockpit on square posts, with the tops angled toward the center of the ship. 
==Reputation==
The prototype of Moff Tarkin's newest development, the Twin Ion Engine based fighter, has only begun to see battle, but thus far it has acquired a reputation for affordability. So far, several military experts have commeted that it is underpowered to engage capital class vessels, but it remains to be seen whether this will be considered a shortcoming of the craft.
Because of it's small size and extreme maneuverability, pilots have had stunning success organizing larger fighter squadrons with the new TIE models.
==History==
The prototype TIE has only recently begun to see widespread service, as it was only recently developed by Moff Tarkin. It will either herald a new area of spacefighter tactics, or it will fall as a dismal failure. It is revolutionary in a number of ways. The cockpit is not pressurized, forcing the pilot to wear a space suit as he flies. Additionally, the ship is unshielded and is equipped with only minimal weaponry. In exchange for weapons, the TIE prototype has gained speed, a compact design, and stunning maneuverability.
==Upgrades==
The engineers have been rather tight-lipped about possible upgrades or new directions for the TIE prototype. 
==Shipyards==
Sienar Fleet Systems on Sienar.
Category:Snubfighters