TIE Advanced x1

The TIE Advanced x1, or TIE/ad, was an advanced prototype starfighter that was part of the TIE line manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems.

Characteristics
In designing the starfighters of its TIE line, Sienar Fleet Systems drew heavily on the designs of Kuat Systems Engineering ships such as the V-wing and Eta-2 interceptor. Sienar also experimented with advanced models featuring localized improvements and secret technological breakthroughs, including the TIE Advanced v1 prototype, based on Sienar's Scimitar Star Courier. This prototype led to the TIE Advanced x1, which boasted a hyperdrive and deflector shield generator. A modified early prototype of the Advanced x1 line was flown by Darth Vader himself. Vader's fighter boasted greater speed and heavier firepower, featuring fixed-mounted twin blaster cannons and a cluster missile launcher. Vader specified a custom cockpit to accommodate his armored suit, and high-performance solar cells were fitted into the fighter's curved wings.

History
As of 4 BBY, the Sith Lord Darth Vader owned and operated an experimental modified early prototype of the TIE Advanced x1, which he piloted into the midst of a rebel fleet in a daring attack that resulted in the destruction of the rebels' flagship, Phoenix Home. He later used it to travel to Malachor to fight his former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano.

During 0 BBY, during the Battle of Yavin, Vader again piloted his TIE Advanced x1 to pursue and eliminate the Rebel fighters attacking the first Death Star. He shot down several starfighters until his fighter was unexpectedly knocked out of the battle when a TIE/ln space superiority starfighter collided with it after a surprise attack by the Millennium Falcon. After the collision, Vader spun out of control into space, thereby escaping the destruction of the Death Star. The ship was disabled and left to float in the battle station's debris field, though Vader and his ship were later picked up by a Gozanti-class cruiser piloted by Ciena Ree and Berisse Sai.

Following the Battle of Yavin, the Alliance to Restore the Republic provided stolen examples of the craft to Saponza's Gang.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Battlefront II
 * Lost Stars
 * Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal
 * Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire
 * Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
 * A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy
 * Star Wars: A New Hope junior novelization
 * Episode IV: A New Hope Read-Along Storybook and CD
 * Star Wars: Heroes Path
 * The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight
 * Star Wars: Battle Pod
 * Darth Vader 1: Vader
 * Darth Vader 2: Vader, Part II
 * Darth Vader 3: Vader, Part III
 * Darth Vader 4: Vader, Part IV
 * Darth Vader 6: Vader, Part VI
 * Star Wars Annual 4
 * Darth Vader 9: Shadows and Secrets, Part III
 * Darth Vader 12: Shadows and Secrets, Part VI
 * Darth Vader Annual 1
 * Vader Down, Part I
 * Darth Vader 13: Vader Down, Part II
 * Darth Vader 20: End of Games, Part I
 * Darth Vader 21: End of Games, Part II
 * Darth Vader 24: End of Games, Part V
 * Darth Vader 25: End of Games, Part VI
 * Star Wars 24: The Last Flight of the Harbinger, Part IV
 * Star Wars 25: The Last Flight of the Harbinger, Part V
 * Star Wars 36: Revenge of the Astromech
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel
 * Star Wars 36: Revenge of the Astromech
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel

Non-canon appearances

 * Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes