TIE/sk x1 experimental air superiority fighter

The TIE striker was a streamlined variant of the TIE line starfighters used by the Galactic Empire, most notably during the battle of Scarif. Specialized for in-atmosphere missions, the starfighter was identifiable by its horizontal high-speed wings and large central pod.

Characteristics
The TIE striker featured flat, pointed wings which were specially designed for in-atmosphere combat. The starfighter was also useful for shifting supplies and personnel from orbit to the planet surface, thanks to a larger central pod. Though designed for atmosphere, it could also function in space and accompany traditional TIE fighters. Equipped with advanced high-speed wings, it was faster than the standard TIE/LN starfighter and had an extra pair of laser barrels. The attached proton bomb launcher was particularly effective against vehicle units, dealing heavy damage over a large area. The TIE striker was able to gain speed by curling down its flat wings, engaging from flight mode to attack mode.

History
The TIE striker served the Galactic Empire during the Galactic Civil War, a galaxy-wide conflict in which the Alliance to Restore the Republic waged a rebellion against the Empire to restore democratic rule to the galaxy. The starfighter was utilized for in-atmosphere engagements and the defense of important Imperial bases. The TIE strikers notably defended the Imperial security complex on the planet Scarif during a Rebel attack that was part of the Rebel mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's deep-space mobile battle station capable of destroying entire planets.

Behind the scenes
The TIE striker was created and developed for the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The TIE striker was first revealed on May 17, 2016, in a preview for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: The Official Visual Story Guide, a canceled reference book for the film.

Appearances

 * Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
 * Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novel
 * Star Wars Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Commander