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The TIE interceptor is the direct result of advancements developed for Darth Vader's TIE Advanced x1 Prototype. It is faster, more maneuverable, and far more lethal than the standard TIE/In fighter.
This interceptor uses the standard TIE cockpit, drive pod, and wing braces. The solar collecto panels have been elongated and bent, providing extra power while not limiting the pilot's field of vision. The solar panels appear to be "dagger-shaped," making the interceptor far more intimidating while giving it a smaller profile, making it harder for opposing gunners to target. The TIE interceptor has more powerful drives than does the TIE/In and is almost as fast as the Alliance's A-wing fighter; it is faster than any other fighter in production.
The TIE interceptor uses an advanced type of ion-stream projector that allows pilots to execute tight turns and rolls. Twin-port deflectors can be manipulated individually for fine control and counterbalancing, making the TIE inerceptor a superior choice for dogfights. With a skilled pilot behind the controls, the TIE interceptor can literally fly circles around X-wing starfighters.
For weaponry, the interceptor has four laser cannons, one at the end of each solar panel. Advanced targeting software gives the pilot greater fire accuracy even during complex maneuvers. While the interceptor does not have a pair of laser cannons below the pilot's compartment, the cannon hardpoint is still in place and additional cannons could be mounted there if technicians could find the room for additional power generators.
Like other TIE fighters, the TIE interceptor has little armor plating and no shield generators, and it is easily destroyed by enemy fire. Interceptor pilots rely on the ship's maneuverability and on superiority of numbers to survive engagements with better armed and armored fighters.
Every effort has been made to save weight on the TIE interceptor. There is no life support system, so pilots must still use fully sealed flight suits. The TIE interceptor has no hyperdrives and requires a large capital ship to serve as a base of operations. TIE interceptors are primarily deployed with Star Destroyers and at key star bases, such as the starship yards in Kuat and Fondor. Lesser capital ships, such as the Victory Star Destroyers and Dreadnaughts, and more remote bases must make do with older TIE/In fighters.
The Empire intended the TIE interceptor to eventually replace the TIE/In, but by the death of the Emperor only about 20 percent of the Imperial fighters in use were interceptors. As Grand Admiral Thrawn initiated his bid for power, he began arming TIE interceptors with shields, knowing that the Empire could no longer consider these exceptional ships to be disposable.
TIE Interceptor
