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- "Our current assessment is that this is the next generation of the v1."
- ―Antoc Merrick in The Rebel Files
The TIE Advanced x1, or TIE/ad, was an advanced prototype starfighter that was part of the TIE fighter series manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems. Darth Vader notably flew a TIE Advanced x1.
Characteristics[]
In designing the starfighters of its TIE fighter series, 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.[1]
The x1 was protected by an experimental shield system. A stabilizing field was projected by a supermagnet at the rear of the ship. Deflector energies were deployed from forward and lateral pairs of projector bars. These experimental shield systems would sometimes require last minute tuning, something Vader often did personally.[11] Vader specified a custom cockpit to accommodate his armored suit, and high-performance solar cells were fitted into the fighter's curved wings.[1] The ship could also stand and fly under water.[12]
History[]
Darth Vader's prototype TIE Advanced x1
As of 4 BBY,[13] the Sith Lord Darth Vader owned and operated an experimental[14] modified early prototype of the TIE Advanced x1,[1] 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.[13] He later used it to travel to Malachor to fight his former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano.[15]
In 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.[7] 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.[16]
The TIE Advanced only saw a limited production, but it became a favorite of elite units all the same.[17] An Ace of Storm Squadron flew a TIE Advanced. Other elite Aces from different squadrons also flew the TIE Advanced becoming a favourite amongst them.[18] Pilot Maarek Stele once flew a TIE Advanced.[19] Following the Battle of Yavin, the Alliance to Restore the Republic provided stolen examples of the craft to Saponza's Gang.[8] Vader continued to fly his TIE Advanced as well.[9] A TIE series craft, with wings akin to[20] an Advanced x1 but without the back design of that fighter,[7] was part of Commander Ellian Zahra's Hunter Fleet after the Battle of Hoth. The fighter took part in the battle at Elessia.[20]
At least two TIE Advanced x1s were placed atop hoverpads and shown as part of an Imperial Military parade for Empire Day on the Core Worlds[21] planet of[22] Bar'leth, where new prototypes and officially deployed military hardware were shown off in a galaxy-wide broadcast. However, the Rebel Alliance Navy took advantage of the broadcast by targeting and wiping out the parade forces, ensuring no civilians were harmed but showcasing to the galaxy at large they still posed a threat to the Empire despite the Battle of Hoth.[21]
Appearances[]
Non-canon appearances[]
LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "A Hero Discovered" (Appears in hologram)- LEGO STAR WARS: Celebrate the Season — "Twas the Night Before Life Day"
- LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales — "Mission to Mos Eisley" (In flashback(s))
- The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- "First Order Fighters" — LEGO Star Wars 97 (Appears as toy)
Sources[]
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Ultimate Star Wars
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Star Wars: TIE Fighter Deluxe Book and Model Set
- ↑ Star Wars Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
- ↑ Star Wars: Ships of the Galaxy
- ↑ Star Wars Complete Vehicles, New Edition
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Star Wars: Commander
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Darth Vader (2015) 20
- ↑ Star Wars: The Rebel Files
- ↑ Star Wars Complete Vehicles, New Edition
- ↑ Star Wars (2020) 17
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal
- ↑
Darth Vader's TIE Fighter in the Databank (backup link)
- ↑ Star Wars Rebels — "Twilight of the Apprentice"
- ↑ Lost Stars
- ↑ "TIE Fighters" — Star Wars Encyclopedia
- ↑ Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — TIE Advanced x1 Expansion Pack (Card: Storm Squadron Ace)
- ↑ Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — TIE Advanced x1 Expansion Pack (Card: Maarek Stele)
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Star Wars (2020) 8
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Star Wars (2020) 26
- ↑ Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Traveler's Guide to Batuu
