TIE line

The **TIE line**, or **TIE-series**, was a series of starfighters manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems and later Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, distinguished by their twin ion engines and solar collector panels. There existed dozens of different models.

## Variants

#### Starfighters & bombers

The TIE series first saw manufacture by Sienar Fleet Systems during the Imperial Era. The first model was a prototype designed by Raith Sienar at the request of Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin and the Admiralty of the Imperial Navy. It sported the basic design of a ball-shaped cockpit mounted on pylons between two hexagonal solar panel wings, which powered twin ion engines. With the approval of Emperor Palpatine, the prototype lacked shields, but it also lacked the structural integrity to support atmospheric flight, so later designs were adapted to include stronger pylons.

The upgraded models evolved into the TIE/ln space superiority starfighter, which retained the prototype's design and became a ubiquitous symbol of Imperial authority. Imperial pilots would make use of flight simulators and TIE training drones for training purposes. One TIE variant was the TIE/rb heavy starfighter, a bulked-up version of the TIE/ln with heavier armor as well as a secondary pod with heavy laser cannons.

Another early TIE variant was the TIE/gt, which eventually evolved into the more prominent TIE/sa bomber, with inward-bent wings and a second pod to carry ordnance. A heavy variant was the TIE/ca "Punisher" Starfighter, which contained quadruple the payload of the TIE bomber. The TIE/fc, TIE/sr, TIE/rc, and TIE scout were models used for reconnaissance missions. While it resembled a TIE/ln, it featured a hyperdrive to allow for long-range travel.

#### Shuttles & transports

The TIE/sh shuttle was derived from the TIE bomber and maintained its two-pod configuration, with the second pod built to carry passengers between capital ships. It was identified by its wings, which were distinctively bent outward. Another TIE shuttle variant was the TIE Boarding Craft, which more closely resembled the TIE bomber and was used for the transportation and boarding of up to two stormtrooper squads. Along with the TIE shuttle, it was one of the few TIE variants equipped with deflector shields.

The TIE lander was a triple-hulled TIE variant that could transport an entire company of troops. A more unique model was the TIE/rp Reaper attack lander, a shuttle used to transport elite troops to points on a battlefield. It featured two pointed, forward-facing wings.

#### Advanced & experimental models

The TIE Advanced v1 was an advanced starfighter prototype equipped with a hyperdrive, shields, and curved folding wings with extra armor. It commonly saw use by members of the Inquisitorius. The TIE Advanced x1 was another advanced fighter with similar features, but was smaller and featured bent wings similar to the TIE bomber. One such model served as Darth Vader's personal starfighter, and another served as the starfighter of General Maximilian Veers during the Age of the New Republic. However, the TIE Advanced x1 was too expensive to mass-produce, so the TIE/IN interceptor was created as its successor. While it lacked a hyperdrive and shields, it featured extra laser cannons mounted on its pointed wingtips. The TIE Avenger was also inspired by the TIE Advanced.

Grand Admiral Thrawn's fighter initiative on Lothal saw the development of the elite TIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter, which was equipped with heavy cannons, shields, and a hyperdrive. Its characteristic three wings resembled those of the TIE Interceptor inverted, and the fighter proved a powerful combatant against rebel starfighters. An even more powerful variant called the TIE/D Defender Elite was developed, but the entire project was halted by the destruction of the Lothal City fuel depot.

Other experimental TIE models included the TIE/ag "Aggressor" Starfighter, a medium attack craft with a rear-mounted turret, the TIE/ph "Phantom" Multi-Role Stealth Starfighter, a stealth fighter with cloaking abilities that saw extremely limited use, the TIE/sk x1 experimental air superiority fighter, a fighter designed for optimal atmospheric flight and base defense, and the TIE crawler, a tank that resembled a TIE cockpit with tank treads replacing its wings.

#### Mining Guild

The Mining Guild's affiliation with the Empire granted it access to certain Imperial resources, including TIE models, which the Guild modified into the TIE/mg Mining Guild starfighter.

#### Imperial remnants

Imperial remnants, including the Dark Empire, still utilized TIE fighters following the destruction of the Empire. Moff Gideon's Imperial remnant made use of several Outland TIE fighters, which resembled a TIE/ln, but featured wings that folded outwards upon landing. Commodore Visler Korda's Imperial remnant also produced the auto-fighter, a drone TIE fighter, during its time on Rekkana.