The AE-35 subspace transceiver acted as the comms relay for various TIE series starfighters. It was often necessary for any missions that dealt with significantly hazardous topography in space, such as Asteroid fields. In order to function, the relays needed to be within proximity of a TIE squadron, as otherwise it would break down. It also included a distress beacon in the event that a TIE fighter was lost in space or crash-landed.
